What's your job about?

As a Senior Accountant in Business Advisory, I work on a range of clients as their official tax agent. I assist clients with legal tax compliance as well as providing advice on how to successful run their business. My clients range from large businesses to individual tax returns for families. I enjoy the large scope of work I’m apart of as it ensures every day is different and exciting. The clients I work on are in a range of industries such as manufacturing, property and hospitality. There is the opportunity to specialise once you grow in the company with experience however, I personally enjoy the broad scope of clients.

What's your background?

I studied accounting in VCE as I enjoyed maths and numbers however, looking back the subject was more bookkeeping focused. This may give students the wrong impression of the industry when in fact accounting is so much more. After high school I didn’t think I would be an accountant at first. I decided to study Commerce which allowed me to keep my options open. After my first year I still had a passion for numbers decided to major in accounting.

I first learnt about William Buck when I attended a university networking event where I met The People & Culture Manager and a Senior Accountant who were able to give me an insight into William Buck. I really enjoyed the conversation and decided to apply for the Vacationer Program. I was successful in the interview process and joined the program during the summer. I haven’t looked back since!

What's the coolest thing about your job?

Having been in this role for a few years, I have been able to watch my clients grow. If you work with a client multiple times it feels like you’re on the journey with them. When you are regularly in contact with clients you learn so much about them and their families which makes the work more enjoyable. I also really enjoy working with a range of different Partners at William Buck. Each Partner has a different approach with clients and it’s insightful to watch and learn from.

What are the limitations of your job?

In the role there are many difficult conversations you need to have with clients. Whether it be advising a client to pay tax or sending them a bill knowing they are struggling financially. Another limitation many find when starting as a graduate is wanting to provide clients advice immediately. Although that will happen in time, you first need to learn the basic of the role. It takes time to walk before you learn to run.  

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

• Start networking! Good things come out of networking, that’s how I got my job. It’s also a great way to meet different employers and get an idea of what working at their company is like.
• Don’t spread yourself too thinly with activities. During uni I was a part of many societies, clubs and extra curriculum that I couldn’t give enough attention to. Priotise your commitments.
• Travel! Everyone says this but it’s true. Travel as much as you can during uni as you’ll never get that flexibility or time back.