Achievements from an international student, Fei Han, in 7 years

I came to Australia in 2005, from China, as an international student. After initially basing myself in Perth, I moved to Melbourne in 2007 and graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2009 with a Master’s degree in Accounting.  

Having started my career in Audit at Ernst & Young China, I moved in to a Business Advisory role at Crowe Horwath Melbourne. As a graduate, I was really inspired by a couple of partners. They taught me how to satisfy your clients’ needs and build long term relationships with your clients. They also showed me how to balance their work and personal life. After a number of Crowe Horwath partners left to commence their own practice, Boss Private Clients, I choose to join them and became an integral part of their boutique accounting firm. 

Whilst working here I specialised in business advisory and providing accounting and taxation services to private clients. 

In 2015, I choose to become a member of The Tax institute. Among other things, I found that by become a member of a leading tax association it assisted me with services my clients better and I felt that by increasing my knowledge around tax, I would better position myself to give advice and guide our clients. I became a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand in 2014.

In 2015, I joined Grant Thornton’s Private Advisory division as an Assistant Manager. As an Assistant Manager I manage a portfolio of clients, delegate and review compliance work of junior staff, consult clients on tax matters and manage accounting and business aspects along with other duties. 

Throughout my career, I have continued to work closely with a diverse base of clients, ranging from family groups, high net worth individuals and SME’s. The advice that I want to give to graduates is that to be a good accountant or tax adviser requires many skills besides accounting and tax knowledge. Soft skills are critical in your career development.

If you also with to join a membership focused organisation to assist you with developing your client skills and tax technical knowledge, visit taxinstitute.com.au/members for further information. 

Juanita Sands’, FTI, compelling story about following your career dreams

Throughout my education I always had a passion for maths and not much else besides reading.  My high school teachers loved telling me I should do something like accounting when I grew up, but being a teenager who did the opposite of what teachers said there was no way I was going to become something boring like an accountant. After starting a maths, psych and law degree, I ultimately ended up at TAFE doing an office administration certificate and loved the accounting subjects and have not looked back since.

After spending 12 years at a local accounting firm, I made the decision to move into a Senior Analyst role with Deloitte. My current role is very broad and diverse working is areas such as:

•  business advisory services – working with small to medium
• tax review of large corporate clients for our audit team, some of whom are listed
• tax provisions for large and listed corporations 
• provide advice for and oversee half of our local office’s self-managed superannuation funds
•  tax advice for our office on a range of areas. To name a few
• Small business CGT concessions – this and super are on of the greatest tax advantages for small business’
• Employee benefits - eligible termination payments, fringe benefits, employee allowances
• Research & Development
• Assessing grant income
• Taxation of trust income
• Deceased Estates

My most satisfying moments are helping others with tax questions, whether small or large questions and helping them to grow their knowledge.  Having people say ‘but how do you know that’ or ‘where do you know to look for the answer’ then showing them how they can get that knowledge.  I found that The Tax Institute is one of my favourite search websites.

I had the opportunity to attend a few of The Tax Institute’s  Tasmanian State Conventions and when I attended a National Convention in 2010 I was given the opportunity to apply for membership at a reduced rate which I took. The resources that The Tax Institute have on the website is great for any sort of tax research and the publications on offer have a great hands on approach to working through complex areas of practice. Membership provides me with access to these and discounts to the many training sessions.

I am currently completing the Tax Institute’s GraduateDiploma of Applied Tax Law and enrolled in the Advanced Superannuation, with Corporate Tax next semester being my last subject.  The Graduate Diploma has been good to cement the knowledge that I already have.

I have now been in accounting for over 15 years and am a single mum to a gorgeous and smart college student.  My daughter inspires me every day.  When starting college this year she was really nervous and concerned about the challenges that she would face.  She accepted the challenge and came out of the first day smiling and ready to take on the world.  This is the way she deals with all challenges in her life.  Having worked full time since she was in primary school and part time while I studied before that I found that work/life balance can be a juggle but is very rewarding being a mum, while working full time.

 To find out more about the Graduate Diploma, visit taxinstitute.com.au/education.

