Meet Aqeel, an intermediate auditor at HLB Mann Judd Perth. He joined the firm in January 2023, two months after graduating from the University of Western Australia (UWA) with a double major in finance and accounting.
Outside of work, cricket plays a huge role in Aqeel’s life, and he is deeply committed to the sport. Cricket also led Aqeel to HLB – first through a recommendation to apply from a teammate at his local cricket club and later when he discovered that one of his under-10s cricket coaches, Norman Neill, was a partner (now Managing Partner) at the firm.
What’s your ‘Team HLB’ story?
My drive comes from a desire to constantly challenge and improve myself. In my final year at university, I decided a mid-tier firm like HLB would be a great fit for me. I was looking for an employer that provided a supportive yet challenging environment where I can build a strong foundation in audit. I also wanted to gain hands-on experience with a diverse range of clients.
What has made HLB stand out since joining the firm is the close-knit, team-oriented culture, where I can make meaningful contributions and most importantly grow personally and professionally while balancing my sporting career with my passion for auditing.
For me, playing professional cricket is a mix of passion, hard work and dedication. I currently play for the Malaysian National Team which has been a surreal experience. The pride that comes from wearing the national colors and competing against some of the best cricketers in the world is something I’ll always treasure.
Follow Aqeel as he walks us through a day in the Perth office
8:30am
Most days I’m up at 6.30am – against my will, but on days I have training it’s 6.00am. I’m about as far from a morning person as you can get. I’m usually good for a wave and nod, just don’t expect many words from me until the coffee kicks in.
I usually reach the office no later than 8.30am and around 7.45am on training days.
Mid-morning
Taking a break for a mid-morning coffee with a couple of my close friends in the office is an essential part of my day.
My mornings vary entirely depending on the current stage of the audit we are working on. It may range from assessing risks to performing tests on transactions or reviewing financial statements. What’s great is that I know that if I’m ever stuck, there is always someone available to provide guidance.
Lunchtime
My work friends and I always take our lunch break at 1pm. Rain, hail or shine, we sit outside on the firm’s balcony benches to have our lunch. It’s a nice break from the office, giving us a chance to get some fresh air while catching up.
After eating, it’s a non-negotiable ritual for us to go shoot hoops on the basketball courts next to the office or go for a walk to clear our heads.
The afternoon onwards
After lunch, I usually continue working through client files, making sure everything is up to date.
I’ll often sit down with my senior to go over any unresolved issues in the workpapers or to clarify any questions I have. It’s a good opportunity to ensure we’re aligned on the work, and I always get some valuable insights that help me move things forward.
Other HLB highlights include…
HLB Mann Judd has been incredibly supportive in helping me build my skills, providing opportunities to travel to places like Sydney and Melbourne for courses and training. A definite highlight was conducting a 5:00am stocktake in Kalbarri, a tiny town I had flown to specifically for that purpose.
Aqeel’s advice for graduates
First, be proactive about learning – ask questions and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. It’s all part of the growth process. Also, remember that balance is crucial. Working hard doesn’t mean sacrificing your well-being or personal time.