Stephanie is based in London and is a Partner in Financial Services Tax. She studied Economics and French at St Andrews University where in her fourth year she did an EY Summer Internship and soon after was offered a Graduate job with EY’s Banking Tax team.
Choosing EY
Stephanie was offered jobs by all the big Professional Services organisation, but chose EY for its people, culture and career development opportunities. She initially aimed to join, get her qualifications and leave to work in the city. However she decided to stay because, in her words, ‘I’m committed to this place. I like its non-hierarchical culture, entrepreneurial spirit, and its progressive, friendly and people-focused culture’.
Progression and promotion
After just three years, Stephanie gained her ACA and CTA qualifications in September 2002 and a year later she was promoted to Manager. She then moved to International Tax and from there, in 2004, to the Capital Markets group. During this time, she was made Senior Manager and was instrumental in setting up the new Structured Finance office within Capital Markets. Two years later, 2007, she moved back to Financial Services Tax– the same year she was made Director. In 2009 she was made Partner.
Career priorities
Stephanie reflects, ‘When you’re young you don’t know what you want, but if you’re not comfortable or happy, no money will get you over that. I wanted somewhere I felt at home, stretched, challenged, valued and where I could make a contribution to the people around me. EY has given me all that.’
Staying power
Having been with EY for 17 years Stephanie is particularly proud of her ability to adapt to changes and maintain a growing network. She’s also managed to juggle a number of balls, amongst other things a senior leadership role within Diversity & Inclusivity. She’s passionate about helping other people to get as much out of EY as she has, and as there aren’t many like her who have done it from start to finish, she can help younger colleagues along their career journey and tell them where to focus. She says, ‘Bringing people through and seeing them flourish is very rewarding. It’s a massive part of what we as Partners do’.
What’s next?
‘I don’t know what my next career goal is, but it’s exciting. I feel like the world’s my oyster’.