Audit and motherhood. Two seemingly different roles that do not seem to go together at first glance. On the one hand, the meticulous and analytical work of auditing, which requires the utmost concentration, precision and responsibility. On the other hand, motherhood, which places enormous demands on time, energy and constant attention. But what if a modern and flexible working environment allows you to find a balance between your career and motherhood? "I had to start planning well in advance," says Andrea Šavrdová, who continues to work part-time even during her motherhood. What is her experience and what are her biggest challenges?
Andrea, many mothers cannot imagine combining motherhood and work. How much of a challenge was it for you?
It was a really big one. I approached it with respect. Initially, you have an idea of what it will look like, but the idea is very different from reality. But I based it on my daughter’s regime – what she needs, how often she sleeps, how often she needs attention. And I knew that over time I would bring everything into accord.
So the little one slept a lot? She did not need your presence as much?
In the beginning there were times when she slept for 3 hours or played by herself, so she did not need me that much. But with every month it actually becomes more demanding, she needs more attention and, it is quite the opposite because she sleeps less.
So how did the idea to try re-engaging in work life come about?
I mentioned to my manager that I had some time on my hands and that I would like to give it a chance. And that is how it all started.
The team I work for at Deloitte is really understanding and I am offered a lot of flexibility. I know that not every company offers this opportunity, so I am really grateful that I got it.
I see. Is it possible to clearly plan your day with your child? After all, a child can easily derail any plan.
I have learned to plan ahead a lot and manage multiple things at once, a kind of multitasking. I put important client meetings at a time when I know with certainty that Natálka will be sleeping or having a babysitter, I would not risk anything in this respect. But when it comes to a meeting with my team, who are very supportive, it is not such a problem if the little one occasionally shows up at one of our online meetings.
Has there ever been a time when the whole day went downhill and it was not what you wanted?
Yes, there was a day when I was holding my daughter in one hand and typing something on the computer with the other. On the other hand, I have to mention that my partner and other family members help me a lot and without their full support I would not be able to do my work to the fullest.
Maybe she will be a future auditor?
Definitely!
By the way, what exactly is your job?
I am in charge of managing a portfolio of clients – for example, I arrange with my colleagues what we will do on a given client, who will do it and so on. Among other things, I am responsible for communication with audit teams. I arrange when our team will be involved in a given audit or how it will be composed – this is called scheduling, in short, planning the engagements.
Have you ever encountered bad feedback because of your schedule?
Never. The team I work for at Deloitte is really understanding and I am offered a lot of flexibility. I know that not every company offers this opportunity, so I am really grateful that I got it.. At the same time, our whole team, whether we have kids or not, often work from home and online, so it was not that big a change. And as I mentioned, if my daughter occasionally shows up at one of our team meetings, my colleagues take it great, there is no problem.
What has this experience actually given you?
I honestly have a lot more energy –in both directions. Both at work and with my daughter. When I do auditing, I am 100% absorbed. But the moment I shut the laptop, I go back to being 100% dedicated to my daughter and I am happy with how I can combine it all.
Would you like to work in Audit & Assurance at Deloitte? Check out the careers page and maybe we will hit it off!
Seminars, webcasts, business breakfasts and other events organized by Deloitte.
