Socially aware

For our senior account manager Danielle, accountancy is all about adding value. Not just financially, but also morally. When this Canadian first came to Amsterdam and watched the people on the streets enjoying the summer, she immediately knew she wanted to live here. It was the work-life balance in particular that attracted her – along with the beauty of the city itself, with all its canals. With a proven track record as account manager at Grant Thornton LLP in Toronto, she found a job at Baker Tilly N.V. in no time.

After moving to our capital, Danielle heard about the Account Your Future programme run by Holthaus. "My first Dutch job did not involve working for non-profit organisations, as I had always done in Canada. When I spoke to Jeroen about their programme that helps residence permit holders build a future in the Netherlands, there was an immediate click," she enthusiastically explains. "I now spend 50% of my time on my clients and 50% on the Account Your Future foundation." And then, reflecting: "When I hear the stories of the refugees who want to sign up with us, I feel hugely privileged. I came to the Netherlands because I have every opportunity in the world. They place this happiness into perspective."

With the same passion she brings to her work, Danielle also enjoys cooking. "My specialty? Fried rice. I used to eat it all the time. It reminds me of my family in Canada, who live in Toronto. I visit them every year and am always grateful to be there and spend time together. My roots lie there, but my home is now here."