“My name is Nienke Buerman, working at Assurance. I am responsible for conducting the external stakeholder dialogue. I maintain relationships with parties that influence our profession and help me think about developments that affect the future of accountancy.”

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My path at EY

Nienke started at EY as an intern during her higher professional education in accountancy. After that, she grew from starter to senior manager in audit. “I worked in Canada for two years. An experience that broadened my view of the profession and culture. After 13 years of audit, I made a switch to an internal role focused on people, culture and job satisfaction. For over a year, I've been focusing on stakeholders outside EY. The red thread? The accounting profession and the people who carry it out.”

“If you tell them you're an accountant on a birthday, everyone thinks boring,” laughs Nienke. “Or they ask if you file their tax returns. But the opposite is true: the work is about people, building relationships, motivating teams and analyzing complex issues. It's content and humanity.” She continues that her days are never the same. In her current role, she often starts with the news: what developments affect the profession? Based on this, she consults with the board and external parties. “At Audit, my day was different. It started with a day start with the team, we set priorities together and I was actively present with the customer to see what was going on. That dynamism and variety made it so much fun!”

“EY gave me the confidence to take my own course. When I left the audit, I proposed a new position myself. That was exciting, but I was given the space to give it substance. Trust doesn't come naturally.” What you give is what you get,” says Nienke. “It feels special when your ideas are turned into opportunities.”

Well-being & work

“After my pregnancy, I returned with health problems. EY provided space to reintegrate off the beaten path. That made me feel that my well-being was more important than working hours. I really appreciate that flexibility and humanity.”

“By being me. By showing my colorful side and encouraging others to do the same.” Nienke states that this may also be Assurance's secret ingredient. “The people. The culture, doing it together, the friendliness. Accountancy work can be done anywhere, but do you also feel so at home? That's in the people.”

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