What's your job about?

My role as an Accountant is very varied, we are more than just accountants to our clients. Some think we just do tax returns, but we add much more value than that. I work in a specialised area at William Buck with 50% of my work being stewardships in the sustainability and environmental space where I essentially act as our client’s internal finance team. I get to be a part of client discussions and hear what they are doing to reduce their end-of-life waste cycle. I’m currently working on a clothing stewardship as well as prospective stewardships that we are trying to win which is exciting to navigate that process.

I really enjoy working in this space as I personally care about the environment. It’s also a large discussion in the industry right now about climate action and how companies can be more sustainable moving forward. Working in this space has allowed me to grow my knowledge my knowledge which is something I didn’t think be doing in my accounting career. It’s enjoyable having my interests and work intersect.  

What's your background?

In high school I thought I wanted to become a doctor or work in health care. This led me to study a Bachelor of Radiation Science which after a year of study I very quickly realised it wasn’t for me. Both of my parents come from an accounting background which led me to explore a business degree. The degree was broad which allowed me to really discover what I wanted to do. I first majored in management and again realised it wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do. I then decided to major in accounting and have never looked back.  

Could someone with a different background do your job?

If you have a degree in Banking, Finance or Financial Planning you could be an Accountant. The theory you learn at university helps you understand the basics of Accounting and knowledge of Australian Tax Laws. However, you learn majority of being an accountant through on the job training and facilitated training sessions such as XERO, Individual Tax and Tax Banter sessions.  

What's the coolest thing about your job?

Having phone calls and meetings with clients and is my favourite aspect of the role. These interactions with clients help us understand what they want from us and where they feel they were lacking from previous accountants. It’s rewarding when they come back with positive feedback for example, last year I was completing financial statements for a new client that I very worked hard on. Once completed the client emailed thanking us for the hard work. He said he was “very proud to have us as his accountants”. That small email made my day. 

What are the limitations of your job?

Sometimes the workload can be overwhelming during busy periods or if junior staff are on leave. Often there are competing deadlines which requires some overtime especially during lodgement periods. However, my team is very supportive, and we can always ask for help whenever you need. I’ve learnt that you’re never alone in this role at William Buck.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

• Don’t put so much pressure on yourself to choose your career path straight after high school. You have 50 years in the workforce to decide what you want to do so take your time deciding what feels right. 
• Enjoy your uni life! Take advantage of your free time now before you start working full time. 
• Travel! It’s harder to travel when you start full time work especially in your first few years when you are building your annual leave balance. If you want to take a travel break after uni, do it! You’ll never regret it.