Meet Tom, a senior manager in the tax consulting team at HLB Mann Judd Melbourne. He joined the firm in 2021 and has a particular focus on start-up business and international tax. Tom is also the proud dad of two daughters – Sienna who is three, and Emilia who is three months. Ahead of Father’s Day we asked Tom how HLB has supported him throughout his parental journey.
Tell us a little about yourself
I’ve been with HLB Mann Judd Melbourne for four and a half years, as part of the tax team. I really enjoy developing relationships with clients and providing them with tax advice that is easy to understand and implement.
On the personal side, I’m the proud dad of two daughters – Sienna who is three, and Emilia who is three months. With my wife Jess, we live in an area with lots of parks and creek lands, so we spend much of our time taking Sienna to the park. Emilia is still a bit too young but it won’t be long!
Another family activity is going to the footy. I love my sport, especially AFL but also cricket and soccer. I used to play soccer but these days I try to stay active through running and going to the gym.
Big changes for you this year?
The big change was welcoming Emilia to the family in May this year. We are learning to balance raising a 3 year old and looking after a newborn, while trying to get as much sleep as we can and manage our work responsibilities. We are loving watching our daughters play and grow together.
How has the firm supported you?
HLB Mann Judd Melbourne has been a fantastic support. I was able to take three weeks paternity leave after Emilia was born, to support my wife and help Sienna adjust, which was incredibly important to us as a family. The parental leave policy of eight weeks leave as a secondary carer gives us the flexibility to split parental leave into blocks so I can take time when it works best for my family. The team is very flexible and allows me to work various hours to ensure I can attend appointments, assist with drop offs and pick ups, and help with the inevitable sick child.
Any advice for your colleagues who are adding to their family?
Be upfront and open with your colleagues about any appointments, family commitments and schedule changes, so the team can adjust accordingly. And most importantly – take the time to be as involved with your family as you can. The newborn phase goes really quickly so make the most of it.
How do you plan on spending Father’s Day this year?
We are heading to Healesville Sanctuary (Australian Wildlife Zoo), followed by a lunch at a winery. I have my fingers crossed that we get nice weather – and that the girls sleep in the car on the way home!