Eva Ewe, FTI. A Tasmanian graduate striving for a career in tax

I joined The Tax Institute because I wanted to equip myself with a deeper understanding in the application of tax law. My firm’s partner also encouraged me to join the Institute because of the access to tax resources and the wider tax community. I am currently part of the Hobart Young Tax Practitioners discussion group. We meet on a weekly basis to discuss monthly tax updates, and a person within the group presents on a topic of their choice. It’s a great way to interact with peers within the industry, from different accounting firms.

In 2009, I completed a bachelor of law from University of Tasmania and became a qualified legal practitioner. However, I decided to embark on a Masters of Professional Accounting in order to provide myself with an edge. In my penultimate year, I managed to secure an internship with Accru Hobart via the Chartered Accountants Achiever Program and was offered a job upon completion of the internship. I’ve been with Accru Hobart for close to 4 years, and became a Chartered Accountant in September 2015. I am hoping to start The Tax Institute’s Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law in 2016.

I am involved in tax and audit within the firm. I deal with a lot of not-for-profits and SME businesses. This involves tax compliance matters, providing written statements of advice, advising on business structures and related tax implications, and more.

I’ve enjoyed the learning process I’ve had throughout my career. There isn’t anything specific, but the challenges that have come along have pushed me to work harder in providing solutions that clients need. I always get a sense of achievement when clients are happy with the services provided.

Are you looking for career progression? Find out more about The Tax Institute's education programs and subjects.

Vivian Wang’s life two years after graduating

I began my interest in the accounting industry through my Bachelor of Commerce in 2010 at the University of Western Australia majoring in Financial Accounting and Management Accounting with a Business Law minor. My passion for accounting picked up during the second year of my degree when I began working part-time at the R E Ledger. I was able to relate what I have learned on paper to real life situations, which was challenging yet interesting to me. I undertook an Honours year following my Bachelor degree at UWA and commenced full-time work at R E Ledger in 2014. I have completed my study with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2015 and am embarking on the CTA3 Advisory program with The Tax Institute in 2016.

My current role at R E Ledger is quite diverse. It varies from client meetings to tax research to preparation and review of financial statements and tax returns to supervising our junior and intermediate staff. I have had the opportunity to work closely with our director on ATO Tax Audits and company liquidations which were most fascinating.

I’ve had the opportunity to learn from and work with leading tax advisors while working on a diverse and fascinating group of clients, allowing me to gain valuable knowledge and skills on various aspects of our industry. Using these skills to help and work with clients to achieve their objectives is very rewarding for me. Another highlight would be finishing my CA study and achieving merit results for both Taxation and Financial Reporting.

I was encouraged by my mentor to join The Tax Institute to further enhance my tax skills. The Institute’s seminars and publications provide me with an excellent opportunity to enhance my tax knowledge and skills.  In addition, joining The Tax Institute provides great opportunities to meet other like-minded tax professionals.

Whether it is learning new knowledge or keeping up to date with changes within the industry, study in our profession never ends. Being proactive and never being afraid to ask questions are the key to gaining knowledge and experience. 

Want to expand your education, visit taxinstitute.com.au/education for further information.

Adrian Cartland’s life as a Principal in a law firm

Employer: Cartland Law

Position: Principal

I was drawn into tax when I was in University. I had always known that I wanted to work in a business related area of law, and then in my final year of law I did tax as a subject and was inspired by the ability to use tax planning to assist commercial objectives. I was also fascinated by the large an effect tax law has on shaping people’s decisions and legal relations. For example, giving your assets away to a trustee of a discretionary trust who might choose to give income and capital back to you (but might not) seemed a strange concept when I first learned about it in trust law. But when you consider the ability to use such a trust to distribute income amongst family members on lower tax rates (not to mention asset protection benefits) this otherwise strange legal relationship made more sense. Tax law has a constant impact on the world around us, from influencing the cars we drive, the beverages we drink, to how we make decisions for our future.

I am now a principal at Cartland Law. Within my role I do a lot of tax structuring advice and drawing of opinions on tax matters, as well as running a number of disputes against State and Federal tax departments. In particular I do a lot of advice on State taxes, as well as Income and Capital Gains Tax, GST, and trust law. I am very fortunate to have a practice that is mostly tax technical work, as well as drawing the documentation to implement advices. In addition to my tax practice, I am the founder of a Start-up that has built an artificial intelligence named Ailira (Artificially Intelligent Legal Information Research Assistant) that automates legal research and assistance. The first thing that I have taught Ailira has been to provide research answers to natural language questions on tax law. As you can imagine I now spend a lot of time on technology development and running a tech company.

