What's your job about?
This question is one of the most important ones, therefore you can elaborate more here. Actually, it consists of 2 questions that you can easily answer all at once. You're good! You can do it!
McGrathNicol is a specialised Advisory and Restructuring firm. The restructuring side of McGrathNicol’s service offering focuses on assisting companies in varying levels of distress and navigating the complexities of all stages of the business life cycle. As a Graduate of the Restructuring team, I am responsible for administrative and statutory tasks like completing lodgements and drafting reporting to entities such as ASIC and the ATO. The practical aspect of my day-to-day is much more varied and involves engaging with employees, suppliers and directors to solve complex on-the-job issues. These interactions most commonly take place over the phone or by email, however, at the start of new engagements, interactions initially occur on-site.
McGrathNicol Advisory includes a diverse range of service offerings including Forensics, Governance, Risk and Compliance, Strategy and Business Improvement, Technology and Transactions.
What's your background?
I grew up in Brisbane, Queensland, where I completed my primary and secondary schooling. Following high school, I completed my university studies locally at the University of Queensland. Through high school and university, I worked casually at an independent supermarket. In my final year of university, I completed two vacation programs to see if a career in Restructuring was the right fit for me. Given my only prior work experience was in a customer service-orientated role, I gained invaluable insight into the skills required to be a valued member of a Restructuring team during these programs.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Whilst a fundamental understanding of accounting is helpful when trying to navigate the underlying challenges of any Restructuring job, one of the most critical skills required of a Restructuring Graduate is the ability to engage, communicate and unite the perspectives of various stakeholders to achieve a common goal. Any individual who has strong critical thinking skills and can communicate clearly to a diverse audience would be a great asset to any Restructuring team!
What's the coolest thing about your job?
It is the varied and engaging interactions I have with people every day that is the most unique and enjoyable aspect of my job. I value the opportunity to work on projects from a diverse range of industries – whether I am in the office or on-site, the variety of tasks assigned to me provide many opportunities to grow my professional skills in dynamic environments.
What are the limitations of your job?
Given the project-based nature of the work engaged in by the Restructuring team, there can be periods when the workload is relatively light and other periods when it is necessary to work longer hours to meet both statutory and client requirements. Despite this, the firm prioritises ensuring adequate resourcing and mentoring are available. This support is provided within the project team itself through direct and genuine access to Partners and through wider initiatives such as the Graduate Buddy system.
3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...