Working At De Beer – Meet Tim: Assistant Accountant and Chairman of the Works Council at De Beer

Tim Steketee (30) has been working at De Beer for a year and a half and will soon be moving into his new house in Hilvarenbeek, which he is currently renovating extensively. With his broad interests and energetic approach, he shares why he feels completely at home at De Beer and how he combines his role as Assistant Accountant with that of Chairman of the Works Council.

What made you want to work at De Beer?

“Through my hockey club in Hilvarenbeek, I had already heard many positive stories about De Beer. What immediately attracted me was the personal atmosphere and working in a smaller office. At my previous employer, the focus was mainly on growth, which didn’t quite fit what I was looking for. I particularly appreciate a work environment with short lines of communication and the freedom to find my own way. At De Beer, I really feel seen, both by colleagues and by clients. That personal and involved atmosphere makes a big difference for me.”

How do you combine your work with your role in the Works Council?

“Combining my work as an Assistant Accountant with my role as Chairman of the Works Council is going well. In my job, I am active daily in the Audit team, where I perform audits for various clients. I get enough time and space to contribute to the council and shape it further with my colleagues at De Beer.

Although we are still in the start-up phase with the Works Council, the goal is to become an equal partner in discussions with management. We act as a link between employees and the board, ensuring that everyone has a voice. While many accountants are analytical and structured according to the DISC test, I belong more to the ‘red’ category: I am action-oriented and like to take the lead. This fits well with my role as chairman.”

What do you like most about De Beer’s clients?

“The client base at De Beer is really a breath of fresh air for me. The focus here is on local SMEs, mainly in Tilburg and the surrounding area. Most clients are within cycling distance, which creates an accessible atmosphere. At larger firms, you often work for big companies and only perform audits as an accountant. At De Beer, I can mean more and really support clients. This way, I add more value and work with clients who suit me well.”

How do you experience the collaboration with your colleagues?

“The collaboration here is good, especially thanks to the open culture. You can walk into anyone’s office, regardless of the team or your position. Within the Audit team, the lines of communication are short, and we are often on the same page, which makes collaboration efficient. You can easily switch with other departments, and if it gets too busy, you just say so. People really listen. Besides work, there are plenty of informal moments. Regular drinks are organized, and recently we went paddleboarding with the team. These activities make the atmosphere even more enjoyable.”

What makes working at De Beer special for you?

“At De Beer, I have a lot of freedom to divide my time between my Post-Master’s degree to become a Registered Accountant and the renovation of my house. Practical matters, such as working hours and the possibility to work from home, can be filled in flexibly. I greatly appreciate that flexibility and understanding of personal priorities.

We work in small teams with experienced colleagues, so we continuously learn from each other. The culture is flat and open; you have all the space to find your own way and grow. If you have an idea or want to achieve something, you get the chance to explore and put it into practice. You are not just a number here and do more than just tick off tasks. That combination of an informal atmosphere and room for personal development makes De Beer special for me.”