Pia Deng

Intermediate Audit Consultant

1. What do you do? What are the duties, functions and responsibilities that you are involved in as a part of your role?

I have spent the past year as an auditor with SW. We are responsible for assuring financial statements are reasonably stated and comply with relevant accounting standards, so a lot of what we do involves understanding our client’s business processes in order to assess and reach our objective of reasonable assurance. We work individually but also in teams, so there’s always some support.

2. Can you tell us a little about your firm’s work culture and the environment? What sets it apart?

SW has developed a culture where everyone knows they are supported in their development and growth. Our firm values sit at the core of how we work and the part we all play in creating a professional and quality experience while maintaining an open and supportive environment. Personally, I believe what sets SW apart the most is the pride we take in our work and our open doors value. Over the past year, my ability to develop as a young professional has been greatly supported by my seniors, who are always available and ready to assist me in my personal development.

3. How did you get started in this field? How well did your work relate to the experiences or studies you had in university?

My previous experience with Audit was initially limited and only through my university studies. However, in my final year a well commended university convenor, who had worked in the audit field for quite some time, sparked my curiosity in the field with stories of interesting experiences and encounters his position had placed him in. Naturally, following the closure of my time in Tax, I decided to pursue a position in the Audit field, and I am glad to say I now have my own interesting encounters and experiences to recount. The position has tied together my knowledge of accounting gained throughout my studies, with experiences I feel are always interesting in one way or another.

4. Do you have any advice for someone applying for your company? What qualities do you feel sets someone apart in your field?

As an Auditor, there is always something new to think about, so being adaptable and paying attention to the little details are always invaluable qualities! As a recent graduate, I would recommend looking into SW to see how it aligns with you. Overall, our values are very simple but also really powerful in practice: Own It, Love Your Work, Share the Load, Open Doors and Embrace the Ride. These can mean a number of things to different people, but in large what will set you apart the most is to bring forward your own strengths, appreciate others for theirs and be excited to bring ideas and collaborate together. Valuing people is at the core of what we do.

5. What do you find to be the most interesting or challenging part of your work?

For Auditors, the most interesting aspect is the range of industries we come to learn about and understand. No two clients are ever really the same and therefore, no two jobs are ever the same. This level of variety always keeps things interesting and means you're never bored. As for challenges in our field, as any accountant can tell you, managing busy periods can be tough, especially for us who are also completing our further studies and attaining our CA/CPA. This is really the time for our #embracetheride value! I am thankful for the support provided by SW in this area. It’s busy, but my Partners and team also understand the need for work life balance. Which is something not all accounting firms put into practice.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

If I could tell myself 3 things as a student, it would be:

asking for help doesn't make you any less capable, it makes you resourceful!.
be curious and try new things, there is no one ‘right way’ to build a career.
there is a lesson behind every mistake, so #ownit, #embracetheride and keep growing!

Nickolas Hernandez

Your Job Title: Consultant

University Attended: University of Technology Sydney

Degree qualification: Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Medical Science

Year of graduation: 2022

1. What's your employer doing and what are your areas of responsibility?

SW Accountants and Advisors specialises in accounting, audit and financial services and my area of responsibility lies in the tax accounting team. My job entails preparing and resolving tax related affairs for our clients including preparing and lodging tax returns, financial statements and contacting the ATO or ASIC on behalf of a client to help them solve their tax related issues and meet their tax obligations. Everyone who lives in Australia or runs a business within Australia need to pay tax to the government. My job is to help our client to correctly fulfil their tax obligation and help them with any issues that they might have. We help to navigate the complicated rules and regulations of tax and accounting to achieve shared success.

2. Background

I grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney in the Black city council district.

