Hi, I’m Viviane and I am an audit assistant manager at Baker Tilly Ireland. My journey has taken me across countries, cultures and professional environments, each step pushing me to grow in ways I never expected. Starting again in a new place was not easy, but it has been one of the most rewarding decisions I have ever made.
Where my journey began
I began my professional career in Brazil, where I qualified as an accountant and built a strong foundation in audit. During that time, I gained valuable experience with a range of clients and industries and spent part of my early career working with Baker Tilly Brazil. These years shaped my technical understanding and taught me the importance of strong relationships within audit teams.
Moving to Ireland brought excitement but also significant challenges. It meant adapting to a completely new country, a different culture and a climate far from what I was used to. It also meant working entirely in a second language. Although I had several years of experience, the reality was that I had to rebuild my professional credibility from the ground up. Every conversation, every file and every engagement became an opportunity to prove my capability.
I joined Baker Tilly in March 2023 as a semi senior and quickly focused on continuous growth. Over time I took on increasing responsibility and leadership within my teams, developing the confidence and trust needed to step into my current role.
What I enjoy most about my role
What motivates me every day is the opportunity to solve complex problems and bring clarity to challenging situations. Audit work is never the same from one engagement to the next, and I enjoy the variety and technical challenge it brings.
Supporting junior team members is also one of the most fulfilling parts of my job. I enjoy helping others grow in confidence, develop their skills and feel supported in their own journeys. I see mentorship as something that strengthens both the individual and the team.
Continuous learning is another part of the role I value. Whether it is improving technically, developing new soft skills or strengthening my leadership, there is always something to build on.
Support and mentorship
I would not be where I am today without the trust and encouragement I have received from colleagues and mentors. Their support has helped me stretch beyond my comfort zone and grow into each new responsibility with confidence.
Representation matters and seeing strong, supportive leadership around me has made a real difference. Knowing that others believe in you makes it easier to believe in yourself.
Challenges and growth
One of the biggest challenges I have faced is adapting professionally in a second language. Even with experience, it can take time to show people who you are and what you can do. I had to learn to be patient with myself and to recognise that rebuilding credibility is not a step backward but part of moving forward.
Through this process I learned that resilience is not just about enduring change. It is about growing through it. Every hurdle I overcame became evidence that I was stronger than I thought.
A message to other women
For anyone beginning again or considering a new direction, I want to say that starting again does not mean starting from nothing. Every experience you bring with you strengthens you.
Never underestimate your resilience, your capability or your potential to grow beyond your comfort zone. You might surprise yourself with what you can achieve when you give yourself the chance.