I have had a number of successful outcomes from disputes with tax offices, and it is fantastic to be able to give clients a great result. I have also competed successfully in the ‘Golden Gavel’ competition a number of times, which is a speaking competition on a humorous legal topic. A few years back I won the national competition by doing a monologue in an Arnold Schwarzenegger accent in the persona of “the Taxinator”.

Being part of The Tax Institute is essential for any tax practitioner. I joined so that I could learn as much as possible by attending Tax Institute events and using Tax Institute material. I have been assisted in my career by making fantastic contacts and gaining a deep knowledge in tax law.

My advice for graduates is to meet as many people as possible and understand how offices and professional firms operate. The connections that you make early on in your career will blossom into long standing relationships later. You are setting up your foundations now, and you should make the most of networking with other professionals. Likewise, set yourself on a path of constant learning, because if you sell advice for a living (as we professional advisors do) then you will be best served by having as much knowledge as possible.

Take the next step in your tax career with the Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law. Find out more

A sneak peak into the life of our "Firm Champion", David Clarke

As a Solicitor at Norton & Smailes, the type of work I would undertake on a typical day is varied ranging from providing tax advice in a variety of areas, working on tax litigation matters in the AAT and Federal Court, drafting trust deeds, superannuation fund deeds and amendments to these documents and estate planning and advice on estate administration matters.

I think my biggest highlight was getting my first favourable private ruling for a non-commercial loss matter. It was a great result for the client who was also delighted with our work.

My other highlight was working in a team on a large federal court litigation matter concerning the deductibility of exploration expenditure. Although it was daunting at times, as there was a mountain of evidence to work through and a wide variety of research tasks, it was fantastic experience to be a part of. In the end the client received a favourable settlement before going to trial.

I have been involved with The Tax Institute as the “Firm Champion” of Norton & Smailes, which involves keeping people at my firm up to date with the latest Tax Institute news and events. I’ve always found The Tax Institute to be a great source for tax research, with detailed seminar papers and publications on useful areas of tax. Our firm encourages everyone to join and get involved with the Institute’s events. I attended the Young Tax Professionals series in 2015, which I found really broadened my knowledge base, especially coming from a non-accounting background. 

One piece of advice that I would give to new entrants into the profession is that when you’re applying for a job, do your research on a firm and engage with their particular practice areas, culture and values and address these things in your cover letter.

Thinking about studying with The Tax Institute? Find out more today. 

Member profile: Elise Lee

Employer: WLF Accounting & Advisory

Position: Senior Tax Specialist

Describe a little about yourself

I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to do as a career until I finished my first year of University. I had studied a wide range of subjects during my time at University ranging from Catering to Sports Sciences, Accounting and Economics. I knew I wanted a career that could provide me with a good work/life balance. I worked part-time in a restaurant while I was completing my degree and I didn’t want to keep working the hours that went with that kind of job. It wasn’t until my third year of University that I knew accounting was the right career for me.

Describe your current role

I am a Senior Tax Specialist in the Specialist Tax Advisory division of WLF Accounting & Advisory. I prepare advice on a wide and ever expanding range of topics, which have recently included things like:

• Charity and Not-for-Profit establishment, where I assist entities to gain registration with the ACNC and access to tax concessions such as the Income Tax Exemption, FBT Exemption or Rebate and deductible gift recipient (DGR) endorsement;
• Determining eligibility for the CGT Small Business Concessions and assistance applying the relevant concessions;
• Determining eligibility for and assistance applying for the R&D Incentive;
• Determination of the best tax structures for payments and assets transfers on employee terminations; and
• The GST implication of changing business circumstances.

What are your career highlights? 

Completing the tax effect accounting for a large consolidated group, along with a small team of my colleagues, was a really satisfying moment achieved after weeks of very long work days. I also really enjoy going on secondment, either to complete a special project or become part of a client’s team to fill an expertise or staffing gap.

Why did you join The Tax Institute? 

