Allianz Experts
Meet Daniela
Milanese Audit Manager at Allianz Italy – trying to be a role model for ambitious young women.
She says: “Be an active listener, be curious, be empathic.”
What’s your mission at Allianz?
I am part of the global audit community and manage international audit projects. Improving the audit approach by using the agile methodology and keeping a high level of motivation in the team are two of my main tasks. Being an Internal Audit Manager is a great challenge, considering how fast our systems, processes, regulations are changing the insurance environment. The assurance of internal control systems’ effectiveness is a concrete way to support Allianz in realizing its purpose “We secure your future”.
What’s your career progression?
I started as a junior auditor, then acquired the Internal Auditor certification and began working on international projects. Allianz also gave me the opportunity to do an MBA in Insurance & Finance. Last year I moved to Sofia for four months as Chief Audit Executive of Allianz Bulgaria. It was a maternity replacement and I could measure myself with a new role, two new teams and an unknown country and language. Back in Italy, I have fond memories of this experience and the people I encountered.
What's surprising about your job?
When I started at the age of 23, I had no idea what an Internal Auditor really did, let alone how many possibilities an insurance company could offer. At the beginning of my working career, it was all a question mark.
Usually people associate my job title of the external financial auditing profession and automatically think I am an accountant, a financial professional. In reality, I work on improving business processes after precise analysis of the internal control system.
What’s your main career advice? What inspires you?
Don’t forget to be passionate about your job! Listen to your colleagues and take examples from the best ones. I am inspired by the idea that in 20 years from now I – hopefully – can act as an example for the next generation of ambitious young girls.
