I’m Rowan, a Team Leader at The Audit Company, where I’ve been part of the team since April 2024.
Although I was born and raised in South Africa, the Netherlands has always felt like a second home. In 2008 my family immigrated to The Hague, and I lived there until 2013 before choosing to return to South Africa for University. After completing my degree at Stellenbosch University, I then started my audit career in Cape Town, where I stayed for 3 years; simultaneously working toward my accounting charter.
After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (SA), my international audit journey began: a secondment in Copenhagen with some of Denmark’s largest listed pharmaceutical companies, followed by two years in the Cayman Islands working primarily on captive insurance client.
By early 2024, the decision felt straightforward. I wanted to be closer to family again, I was already very familiar with The Hague and everything the city has to offer, and it was the perfect base for the next phase of my career in Europe. When the opportunity at The Audit Company came up, moving back was the clear and natural next step.
Of course, moving to the Netherlands in the middle of a historic housing shortage wasn’t exactly straightforward – it took patience, and a fair bit of luck, but it eventually came right!
Living in The Hague again has been genuinely rewarding, as it is a true embodiment of an international city with real character. Being an avid surfer, having the beach just a short bike ride away is also a huge bonus – and the city’s abundance of parks and quiet running trails has been equally perfect, especially while training for this year’s Leiden Marathon.
What really sealed the decision to join The Audit Company was the combination of challenging, varied work and the people. We get to work with an incredibly diverse portfolio – clients of all sizes, industries and geographies – which means regular travel and always something new on the horizon. At the same time, the office atmosphere is genuinely warm and supportive. My colleagues are kind, down-to-earth and fun to be around, yet everyone is sharp and professional when it matters. It’s exactly the kind of environment where I can grow, contribute my international IFRS experience, and still enjoy coming to work every day.