I joined the Tax Institute to gain access to all of The Institute’s online resources and access the member discount for CPD events, such as the Tasmanian State Convention. I also use their CGT Small Business Reliefs and Division 7A handbooks often and look forward to getting the updated versions.

What advice can you give to graduates?

Don’t worry if you don’t know how to do something yet. Your mentor didn’t know how to do it either at one point. The first few months or more realistically years of your career are a huge learning curve. Use all of the resources available to you to find out how things are done, this will give you the basics you need to get started and ask the right questions.

Who or what inspires you?

My colleagues and clients inspire me. My colleagues are always coming up with unique solutions to the different situations and scenarios we encounter. They are really focused and dedicated people who always put in 100%, yet they are able to maintain a healthy work/life balance most of the year.

Find out more about the importance of a healthy work/life balance in our recent blog post here.

What do you do to unwind? 

I like to spend time with my friends and family, testing out the local restaurants and cafes of Hobart, sun-baking on our deck or walking our rough collie Darci along Howrah beach or at the dog park.

Favourite holiday destination?

Camping at Port Arthur or on the East Coast at my husband’s family shacks.

Member profile: Lauren Whelan

Employer: HLB Mann Judd

Position: Senior Tax Consultant

I’m a Sydney girl born and raised. I went to UTS and completed a Bachelor of Business majoring in accounting and marketing. After I decided to go down the accounting route, I started at Mann Judd in the corporate tax department and in my first year had a rotation into business advisory and audit. In 2014 I completed my studies with the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAANZ) and in June 2015 I graduated from my first subject in the Chartered Tax Advisor Program with The Tax Institute.

Describe your current role

I work in the Corporate Tax Division where I have the opportunity to assist the firm’s clients in all of their tax needs – whether it be their company tax return, advising on how to restructure or sell their business in the most tax cost efficient way, or even preparing a tax return for a celebrity!

What are your career highlights?

While I have received opportunities to work with some of the leaders of tax in Australia, a career highlight that comes to mind is recently working with a family business to restructure their business. This not only restructured the owner’s debt, but has also allowed the business to grow and minimised a potentially very large tax bill. This was really a career highlight for me as this client, who reminded me of my own family and their business, gave our firm a glowing recommendation and made me feel like I was making a ‘difference’ to his business.

Why did you join The Tax Institute?

In a world where almost every graduate accountant has their CA, I wanted to stand out from the crowd and continue to develop my knowledge in tax to ultimately further my career.

What advice can you give to graduates?

When starting to look for a job, always go into it with a positive attitude. No matter how big or small the firm may seem, there will always be great opportunities presented to you  - don’t hesitate, make sure you take them!

Who or what inspires you?

Taylor Swift – as a songwriter and performer, I appreciate anyone that has the persistence and determination to see a project from start to finish. Furthermore, at 25 she is the youngest woman to ever be included on Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women list, proving that young people can make an impact in whatever career they may choose. And best of all, whenever I have had a bad day she has taught me to ‘shake it off’.

What do you do to unwind?

Well apart from obviously listening to Taylor Swift too often, I love to travel to warm  holiday destinations (or dreaming about the next one).

Favourite holiday destination?

Hawaii – it’s cheap to get to, can offer everything from traditional Hawaiian luaus to jet skiing to shopping like a celebrity and every meal is supersized.


Take the next step in your tax career with the Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law 

Find out more

Member profile: Christine Palmer

Employer: KPMG

Position: Lawyer

I completed the dual degrees of Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Laws at the Queensland University of Technology (“QUT”) in 2009. 
In 2010 I completed the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at QUT and was subsequently admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland. In 2013 I completed the Graduate Diploma in Chartered Accounting and the CTA3 Advisory course in 2014 with The Tax Institute. I'm currently completing a Master of Laws with the University of New South Wales.
I have previously worked at BDO in the Corporate and International Tax team and the KPMG Corporate Tax team before moving to my current role in the KPMG Legal team.

Describe your current role

As a lawyer in the KPMG legal team in Brisbane I am involved in providing specialist tax dispute assistance, legal tax advisory and drafting tax legal related documentation as well as trust deed reviews.

Describe your involvement in The Tax Institute’s committees

I have been a member of the Graduate Diploma Committee since late 2014.  I have lectured for The Tax Institute.

