What's your job about?

I work as an auditor at William Buck, an accounting firm. 

My work varies depending on the clients I am assigned to. I’m usually assigned to a new client every one to two weeks, which keeps the work engaging. At the start of each client, we hold a team planning meeting where tasks are assigned to each member. This is also when we familiarize ourselves with the client and their processes for preparing financial statements. Throughout the week, I gather data and conduct tests on financial statement items. Collaboration is key—I work closely with my team and the client's finance team to ensure we stay on track and meet deadlines. 

At William Buck, we audit a variety of clients, including schools—something a teenager might relate to. Basically, we review a school's finances to ensure that they are spending their money wisely and following the rules. It is similar to how you would check if your pocket money adds up, making sure you have enough money for sweet treats at the tuck shop, a new pair of netball shoes, and some savings. 

What's your background?

I’m from Johannesburg, South Africa, and my journey from high school to my current career has been anything but conventional.  After finishing high school, I needed to start working, so at 18, I became a receptionist at an insurance brokerage in Bedfordview. Within a year, I was promoted to a commercial underwriter. I used to say, “I never chose insurance—insurance chose me,” but over time, I realised my true passion lay elsewhere.

While working full-time, I chose to pursue a finance degree, juggling my studies alongside a demanding job. After two years, I realised insurance still wasn’t the right fit for me. I made the bold decision to change my degree to Accounting Sciences, as I found a deep passion for the accounting modules I was studying.

At one point, I felt disheartened, fearing that all the effort I had put into my accounting degree might go to waste. I doubted whether I could ever transition into the career I was truly passionate about—especially in South Africa, where changing careers at 25 seemed nearly impossible. However, my husband and I made the life-changing decision to move to New Zealand.  It was a fresh start, and I thought, “Why not change my career path too?”

This shift in mindset led me to William Buck, where I was fortunate to be accepted as a Graduate Auditor. Looking back, this move was a pivotal moment in my life, as it reaffirmed that becoming a Chartered Accountant was my true calling.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Of course! There are some people at William Buck who have gone into auditing, but their study field was unrelated.

Auditing often involves repetitive tasks, especially when you're just starting out. Patience is important for working through complex issues, persistence keeps you going when things don’t quite make sense, and perseverance helps you push through challenges. It’s about staying committed, problem-solving, and finding solutions—even when the work gets tough.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

Working with a diverse range of clients—from charities and schools to profit-driven entities—means there's always something new to learn!

Another standout aspect is the incredible support and encouragement for professional growth. William Buck offers an exceptional graduate program that helps aspiring accountants progress toward becoming Chartered Accountants, providing the guidance and resources needed to succeed.

What are the limitations of your job?

During peak times,  the workload can be intense, and you may need to put in extra hours to meet deadlines. Balancing multiple clients and tight deadlines can be stressful. 

Auditing is interesting and challenging, but there’s definitely a fair share of repetitive tasks—like  reviewing over 100 revenue invoices.