We would like to introduce you to Holly. She commenced working at the HLB 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. After researching graduate programs Holly found that HLB Sydney had a positive team culture focused on health, wellbeing and fun. It seemed like the perfect fit!
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.
Follow Holly as she walks us through a day in the Sydney office
5:15am
I am a morning person. I like to start my day by going to the gym before work. Feeling refreshed and energized for the day, I make my way to the Sydney office.
When I’m in the office, I usually arrive between 8:15am and 8:30am. My first task is to prepare for the day ahead. I make a list of things that need to be done before jumping into a daily catch up with my team to discuss our priorities for the day.
Mid-morning
I spend my morning working with my team through client files. This task will often require me to communicate directly with clients to resolve queries and gain an understanding of their operations. As an auditor we will often be out on site to ask the client questions (during pandemic restrictions we substituted site visits for video chats and emails).
Lunchtime
Lunch usually falls anytime between 12noon and 2pm depending on workflow.
When the weather is nice, I like to take my lunch breaks outside. I enjoy either going for a run with colleagues or a casual walk around Barangaroo Reserve. HLB’s office building has shower facilities which makes being active so much easier and manageable.
Mid-afternoon onwards
After lunch, I will continue working through client files. I will often sit down with my senior to resolve any outstanding items in workpapers or discuss any questions I have.
After the work day finishes, I head home and with the last of the afternoon light, to either go for a beach walk and swim.
It doesn’t happen everyday however…
From my past year working at HLB, the highlight has been meeting a whole new group of people from audit team members, mentors, and fellow graduates. Everyone has been so welcoming and has made my first year so much more enjoyable.
I have also loved the various competitions HLB has run including Fit24 and STEPtember which brings out everyone’s competitive spirit.
Holly’s advice for graduates
From my experience I would recommend doing your research to find a firm that aligns with your goals and values.