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.

Georgia

Graduate Accountant, HLB Sydney

We would like to introduce you to Georgia, a graduate in Sydney’s accounting and tax team. After researching HLB, along with the other mid-tier firms, she believed the firm aligned well with her personal values.

Georgia also wanted to work with a range of clients and be involved in meaningful work. She wanted to feel like her contribution and input mattered. HLB ticked the right boxes for Georgia.

We asked Georgia to share what had been a stand-out experience since had been joining the firm. We also asked her to share some tips for other graduates considering a role in the profession.

“I’ve been very impressed with the culture at HLB – everyone is friendly and inclusive. I like getting involved in the organised after-work activities, such as bowling or karaoke nights. On top of that, I feel genuinely supported to succeed and progress in my career. I’ve been exposed to lots of great opportunities in terms of variety of work and range of clients. Lastly, I believe HLB has held up its promise to uphold a good work-life blend.

For those looking for a grad role, make sure to research the firm values. In the job description, look for specific details regarding the role so that you can fully understand what you are applying for. If applicable, you should note whether they provide support for the CA program. It’s important to find a firm that you will be happy working for and that you can see yourself growing in.”

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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