K-12 at a private school
Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Medical Science at university (Major: Accounting)
Travelled to Queensland, Melbourne, Philippines, Singapore and Japan
Worked at 2 restaurants as a casual worker
Completed CTA1
Currently working at SW Accountants & Advisors
Currently Studying the CA course

I grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney in the Black city council district. Throughout university, I was studying a double degree in Medical Science and Business. After a couple years of studying, I realised that I was much more passionate about Business and in particular, accounting and decided to pursue that as my career instead of pursuing the Medical Science field. Starting at SW has further increased my passion for accounting and has helped me develop in my career through study and experience. My studies involved completing CTA 1 and am currently studying CA. I got my current job through online application to a graduate role followed by a series of interviews and meetings with the firm. I have been working at this job for 10 months.

3. Firm work culture and environment

SW have numerous perks, we have hybrid working style to suit your lifestyle, study support, free lunches to name a few. I have also been a part of several events such as several trips to Melbourne for inductions and learning experiences, a Tax retreat in Melbourne, trivia nights, inter company sports events, Christmas and end of financial year parties, and more. SW has a great workplace culture where everyone in the firm helps to support and teach others whenever possible. Everyone is friendly and is willing to take the time to get to know one another. SW offers a wide range of support to its employees to ensure that every employee is valued.

4. Interesting and challenging aspects of work

What I love most about my job is that I am able to see how my work can truly affect client and help them when we are able to achieve a desired outcome for them. Even through hard times, knowing that I am constantly learning in order to help others through my work is very fulfilling. One of my biggest challenges so far has been adapting to studying while also doing full time work. Meeting deadlines for work and for studying CA can be exhausting at times and is a real challenge I am still trying to overcome. However, SW does provide study support to help me through my journey.

5. Advice for someone applying to SW? Qualities set someone apart in the field?

A quality that sets someone apart would be curiosity and to ask questions. My advice would be to continue to ask questions. At SW, everyone is more than happy to teach others and to share their knowledge, so being someone who asks a lot of questions is valuable to gain knowledge in the field from as many experts as possible.

6. 3 Pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student?

Look further ahead: Don’t constantly focus on what is stressing you out immediately, look at the bigger picture and slowly work towards what you truly want.
Don’t leave things to the last minute: you always stress because of deadlines coming up. Start working early and create good habits.
Create more plans: If you can create good and feasible plans and stick to them, you will continue to grow and achieve the goals you have for your future.

Laura Nield

Your Job Title: Intermediate Consultant
Previously was a vacationer and was promoted to Graduate then intermediate consultant at SW

University Attended: Monash

Degree qualification: Bachelor of Commerce

Year of graduation: 2022

1. What's your employer doing and what are your areas of responsibility?

SW offers diverse opportunities across tax, audit, and business and private clients advisory (BPCA). Catering to a broad clientele ranging from individuals and family groups to trusts, companies, and international entities, the work encompasses a variety of tasks. I work in the BPCA division, specifically working with individuals and family groups. On a daily basis, I engage in client correspondence to fulfill their specific requirements while collaborating with my team to handle a range of responsibilities, from preparing various taxation necessities like tax returns to company financial statements. Additionally, I manage company accounting systems, oversee payments and payroll, and have the privilege of contributing to cross-team collaborations within my division. These interactions include tasks such as data entry and reporting for our international clients. The dynamic nature of each client's needs ensures that no two days are alike, providing a constant stream of engaging tasks.

2. Background

Growing up in a small rural town four hours outside of Melbourne, the opportunities for professional development and growth are limited. I made the decision to relocate to Melbourne for university in 2019 where I completed a Bachelor of Commerce. During my university degree, I undertook two accounting internships, one if which was with SW. Gratefully, I secured a grad position with SW after my internship. Choosing to remain in Melbourne post-graduation, I embarked on a rewarding professional journey with a company that recognises and nurtures talent.

3. Firms culture and environment?

SW has a vibrant and approachable work culture. There are always social events on ranging from formal events such as the annual ball, to more informal events such as trivia nights and everything in between. These events are a great way to network outside of your team. The free lunches are always a perk, while the option to engage in various clubs and programs contributes to a friendly and inclusive work atmosphere. One standout aspect is the willingness of everyone to lend a helping hand; there's a widespread sense of belonging, ensuring that no one ever feels out of place. Overall, SW's workplace radiates positivity and friendship.

