What's your job about?

As one of the leading mid-tier accounting firms, William Buck provides accounting and advisory services for various businesses particularly within the mid-market.

People outside the finance or accounting industries often don’t fully understand what auditors do - or may not even know what auditors are. I was the same before studying accounting! Simply put, auditors’ role is to ensure that a company’s financial records are accurate and investigate anything that may appear suspicious. However, our role as auditors isn’t just about “checking numbers” – we also ensure that the company’s accounting system adheres to accounting standards.

As a graduate, my job often involves setting up working papers, selecting and testing samples. We then communicate any findings and concerns to our experienced seniors and managers. Occasionally, we raise queries with clients regarding accounts that require further clarification or supporting documentation. I believe that audit is all about teamwork, therefore having good communication skills is vital.

What's your background?

I was born in Japan, and moved to Australia with my family when I was 8 years old. Primary school in Australia was definitely not an easy experience for me, as I didn’t speak any English when I first came to Australia. Starting with language barriers, I struggled to overcome cultural difference between Japan and Australia. Fortunately, I was surrounded by welcoming and friendly classmates, and over time, I adapted to the Australian lifestyle. These early experiences shaped who I am today—I love connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and learning about their culture.

Most of my undergraduate years at the University of Sydney were impacted by COVID-19, with the majority of classes held online. As a result, I felt that I didn’t get to fully experience university life. This was one of the reasons I decided to continue studying and pursue a Master of Professional Accounting—another degree I had considered when choosing my undergraduate degree. Towards the end of my accounting degree, I applied for internships through the Achiever Program, hosted by the CAANZ. Fortunately, I was offered an internship position at William Buck, which led me to where I am today. I have been working as a graduate auditor for about 6 months now, and I am grateful to be surrounded by amazing colleagues!

Could someone with a different background do your job?

From my perspective, the answer could be both yes and no. I have colleagues in audit who did not study accounting at university but instead studied finance, which can be similar to accounting in some aspects. While I believe William Buck is open to candidates from diverse backgrounds as long as they are eager to learn, performing our work at a high standard would be challenging without the relevant technical knowledge.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

The coolest part about working in audit is that you always work in different teams, which typically change every one to three weeks. Each team consists of different managers, seniors, and juniors, allowing you to learn from various working styles. For instance, some managers may have specific preferences for how working papers are set up. This constant change keeps the job dynamic and provides opportunities to learn and adapt to different working environments!

What are the limitations of your job?

As an auditor, you will be communicating with the client very often. Being completely honest, not all clients are as “nice” or responsive as you might hope. Especially as a junior still learning the job, there may be times when you feel intimidated by a client’s response or struggle to get the information you need. In such situations, it’s important to set your emotions aside and remain professional.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

• Don’t just study – get a job! This doesn’t have to be an internships related to your degree; it can be anything! I worked in hospitality and tutoring during university, where I developed communications skills that are valuable in professional settings as well. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, learn about different cultures, and appreciate new perspectives.
• Build your connection! I think the term “networking” is something you hear all the time in corporate world, and for a good reason, you can never underestimate its importance. Building connections both within and outside your industry can open doors to future opportunities and career growth.
• Travel, travel, travel! This may seem obvious, but once you start working full-time, you won’t have the same level of freedom. Your time will be limited, and you should make the best use of it while you can! As someone who did not travel as much during university (also due to the impact of covid-19), it is one of my biggest regrets.