Alex

From Audit Grad to Partner, HLB Melbourne
Bachelor of Business (Accountancy)

Meet Alex. He joined HLB Melbourne as an audit grad. HLB has supported Alex through CA, a post graduate degree, a secondment to Los Angeles and promotion to partner.

Starting out

I always wanted to work in a professional setting. I enjoyed studying business related subjects at high school which lead me to completing a Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) at RMIT University.

When I was applying for graduate roles, I appreciated HLB Mann Judd’s interview approach. I got the impression that the firm was interested in getting to know me. They placed a strong emphasis on communication and work ethic, rather than over-the-top screening exercises.

I was particularly keen to start my career in Audit and Assurance, as I knew it would help accelerate my learning and provide a solid foundation in multiple areas of business. I was excited to accept a role at HLB because it’s a fast-growing firm where I felt I could make a real difference.

The importance of investing in yourself

Like most graduates, when I started out I felt a little out of my depth, but over time, I understood more and my confidence grew. After a couple of years, I was responsible for running engagements as an audit senior and operating as a team leader. When I became a manager, I really started to appreciate how business works outside of audit – including the accounting/ finance function, IT, sales and marketing and strategy. I was able to attend board meetings, audit committee meetings and internal meetings with CEOs and CFOs which had a profound impact on my career development.

I have been fortunate enough to participate in the HLB Mann Judd secondment program, working and living in Los Angeles. I met some incredible people, developing professionally and personally. I was given the freedom and support to complete my Executive MBA and I’ve developed some life-long friendships along the way. Over the years, I’ve also had opportunities to attend gala dinners, participate in industry sporting tournaments and travelled overseas to visit clients.

I recently became a partner at the firm which has been a rewarding and fulfilling achievement after starting out as a graduate. I’ve been given more responsibility, focusing on the HLB business, understanding the intricacies on how we operate, and mentoring and developing our next generation of auditors. I often consider that if I had pursued alterative career avenues and left the industry, I would have missed out on these incredible opportunities which have really helped shaped my career.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a broad range of clients across multiple industries, including not-for-profit peak bodies and public sector entities. I’ve also been exposed to a number of different types of audit engagement including full year audits, half yearly reviews, risk assurance and consulting and other agreed upon procedures.

My current client portfolio consists largely of ASX-listed companies and privately held groups, ranging from small owner-managed businesses to large multinational corporations. I’m responsible for managing teams across multiple jurisdictions where I work closely with HLB affiliate firms all over the world.

Alex’s advice

Looking back at my career to date, I can’t stress enough the importance of investing in continuous professional development – whether it’s through further study, requesting to work on challenging engagements or getting involved in networking events. The idea is to get out of your comfort zone so that you can learn and develop as much as possible.

It’s also important to be yourself – it is your career. Recognise what’s important to you and then work together with your employer to achieve your personal goals.

Outside of work

I enjoy staying active by running, swimming and going to the gym as often as I can. I’ve always been a keen supporter of AFL, cricket and tennis and I try to attend as many sporting events throughout the year as possible. I also like to travel, having recently spent two months in Europe, as well as catching up with friends and family. Most excitingly, I recently got married to my wife Mariah, which was a wonderful personal milestone for the both of us and something we’ll forever be grateful for.

Holly

Audit Grad, HLB Sydney

We would like to introduce you to Holly. She commenced working at the HLB Mann Judd Sydney firm as a graduate auditor. Holly wanted to work for an accounting firm which offered training and career progression however she also wanted a healthy work-life balance.

What’s your ‘Team HLB’ story?

I believe mid-tier accounting firms offer a good “corporate lifestyle”. They provide training and learning opportunities, access to a broad range of clients from various industries while still working in a small team environment.

For me, HLB’s emphasis on balance was something that stood out to me during the research and application process. HLB Sydney offers plenty of social and healthy living initiatives, including social club, team building events, lunchtime yoga and bootcamps. These exciting benefits extend well beyond working as a graduate in an accounting firm.

I discovered during the application process, HLB wanted to get to know me as well as learn how the firm could help me to achieve my own goals, such as achieving the CA designation. This set HLB apart from other firms I interviewed with.

Holly’s tips for graduates

From my experience I would recommend doing your research to find a firm that aligns with your goals and values.

Robbie

Grad Accountant, HLB Adelaide

We would like to introduce you to Robbie. He joined HLB Mann Judd Adelaide at the beginning of this year after completing his degree at Flinders University.

What’s your ‘Team HLB’ story?

The main reason I enjoy working at HLB is the relationships I’ve developed. Since day one, everyone has been welcoming and friendly. I can strike up a conversation with anyone, including the partners. I’ve also been exposed to a variety of work, which is helping me quickly develop a good knowledge of tax.

I have always been a people-person. So, for me, HLB is a good balance between a small-firm and a big-firm. It has been easy to get to know people but I am also working alongside highly knowledgeable and experienced accountants. I feel lucky to have found myself in a workplace which I thoroughly enjoy being at.

Robbie’s tips for graduates

It’s daunting starting your first full-time job, especially in a new corporate environment. Know that everyone feels the same. Make the effort to get to know your colleagues and become friends with the people you work with. It’s more fun when you can get along with everyone. Always give your best and show a willingness to learn and develop. The philosophy I live by is ‘do things in the present that my future-self would thank me for.’

Bryan

Graduate Accountant, HLB Sydney

Meet Bryan. After completing his degrees, Bryan wanted to find a role at a firm that would help him grow as well as expose him to an interesting client base. He learned about HLB Mann Judd through the AFR Top 100 Accounting Firm’s list.

What’s your ‘Team HLB’ story?

Like Goldilocks when choosing her porridge, I believe a mid-tier firm is ‘just right’ in size for professional learning and growth. A mid-tier firm isn’t too big so that I would end up only specialising in a small area of work; and isn’t too small where I would be working on a little bit of everything and end up becoming a generalist.

When I met with HLB Sydney, I liked that it offered plenty of learning and development opportunities. Particularly, the firm’s internal exchange program where employees can work temporarily in another business division. This approach stood out to me because its early days in my career journey. I want to gain experience in different areas of accounting before choosing a specialty. I don’t want to be five years into my career and ask “I wonder what working in audit is like?

Bryan’s advice for graduates

It’s okay to feel like a fish out of water when first starting out as a fresh graduate. The expectations of a new graduate’s technical knowledge are relatively low as it is developed through training and work experience. What is important for new graduates is to have the right mindset and personality – be intellectually curious, ask questions, take initiative, speak out and you’ll do just fine.

Soumya

Auditor, HLB Perth

Why are you pursuing a career in audit?

A career in auditing exposes you to so many different types of industries and companies, and I personally believe it is a good way to start your career in accounting. Auditors review the financial statements of other companies, and make sure that the information that is shared with the public is correct and not misstated.

Although I have only been in my role for a few weeks, I have been out with senior auditors for client work, and have learned how to conduct low level testing. I have been lucky to be able to work closely with my seniors as they not only tell me how to test client’s creditors or payables, but give me a chance to have a go at doing it by myself.

In my role as an auditor, I hope to continue to support businesses and the wider public, progress in my career as an auditor as the years go by, and make a difference through my work.

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