Thu 22 Mar 2018
Find out what keeps her motivated, what has been the most defining point in her career to date and the advice she would give her younger self.
Don’t forget to take a look at the previous interviews in this series with Helen Parker and Charlotte Ward.
Hi Jennifer, can you tell us a bit about how you got started at Mazars and what your current role entails?
I started my career in 2009 and moved to Mazars just over four years ago, moving over with a group of managers and partners from another firm. I’ve always worked in tax and now concentrate on tax advisory for owner managed businesses.
I’ve been involved in a variety of projects both locally and nationally and enjoy visiting other offices and meeting new colleagues.
How would you describe your journey to where you are now?
My journey so far has been fast paced, exciting and challenging.
What enablers have helped you get to where you are today?
Hard work and determination, as well as help and guidance from colleagues along the way.
What motivates you?
Usually it’s a sense of accomplishment when you have finished a large project or where clients are delighted with a piece of work. Often it’s clients where you have given advice which saves tax or offering solutions before they end up with a large liability. Also, I enjoy being challenged with ever-changing tax legislation.
How has having a mentor made a difference to you?
I’ve had a mentor for a lot of my career which is great. Having someone you can bounce ideas off or questioning and guiding you along the way has definitely helped. It’s great to have someone providing impartial advice and someone you can really have an honest conversation with.
What has been the most defining point in your career to date?
Being promoted to Director last year and attending the Women at Mazars conference in Milan last year. I met a fantastic group of female colleagues from around the world – it was a real motivator.
How would your colleagues describe you?
Friendly, approachable, driven, energetic and reliable…and probably a bit impatient too (an inherited family trait!)
What advice would you give to other women for growing and progressing at Mazars?
Set yourself goals, share ideas, don’t be scared to ask for help, and most importantly, be yourself.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your younger self?
Stay calm – if something doesn’t go to plan or doesn’t work out remember it’s not the end of the world. I used to get myself really worked up and worry about the small things – e.g. if a tax return didn’t go in on time and I would think this was a crisis, even though I’d sent multiple chasers to a client. Luckily my partner would bring me back down to reality.
Finally, as it was International Women’s Day this month and 100 years of women’s suffrage, do you have any thoughts as to how everyone can #PressforProgress to achieve gender parity?
Challenge any stereotypes, speak up, influence and be a role model to others.
Thanks to Jennifer for sharing her career journey with us.
Make sure that you come back to the Mazars UK blog each week to hear from more inspirational #WomenatMazars.
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