We would like to introduce you to Georgia. She is a grad in HLB Mann Judd Sydney’s accounting and tax team. She joined the firm a little over a year ago.

Georgia had been recommended to apply for a role at HLB. She had a family friend who had told her it was a great place to work. Georgia researched HLB (along with some other mid-tier firms) and believed the firm aligned well with her personal values.

Georgia also wanted to work with a range of clients and be involved in meaningful work. She wanted to feel like her contribution and input mattered. HLB ticked several boxes for Georgia including:

  • Being involved with real clients from day one;
  • Working closely with partners and directors;
  • Training and career development including support during CA studies; and
  • Valuing work-life blend and understanding staff enjoy time out of the office.

Follow Georgia as she walks us through a day in the Sydney office

6:30am
I wake up early so that I can aim to be in the office at 8:20am. The workday doesn’t “officially” start until 8:45am but I enjoy using the extra time in the morning to set up and plan for my day. However, if the weather is nice then I will take the ferry to work and arrive at 8:45am.

Once I’m in the office, I find my desk for the day and have a quick chat to whoever is around – whether it is catching up on the latest episode of a show or asking about someone’s upcoming holiday. Then I like to plan my day by listing the weekly tasks and prioritising what needs to be completed. After that, I head to the large communal kitchen and make myself a coffee. One of the Sydney partners bakes cakes and other goodies for everyone in the firm… every week. So I grab the latest delicious treat on offer!

10:30am
Once planning has finished, I dive straight into my client projects. As an accounting and tax graduate this involves working through calculations for client’s income and deductions, making sure we have supporting documentation for each step, and informing the manager or reviewer of any missing information on which we need to contact the client for.

1pm
Lunch is usually around 1pm. It depends on how work is progressing or if we have a training session scheduled for that time.

For lunch I like visiting the nearby food courts or exploring the local restaurants (especially if I am going out to lunch with colleagues).

3pm
After lunch I enjoy another coffee from the kitchen and get back to work. Most projects take the better part of the day. I will update the manager or reviewer on my progress and if there are any issues that need to be addressed. There may also be meetings with my mentor, coaching manager, or coaching partner who provide support to my career development.

5pm onwards
After work the possibilities are endless; especially since the office is situated in Barangaroo. We are surrounded by lots of great places to grab post-work drinks with co-workers and friends.

If I am in the middle of the study period for CA, then I will usually head home to do my readings or work on assignments.

What is an HLB-standout?

I’ve been very impressed with the culture at HLB – everyone is friendly and inclusive. I like getting involved in the organised after-work activities, such as bowling or karaoke nights. On top of that, I feel genuinely supported to succeed and progress in my career. I’ve been exposed to lots of great opportunities in terms of variety of work and range of clients. Lastly, I believe HLB has held up its promise to uphold a good work-life blend.

Georgia’s tips for grads

For those looking for a grad role, make sure to research the firm values. In the job description, look for specific details regarding the role so that you can fully understand what you are applying for. If applicable, you should note whether they provide support for the CA program. It’s important to find a firm that you will be happy working for and that you can see yourself growing in.