I’ve been fascinated by the accounting world since my school days. I had an aptitude for numbers and close attention to detail. After I passed my higher secondary at the age of 17, I realised I needed more specific accounting skills and that’s how my ACCA journey began. I completed the exams when I was 20 and became an ACCA member when I was 21. Finance seems to have a narrow focus when you look at it as an outsider, but it comes with ample opportunities to explore a dense field filled with career and growth opportunities.
I work as a client accountant in a financial planning and adviser firm in Sydney. My job offers a wide variety of opportunities as I need to perform accounting work for clients with different needs and backgrounds. I’m a very curious person and I like to understand how things work. The job provides varied work and challenging projects.
New technology used in accounting has provided the industry with new avenues to explore. It has encouraged product and service innovation, while also allowing accountants to take on new responsibilities. Mobile and cloud-based accounting are the watchwords now amid advances in technological development. The rise of technology in the accounting industry has brought an aspect of creativity to the role of an accountant.
The rise of technology in the accounting industry has brought an aspect of creativity to the role of an accountant
Networking is vital for your career. It helps you develop and improve your skillset, stay on top of the latest trends in your industry, keep a pulse on the job market, meet prospective mentors, partners and clients, and gain access to the necessary resources that will foster your career development. The importance of the saying ‘no man is an island’ is the reason why many of us need to make a collective effort to achieve professional success. Sometimes, new opportunities aren’t widely advertised, and the best way to learn about them is to get out and speak to people.
I came to Australia two years back, and since then there have been significant changes. Australia is facing a recession and has a forecast budget deficit of over A$200bn (US$146bn). This has resulted in massive job losses, which have indirectly caused societal and lifestyle changes. Australia is currently governed by the Liberal Party, which has favourable policies towards small businesses. However, the government not only faces many challenges from the coronavirus crisis, but also the extended drought affecting farmers, and bushfires impacting small businesses and the livelihoods of many people.
My greatest professional achievement was completing my master’s degree in professional accounting this year with a distinction. I had to manage full-time study while working part-time. This taught me to prioritise time, build great habits and stay focused on my goals. I’m proud of this accomplishment and I feel that what I learned is going to give me a big advantage in my career.