What are your career highlights?

I have enjoyed every opportunity that has been provided to me.  No one particular highlight stands out but I was particularly excited to join the KPMG Legal team this year.

Why did you join The Tax Institute?

I joined The Tax Institute as a way to get involved in the tax community here in Brisbane and to enhance my tax technical knowledge.

What inspires you?

I have always found tax law fascinating as I see it as one of the foundations of a society and is politically driven. Tax law is technically and intellectually challenging and requires you to be continually learning. Every transaction will have a tax implication and being able to help clients manage their taxation obligations in a commercially realistic manner is professionally rewarding and is why I enjoy coming into work every day.

What advice would you give to graduates?

There are no silly questions but always take an issue as far as you can and have your views on it before asking the question. Have a go at the solution before you ask your question.

What do I do to unwind?

I like to play trivia, read, watch tv, go to the movies, shop and spend time with my family and friends.

Favourite holiday destination?

I love Scotland. It is so beautiful.

Member profile: Abby Hinchcliffe

Employer: Thomas Noble & Russell

Position: Intermediate Accountant

As a mature aged student I completed my Bachelor of Business degree majoring in Advanced Accounting in 2013. Shortly after I kick started my career in a medium size private practice firm named Thomas Noble and Russell where I have been working for the last 22 months whilst undertaking my Diploma of Chartered Accounting. Thomas Noble and Russell (TNR) is a longstanding firm with a reputation for providing high quality and detailed service. With a strong focus on in-house training it is the perfect environment for me to develop a solid foundation as a Tax Practitioner.

Describe your current role

With almost 2 year experience in business services I am currently focusing on learning the mainly technical aspects of accounting. My daily activities include the preparation, lodgment and administration of Business Activity Statements, Monthly Payroll Tax Calculations, Instalment Activity Statements, Income Tax Returns, and Financial Reports for all types of entities. I correspond with the ATO, other government bodies, bookkeepers and other businesses on behalf of our clients. I liaise and build relationships with my clients and colleagues, which I find most rewarding.

Describe your involvement in The Tax Institute’s committees or contribution to the Institute

Having completed the CTA1 Foundations and CTA2 Advanced course through The Tax Institute. I was so impressed by the concise and practical content and delivery of these courses that I wanted to get more involved with The Tax Institute. I now sit on the Graduate Diploma Committee, which allows me to meet more young tax practitioners (like myself) and discuss how we can support ourselves more as upcoming Tax Professionals. Studying with The Tax Institute has hugely supported me to be more confident applying my knowledge and understand of tax on a daily basis.

What are your career highlights?

I am very thankful for being hired by TNR where the partner and the team I work for take the time to train me in all areas of tax. Other highlights include many moments of appreciation such as receiving client referrals and feedback, the satisfaction of working well with my team and getting to meet people I would not have the opportunity to meet elsewhere.

Why did you join The Tax Institute?

I joined The Tax Institute because I want my involvement in accounting to be broader than the sole office I work in and to network with other Tax Professionals. My commitment to The Tax Institute is a gesture of support and respect for the industry I work in.

What advice can you give to graduates?

Don’t be shy to upsell all your great qualities even if you have no experience, you are no less because you are at the beginning of your career. Understand and respect the wealth of understanding you will build over time. If there is something you don’t understand, make the time to research and discuss with other professionals for your own understanding. Appreciate anyone who is willing to support your learning. Get to know you clients and colleagues as best as you can.

Who or what inspires you?

Many people inspire me including my collegues, friends and family. I will use this opportunity to thank Natalie Benhayon specifically who inspired me follow my heart and peruse a career in accounting.

What do you do to unwind?

Walking, Conversations with my fiancée, family & friends, Cooking, Having a bath and an early night (especially on a Wednesday).

Favourite holiday destination?

Hoi An in Vietnam, it is super relaxing by the beach, lovely people, great food and full of tailors…and a baragin.

Member profile: Julien Wong

Employer: GFA Accountants & Business Advisers

Position: Senior Accountant

I moved from Mauritius to Perth in 2007 to undertake my Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting and Finance at Curtin University. Straight after my university degree I went on to complete a post graduate diploma in Chartered Accounting which I completed in November 2012. More recently I completed the Chartered Tax Adviser Program in November 2014. I recently joined the team at GFA accountants & business advisers moving from Grant Thornton.

