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 Portrait #08: Paola Pedotti
Head of the Technical Department Head of HR Milan (Italy) Could you describe your job?
I’m in charge of the Technical Department for Mazars in Italy. This department works with 230 auditors today - this figure has almost doubled in the last couple of years.
I’m based in Milan where the Italian Headquarters are located, and from where we provide online support to the other 8 offices located throughout the country (Turin, Bologna, Rome, Naples, Florence, Padua and Palermo). Our role is to provide support and information to our auditors in order to keep them up to date with regulations, compliance and standards regarding their engagements, either in audit or non-audit services, so they can in turn provide a high quality service to our clients. We also provide support for listing standards and regulations on all EU stock exchanges, as well as information on the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and its requirements. In order to do so, we put together training sessions as well as written materials and a specific database. The department coordinates the trainers and the training sessions on a yearly basis. I’m also in charge of the Recruiting Department. I work under the supervision of the HR partner and the Group HR Director, and my job is to organize the recruiting sessions, select the candidates, follow up on interviews and test them with a team of two other selectors. I also keep contacts with the major universities in the country, as well as external experts. What is your professional background?
After a 3-year period in the United States where I obtained my high school degree, I graduated in economics at the “Università Cattolica Del S.Cuore” of Milan. The same year I joined Arthur Andersen, as an auditor.
In 1991 I became Chief Accountant in a major Italian Group which was undergoing a major reorganisation of its accounting systems. It was a very challenging opportunity and it gave me a chance to look at a company I’d been auditing from the inside. Once the change was completed, I moved back to consultancy and audit, and also had my first child, who is now 12 years old. I found a way to successfully balance my working life and my family life, and 2 years later, I had another son. In 2000 the audit firm I was working with offered me the opportunity to create a Technical Department, under the supervision of a partner. In 2003 I had my third son and in 2004, following the events related to the Parmalat affair, I was contacted by Mazars for the same position. What would you say to someone looking to join Mazars?
Mazars is a truly “future oriented” company that values cultural diversity and motivation to work, and that creates cooperation at an international level. It is also an organisation that puts a strong emphasis on the quality of services provided to clients and on the training of our professionals.
In my role as an HR Manager, I always try to explain to our candidates that we have just one major resource: our people. We want well trained auditors, and we strive to give them the best possible knowledge. I want also to point out that the fact I’m mother of three does not represent a problem for Mazars. Respect for individuals is not just a word here. What motivates you the most?
To have the opportunity to share what I’ve learned in 20 years of experience, and to still learn, every day. To be part of a company that grows, and remains faithful to its values.
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