Audit Technical Learning Senior Manager
A new year’s resolution is something we all know, and like millions of people around the world, Mariaan found herself committing to one on 31 December. Her new year’s resolution was to relax in 2022 and only do the things she enjoys. After being responsible for the execution of an audit technical training curriculum during the two uncertain preceding COVID years for over 1 000 auditors whilst using her skills as a chartered account to directly impact the development of colleagues, the thought of a change of pace was welcomed. But little did she know just what ‘relaxing’ would entail.
Thus far, ’relaxing’ in 2022 meant that Mariaan could focus on the things she loves to do. Her passion to support auditors through effective learning and development opportunities was recognised through her promotion to senior manager in one of the largest challenger firms in the United Kingdom. It was also recognised globally by being shortlisted as a finalist for the International Mazars Impact Awards. Out of more than 80 projects that were submitted from 25 different countries, her training project was chosen as a finalist in the ‘Quality’ category.
By taking action to address the needs of auditors through effective training, she has played a key part in developing and delivering training in different media forms (which include eLearning and webinars) to colleagues working in several different offices across the world. Her leadership in training has recently been rewarded through an opportunity to visit Denmark and Sweden to deliver a two-day training course on the requirements of revised auditing standards.
‘Relaxing’ further meant that she had the time to identify the needs of others and play a part in finding ways to help address those needs. Her proudest achievement was when a small action resulted in a £10 000 major grant allocation to #EndPeriodPoverty. This charitable project supports the affordable distribution of sanitary products to women who don’t have sufficient funds to obtain them and as a result, miss out on education or work.
She ‘relaxed’ further by taking up the challenge to cycle from London to Brighton – and that after owning a bicycle for only two months! The 88-km cycle run raised funds for #GradMe, a charitable project that helps pay for students who are unable to pay for their tuition.
As far as new year’s resolutions go – this year’s resolution is one that she has managed to keep. Who knows what more ‘relaxation’ will bring?
