Hilda Boulton is Matthews Steer’s Employee of the Year for 2022

Hilda Boulton was recognised as Matthews Steer’s Employee of the Year for 2022, scooping the top prize at the firm’s annual Recognise Encourage Reward (RER) Awards on July 21 at the RACV Club in Melbourne. 

Employee of the Year is awarded to the Matthews Steer team member who best contributes to – and shapes – the firm’s culture, demonstrates leadership potential, pursues best practice, and excels at relationship-building during the financial year.

Boulton, who received an ‘Outstanding Achievement’ award at the 2021 RERs for her extraordinary efforts within the business during the Pandemic, serves as Executive Assistant to a number of Matthews Steer directors, and has worked in a number of other administrative roles across the business. It is the second time in the awards’ 14-year history that a member of the administration team has been awarded Employee of the Year.

“Hilda’s willingness to tackle new projects, embrace opportunities to learn, and go the extra mile for Matthews Steer sets an example for our whole team,” said Matthews Steer CEO Ken Matthews. “She consistently steps up, recognises what needs to be done within the firm takes responsibility for those actions, and plays a vital leadership and culture-shaping role within the business.

“Hilda’s passion for Matthews Steer, our clients, her colleagues and our community perfectly exemplifies our firm’s culture. She truly empowers our communities to live their potential, while also achieving and exceeding her own potential by embracing opportunity and being prepared to work outside the strict parameters of her role whenever the occasion presents itself.”

Matthews Steer receptionist Dee Simpson was a double award winner on the night, receiving Matthews Steer’s Contribution to Community (for the second-straight year) and Contribution to Culture awards. 

“Dee plays a pivotal role in our firm, from a professional and social perspective,” said Catherine Duncan, COO at Matthews Steer. “As our receptionist, she is literally the welcoming face of our business, but her warmth and inclusivity extends way beyond her front-of-house role. She’s generous with her knowledge, a team player, always willing to go the extra mile to support her colleagues and she has built tremendous relationships with colleagues and clients alike. Matthews Steer prides itself on being a family business and Dee is a shining example of what that looks like in practice.”

Kavindu Godamune won the 2022 RER Award for Most Significant Personal Growth. Catherine said last year’s Rising Star winner has continued his impressive upward trajectory at the firm over the past 12 months. “As a graduate accountant Kavindu has embraced every professional opportunity presented to him,” said Catherine. “His receptiveness to guidance and mentoring has enabled him to broaden his knowledge and fast track his capability. Nothing is ever too much trouble for Kavindu, and he performs every task with a big smile on his face.”  

This year’s Rising Star Award went to Daniel Trifunovic. Selected by the executive team, Daniel was a stand-out during FY222 for his overall performance and commitment to meeting the demands of his role in the Wealth Advisory team.

The 2022 RER Awards also recognised a number of promotions including Joseph Seneca to Associate, Jayden Hamer to Supervisor, Peter Pu, Alexandra Lukies and Renee Ceddia to Senior Accountant, and Rechelle O’Sullivan to Senior CSA. 

The pinnacle of Matthews Steer’s annual social calendar, the RER Awards celebrate achievement at the highest level within our team, recognising, encouraging and rewarding professional and personal development excellence at a gala dinner event and Oscars-style awards ceremony.

“I am extremely proud of all this year’s RER Award winners and I’m awed and inspired by the depth of talent in our firm, and the heights that our people achieve year-on-year,” said Ken. “That we’re seeing some winners backing up awards from previous years, and some new faces in the winners’ circle, speaks to the power of the RERs in affirming, engaging and motivating our team. 

“At Matthews Steer our purpose is enabling our communities to live their potential. We’re committed to treating our people as more than just a number, and the RERs is a tremendous endorsement of our people and culture strategy.

“Each year we build on our commitment to nurture local talent and equip them with the technical and leadership skills they need to become world class accountants advisors and administrators. Not only does this ensure we’re providing our clients with the best people to guide them in all aspects of their financial and business management, but it also gives our team the opportunity to expand their capability and achieve their career and personal goals.  

“I commend all this year’s winners on their passion and commitment to our firm, and look forward to witnessing their further growth and professional development in the years to come.”

Want to join an accounting and advisory firm where you’re treated as more than just a number? At Matthews Steer we’re always on the lookout for outstanding talent in the fields of accounting, financial planning, business advisory and accounting administration. Visit our careers page to view current opportunities to join our fun, friendly team and who knows, one day you may find yourself in the running for an RER Award!