Shannon joined KPMG as a graduate in 2004 after completing a degree in Information Technology at Flinders University. She has been sent overseas twice in the past three years for specific work projects, the first time, within eight months of starting at KPMG.
How did the first trip come about?
I specialize in IT external audit, that is, in auditing the risks and controls involved in a company’s IT systems and assessing the potential impacts on the company’s financial statements. Within months of joining KPMG, I was approached by my manager to see whether I was interested in going to the US to work in KPMG offices there assisting in the audits of US companies in their compliance with the new Sarbanes-Oxley legislation. Most companies only had until the end of December to be fully compliant and there just weren’t enough people in the States to handle the workload. I was there from October to December 2004, working in Atlanta, Georgia and Knoxville, Tennessee for 11 weeks. I worked with various clients, auditing their IT environment and assessing their S-O compliance. It was interesting because no one really knew what risk issues would emerge.
And the second trip?
It was also to the States for Sarbanes-Oxley work. In August 2005 I was again approached about taking a position, this time in Houston, Texas, and this time it was for just one client, Halliburton, an oil and gas major. I spent the three months working on its S-O audit and was the IT in-charge for the Energy Services Group component of the audit.
What’s next for you?
Well, at present it’s nice to be home, but I would like to get more work overseas. My work at university was technical more than financial, and I was surprised to find how much I enjoy IT auditing, so I plan to stay in the field that I’m in for a while. I am now getting into more senior positions with broader responsibilities and beginning to train people in the area, and I like that too. I want to pass on to people what I have learned.
Shannon's tips:
- Most international firms have mobility programs and support systems so that staff can choose to work in the company’s other global offices.
- Let management know you’d like to work overseas. They do not just assume that everyone wants to go somewhere else.
- Be persistent. What management is looking for is enthusiasm and drive. Once they’ve seen that, there’s a good chance you will be on your way.
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