Serge (he/his) on the importance of working in a flexible and supportive environment
Right from the start, I felt that PwC Canada’s values mirrored my own. Working as an associate in Assurance in Quebec, I can be my authentic self, talk about my home and family life, and enjoy multiple professional and personal opportunities.
I was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I met my wife-to-be while studying economics in Belgium and, together, we came to Canada.
Our life changed when our eldest daughter was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Both my wife and I looked for ways to better support our family. She became a teacher to help our daughter in her learning journey. I decided to improve my career prospects by going into accounting, starting with a management degree at HEC Montréal
While at university, I applied for PwC Canada’s Scholarship and Mentorship Program for students who are Black, Indigenous and/or have disabilities. During that first interview, I felt a strong connection to the firm’s values.
I was impressed that they were reaching out to people who have been historically under-represented in professional services. It touched me directly. Not only was I a Black professional trying to find a job, but I was parenting a child with disabilities.
In previous jobs, I never talked about my children. But on my first mandate with PwC Canada, my supervisor asked, “Is there anything going on in your personal life that might affect your schedule, and how can we help?”
This support is crucial because I have lots to juggle, including volunteering. For the last seven years, I’ve been on the governing board for my daughter’s school. I’m currently its president, working with the school team and parents to promote student success.
As an assurance associate at PwC Canada, my daily work involves analyzing clients’ financial statements to make sure they’re accurate. I’m also working to obtain my CPA designation. I feel well supported along this path. My coach checks in regularly to see if I’m having any problems. If I need time to catch up, my team is very flexible. I’ve also developed my technology skills, thanks to PwC Canada’s focus on digitization. This helps not just in my work, but in everyday life.
What I value most about PwC Canada are these many professional and personal opportunities. You can work on different types of mandates, or with different types of companies, according to your interests.
On a personal level, you have opportunities to give back to the community and to help each other. I’m also part of the Black Professionals Inclusion Network, which works to promote our different cultures and show we can all work together to move forward.
It's these human values that are most important to me. We’re not just here for the job, but also to help solve important problems. If you have an open heart, PwC Canada gives you a chance to shine.
Serge is an associate in our Assurance practice. He’s based in our Montréal, Quebec, office.
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