Finding solutions for special cases

Andrea Zaugg
Senior Manager, Corporate Reporting Sevices, PwC Switzerland

Article overview

How would you describe your work?

My audit colleagues come to us with highly specialised issues. The first step is to work with the audit team to ensure that we understand the issue and all its facets in detail. Often it is small details, which at first glance may seem irrelevant, that have a big impact on the presentation of the issue. We then look at how the client wants to present the facts in their financial report and clarify whether this proposal is consistent with the requirements of the relevant accounting standard - for example, IFRS. We do this by consulting the literature, looking at what standard setters, audit firms and regulators have published on the subject, and combining this knowledge with our experience of previous clarifications on similar issues. The main objective is to ensure comparability of financial reports. This is particularly important when dealing with complex issues.

Sounds like dry digging

Not at all. My job is very varied. On the one hand, there are the technical questions from the audit department. To answer them, I do research, talk to the audit teams, to other specialist teams at PwC, sometimes even to the clients themselves. And, of course, with my PwC colleagues around the world.

I also spend a lot of time training auditors and our clients. I develop the technical foundations, write the slides for events, courses or webinars, and then run them.

How do you keep up to date and how do you communicate these updates?

The IASB, the standard setter for IFRS accounting standards, reports monthly on its current projects and developments. We stay on the ball and keep our auditors up to date with internal articles and training. Twice a year we organise a financial reporting update for our clients. At this event we provide information on developments, trends and news related to financial reporting. Of course, this is not limited to the accounting standards themselves, but also to other developments - for example, what SIX Exchange Regulation will focus on in its reviews of the financial year in question and what needs to be taken into account.

How did you come to the Technical Office?

Through an internally advertised position. I started at PwC in 2017 in the audit of industrial companies. After completing my training as a Swiss Certified Public Accountant, I was looking for a change and saw an advertisement on our intranet application for a two-year exchange in the Technical Office. The aim was to gain technical IFRS knowledge and return to the audit team. I applied and got the job. When the two years were up, I stayed. 

What have you gained from this internal change?

The opportunity to broaden my knowledge, gain new experience and meet new colleagues. In short, to change without having to leave PwC. Another very big advantage is that I still have close contact with my former audit teams. That makes things a lot easier. The audit teams are much more likely to pick up the phone and call us with technical questions if they know us personally. 

Why did you stay in the end?

Because I enjoy my job and I learn something new every day. For example, I realised that I really enjoy getting up in front of groups and giving training. At first I was a little sceptical about whether it was for me. Thanks to the trust and coaching I received from my team, I was able to learn it without any problems. 

What is your current working model?

I have a 100 percent workload with two mandatory office days. On Thursdays, we meet as a team in Zurich to exchange ideas. The second day can be chosen freely. I can spend the other days working from home or in the office. How important is this team to you?

Extremely important. The professional dialogue with my colleagues gives me new perspectives on issues and broadens my knowledge. I also see the auditors as part of the team - we are in constant dialogue and working towards the same goal. Sometimes we deal directly with clients. I see PwC's international network as peripheral to our team. I really value this dialogue because other countries bring different perspectives, have different focuses and have different advantages or disadvantages.

Why did you choose Assurance?

Because nowhere else do you get to see so many different companies and industries. During my time in audit, I was able to fill a huge basket with best practice. And new insights and experiences are constantly being added. Day after day, I dig deeper and deeper into business processes and come up with amazing, practical and interesting facts.