Our People, Their Stories - Audit series: Mruthika Ravi

The journey so far

Growing up in Kuwait, I was always drawn to business, economics and accounting. When I chose accounting and business studies in high school, I discovered that I enjoyed analysing problems and understanding the factors that influence business decisions.

After high school, I moved to Australia to study a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Finance, at the University of Melbourne. Like many international students, moving halfway across the world was both exciting and challenging. I quickly fell in love with Melbourne and knew I wanted to build a future here.

During university, I participated in business case competitions where teams analysed organisations and developed practical recommendations. I enjoyed learning how organisations function and developing solutions to real-world challenges.

After graduating in 2022, I began my career in accounts for a sports apparel distributor. The role provided valuable exposure to finance operations and business processes while helping me build strong professional foundations. Through that experience, I realised I was particularly interested in problem-solving, continuous learning and gaining exposure to different industries.

Finding my place at HLB

Risk, assurance and consulting felt like a natural fit. It combined many of the things I had enjoyed throughout university and my early career, including working with a diverse range of clients and helping them address complex challenges. That’s what led me to join HLB’s graduate program in 2022.

When I first joined HLB, I quickly realised how much there was to learn. Having grown up on the other side of the world, I was unfamiliar with many aspects, terminologies and operating environments across Australian industries and sectors, including the public sector, not-for-profit, health, local government and education.

I still remember my first procurement internal audit review and feeling out of my depth, wondering whether I would ever reach that level of confidence.

Fast forward a few years, and I found myself delivering procurement training to colleagues. It was one of those moments where I stopped and realised just how much I had grown. What once felt overwhelming had gradually become familiar through experience, support and continuous learning. Today, I feel confident leading reviews and engaging with stakeholders, but I still learn something new every time I work.

Learning and growing

One of the biggest changes since joining HLB has been the shift from learning from others to helping others learn. As a graduate, I relied heavily on my managers. They invested time in building my foundations and helping me develop both technically and professionally.

I now have the opportunity to support, mentor and coach graduates and junior team members. Watching them develop confidence and grow in their roles has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey so far. It’s equally rewarding to know that the work we do contributes to meaningful outcomes for clients and to receive positive feedback on the value we’ve delivered through our engagements.

Opportunities that make a difference

The biggest reason I’ve stayed at HLB is the people. If I had to describe HLB’s culture in three words, I’d say it’s supportive, collaborative and authentic.

From day one, what stood out to me was how approachable everyone was. I’ve never been afraid to say, “I don’t know”, and at HLB, people work with you to find answers and learn together. That culture has played a huge role in building my confidence over the years.

Even when I’m leading engagements independently or working remotely, I never feel like I’m doing it alone. There is always someone willing to provide guidance, offer a different perspective or help work through a challenge.

Life beyond work

I enjoy classical dance, cooking and exploring hidden gems around Victoria. I love hosting friends, whether that’s trying out a new recipe or simply spending time together over good food.

You’ll often find me exploring local markets, discovering new cafés or treating myself to a Yochi after a long day. A perfect weekend for me usually starts with a dance class followed by brunch with friends and, if I’m lucky, an afternoon movie and nap.

The future

Risk, assurance and consulting is constantly evolving, and every engagement brings new challenges, perspectives and opportunities to develop new skills. That’s what attracted me to the profession in the first place and what continues to motivate me today.

My journey at HLB has been one of continuous learning, growing confidence and incredible support. I’ve had the opportunity to work with amazing people, support clients across a range of industries and develop skills I never imagined I’d have when I first joined. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue taking on new challenges and seeing where the next stage of my career takes me.