I work as a business partner (contract) for Estia Health, an ASX 200-listed private aged care company. My job is to dissect the financials and determine overspend due to the pandemic in order for this to be submitted and signed off by auditors for a grant to be approved by the Australian government. Listed agreed care facilities do not get government funding in normal circumstances. I had previously been on a 12-month contract with Australia Energy Market Operator as a program accountant, and I usually have my next contract in place before one ends, but unfortunately this contract was cut short due to the Covid-19 crisis.
I came to Australia while I was still studying to become an ACCA member. Even though I had experience from working at Barclays Bank in the UK, it took a year before I landed my first job as a financial planning analyst in a global company.
Australia is a difficult market to break into, where you require local skills and experience to be recruited. I worked hard to prove my mettle and I’m proud to have had empowering mentors who have helped to shape my career.
Australia is a difficult market to break into, where you require local skills and experience to be recruited. I worked hard to prove my mettle and I’m proud to have had empowering mentors who have helped to shape my career.
The accounting profession is rapidly changing, with organisations adopting newer technologies. I’ve had to adapt from being an accountant to a business adviser by learning new skills and enhancing my critical thinking.
Technology enables me to optimise productivity by ensuring accuracy of financial information, reducing repetitive work, focusing on saving time and bringing efficiencies to the business by adding value.
The biggest achievement is to be able to work remotely. This enables me to provide financial and systems training to project managers, which is cost-effective. Working remotely also reduces communication barriers.
Workplace culture has changed, too. Companies are being more socially, ethically and economically responsible in order to maintain and build a good social presence across various platforms and to attract customers.
Companies have also been challenged by the numerous financial scandals, resulting in tightened security procedures, keeping abreast of rules and regulations, and adhering to these at all times.
The Covid-19 pandemic has rocked the world. I feel proud that Australia’s government has taken the virus very seriously.
Despite the challenges, Australians have always come together as one nation to help the wider community. The government has introduced stimulus packages for businesses and those who have lost jobs.
In my local community, people are helping each other with donations; helping shops by shopping locally; and providing bedding for nurses who are not able to return home due to the risk to their families.
I’ve also noticed a positive change in communication from teams while we work from home and it has strengthened my belief that people will adapt when times get tough.
