What's your job about?
My role is within the Agribusiness team of the Accounting & Business Advisory service line in Hood Sweeney. The majority of our team’s workload is based around servicing agricultural clients, however, our client base varies greatly and I have worked with a diverse range of clients, including manufacturing, solar energy and hospitality industries.
The majority of my work consists of processing compliance and taxation work for various companies, trusts, estates and individuals. However, my role is not limited to purely compliance, day to day tasks can include client meetings, providing forecasting, through tax planning, and providing advice on ad-hoc basis client queries.
What's your background?
I was born and raised in Canberra until the age of ten when my family relocated to Adelaide. Having excelled at and enjoyed business-orientated subjects at high school, I decided to undertake a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Adelaide.
During my studies, I managed to attain a role at Westpac in their Risk Management division. Looking back, gaining employment in one of Australia’s largest companies was an important stage of my life as the early exposure to a business helped open my eyes to what was required to succeed in that type of environment.
Upon the completion of my studies, I took a well-earned break travelling overseas. After returning from travelling, focused and refreshed, I came across an advertisement for my current role with Hood Sweeney. I was successful with my application and have been working at the business for nearly two years with the intention to complete my Chartered Accountants program, in the near future.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
Being involved in the professional services industry means the majority of my work revolves around helping clients solve their business issues. Emanating from this is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my role – helping put clients in a better situation.
On a personal level, one of the best things about my job is the level of autonomy provided. The job also suits my need to be continually challenged by diverse tasks and being surrounded by like-minded individuals makes you want to push yourself. Another aspect I enjoy is that I’m constantly developing desirable skills through practical experience and more so via the commitment Hood Sweeney makes to helping develop its graduates, through training sessions, mentoring etc.
What are the limitations of your job?
There are a few limitations that are required with working in this type of job. Firstly, people may find it difficult as it takes certain traits and intellect to succeed in this role. I believe the most important traits are to be an effective problem solver, adept at working with numbers and to have proficient business knowledge.
3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...
Three key pieces of advice I wish I had given when I was a student would be: