Two of our Audit Directors were recently profiled in a Jersey 'Female Focus' media feature. You can read their interview below:
Name: Chloe Mattock
Job title: Audit Director (Private Equity)
Favourite book: Discworld series – Terry Pratchett – especially the Commander Vimes’ sub-series
Favourite band: Fisherman’s Friends – they have a great sound
Favourite drink: Peppermint and Liquorice tea (or a good glass of French wine on special occasions)
What do you do day-to-day?
Day-to-day my job is rarely the same. I returned to work in August, post taking a year for maternity leave, and now I work part time. I tend to get into the office each day around 8:30am, grab a cup of tea and some breakfast and catch up on a few emails whilst checking my calendar and to-do list for critical things to ensure happen that day. This can be anything from client meetings (sometimes including travel), catch ups with my various KPMG audit teams, file reviews, consultations with colleagues, director business meetings, trainings to keep up to date with the latest audit technical requirements or general admin related to my engagements. I then wrap up around 1 or 2pm before grabbing some lunch and picking my son up from nursery.
Do you think there is a benefit to being a female in your industry?
Yes. Historically audit and the Private Equity industry has been male dominated at the senior levels, as women commonly left seeking other work when they had families due to long hours and other commitments. We are now changing things, with more women progressing to senior levels, some of them balancing families, bringing a level of diversity and flexibility into the industry as it evolves to meet upcoming technological and regulatory changes. This is fundamentally changing the way we think about performing audits, for the better.
Name: Hannah Widdop
Job title: Audit Director
Favourite holiday destination: Anywhere with lakes and mountains
Best place to east in Jersey and what do you order... Bass and Lobster, but I can’t pick just one dish, there are so many good ones!
What do you do day-to-day?
At its core my role is that of Director within our audit function, with responsibility for signing audit opinions. I have a varied portfolio of clients within asset management, with a specific focus on the audits of regulated corporate service providers, but also including real estate private equity funds. I also lead our controls assurance engagements (eg, ISAE 3402 reports, for those in the know!)
In addition, I have a role as deputy ‘person responsible for training’, overseeing our staff on ICAEW and ACCA training contracts and I sit on the sub-committee for the Institute of Directors Future Leaders Scheme, which is sponsored by KPMG (giving young people the opportunity to shadow leaders in a range of fields and industries).
Is there a female who inspires you in business and why?
I am inspired by so many of the women I connect with, from senior partners across our global KPMG network, to women in senior leadership and management positions at client organisations, all of whom demonstrate that we can successfully operate at senior levels in business (whilst juggling family responsibilities etc). I am also particularly inspired by junior colleagues who are rising through the ranks – they bring such a great energy to our team and they push me to be a better leader – I am optimistic about the future female leaders of the firm.