I am #AuditorProud because we help build a better working world

I didn’t plan to be an auditor – not at first. I majored in Mathematical Economics at Colgate, thinking that the rigor and intellectual challenge of the work would expand my horizons and help me figure out how to make a difference.

Then Arthur Young (one of the predecessor firms of the EY firm in the US) recruited me on campus. I learned how the audit ensures confidence in the capital markets. I was drawn to the enduring camaraderie that grows among colleagues as they execute exacting processes together. I liked the challenge and variety … but more than anything, the deep culture of teamwork spoke to me.

EY won me over. I have since worked with, befriended and been inspired by some of the smartest and most passionate people in the industry — from our own outstanding intern classes to our leaders. I’ve adapted under the watchful eye of mentors, and paid it forward to the next generation. I’ve witnessed the accounting industry evolve, becoming more purpose-oriented and more inclusive.

As I look back more than 33 years later, I realize everything I liked through college is right here in #AuditorProud. And so much more.

We empower people…

Those who join EY know that our purpose of building a better working world is activated only when people feel free to bring their whole selves to work. We don’t sell products; we thrive on the diverse perspectives and great service our people provide. So we need everyone’s best efforts every day, and that only happens when people feel engaged and empowered by an inclusive people-focused culture.

The catalysts are the diverse cultures, ethnicities, genders, ages and religions represented by our people. Different backgrounds bring more unique perspectives. That leads to innovative solutions and better outcomes for clients.

… And turn them into great leaders

EY lets people follow their passion, at work and in life. Our professionals rack up 2.5 million hours of training a year in the US alone, learning everything from leadership and executive presence to technical accounting skills. Programs like Social Responsibility Sabbaticals let people take the time they need to make a difference in their communities. Sometimes people’s careers take them elsewhere, but they remain part of the EY family. For example, former EY Tax professional Gwen Jorgensen (see this recent post) just won the gold medal in the 2016 Olympic women’s triathlon in Rio. We are amazingly proud of her!

The experience of EY alum Henry Evans was bittersweet but just as inspiring. He became CFO for a Silicon Valley startup, but a stroke took his ability to move and speak. Yet he continued to accomplish great things. In 2010, he co-founded Robots for Humanity, an organization that builds robots, drones and assistive technology to benefit people and societies. In a recent interview, Henry flagged the overlap of EY’s purpose and his own: “We’re both seeking to build a better working world.”

We effect real change

I marvel at the innovation we’re seeing across all of our businesses. We are harnessing the power of analytics and technology in our Assurance and Tax practices to help our professionals dig deeper and ask better questions. The result is more transparency and, ultimately, greater audit quality.

We’re fostering positive change for society as well (see our US Sustainability Report 2015). We are recognized as a leader in diversity and inclusiveness. Through formal EY programs and volunteerism, we’re supporting the world’s best entrepreneurs, closing the gender gap in the workplace, helping veterans transition to business and helping students who are the first in their families to enter college define their path to success. At EY, we believe in giving back – as an organization and by enabling our people to get involved. We are particularly passionate about making a difference by supporting education, entrepreneurship and equity.

We ask #BetterQuestions

With our naturally inquisitive minds, we believe asking a lot of questions enables us to deliver exceptional client service. It’s how we understand a client’s business and deliver quality audits for all our clients. We seek to be their trusted service provider, addressing the challenges of optimizing every facet of their businesses. The numbers tell a story; the context tells a deeper one. The better the question. The better the answer. The better the world works.  

When I think of the ways we make a difference in our business, I truly am #AuditorProud! I’d love to hear your own stories in the comments below.

About the author:

Steve Howe is EY Americas Managing Partner and Chairman and Managing Partner of Ernst & Young LLP, the EY firm in the US. He has been honored by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) as a Directorship 100 honoree, recognizing him as one of the most influential leaders in the boardroom and corporate governance community.  Accounting Today named Steve to their “Top 100 Most Influential People”  list of the thought leaders and visionaries shaping the accounting profession. He has been recognized as one of the top “100 CEO Leaders in STEM” by STEMconnector. Steve has also been honored as a “diversity leader” by DiversityInc and is the 2016 recipient of the A. Leon Higginbotham Corporate Leadership Award, recognizing exemplary leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. You can follow him on Twitter: @SteveHoweEY