4. Interesting and challenging aspects of work

My team at SW have always provided me with learning opportunities to excel in my role. Whether it be through receiving more challenging and complex tasks or professional development courses offered by the firm, you are always continuously learning keeping the job engaging and rewarding.

Embarking on my CA journey has been a challenging aspect of my role. Juggling full-time work and studies can be overwhelming. However, SW provides an exceptional support network that extends beyond the CA program, covering day-to-day responsibilities within the role. This ensures that, even during the most demanding times, you never feel like you’re navigating challenges alone.

5. Advice for someone applying to SW? Qualities set someone apart in the field?

A good starting point for applying for any job is to do your research on the company you are applying for. Understand its values and what makes it different to others in the field. By doing this you get a good understanding of what it may be like to work at the company and how it can benefit you. And as always, be yourself!

6. 3 Pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student?

Network – whether it be through attending career events or joining social clubs, networking is a great way to make connections and build a support network.
Have a balanced lifestyle – while academics is important, it is equally as important to take time for yourself and your personal and social wellbeing. Balancing your priorities will flow into academic success.
Seek Internship and Hands-On Experience – actively pursue opportunities to continue to learn about your field of study. University provides the basis for your chosen field but the real learning comes from gaining real-world experience and putting what you have learnt into practice. Plus it also gives you a competitive edge when you enter the job market.

Matt Moore

Your Job Title: Graduate Accountant
Previously was a vacationer at SW and was promoted to Graduate consultant at SW

University Attended: RMIT University

Degree qualification: Bachelor of Business (Professional Accountancy)

Year of graduation: 2022

1. What's your employer doing and what are your areas of responsibility?

I work in business private client advisory in the agriculture and automotive team, my responsibilities consist of compliance work through tax returns and Business Activity Statement preparation, bookkeeping & payroll. A normal day obviously starts with coffee, from there I always read my emails if I have any questions or information from clients which I would action in that instant. If not then I would tackle some tax returns for groups that usually involve companies, trusts, and individuals. Currently I am circling between two current jobs one which is a large group that has 4 individuals, 10 companies and 8 trusts. The other being a monthly bookkeeping task where we process invoices that need to be paid by our client each month for them through Xero. If I were to tell my younger self what I currently do at SW. I would say helping people financially. Through providing tax advice or completing their yearly tax returns and activity statements. As well as being a part of the culture at the firm. This is through creating great relationships and connections to help build myself professionally and take part in so many different experiences to learn from and use on a daily basis.

2. Background

I Grew up in South Morang which is north-east of Melbourne. The most important stages of my life would be the jobs I’ve had such as working in a call centre, as an accounting intern, in retail and at SW. I have learnt so many different skills being both technical as well as communicative which I have been able to apply to my current role at SW. It has been an easy transition to work at SW through my previous experiences. For example, my retail experience taught me to put myself out there and talk to anyone. I got my current job position from being a vacationer at SW. I applied and was accepted to take part in a 6-week program working for SW as a student to gain experience of what it is like to work in the division. I worked with two separate teams, one being the team I currently work in. I have been working at SW for 11 months.

3. Firms culture and environment?

There are many perks, to name a few the amenities in the office/building are spectacular and make it so comfortable and inviting to come into the office. Another benefit would be lunches are provided weekly which gets staff very excited and brings a lot of people into the office which really creates a culture and fun environment. I have been a part of our divisional event at the Melbourne Zoo, which was a lot of fun to have lunch as a division and compete in an amazing race around the Zoo in selected teams. I have also been a part of some parties such as the EOFY party and the Christmas party which were great opportunities to create solid connections and relationships. My team is amazing. Everyone is very different and unique in their own way which really brings everyone together. We are all constantly learning from each other and really enjoy helping each other to reach our goals and aspirations.