Describe your current role

A typical day in my role would involve, client meetings, preparation of financial statements and tax returns, tax research and advice and so on.

Working in a small tight knit environment at GFA accountants & business advisers enables me to work with colleagues with definite skill sets. In so doing, I gain exposure and experience in areas such as superannuation, audit and financial planning.

Describe your involvement in The Tax Institute’s committees or contribution to the Institute

I am currently a member of the Western Australian membership services committee.

What are your career highlights?

Having completed the Chartered Tax Adviser Program of The Tax Institute. Being able to win over clients and seeing them achieving their financial goals because of the sound advices our team provided.

Why did you join The Tax Institute?

The tax institute is now a reference for tax expertise in Australia and it was natural to join The Tax Institute to gain access to the high quality of tax training and resources. The tax institute also provide good networking opportunities. Having the CTA designation in the tax industry is almost a requirement to be considered by your peers.

What advice can you give to graduates?

My advice would be to be as proactive as humanly possible in gaining as much knowledge as possible. Nowadays, we should not be afraid of learning, hard work and failure as they will be ever present. We should embrace these experiences as they will better us as professionals.

Who or what inspires you?

I would say that in addition to the prominent world figures like Gandhi, Mandela and Mother Teresa, there are a lot of people among my family, my friends and my colleagues who inspire me. They are those who while being great professionals are able to lead happy, balanced and fruitful lives. I am also highly inspired by those kind and loving people who consciously do things to make the world a better place to live in for everybody, even if it often means going against the tide. Also, in the course of my readings, I often come across ideas that are food for thought and help me grow both as a professional and as a person. I usually value these ideas too.

What do you do to unwind?

I find that exercising is a good way to evacuate stress. Also, spending time with my family is always invigorating and inspiring.

Favourite holiday destination?

Actually, I have no favourite holiday destination because all the places that I have visited on holiday are places full of charm and character on their own. I believe that every country or every place in the world has something different but particular to offer to visitors and I just like to enjoy and make the most of what the place has to offer.


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Member profile: Autumn Slavin

Employer: JH Advisory

Position: Manager

I am a Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) and Chartered Accountant (CA) who has worked in public practice for nearly 13 years. My clients are predominantly Small and Medium size Entereprises (SMEs) and therefore, I have been fortunate to work with clients from various industries, with a variety of tax and accounting issues. I began my career at Accru Harris Orchard, where I worked from being Graduate Accountant, up to being in the role as a Self-Managed Super Fund Manager. After nearly 10 years, I then decided it was time for a change of scenery and began employment with Bartons Chartered Accountants in a managerial position. This year I have begun an exciting managerial role at JH Advisory.

Describe your current role

My current focus is on tax and compliance but I am also working with a group of people who have a diverse range of skill sets and will enable me with the opportunity to develop and learn other skills in business services.

Describe your involvement in The Tax Institute’s committees or contribution to the Institute

For the last year I have been on the Tax Institute’s membership committee. It has been such a privilege to give back to an organisation that has provided me with so much support and resources over the last few years, as a member of the Tax Institute.

What are your career highlights?

• Becoming a CTA and CA;
• Working with great people and being able to work with a range of cliental on a range of tax and compliance issues.

Why did you join The Tax Institute?

To help support and contribute to a great organisation, the ability to be kept up-to-date with the latest tax issues and to be given the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals.

What advice can you give to graduates?

Try to be as open minded as possible. You will need to be open to new opportunities and to always remember that a career in tax, means a career with no limitations.

Who or what inspires you?

As a female, I am inspired by other women professionals in my industry. Especially those in management positions, who have successfully accomplished that work/life balance.

What do you do to unwind?

Spending time with my family and friends and watching one of many of my DVD box set collections – there are a few.

Favourite holiday destination?

Sorry but I don’t have one, as I am such a homebody. My favourite destination so far was touring around Tasmania (Must-Do).  I do tend to spend my holidays hanging out in little ole Radelaide.

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.

