11 years ago I arrived in London from Derry, embarking on a transformative journey filled with new experiences and growth.

Although moving to London was not short of its challenges, the excitement and opportunities that came with it made the relocation truly worthwhile.

My career in London began at Simpson Wreford in Southeast London, where I progressed rapidly from a Senior position to a Managerial role in a mix of audit and accounts, and ended up staying there for 6 years. Seeking further skill development, I moved to Fitzgerald and Law (now Zedra), assuming the role of Audit Manager. Here, I was focused on overseeing the audit and preparation of financial statements under both UK GAAP and IFRS of UK subsidiaries of overseas companies. At this time, Covid struck, bringing with it a new era of remote work and professional challenges such as overworking, an unclear work-life balance, and stress.

Fast forward to 2024, I am now an Associate Director with Gravita (legacy ABG team) and flourishing in this role. Through seeking professional help and moving roles, I put better boundaries in place and am now reaping the rewards of a more balanced work-life dynamic. However, I would never change the struggles I faced as they have fostered my personal and professional growth. I now use these coping mechanisms I learnt to mentor my team while maintaining my own self-belief. I am now pushing myself to the next level with confidence and am excited to see what’s next.