My main function is to ensure that the group's internal financial control systems are sufficient, to safeguard our assets and ensure that proper accounting records are maintained. I also get involved in other ad hoc investigations. If we acquire a new company, for example, it's my job to ensure that the group's policies are put in place.

There are six of us in the team. We have one person located in Britain, one person concentrates on the trading division, while another concentrates on IT controls. The other three cover Ireland, USA and give support to Britain if required.

I did accountancy with Touche Rosse and then spent four years with KPMG in London in corporate recovery and forensic accounting. During that time I spent a year on secondment to the Serious Fraud Office. I then joined the Irish League of Credit Unions and set up their internal audit unit. I came to Avonmore in 1996.

Each year we draw up risk analyses for the group and we look at each business unit on the basis of its size and the problems it has encountered in the past. We identify the sites to visit over the next 12 months and based on our findings we recommend systems to be put in place to prevent problems.

The auditing department is a great foundation for young people. It gives you a great opportunity to get to know the business. In this job you need good communication skills - both oral and written - because you're dealing with people at all levels in the company.

You need commonsense and the ability to forsee risks. You also need to be reasonably analytical, mobile, analytical and thorough.