Member profile: Josh Walding

Employer: PDK Financial Pty Ltd

Position: Business Services and Tax Senior Manager

I completed a double degree in Commerce and Applied Finance at the University of South Australia in 2004, upon which I obtained a graduate position at Ernst & Young. I spent 8 ½ years at EY in the Private client area of the Tax Division working with family businesses and high net wealth individuals before deciding to join PDK Financial, where I have been for 2 ½ years undertaking a similar, but more hands on role directly with clients.

Describe your current role

My current role is varied and always different with each client bringing their own challenges and issues. On any day I can be advising family groups on the best structure to undertake their business, to working through complex tax issues on proposed transactions for some of our larger clients, or undertaking tax planning initiatives so our clients are aware of their approximate tax positions before completing their tax returns. I also manage the compliance team for our SMSF clients, and internally mentor the junior staff along their professional journey.

Describe your involvement in The Tax Institute’s committees or contribution to the Institute

I have sat on the Membership Services Committee (SA) for about 18 months, presented at University’s to highlight the benefit of Student memberships and presented at various Bi-monthly briefings and other TI events.

What are your career highlights?

From a client perspective, no one highlight sticks out, but working directly with clients to assist and watching them grow their businesses, whilst arranging their structures to be efficient and effective has been very rewarding. I was lucky enough to be seconded to the Brisbane office of EY relatively early in my career, which was a great step out of my comfort zone and personally was a very rewarding experience.

Why did you join The Tax Institute?

The availability of information and technical resources the Tax Institute can provide is second to none. Being in a smaller firm now, having access to such resources written by your respected peers is beneficial for me to keep up to date with relevant legislative changes and key topic areas that directly influence my clients’ businesses and affairs.

What advice can you give to graduates?

Put your hand up and get involved. In professional practices, success doesn’t come to you, you have to get out there and chase it. If you’re willing to step up and have a go, it shows great initiative and a thirst for developing your education and experiences.

Who or what inspires you?

My Dad is a constant motivation for me. I grew up one of 4 kids from a country community. We never came from a financially abundant background, with mum staying at home to raise the family, Dad took whatever work he could to ensure food was on the table and clothes were on our back. He’s shown incredible loyalty to the company’s he worked for, which has taught me valuable lessons. He’s always been a great sounding board for me, both professionally and personally, and shown me what type of father I want to be for my children.

What do you do to unwind?

I have 2 young children, so unwinding really revolves around them. I get so much joy from the hugs I get from walking through the door when I get home every day. Aside from family, I love playing golf, and touch football, and travelling whenever we can.

Favourite holiday destination?

I have just recently returned from a 3 month holiday travelling the East Coast of Australia with my wife and the kids in a caravan, and whilst I have travelled overseas a few times before, I think North Queensland is one of the most scenic and relaxing areas I have been to. 

Member profile: Juanita Sands

Name: Juanita Sands

Employer: Deloitte Private Pty Ltd

Position: Senior Analyst

Throughout my education I always had a passion for maths and not much else besides reading. My high school teachers loved telling me I should do something like accounting when I grew up, but being a teenager who did the opposite of what teachers said there was no way I was going to become something boring like an accountant. After starting a maths, psych and law degree, I ultimately ended up at TAFE doing an office administration certificate and loved the accounting subjects and have not looked back since.
I have now been in accounting for over 15 years and am a single mum to a gorgeous and smart college student and have worked full time since she was in primary school and part time while studying before that. Work and life balance can be a juggle but is very rewarding being a mum, while working full time.
I am currently completing The Tax Institute’s Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law and enrolled in the Advanced Superannuation, with Corporate Tax next semester being my last subject. The Graduate Diploma has been good to cement the knowledge that I already have.

Describe your current role:

I am currently a senior analyst with Deloitte, having moved to Deloitte in January 2014 after spending 12 years at another local accounting firm.

My current role is very broad and diverse. I work in the areas of

• business advisory services – working with small to medium
• tax review of large corporate clients for our audit team, some of whom are listed
• tax provisions for large and listed corporations
• provide advice for and oversee half of our local office’s self-managed superannuation funds tax advice for our office on a range of areas. To name a few
• Small business CGT concessions – this and super are on of the greatest tax advantages for small business’
• Employee benefits - eligible termination payments, fringe benefits, employee allowances
• Research & Development
• Accessibility of grant income
• Taxation of trust income
• Deceased Estates

Describe your involvement in The Tax Institute’s committees or contribution to the Institute:

• Member of the Victorian Tax Technical Committee
• Young Tax Professionals – Northern Tasmania tax discussion group

What are your career highlights?