4. Interesting and challenging aspects of work

I enjoy working through compliance work. There is a real sense of accomplishment when you finish a project, and it is all signed off. Working in different industries and clients is the best way you can learn in the field as every client is different. A challenge I face is juggling both work and study. SW makes it very easy in providing support with study leave. People in the firm have all been in the same position of studying for CA and working full-time. Making it great to learn how people tackled their CA journey differently, taking their advice and working on an approach that best works for yourself. SW also keeps us on track with subject updates and tasks we need to complete in relation to our studies.

5. Advice for someone applying to SW? Qualities set someone apart in the field?

My advice is to be confident. Confidence really sets someone apart. Someone that can really carry themselves and be eager to learn is also very important. Accounting is a profession where tax laws and legislation are always changing so you must be very motivated and excited by the idea of always learning. Be a strong communicator is also important both in person and online. Sharing the load and working as a teamwork makes the dream work!

6. 3 Pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student?

Some advice I would give my younger self would be that experience is the most important thing. You learn so much on the job that you should take on all the vacationer or intern jobs you can because it really sets you up for the future. Another piece of advice would be to be yourself and be confident in the person you are, it makes it so much easier to work and grow in an environment when you’re comfortable. Lastly, I would experiment more with my university electives. You can always translate something you have learnt through university in your everyday life whether that be through work or outside of work. It doesn’t hurt to learn something different.

Fifi Ang

Your Job Title: Tax Graduate

University Attended: RMIT Australia

Degree qualification: Bachelor of Accountancy, Master in Finance, CPA

Year of graduation: 2020

1. What's your employer doing and what are your areas of responsibility?

My team in the tax division specialise in fund management, property, agribusiness and family business and investment. I assist with the tax compliance which involves preparation of income tax return for trust, company and individuals. The type of work I do include preparing draft tax returns, liaise with BPCA team, working on financials and ad hoc tax questions from clients. If I were to tell my younger self what I currently do at SW, it will be firstly a lot of learning. We have weekly trainings and monthly trainings. The trainings have a lot of variety on how they are delivered, some of these trainings are round tables, some are lunch and learns and some are technical trainings. You also learn different systems and software. Tax is a division where you tend to learn a lot about income tax, goods and services tax, fringe benefit tax and more.

2. What is your background

I grew up in Malysia. It took me 5 years to get to my current job position as my previous work sectors included real estate and banking. My transition to accounting was because of mentors. SW has allowed me to learn a lot of life experiences including technical such as excel, accounting software and soft skills such as communication.

3. Firms culture and environment?

People here are very helpful and nice I also love working with my team. There is an open door policy and I feel like I can always ask questions and learn from my peers. Working at SW has perks and fun events. I have been a part of a few events such as Tax retreat, Christmas party, coffee ambassador and I get to meet clients.

4. Interesting and challenging aspects of work

I have the best team everyone could ask for. There are a lot of communication and guidance when required. I also enjoy completing tax compliance jobs like lodging income tax. The challenges in tax are that you could receive tax questions from clients that require a lot of research. Completing my CPA course has been very helpful in understanding tax issues and tax law.

5. Advice for someone applying to SW? Qualities set someone apart in the field?

Do not afraid to ask and make mistakes.
Everyone will learn from mistakes and make sure you learn from it.
Chill and relax and be yourself.
Step out from your comfort zone and start conversation with others.

6. 3 Pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student?

Take classes you know nothing about rather than classes likely to be easy.
Don't ever underestimate the importance of sleep.
Tell the truth. If you can’t, then whatever you are doing is a bad idea.

