A diverse Directorship

Theola Byrne is Audit Director at KPMG in the Crown Dependencies

What do you do day-to-day?

My day-to-day role varies depending on the day! In a sentence I am responsible for the delivery of audit engagements to my clients and the issuance of audit reports on their financial statements.

As part of this I work closely with my teams every day – coaching team members through their work, working with managers to ensure we are delivering high quality audit services and liaising with my clients on issues and questions as they arise. Outside of my primary role I am a member of our Real Estate business group, which focuses on delivering training to our team members, providing industry updates and insights to the department and sharing best practices across member firms.

I also chair our Diversity and Inclusion committee, which focuses on raising awareness, celebrating the diversity in our office and promoting inclusivity – so that all our people feel comfortable in bringing their whole selves to work. Collectively this keeps my days busy, varied and always interesting!

Do you think there is a benefit to being a female in your industry?

I think there is a benefit to having a different perspective and different life experience –whether that is due to being female or any other factors which make us unique. Sometimes it is these differences which help stimulate new ideas and practices, which ultimately leads to a better working environment for everyone.