What's your job about?
In my role as a Graduate Accountant at Mclean Delmo Bentleys, our firm provides comprehensive accounting and financial advisory services to clients. My primary responsibilities involve preparing tax returns ranging from individual, company, and trust to partnership, and assisting the team with tax compliance and regulatory liaison.
On a daily basis, I handle tasks such as preparing accounts and reconciling transactions. For example, on a typical day, I might start by reconciling bank statements, followed by compiling financial reports for clients and then assisting teams with compliance preparations. There are days when there is accounting training Throughout the week, I collaborate with senior accountants on various projects, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
In simple terms: imagine you're balancing your checkbook and tracking how much you spend and earn. My job is similar, but on a larger scale, helping businesses keep track of their money and making sure everything is accurate and meets legal requirements. An interesting detail is that the work can vary greatly—one day I might be analyzing tax returns and the next, I could be helping a client optimize their business finances.
What's your background?
I grew up in Malaysia, a beautiful country made up of two main islands. Growing up in Malaysia instilled in me a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and traditions. My educational journey began with a diploma earned locally, which laid the foundation for my career in accounting. While studying full-time, I worked part-time as a junior accountant in a forestry company, where I gained practical experience in accounting. This experience was invaluable and reinforced my passion for the field.
Seeking broader horizons, I pursued a bachelor's degree at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. After graduating, I worked as a general accountant for three years. In this role, I was responsible for all aspects of company accounting compliance, including tax compliance, payroll, HR, Workcover, invoicing, and delivery project management. I had the opportunity to work directly under directors in a shopfitting construction industry, which provided me with a well-rounded understanding of the business.
In January 2024, I joined Mclean Delmo Bentleys Melbourne (MCDB) as a graduate accountant, a position through a job advertisement on the company’s website. It’s hard to believe that six months have already flown by now! I This role has allowed me to focus more on tax accounting, reigniting my passion for the field.
Throughout my journey, important life events and decisions, such as studying abroad and transitioning from commercial to tax accounting, have shaped who I am today. Each experience has contributed to my growth and development, both personally and professionally.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Yes and no. Yes, because many skills are transferable. My background in commercial accounting gives me an understanding of tax clients' accounting situations. Not limited to payroll compliance, Workcover, and payroll tax. Additionally, it has helped me develop strong communication skills when dealing with clients. A place that shaped my soft skills such as attention to detail, analytical thinking, problem-solving and the ability to adapt to various client needs.
No, because tax accounting requires more technical skills in tax and a broader range of expertise. Dealing with different clients and diverse situations demands a deep understanding of tax laws and regulations. Practical experience in accounting, especially in tax, is also highly beneficial.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
The coolest thing about my job at MCDB is helping clients navigate complex tax situations while also building up my tax knowledge in deductible expenses. I love it as it is something practical that can be applied to our lives.
What are the limitations of your job?
The biggest limitation of my job is the significant responsibility and pressure to ensure accuracy in tax compliance and reporting. Even though as a grad, mistakes can have serious financial and legal consequences for clients. The job can also be mentally demanding, especially during tax season, requiring extra hours and focus to meet deadlines. These factors can make the job stressful and demanding, but I enjoy learning something new and keeping up with the pace!
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