Majid Al Shamsi

Entity: Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority
Position: Director of Internal Audit & Risk Assessment
Worked at PwC until: 2018
Line of Service: Assurance

How would you describe your days at PwC?

I had just begun to experience the corporate world and understand the ins and outs of businesses, it was a very enlightening period that broadened my horizons and knowledge.

Can you tell us a bit more about your current role?

I am currently the Director of the Internal Audit and GRC functions in Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA).

How did working at PwC help you achieve your career goals?

PwC helped me kick off my career; it provided me with the necessary tools to build and lead an internal audit function and these included time management, people management and business acumen; I am grateful for the support I received that helped me grow on a personal and professional level.

How do you think the pandemic changed the way we work?

The pandemic forced new norms on us that include changing our mindset and work culture to adapt to the new normal; it goes to prove that given the right support and resources we can work collaboratively and in a productive manner from anywhere. It also paved the way to embracing technology further in everything we do.

What were some of the highlights from your time at the firm?

Quite a few actually! I always look back at days during the busy season and I treasure the moments I had with my previous colleagues - It was a very special period in my life as it equipped me with the iconic lessons that I took on from my colleagues, team and clients. I gained insights from a diverse network that helped me build exquisite expertise and knowledge.

One memory that I admire most was happened during my early days - I attended meetings with our client’s audit committee, although they were very senior executives, and I was still an associate I was treated as an equal.

Any lasting lessons from PwC that you still use today?

PwC uses a very methodical approach when it comes to audit from initial planning all the way up to reporting to stakeholders and I still follow the same pattern today.

What is the best career advice you ever received?

When I first joined PwC as an associate, one of my managers gave me a piece of advice that I will never forget: “When given a task that might seem mundane always work with an open mind and look at the big picture and see how your contribution adds value” and today I relay the same message to all new joiners who join my team; it’s never an easy road and quite overwhelming in the beginning but it’s very rewarding when you reach the finish line.