I’m an Assistant Manager within in the System of Quality Management team at KPMG. I’ve been diagnosed with Asperger’s and ADHD as an adult.
I studied Law at the University of Kent, graduating in 2012. I joined Kent County Council through a graduate initiative, starting as HR Assistant before progressing to HR Advisor with supervisory responsibilities. In 2015, I was offered an opportunity to join the Internal Audit department where I remained until 2018, After a short period in Information Governance in the NHS and Internal Audit at Moore Stephens (BDO), I joined the Link Group as an Internal Auditor where I had the opportunity to audit regulated financial services.
In 2020, I joined Mazars as a Senior Internal Auditor where I spent time managing client internal audit plans, mentoring and training trainee accountants and helped raise the profile of Neurodiversity in the firm. In 2022, I joined KPMG as an Assistant Manager to support the implementation and monitoring of the International Standard of Quality Management 1 (ISQM1) which aims to improve audit and assurance quality within Professional Services firms.
KPMG, values Inclusion, Diversity and Social Equality and recognises that it is essential to be successful as a business. KPMG are continually looking for ways to break down barriers and support all our people including making adjustments during the recruitment process such as extra time, larger fonts, coloured backgrounds for screens or print, increased volume during presentations, pre assessment chat regarding the running of the assessment. Moreover, we have a popular Neurodiversity community which is focused on providing a platform to learn, develop and connect with other colleagues. I am Mentor for two Neurodivergent employees through our mentoring programme which allows neurodivergent mentors to support neurodivergent mentees.
Negotiating a professional career whilst being Neurodivergent can bring challenges. These can be person specific however, I have found the following very useful:
Identifying and pursuing a career which best suits your personality, skills and aptitude. This can be difficult to work without guidance, so I suggest thinking about what interests/motivates you, seeking feedback from teachers, lecturers and those involved in your life. Choosing a path that works to your strengths and gives your purpose will help you in your career journey.
Understanding your condition, how it affects you and any adjustments you feel are needed. Sometimes this can be from a diagnostic report, ongoing support, your own experience and feedback. The best way to access support is to know what you need along with when this needs to be communicated.