Guiding the next generation: An interview with Dino Ebneter, Country Managing Partner

Interviewer: Raluca Panait, Employer Branding & Communication Assistant

Interviewee: Dino Ebneter, Country Managing Partner

My name is Raluca Panait and I am a 21-year-old student, who is also a part of the Mazars in Romania’s HR team. Being a Gen Z myself, I am also looking for role models, life-changing jobs, or, for some of you, clear career directions, all of that while still learning the basics of life. I felt that Mazars understood that and they were here to help.

To help us grow, I found it important to discuss and share both the views and the story of Dino Ebneter, our Country Managing Partner, in a short and honest interview.

Leaders of the organisation build the company culture, so hearing their voices will help you understand what your experience within Mazars is going to look like. Together, we debunked myths, talked about beginnings, and shared advice for us, the younger generation.

Since we started our Gen Z Talks project internally, what benefit do you see in the external communication of the matter?

My purpose is to build internally, as well as externally, two-way communication with Gen Z, as I believe that if both our leaders and people from the younger generation understand the position, vision, and aspiration of the other, they can grow together and co-shape the working culture.

How did your story with Mazars begin?

It started in 2004 when I relocated from Switzerland to Romania to co-found a consulting company. I was experiencing an exciting and intense period of ups and downs, business growth and re-design, merger and de-merger, carve out and rebranding, until the fusion of Adevaris and Mazars took place in 2013. The owners of Adevaris wished to be part of an international partnership, to continue tax, audit, and accounting services and even better serve its clients. 

Would you change something from your past professional choices?

I was young and learned the hard way. Looking back, I would have done better with some experienced “grey-hair” professionals to guide and advise me in personal and professional decision-making.

What were your thoughts on corporate life before joining it?

I was born into a family with its own business, inherited from the grandparents. I always wanted to be my own boss, therefore, my career as an employee was limited to a few years. In high school, I decided not to continue my father’s business and to find my own way. At the dinner table, I was listening to the stories of my parents about customers, their employees and competition. One could say, the life of an entrepreneur got laid in the cradle.    

How would you describe how life in Mazars is now? (first as a Managing Partner, then as an employee)

Mazars, for me and my colleagues, is a campus. Tenured consultants teach our younger professionals and everyone has access to a large variety of training tools. We encourage holistic learning and balanced life. The tone of voice is friendly and the mindset is set on delivering high-quality work in all areas of our company. I expect everyone to be self-responsible and take care of others in our team. Everyone is important to the well-functioning of the organisation and shall therefore speak up. With the introduction of flexible working, we have fully empowered each staff to act as a co-entrepreneur and put trust over control.

Have you heard any myths about having a job that you would like to debunk today?

10 years ago, accountants and auditors were on the list of jobs that were likely to disappear because of modern, intelligent, and self-learning technology. The reality today is a very different one.

1. Technology is an integrated part of the profession.
2. Technology is both making the job easier and more complex, as businesses have evolved by using technology. As a consequence, the profession has never been more exciting.
3. The professional judgment of non-standard transactions is still the decision of a consultant in flesh and blood and requires a large knowledge base.

How does the generational conflict influence (positively and negatively) life in a corporation?

Conflict is for me not the right word. I see young people seeking experiences and showing a strong desire to learn a lot in a very short time. Some may simply be looking for the right place and occupation. Many companies do function not at the speed desired by our younger colleagues. This may create dissatisfaction but can be overcome when all generations keep communicating and contribute to solutions. I am trying to build bridges when needed.

Do you have a message for Gen Z or millennials who are starting a career? What about the older generation that interacts with the youngsters?

Learning occurs through application, which can often take place during difficult times and projects. There is no easy job with big pay. Value when you are given the freedom to create, value when senior colleagues convey their knowledge to you, value when people care. Look carefully at the non-financial part you have access to; it might be the deciding factor for your future. You can always contribute to a better workplace of tomorrow. Setting expectations for older generations is alright but needs to come with a contribution. Nobody at work is too young to take responsibility; that is not reserved for tenured staff only.

Let’s talk about the work of Mazars. Why is it important for our society?

We are independent professionals and an interface between business, civil society, and government. Community engagement and impact encompasses our work to improve social and economic conditions in communities around the world. We believe in using our skills and expertise to address social challenges and create a sustainable positive impact.

Last but not least, why should someone join Mazars?

Mazars is a place where you can grow professionally and personally. The more you bring yourself “into” the company, the more you get out. We offer you as much freedom as we can to do your job. Further, we guarantee a sharp learning curve among people who care. Entrepreneurship is the core of our business model and you can be part of it. In Mazars, everyone is someone!  

We hope that you will find this interview helpful and inspiring. The story of our Country Managing Partner is only one example of people who started with a lot of questions and ended up finding their professional purpose.

Through interviews, we constantly share stories about Mazars’ people, for you to get a glimpse of our company culture and learn from our colleagues’ views, whether it’s about generation differences or growing in a professional environment.

Until next time, don’t forget: communication and a solution-oriented mindset could help you overcome some of your difficulties.