INTHEBLACK December - January 2022 - Magazine - Page 21
such as GST, advisory or mergers and
acquisitions,” she says.
“Now, I get to do more of that in my
current role, including due diligence for
new companies, so I am doing more than
just the statutory tax filing aspect.”
NEXT STEPS
Considering there are advantages to
both large and smaller firms, how should
accountants and finance professionals
decide on their next career move?
“If I had to advise myself all those years
ago, I would say to start with a firm that has
multiple partners and multiple disciplines
– it doesn’t have to be a top-tier firm,” AJ
says. “That way, there is mentoring and a
sense of learning from colleagues.”
If you want to run your own public
practice or firm one day, then experiencing
both ends of the accounting spectrum
– from top tier to boutique – is invaluable,
according to AJ.
Allemand says the choice between big
and small is individual, depending on what
“works for you, and how you like to fit into
an organisation”.
“Bear in mind that all organisations are
different and have varying opportunities,
and the type of work and clients to
which you may be exposed,” he says.
“I think CPAs are well equipped to
adapt to any organisation’s needs and
have a unique ability to work in any
environment, big or small.”
Heng is an advocate for good mental
health practices at work and encourages
others to prioritise it throughout their career.
“I think mental health is something that
people ignore when they are looking for a
job, because they are focused on the money
and the career progression,” she says.
“I wouldn’t say the mid-tier is totally
relaxed, but it’s not as stressful as the Big
Four, so that mental health aspect is worth
considering, and whether you are ready
and willing to take on the pressure.”
Heng also recommends asking
yourself what kind of culture you would
prefer to work in.
“The Big Four, in my experience, is very
individual as a culture, but in mid-tier I
have found that you work with colleagues
more and learn from each other,” Heng says.
“In Singapore, if you want more of a
local touch with Singaporean companies,
then you may be suited to a mid-tier, but if
you want the international exposure, then
the Big Four would be the right choice.”
“I have noticed that a lot of job
advertisements actually request
Big Four experience. It definitely
works to my advantage.”
LINDY HENG CPA, BW GROUP
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
When Michelle Frey graduated from university with an
accounting degree, she concedes that she “didn’t know
what [she] really wanted to do”, and so she took off
travelling. By the time she returned home and started job
hunting, she was older than most graduates and lacked
experience in her field.
Michelle Frey started applying for jobs, and although
she hit many brick walls, it didn’t stop her.
“I didn’t let all the rejections get to me, I just kept
going,” she says.
Eventually, Frey secured a spot with a big-name
company. Her career progressed easily from that point
onwards, as she went on to work for the likes of
Fonterra, Fosters, Lion Nathan, Philip Morris and
Cadbury Schweppes.
“Once you have that big name on your CV, it’s very
easy to get another job, because it opens a lot of
doors,” she says.
Melbourne-based Frey spent 20 years in high-profile
corporate roles, before buying a small public practice,
Hermann, five years ago.
“Public practice was never on my radar, it’s just that
it actually turned out to be a very good business to
run,” she says.
“I love the flexibility, I can do whatever I want,
whenever I want and, of course, you’ve still got to be
a leader, but I love the fact that it’s mine.”
While Frey is enjoying building the business and
putting her stamp on it, she is indebted to the many
years she spent in corporate accounting.
“You need to experience a company that constantly
wants to better itself, improve and to try new things,”
she says.
“It’s really about moving with change, and one of the
things I learned from the big corporates is that you
have to change, you have to adapt.”
If you’re determined to make it in a large corporate,
Frey says it’s important to show initiative, as big
companies respond well to people who are determined.
“Be persistent,” she says. “If someone really wants
something, they will work out a way to get it.”
Most importantly of all, you need a strong work
ethic. “You have to put in the hours, you’ve got to put
the effort in,” Frey says. “That is what matters most.”
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DEC 2022
JAN 2023
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