What is your day-to-day job?
The Corporate Finance & Restructuring team at FTI Consulting provide a variety of service offerings to clients across a multitude of industries. Within the Brisbane office, there is a large focus on formal restructuring appointments such as voluntary administrations and liquidations. One of the amazing things about working in restructuring is the exposure and variety – no two days are the same.
My current day-to-day involves assisting in the trading on of a business that has entered voluntary administration. As you are essentially running the business and finding a viable solution to provide the best return to creditors, there is significant variability in what each day involves. One day I may be liaising with the business’s internal finance team concerning debtor collections and management. Another day, I may be analysing company records to identify potential voidable transactions.
If you have strong communication skills, a high level of attention to detail, and you are looking for a position that will allow you to take on a great deal of responsibility from day one, then the Corporate Finance & Restructuring graduate program is for you.
What's your background?
I grew up on the Gold Coast and completed the majority of my schooling at Saint Stephen's College. As tough as it was to leave the greatest city in Australia (if not the world), I moved a stone’s throw away to Brisbane to undertake my studies at the University of Queensland in 2014. Relatively unsure of the career path I wanted to take, I worked in a variety of jobs throughout my time at university and undertook an internship at a boutique consulting firm to see if it was something that might be of interest.
I decided to take some time to travel after graduating and spent a few months enjoying the winter season of Canada and America. After returning to Australia, I started to apply for various graduate programs before being offered a position by FTI Consulting.
Why FTI Consulting?
FTI Consulting was brought to my attention through a friend who was currently working within Corporate Finance & Restructuring. Having not previously known much about FTI Consulting, I asked them to run me through their typical day-to-day schedule and the types of engagements they undertake. I was extremely interested in the variety of services within the Corporate Finance & Restructuring division, along with the global reach of FTI Consulting.
What do you love the most about your job, and what is the most rewarding?
FTI Consulting has a relatively flat structure, which allows access to colleagues from all levels. In my short tenure, I have had the opportunity to work closely with a variety of staff, ranging from other Associates through to Senior Managing Directors, not only in Brisbane, but across Australia. This is very rewarding, as the exposure to different work styles and skillsets has allowed me to accelerate my learning and development, which should be a key focus early on in your career.
What has been challenging?
The most challenging part of the role is juggling the responsibility of multiple deadlines across the various jobs that you may be on at any one time. As you will be reporting back to multiple managers, you bear the responsibility of producing high-quality work for several clients. Although a great deal of support is provided, it’s important that you can manage your time effectively and not be afraid to speak up when you have questions.
What support is given to you?
FTI Consulting provides an extensive support network that extends well beyond the graduate program. In addition to being provided with a ‘buddy’, I have been given the opportunity to participate in numerous internal and external training sessions to further my learning and knowledge within the industry. FTI Consulting encourages employees to undertake further studies, with most junior staff currently enrolled in the Charted Accountants program. Additional leave is provided to those who undertake further studies while working, allowing you to save your cherished annual leave to use for a time when you want to disconnect from work.
What advice would you give current students interested in working for FTI Consulting?
My advice to anyone at university seeking a graduate position is to reach out and speak to people who work within an industry that interests you. This type of networking provides you with a greater understanding of their role, and it shows them that you are proactive about seeking opportunities. Additionally, take advantage of the events put on by your university and societies that allow you to interact with industry professionals. Although it can be daunting, the connections you make now could come in handy when applying for graduate programs.
FTI Consulting is an independent global business advisory firm dedicated to helping organisations manage change, mitigate risk and resolve disputes: financial, legal, operational, political & regulatory, reputational and transactional. FTI Consulting professionals, located in all major business centres throughout the world, work closely with clients to anticipate, illuminate and overcome complex business challenges and opportunities. For more information, visit www.fticonsulting.com and connect with us on Twitter (@FTIConsulting), Facebook and LinkedIn. FTI Consulting, Inc., including its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a consulting firm and is not a certified public accounting firm or a law firm.
The views expressed in this document are those of the author and not necessarily the views of FTI Consulting, its subsidiaries, its management, its affiliates or its other professionals. This document contains only general information. FTI Consulting is not, by means of this document, providing accounting, business, communications, financial, investigations, investment, legal, tax, technology, or other professional services or advice. This document is not a substitute for professional services or advice, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision that may affect your business. Before making any decision that may affect your business, you should consult an advisor. FTI Consulting shall not be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained through reliance on this document. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
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