When you picture someone working in tax, you likely imagine a trusted expert with deep knowledge of accounting and finance, skilled at navigating complex regulations.
This classic image highlights the foundational expertise that has long been the bedrock of the industry, and it’s a perception that Vrinda Bahl, a computer science graduate, once shared.
However, her journey at KPMG in Singapore has been a series of unexpected turns, illustrating how the definition of a career in tax is expanding rapidly. Her story highlights how traditional skills are not replaced, but rather, augmented with new possibilities through a culture of courage and opportunity.
The unexpected turn
Vrinda’s initial view of the tax industry was coloured by common stereotypes. "My first opinion of tax was biased; I thought it was manual, traditional, theoretical," she admits.
However, a pivotal internship at KPMG completely overturned these preconceptions, sparking the first major twist in her career narrative.
It was during this internship that she discovered the critical and expanding role of data analytics within the tax domain, revealing a world of technological innovation.
For someone who describes herself as “the kind of person who loves solving puzzles and is intrigued by figuring out data patterns”, this was a revelation. The experience ignited a deep interest in the intersection of technology and tax, setting Vrinda on a new and unexpected path.
Reimagining talent, redefining the field
Vrinda's experience reflects a broader transformation within the industry. KPMG is at the forefront of this shift, recognising that the challenges of a modern economy require a diverse set of skills.
The tax professionals of today are not just accountants; they are data scientists, strategists and innovators. The firm has reimagined its talent pool, actively seeking individuals from varied backgrounds to bring fresh perspectives and technical acumen to the table.
This commitment to developing multi-disciplinary expertise is central to KPMG in Singapore’s Global Talent Model, which empowers clients and communities to lead in an era of unprecedented change.
The firm’s robust talent development approach is underpinned by strategic efforts to accelerate professional growth, enhance collaboration, and develop skills across a range of disciplines. These efforts include programmes designed to rotate staff across audit, tax and advisory functions, enabling them to adeptly navigate complex issues that cut across various business areas.
Vrinda has also personally seen the benefits of having a multidisciplinary team. "The kind of transformation that we're bringing to our clients isn’t just specific to people who are from accounting backgrounds or from technology backgrounds," she explains.
"One of my colleagues was a chemical engineer. One of them was a civil engineer. People from different domains and different walks of life can also be interested and take part in our journey."
This inclusive approach creates a rich, collaborative environment where different mindsets converge to solve complex problems in novel ways, she adds.
An arena for growth: A culture of courage and empowerment
At the heart of Vrinda’s story is a culture that doesn’t just welcome talent but actively empowers it to thrive. She describes her team's environment as being “more like a startup”, with a lean and agile structure that fosters direct collaboration with senior leaders.
This flat hierarchy removes traditional barriers, Vrinda explains, allowing junior employees to work closely with senior stakeholders to develop go-to-market strategies and deliver robust outcomes for clients.
The high visibility enables staff to understand entire project lifecycles, from initial concept to long-term operations and sustainability, says Vrinda, who was given significant responsibilities from the start of her career with the firm.
Her work as a Senior Associate in the Tax Reimagined team is technically demanding, involving the automation of tax processes which aid in compliance and reduce the possibility of human error. Even so, growth hasn’t been confined to the technical realm.
From day one, Vrinda has been involved in client-facing roles, honing crucial stakeholder management skills she never anticipated developing so early.
Within her first month, she was taking ownership of a project for a multinational tech company. More recently, she led a week-long workshop for senior stakeholders from a major global bank. These weren't just learning experiences; they were high-stakes opportunities to make a real impact, she says.
Her portfolio is a testament to this holistic development, featuring successful proofs of concept for global shipping companies and banks, which later converted into full-fledged engagements.
Building confidence, fostering community
While the professional achievements are significant, Vrinda has experienced an equally profound personal transformation.
She says: "My self-confidence has really been strengthened by the job, and the trust my peers and my seniors have in me.”
Outside of work, Vrinda has also been actively involved in the Employee Engagement Champions (EEC) programme, where she had the chance to interact with senior leaders and organise events for the firm to give back to the community.
Vrinda has also proactively seized various training opportunities to further accelerate her professional growth. A highlight was a two-day workshop that enabled her to hone her skills in consulting, she says, adding that her team won a group competition during the event.
The next chapter
Vrinda’s journey at KPMG is a compelling story of courage, opportunity, and transformation. Her career path, far from being a straight line, is a dynamic and evolving narrative.
Looking ahead, she hopes to further enhance her skills as a confident, capable, and collaborative leader who empowers not just clients but also her peers and seniors.
Vrinda’s story is a testament to what is possible when an individual’s potential meets a culture designed to unleash it – a true plot twist that redefines success.
