Building the foundation for something great

In early 2024, PwC won the tender process for the audit of ABN AMRO. It was an achievement to be proud of, as ABN AMRO is a well-established name with a long history. Enthusiasm within PwC was high. At the same time, everyone knew that an engagement of this scale does not simply start overnight.

Bilge Kabuk (34), Senior Manager Digital Trust, recognised this immediately. “During the first board-level discussions, including meetings with ABN AMRO’s CI&TO and CISO, it became clear just how extensive this engagement is. An onboarding process of this kind takes about a year.”

Onboarding begins before day one

That first year is focused on one thing: laying the right foundation. Emre Gürel (36), Senior Manager Assurance, explains that onboarding effectively begins as soon as the engagement is won.

"A tender process requires a significant amount of time and effort. Even though we are not yet performing the audit, the preparation and execution phases gradually merge into one another."

Bilge agrees: "You could say that we are setting the tone for the years ahead. This year is all about building the relationship, the systems and the way of working. We are planting the seeds now so that we can reap the benefits in the years to come."

A new team, a new client

What makes this project unique is that everything is new at the same time.

Emre: "We are working with a large and diverse team of colleagues who bring different backgrounds and levels of experience. Together, we are building the best possible team for ABN AMRO. A new team and a new client naturally bring challenges. At the same time, it is essential that the client continues to receive prompt and high-quality support."For Mandy de Wit, Manager Assurance, the main challenge lies in understanding the context. "You really need to get to know the organisation. That is complex, but it is also incredibly energising. You meet many people and learn very quickly."

Working in an environment that never stands still

The complexity lies not only in the scale of the engagement but also in its dynamics.

"ABN AMRO as an organisation is constantly evolving," says Bilge. "A lot is happening simultaneously, within the bank, in the wider market and within the audit profession itself. This means we must stay sharp and continuously adapt." This requires close collaboration and strong stakeholder management. "One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that everyone is well informed and able to do their job effectively."

The role of technology

The complexity of this engagement is further amplified by the growing role of technology, data and AI within the bank. Bilge: "This also means that we must continuously develop ourselves. From an IT audit perspective, this means not only reviewing traditional IT controls but also building insights into data flows, cybersecurity, and the use of models and AI. We bring technology and audit together and work closely with specialists to deliver real value in this dynamic environment."

Mandy adds: "AI is also playing an increasingly important role within the audit itself. We are exploring how data analytics and automation can contribute to better insights and higher-quality audits, while at the same time assessing how clients are using AI responsibly. We both use technology and evaluate it, which makes the work particularly interesting."

Building together

It is precisely within this dynamic environment that the strength of the team becomes visible. Emre: "No one can do this alone. We genuinely need each other." The team therefore works together, quite literally, in the same room. "From associates to partners, everyone shares knowledge. This creates short lines of communication, effective collaboration and a safe working environment."

Bilge sees this as one of the team's greatest strengths: "It is inspiring to ask younger team members how they would approach a challenge. Their perspectives are often surprising. That is how we grow together."

Opportunities to grow

For many colleagues, this project demonstrates what working at PwC is all about.

Emre: "After graduating, it can be difficult to know exactly what you want to do. At PwC, you have the opportunity to see many different organisations from the inside. You develop both your technical expertise and your personal skills."

Mandy emphasises the opportunities available: "You do not only work for major clients, but you are also given the opportunity to help build something from the very beginning. That makes the work both challenging and meaningful."
 

A culture you experience every day

Culture is not defined by words alone, but by the way people work together. That becomes especially visible on a large audit engagement such as ABN AMRO.

Emre: "At PwC, you build a strong foundation for the rest of your career. You learn a tremendous amount and develop quickly. Those experiences stay with you throughout your professional life."

According to Bilge, this project also says a great deal about PwC as an organisation: "Diversity is the first word that comes to mind when I think about our team. People with different backgrounds and perspectives work together here. And when you talk about ‘Shaping tomorrow’, this is the ultimate example of what that means." That is exactly what makes working at PwC so special.