What's your employer doing and what are your areas of responsibility?
I work in business private client advisory in the agriculture and automotive team, my responsibilities consist of compliance work through tax returns and Business Activity Statement preparation, bookkeeping & payroll. A normal day starts with coffee, and from there I always read my emails if I have any questions or information from clients which I would action that instant. If not then I would tackle some tax returns for groups that usually involve companies, trusts, and individuals. Currently, I am circling between two current jobs one of which is a large group that has 4 individuals, 10 companies and 8 trusts. The other is a monthly bookkeeping task where we process invoices that need to be paid by our clients each month through Xero. If I were to tell my younger self what I currently do at SW. I would say helping people financially. Through providing tax advice or completing their yearly tax returns and activity statements. As well as being a part of the culture at the firm. This is through creating great relationships and connections to help build myself professionally and take part in so many different experiences to learn from and use daily.
Background
I Grew up in South Morang which is north-east of Melbourne. The most important stages of my life would be the jobs I’ve had such as working in a call centre, as an accounting intern, in retail and at SW. I have learnt so many different skills being both technical as well as communicative which I have been able to apply to my current role at SW. It has been an easy transition to work at SW through my previous experiences. For example, my retail experience taught me to put myself out there and talk to anyone. I got my current job position from being a vacationer at SW. I applied and was accepted to take part in a 6-week program working for SW as a student to gain experience in what it is like to work in the division. I worked with two separate teams, one being the team I currently work in. I have been working at SW for 11 months.
Firm's culture and environment?
There are many perks, to name a few the amenities in the office/building are spectacular and make it so comfortable and inviting to come into the office. Another benefit would be lunches are provided weekly which gets staff very excited and brings a lot of people into the office which creates a culture and fun environment. I have been a part of our divisional event at the Melbourne Zoo, which was a lot of fun to have lunch as a division and compete in an amazing race around the Zoo in selected teams. I have also been a part of some parties such as the EOFY party and the Christmas party which were great opportunities to create solid connections and relationships. My team is amazing. Everyone is very different and unique in their way which brings everyone together. We are all constantly learning from each other and enjoy helping each other to reach our goals and aspirations.
Interesting and challenging aspects of work
I enjoy working through compliance work. There is a real sense of accomplishment when you finish a project, and it is all signed off. Working in different industries and clients is the best way you can learn in the field as every client is different. A challenge I face is juggling both work and study. SW makes it very easy to provide support with study leave. People in the firm have all been in the same position of studying for CA and working full-time. It is great to learn how people tackled their CA journey differently, taking their advice and working on an approach that best works for you. SW also keeps us on track with subject updates and tasks we need to complete about our studies.
Advice for someone applying to SW? Qualities set someone apart in the field?
My advice is to be confident. Confidence sets someone apart. Someone who can carry themselves and be eager to learn is also very important. Accounting is a profession where tax laws and legislation are always changing so you must be very motivated and excited by the idea of always learning. Being a strong communicator is also important both in person and online. Sharing the load and working as a teamwork makes the dream work!
3 Pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student?