My first career highlight would be completing a set of trust financial statements, many years ago, that operated a business and then working out the best way to distribute the income. A couple of years after that I lodged a private ruling application with the ATO in regards to life insurance proceeds and the accessibility of them. After much deliberation by the ATO, who found it hard to determine the answer they advised us that the proceeds would be non-assessable and they thought they should produce a ruling on life insurance proceeds.
My most satisfying moments are helping others with tax questions, whether small or large questions and helping them to grow their knowledge. Having people say ‘but how do you know that’ or ‘where do you know to look for the answer’ then showing them how they can get that knowledge. The Tax Institute is one of my favourite search websites.

Why did you join The Tax Institute?

I had attended a few state conventions and then attended a national convention in 2010, as a result I was able to get reduced membership fees. The resources that the Tax Institute have on their website are great for any sort of tax research and their books offer a great hands on approach to working through complex areas of practice, membership provides me with access to these and discounts to the many training sessions they offer.

What advice can you give to graduates?

Ask questions, especially the ones you feel are stupid ones. The only stupid one is the one you never ask – lecturers love that saying.
Take notes when asking questions and keep the notes, even if you never go back to them, you are more likely to remember that something was discussed and it will trigger you where/who to go to for the answer.
Talk to everybody in your office to find out their skill set. Use this knowledge to get a mentor or two in your areas of interest.

Who or what inspires you?

My daughter inspires me every day.  When starting college this year she was really nervous and concerned about the challenges that she would face.  She accepted the challenge and came out of the first day smiling and ready to take on the world. This is the way she deals with all challenges in her life. She has just written a 3,500 word essay for English Literature, I never had her focus and determination at her age.

What do you do to unwind?

Run. I am fortunate enough that I can run before work plus run in my lunch breaks with a work colleague. Running is a good way to zone out as I can’t think or listen to music while running.  Coming back to work after a run is a great way to refocus on work especially when doing research on complex tax matters.
I also enjoy riding my bike and scrapbooking – putting photos and memories on a pretty piece of paper with fancy embellishments.

Favourite holiday destination?

Somewhere with family and preferably with a mountain in sight.

Member profile: Eve Starina

Name: Eve Starina

Employer: HLB Mann Judd

Position: Supervisor, Business Advisory Services

Eve is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a Chartered Tax Adviser with 5 years’ experience in taxation and business advisory services. Having commenced her accounting career as a graduate in 2010, Eve has built up a wealth of knowledge and experience from working on a variety of clients of different sizes and across different industries. Eve is a results driven, passionate professional who is dedicated to meeting the needs of her clients, and mentoring junior staff.

Describe your current role

There’s never a dull moment in tax! While the majority of my time is spent preparing or reviewing financial statements, income tax returns, BAS or FBT returns, occasionally I also have the opportunity to assist clients with tax planning and other matters.

As a supervisor, I am also involved in training and mentoring junior staff members. At this time of year, I’m busy conducting induction training for our new staff members.

Describe your involvement in The Tax Institute’s committees or contribution to the Institute

I joined the WA State Membership Committee in 2014 and have thus far enjoyed supporting and promoting the events organised by this committee. I am also currently the firm champion at HLB Mann Judd.

What are your career highlights?

I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with a number of clients to assist them in meeting their taxation obligations. This is always very rewarding for me as I’m passionate about tax and about helping people.

Why did you join The Tax Institute?

I completed my CTA1 as a graduate, and after completing my CA studies I decided to move onto CTA3. I find that The Tax Institute offers some great courses, not to mention their CPD events.

What advice can you give to graduates?

You never stop learning in tax, so I would suggest embracing this and further developing yourself and your skillset wherever possible.

Who or what inspires you?

I’m fortunate enough to work with some incredibly knowledgeable people, who I think of as ‘walking talking tax encyclopaedias’.  I strive to be as informed as they are someday.

What do you do to unwind?

I enjoy spending time with my feathered and furry children.

Favourite holiday destination?

I love cold weather and I’m originally from Russia so I’m obliged to say there.