Anna Pearce – A Personal Reflection of 20 Years at PFM

I joined PFM in June 2005, just before my 40th birthday. Now, having just turned 60, I find myself reflecting on what these past 20 years have meant both for me personally and for us as a business. Time has flown, but the changes I’ve witnessed over these two decades have been immense, both in the world at large and within our own corner of it here at PFM.

When Mel (who also celebrates 20 years at PFM) and I started, the idea of a global financial crisis, a pandemic that would shut down the world, or artificial intelligence shaping our daily work would have seemed far-fetched. And yet, here we are having navigated each challenge, adapted to new realities, and kept moving forward.

At PFM, the transformation has been just as significant. Back in 2005, we were still very much paper-based physical files, manual processes, and endless printing. I remember the feel of the filing cabinets, the piles of paperwork, and the routine of printing and signing forms. Step by step, we transitioned to online applications, digital platforms, and a paper-light world. What once felt like a big leap is now second nature, and these changes have made us more efficient, more responsive, and better positioned to serve our clients.

Technology is only part of the story. Over the years, we’ve seen office moves, provider consolidations, evolving platforms, and a constant refinement of how we work. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: The PFM team’s commitment to clients. The tools and processes may have changed but my personal intent has always been to do the very best I can for our clients.

What has made the journey meaningful above all are the people. The colleagues who became friends, the teams who tackled challenges together, and the shared purpose that kept us moving even in uncertain times. That same sense of connection extends to our clients, many of whom we’ve had the privilege of serving over decades. Their trust has been the foundation that allows us to grow, adapt, and keep looking forward.

I couldn’t have predicted all that the past 20 years would bring and I can’t predict the next 20. (Though I’ll admit, retirement is definitely on the horizon for me!) What I do know is that PFM has proven its ability to adapt. That combination of resilience and consistency gives me confidence that clients can continue to rely on PFM, no matter what the future holds.

I’m grateful for the journey so far — for the lessons learned, the relationships built, and the sense of being part of something that has grown and adapted. Here’s to the road behind us, and to the opportunities still ahead.

Written by: Anna Pearce Aged 60 and 2 months