Interview: David Wark CA
Becoming a qualified accountant can take you further than you think. Whether you want to work in practice or industry, internationally or locally, if you’re able to adapt the opportunities are endless. Here, EY’s David Wark tells us about his career and what he has learned along the way.
First of all, what does your job involve?
I’m a Transfer Pricing Manager in our UK and Ireland Tax practice, which involves understanding the client’s business, including where value is created and where profit should be attributed/taxed. As a team, we work with clients to build, manage, document, review and defend their transfer pricing policies and processes.
What have been the key points of your career so far?
For me it was moving from a mid-tier firm in my home town, Glasgow, to initially join EY’s Bahrain firm. After a few years with Gulf Air I returned to Glasgow and rejoined EY. I’m now part of a newly-created Scotland Transfer Pricing team – it’s really exciting to be part of something new and growing.
What’s been the best thing about your job?
Having such a talented team around me – not just in tax but across the business – makes my life so much easier and is inspiring on a day-to-day basis. It’s great to be part of a team of exceptional individuals and I feel genuinely supported in everything I do.
Proudest moment so far?
I was the first person in my family to go to university, so taking that one step further in achieving my CA qualification remains one of my proudest moments. The CA provides credibility in the market and is a mark of considerable focus, resilience and dedication. Being part of the CA community has been important to me throughout my career.
What’s been exceptional about the development and progression opportunities you’ve had with EY?
When I landed in the Middle East I had my CA but no international experience or understanding of the local market. It would have been easy for EY to view that as a negative. Instead I was given extensive training and access to local specialists who could advise and support me. I’ll always be grateful for the commitment of the Partner in Bahrain to help me acclimatise and develop.
What’s your next challenge?
I look forward to being involved in the development of Scotland’s dedicated Transfer Pricing team. It’s going to be fun, challenging and rewarding.
Tell us about a funny or memorable moment in your career?
I was asked to present at an event for the British Trade Office in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. I thought it would be fairly informal, only to learn that the tickets had sold out. I remember being chuffed that so many had come along to hear me speak. It turned out they were also there for the evening dinner and “beverage”, and I was just the final hurdle!
Final piece of advice for those aspiring to go down the same career path as you?
Decide what you want from your career, what inspires you, and go after it. A CA can take you around the world, if that’s what you want.
Find out where your accountancy qualification can take you with EY. Visit EY Careers.
This blog is one of a series of articles from our commercial partners.
The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of ICAS.