Nice Premium: Tell us about the company you work for and your role within it?
Virginie Deflassieux: PKF is an accounting firm belonging to the Praxis group. It is located in Guernsey on the Channel Islands between France and Great Britain. This company is part of the PRAXIS group, whose main activity is the management and administration of offshore companies. PKF mainly engages in accounting expertise, preparation of accounts, tax advice, and management. I have been managing the French tax department for 15 years now. My role is to ensure the management of the department and provide tax advice for Britons who invest in France or settle there permanently. On this subject, our book “Taxation in France, a foreign perspective” is aimed at this clientele to promote the establishment of an advisory service within PKF.
NP: What has been your professional path since leaving school?
VD: I left IPAG Paris in 1993. After graduating, I spent some vacation time on the island then decided to settle there, at least temporarily. It was necessary to obtain a license to work and live there. I therefore joined Investec, an investment fund company. Following this experience, I joined PKF. I must say that the tax modules at IPAG provided a strong foundation for facilitating my beginnings in this career.
NP: Have you always wanted to pursue this career or was it the result of opportunities?
VD: More of an opportunity… To be honest, I didn’t imagine myself pursuing a career in taxation. It wasn’t really my strength at school, I saw myself more into marketing, international communication. Today it fascinates me. The international aspect was paramount and the human dimension involved in this profession has completely captivated me. I find that the consultancy aspect with English-speaking families who come to settle here is not highlighted enough in the presentation of this kind of profession.
NP: What is your educational background, what degree(s) have you obtained?
VD: After an Economic Baccalaureate, I joined IPAG Paris and obtained a Proficiency Certificate of Cambridge. Upon graduating from IPAG, in order to deepen my tax knowledge, it would have been necessary to complete one or two years of equivalence to prepare for a DESS in taxation. This required at least a year in law (master’s level) before undergoing the DESS training. However, the tax courses at the time were based on rules that were three years old whereas I was practicing the current rules. Moreover, it became impossible for me to leave my activity during the two years required for the training. I therefore chose on-the-job training and today, I do not regret this decision.
NP: What is the perception of students from your former school within your professional environment?
VD: Like most other business schools, they do not know Ipag. Furthermore, the British tend to look at the number of years after A-levels to compare with their university training. Their courses generally last 3 years after high school, so it’s needless to say they are impressed by 4-year and 5-year post-Bac qualifications!
NP: What advice would you give to students considering a career in your sector?
VD: English!!! Work hard on your English (essential for progressing internationally). I think it generally takes 18 months to 2 years after graduating to really shape an idea of the career one wants to pursue. Last advice, something I have noticed over the years, those with a background in Law or Accounting have a definitive advantage in this profession.
NP: In your opinion, is it preferable to start with SMEs or large structures?
VD: It’s difficult to have an objective view as I have not yet had the opportunity to work long enough in a large structure to compare.
NP: Why did you choose to operate internationally?
VD: They say you always return to your roots: my mother is English and my father French. It is always interesting to operate internationally to open as many doors as possible and cover various geographical areas. It is highly valued by companies, as it shows you are flexible, speak several languages, and are able to integrate into any type of environment (different methods, cultures, etc.). It’s a real asset for your career…
NP: Currently, what are your prospects for advancement, your professional aspirations?
VD: Continue to develop this department that I created upon my arrival. I would like to continue my progression within the company. I plan to continue the publication of “Taxation in France” following the retirement of the original author and former director in 2004.
NP: Would you like to add anything?
VD: In France, the professional system still seems rigid and interprofessional bridges limited. In Great Britain, the “Open University” system allows one to switch from one profession to another. It’s really wonderful, a painter can very well become a pilot, or a photographer, an accountant, or banker! It’s very illustrative but it’s the reality of the British system. The training that IPAG offers provides a range of tools and fosters open-mindedness and therefore several options. The input was useful, the basic tools were there: very varied modules, languages, and international exposure… A good foundation to begin specializing.
For more information on PKF: www.pkfguernsey.com
