Member profile: Matthew Gould

Employer: Greenwoods & Herbert Smith Freehills Pty Ltd

Position: Associate

I completed a Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Melbourne in 2010, and started as a graduate at Herbert Smith Freehills in 2011. Following three 8-month graduate rotations, one of which was in tax, I decided to settle at Greenwoods in 2012. I chose tax because I felt it offered a good variety of interesting work that was intellectually stimulating.

Describe your current role

My current role involves both transactional and advisory work, with a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions and infrastructure and property projects. This work commonly involves advising on the tax aspects of transaction documents such as share sale agreements and loan documentation, as well as providing detailed opinions outlining the tax profile of major projects. At Greenwoods we get the opportunity to work closely with Directors from the outset to the completion of a matter.

What are your career highlights?

The highlights to date have been having the opportunity to work closely with, and learning from, leading tax advisors, as well as being able to work on a number of interesting public transactions.

Why did you join The Tax Institute?

I joined The Tax Institute so that I could regularly attend seminars on topics of interest, and have access to publications.

What advice can you give to graduates?

I think as a graduate it is important to be willing to learn, particularly in tax where the learning curve is so steep. Although at times as a graduate you may be given work that is less than exciting, being enthusiastic and focusing on being a contributing team member will ensure that when more interesting work is on offer you will be trusted to do it.

Who or what inspires you?

I wouldn’t say that I have a specific source of inspiration, but I find it a lot easier to work in an environment where I am surrounded by lots of smart, hard-working people.

What do you do to unwind?

I find running to be a good way to give my mind a break, either during the day or before and after work. I also enjoy catching up with friends, live music, reading (non-tax!) and my weekly TV fix.

Favourite holiday destination?

I can’t go past New York – there is so much to do, and the atmosphere is incredible.