I’ve always been fascinated with numbers and balances, and my father is an accountant too, so accountancy felt like a great fit. However, my first summer job was as a labourer in construction. I learned how rewarding a hard day’s work can be.
I grew up in Galway and worked in a number of businesses in Ireland before moving to Australia in 2011. Working in Ireland through the recession taught me a lot about making decisions in a tough commercial context and how to be personally resilient. Those skills were a significant contributor in landing a job in Australia, and also helped me to integrate into a new environment.
There’s nothing better than closing out a significant piece of work you’ve been involved in with a group of great people
A key development in my career was leading a team whose functions included sales, business relationship management and operations. It was a huge learning curve, but I wanted to develop new skills that would be transferable whatever path I chose. I’m now in a core finance role, looking after teams that run financial control operations.
In 2012, some friends and I set up an expats’ rugby club, Sydney Irish RFC. It offered us another social anchor point in Sydney and a way to connect with the broader Irish community. Through the process we learned about and gained great connections across the Irish business and social community in Australia. I coach the women’s team at the club – they’re eager and great fun to be involved with. If I weren’t an accountant, I think I might be a rugby coach.
Covid-19 is tough, with many unknown factors adding to everyone’s stress levels. I focus on supporting my team as best as possible. Our company has offered great support to customers too, giving everyone a real sense of focus, while navigating the uncertainty.
I enjoy team challenges most. There is very little you can achieve as an individual in most organisations. There’s nothing better than closing out a significant piece of work you’ve been involved in with a group of great people.
I have a 15-month-old son, so I’m learning loads about parenting. Of course, we miss our family and friends in Ireland, but we’re very lucky to have facilities such as video calls and instant messaging available. That said, I am really looking forward to when international travel reopens!