Our People, Their Stories - Audit series: Kabeer

The journey so far

My interest in accounting started with financial statements. At high school, I enjoyed looking at the numbers and trying to understand the story behind them – what decisions, risks or activities had led to those outcomes. That interest led me to study a Bachelor of Accounting at Monash University, completing minors in Statistics and Taxation.

At the time, I did not know that internal audit and consulting would become the area I would build my career in. What drew me in was the problem-solving side of the work. Some of my tax units were scenario-based, and I enjoyed working through large amounts of information to come up with a practical answer. Statistics also helped me think differently and build analytical skills that I have since used in advisory work.

Finding my place at HLB

I joined HLB Mann Judd as a graduate in the risk, assurance and consulting team. From the beginning, what stood out to me was how human the process felt. The interview was conversational rather than overly formal, and the firm was open and direct about expectations, career growth and what the role involved. That honesty has continued well beyond the recruitment process.

I remember feeling nervous, challenged and excited all at once. I joined with a group of other graduates across different teams, which helped me settle in quickly. There were areas I found complex at the start, but I never felt discouraged for asking questions.

I asked a lot of questions early on, and people made time to answer them. Managers and the partners were supportive, and even when people were busy, they still made time to check in on my progress, questions and concerns. That still happens today, and it has made a real difference to how I have developed.

Learning and growing

What has kept me interested in internal audit and consulting is the variety. The work can involve financial controls, ESG, operational audits, business transformations, system and process reviews and special advisory work.

As I moved into a consultant, senior consultant, and then assistant manager role with more senior responsibilities, my role changed significantly. Early on, I was focused on learning the methodology, completing fieldwork, documenting evidence and writing clearly. Over time, I started managing more of the delivery, shaping approaches and suggesting the best way forward to managers and partners.

HLB has also supported my development through formal qualifications and broader opportunities. I completed my CA and CIA, and the firm supported me through memberships, study flexibility and development conversations. Balancing study and client work was not always easy, but it taught me a lot about time management and staying organised.

A key opportunity afforded to me was my secondment to Singapore, giving me exposure to a new team, culture and client environment, and taught me flexibility and how risk appetite can differ across organisations.

Opportunities that make a difference

As I have taken on more responsibility, I have also enjoyed supporting others. I first started supervising and coaching staff as a consultant, and I enjoy passing on knowledge and helping team members develop their own skills.

Managing people has also reminded me that everyone is learning. Good coaching is not just about explaining the technical answer; it is also about helping people build confidence, judgement and communication skills.

I have also had opportunities to contribute to technical training, tenders, centralisation tools, AI-related initiatives and even HLB’s risk management processes and practices. These opportunities have helped me see the broader side of the firm and how we can keep improving the way we work.

Life beyond work

I enjoy going to the gym, reading, travelling and watching sport, especially Formula 1! For me, HLB has been a place where I have been able to grow professionally while still being myself – and that has been one of the most valuable parts of the journey.

The future

I am excited to continue growing in my role, building stronger client relationships and contributing to work that is practical and useful. I am also looking forward to supporting the next group of graduates and junior team members, particularly in helping them build confidence, ask questions and find their own working style.