Baker Tilly Staples Rodway is a fantastic place to establish my voice, form a support system and get my feet wet. I recall how nervous I was to begin my job at our Auckland office, but reminded myself that the network’s dedication to diversity is why I chose it over others. It's apparent how Baker Tilly upholds that principle, since I've had a feeling of belonging since day one and my co-workers have been incredibly supportive, appreciating me for who I am, listening to my opinions and being my go-to person if I'm struggling with something.

I began my career as a tax intern in the summer of 2023, where I stumbled on a collaborative and healthy work environment that values continual learning. This experience has boosted my confidence in continuing my career here as a graduate. Baker Tilly consistently goes above and beyond for its grads. To help our individual professional skills flourish, the company organises weekly tax training sessions with free lunches – such a fantastic perk! The interactive nature of these workshops, along with the opportunity to collaborate with experienced professionals, has extended my tax knowledge and enhanced my ability to give thorough and precise tax services to clients.

In just four months as a graduate, I’ve gained substantial tax skills, notably provisional taxation and income tax return preparation. These abilities are all because of the aid of my colleagues; without the collaborative environment, I don't think I'd have been able to grow my skills as much as I have. The support system went beyond what I’d expected and asked for, allowing me to grow professionally. Overall, my time at Baker Tilly has been full of pleasant experiences, and I am humbled to be given the opportunity. I am excited to advance my career and work towards becoming a chartered accountant through the graduate programme.