Accounting and numbers have always made sense to me. While I made every effort to find a career pathway that wasn’t as “boring” as being an accountant, nothing stuck. While still studying at university in 2001, I started as an accountant in a small firm in Brisbane helping individuals and small business owners with their tax affairs. I have continued in business services ever since. As Head of Accounting at Altitude Advisers, I now work with clients to improve their business, not just lodge a tax return. I’m happy to say my work is never boring.

I was asked early on in my career what my goal was. It was simple. I said I wanted to help small business owners run their business well. Over the years this has remained my primary motivation. While every business should have an accountant for tax compliance, a good adviser will work with owners on their business goalsetting and tracking, managing people, culture and cashflow, leveraging technology for efficiency and engaging clients. Working with a motivated business owner on the business and watching their success, is what I enjoy.

Joining the SEPA board in 2014 was an opportunity for me to help a not for profit organization run their “business” well. I have been impressed with every board member who has been involved. All are leaders in their profession that come with a drive to support their colleagues be better in the quality of care for their patients. It continues to be a rewarding experience for me to understand and appreciate, like many business owners, the primary motivation for success is not financial. To me, SEPA is about quality learning, industry recognition and a career pathway for existing and future podiatrists.