What's your background?
I grew up in South Africa. My family moved to England when I was 16 so I finished school and university there and then headed to London to do my CA. After 12 years in England I moved to Australia (initially just for 6-12 months) after a gap year travelling in Europe, Asia and Canada and never left! As I climbed the ladder working with clients first in Melbourne and more recently Sydney, I found it increasingly interesting to work with a wide array of clients, colleagues and staff.
What's your job about?
My job as an audit partner is to work with clients to make sure their financial statements are true and fair. Companies have complex compliance requirements and need to have trusted advisors to help them meet their compliance needs while also presenting the most useful, relevant and accurate information to stakeholders like shareholders, lenders and employees. To be a trusted advisor I need to know my clients well, understand their business, industry and environment and work closely with them and my team to deliver the best outcomes for my clients. I love learning about my clients’ businesses, about some of their challenges, some of the innovative things they are doing, how they navigate challenges and celebrating successes with them.
Did you always know you wanted to work in this field?
Yes – Maths and accounting were my two favourite subjects at school and I never seriously considered any other career. When I was very little I wanted to be a veterinarian but I’m a bit squeamish so accounting seemed better suited.
What is most rewarding about your job?
I love mentoring staff. The most rewarding part of my job is watching the staff I work with and mentor grow into strong professionals, getting their CA qualification, learning how to work with clients, learning how to become advisors and strong auditors.
What were some of the challenges you faced in getting to where you are now?
Doing the CA while working full time is very challenging. For me, forming strong bonds with my colleagues who were doing CA with me is what got me through. We used to revise together and encourage and support each other.
3 pieces of advice for you would give women who want to work in your industry?