From Analyst to Leader: How Benoit built his career at PwC Poland (twice!)

Moving to Poland

I'm really curious about your hometown. Can you tell us a bit about where you're from and what your life in France was like?

Benoit Galtie: Sure! I’m originally from a town called Fontainebleau, located about 60–70 km south of Paris. It’s a well-known place in France, especially for its historic castle where Napoleon gave his farewell speech before his first exile. It's a beautiful, tourist-friendly town surrounded by forests, historically used as royal hunting grounds. I spent my childhood and teenage years there and stayed in the region until I finished my bachelor’s degree.

Later, I moved to Paris to pursue my master’s and start my career. I studied accounting and audit and worked as an external auditor in Paris for several years. In total, I spent 26 years in France before relocating to Poland.

So what were your first impressions of Poland? Any surprises?

Benoit Galtie: Before coming, I didn’t know much about Poland. There’s a large Polish community in France, but still, many of us don’t know the country well. I had some outdated stereotypes – thinking it would be grey, cold, maybe even a bit Soviet-like. But when I first saw Gdańsk’s Old Town, I was blown away by how beautiful and vibrant it was. There’s so much to do, culturally and socially.

Later, when I moved permanently, I experienced more of the cultural differences. For instance, Poles can seem a bit closed off at first, unlike in France where small talk with neighbors is common. But once you break the ice, people here are warm and welcoming. It just takes a bit more time and effort to build that connection.

Journey with PwC

Now let’s move on to your career. You started at PwC in 2016 and returned as a Senior Manager in 2025. What brought you back, and how do the two experiences compare?

Benoit Galtie: They were recruiting for roles connected to financial services – though the name of the department was different then – and they were looking for candidates who spoke European languages like French, Italian, Spanish, or German. French wasn't required, but it was definitely an asset. That’s how I got in, and I started as an analyst in the Financial Crime Unit, eventually progressing to a senior team leader role before I left in 2021.

That first experience was both rewarding and challenging. It was my first time working entirely in English after coming from a French-speaking environment, so there was a lot to adapt to. Thankfully, I met great people – some of whom became close friends – and had leaders who trusted me and gave me growing responsibilities.

I was away for about four years, still based in the Tri-City area, working for other companies. But over time, I realized that PwC offers strong career development opportunities and a great network of people. Coming back as a senior manager, I already knew most of the team, including the other senior managers and managers – many of whom I worked with before. It really felt like I never left. Of course, some things have changed, but overall, the trust, the processes, and the culture are very familiar.

Being back also gives me a fresh perspective and allows me to contribute with external insights that might help improve the organization. My scope is now more global compared to before, when it was mainly European. In my previous role, I worked with teams in India and Asia, which helped me better understand different operational and cultural dynamics. Now, I can apply that experience while enjoying the familiarity of a European work environment again.

Career with the French language

You're fluent in French, and you've worked with both French and European clients. How have your language skills helped you in your work, and do you think they’re valuable for professional development?

Benoit Galtie: Absolutely, language skills are a major asset – especially in a dynamic job market like Poland’s. From the start, speaking French allowed me to take on tasks others couldn’t, like reviewing documents or communicating directly with French clients. It gives you a natural edge and allows for deeper relationships with stakeholders, especially when you share a language and cultural background.

It also opens doors to projects and roles involving French-speaking markets. In general, language skills – whether French, German, or any other – are highly valued here and can really support your career development.

PwC in Poland is actively recruiting French-speaking professionals. From your experience, what opportunities can they expect if they join the AML/KYC team?

Benoit Galtie: The very fact that PwC is hiring French speakers means there’s an intention to build a stronger presence in French-speaking markets. That creates many opportunities – not just for client-facing work, but also for internal growth and specialization.

We already have things like a German club internally, so a growing French-speaking community could lead to similar initiatives. Beyond that, speaking French gives you a real edge when dealing with French clients and documents. It’s a skill that sets you apart and can lead to unique roles, leadership opportunities, or specialized projects – either on the business or people side.

I think that your career path – from analyst to senior manager – is a great example of how much growth is possible at PwC. To end our talk, I’d like to ask a lighter question. If you could give advice to someone considering moving to Poland for work, what would it be?

Benoit Galtie: First, allow yourself time to adapt. Moving abroad is always a big step, and it takes time to settle in, make friends, and understand your new environment. Be patient and open.

Second, learning even the basics of the local language helps a lot. It makes your life easier and shows respect for the culture. You don’t need to be fluent, but being able to say “hello,” “thank you,” or “goodbye” goes a long way. Locals really appreciate the effort.

And overall – stay curious! Poland is a beautiful country with rich culture, great food, and warm people. If you stay open, you’ll have a fantastic experience.

And finally – what’s your ultimate Polish dish?

To be honest, I love it all. Sure, Polish cuisine is quite different from French cooking, but that’s part of the charm. I’m a meat person, so pasztet and kiełbasa quickly won me over. Pierogi, of course, are iconic – and if I can get my hands on a good serving of kotlet schabowy, I’m a happy man. The vegan community might not love this answer, but hey, that’s just how it is!