Ivana Valuri

Your Job Title: Consultant in Assurance and Advisory Division

University Attended: Edith Cowan University

Degree qualification: Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Science – Majors (Accounting and Chemistry)

Year of graduation: 2022

1. What's your employer doing and what are your areas of responsibility?

SW Accountants and Advisors are an independent, national firm with a strong presence across Australia. Based in the Perth Office, I am apart of the Assurance and Advisory Division (AAD) dealing with a wide range of clients from the Mining across to the Not-for-profit sectors. A day in the life of a Consultant within AAD consists of a team meeting or two discussing our Audit plan for an engagement for example, an exploration and development mining entity whereby a discussion with the Auditor In Charge and Partner occurs developing a workflow plan as well as identifying the types of risks and procedures we need to address and perform in line with the Accounting Standards. Next, some technical training in regard to specific sections of an audit for example, expenses and payroll. These are common sections allocated to junior consultants which involve multiple components of Test of Detail procedures and/or Substantive Analytical procedures. These procedures are all dependent on the discussions had in the Audit Plan meeting. And finally, some test of control procedures. A major part of an audit is to identify controls the client as put in place to ensure that material misstatement of accounts does not occur. As auditors we need to sit and discuss with the client what these controls are and test whether these controls exist and are effective. Test of control procedures occur in the revenue, expense, payroll and financial reporting sections of the audit. Taking a graduate role shows you are wiling to learn and grow. Asking questions and taking on opportunities is where you are meant to be. Having a basic understanding of the audit process and accounting concepts definitely helps however, you are not expected to know everything straight away.

2. What is your background

I was born and raised in Perth, WA however, I am lucky to be a part of a very multiculture family. Prior to completing my degrees, I worked in Jewellery for 5+ years where I loved learning about the production process as well as how such a big retail entity runs and operates. Working in retail was one of the biggest blessings in disguise. One of my major skills I needed to grow was my teamwork and communication skills and without working all those hours with my amazing team and learning that people are people I would not be able to communicate the way I do today. In my final year of studies, I was deciding on which route I wanted to take in my career. I was looking on all different job seeking websites where I came across SW looking for graduates in their brand-new office located in Perth where I now have been a consultant for just over 9 months.

3. Firms culture and environment?

SW has a lot of perks, there are 2 SW Days (paid days off), free lunch and CA and CPA incentives including study leave days for assessments. There is also interstate travel. In my first 6 months I travelled to the interstate offices for lots of Training and events. You also get to be a part of a national firm, you are apart of audit teams all around the country where you can network with the other offices. Being at SW for 9 months now I have been apart of Quarterly AAD Team Activities which include escape Rooms, lunches and ice cream! I have been apart of end of year events, Mental Health Day, Chinese New Year Celebrations and Melbourne morning teas. Being a part of the smaller team here in the Perth office of AAD creates a space where you can connect with all your team members on different levels including the management and partners. Having weekly catch ups formal and informal creates a space for you to be yourself as well as be able to ask as many questions as you need. The team here is so open to helping you whether big or small and we all work together to ensure your workload is manageable. I have been able to meet and lean off some very knowledgeable people whether that is technical skill but also interpersonal skills understanding the best way to approach specific situations with specific personality types.

4. Interesting and challenging aspects of work

My job tests me in the all the right ways. Technically and personally which overall will grow me as a professional. Within my daily tasks, it requires me to problem solve and adapt to the situation at hand to ensure that my productivity is sufficient. It creates a safe space for me to learn my strengths and weaknesses to the job whether it being a technical skill within a specific section of an audit or how to reword an email whereby I may need a significant amount of information from a client that will irritate them. It also allows me to set my short- and long-term goals where my managers can see where I want to be in the future and give them a better understanding of where I want to be.

5. Advice for someone applying to SW? Qualities set someone apart in the field?

SW provides you with a foundation, great work culture, knowledgeable people, flexible working conditions, rewarding learning and development workshops and connections within multiple industries and services. My advice is to take advantage of it. Being a consultant allows you to try different industries and services, it gives you an opportunity to travel and explore and it gives you the ability to meet some incredible people while doing it. Full-time work is not easy so you need to enjoy the place where you will be 8 hours a day.

6. 3 Pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student?

Have an open mind and willingness to learn and grow. Take on new and different challenge and experiences. Trust me you will gain from it.
Believe in Karma
Never give up your hobbies