Think a career in accounting is all about the numbers? Think again! Accounting is a diverse field that offers opportunities to apply your talents in a range of areas and industries. And, while a defined career path, and structured professional development – like that offered here at Matthews Steer – is highly prized, that doesn’t mean you have to be pigeonholed. If you opt for public practice accounting, your technical accounting skills can take you in a range of diverse directions, focus areas and specialisations – a career ‘choose your own adventure’ if you like!
What is public practice accounting?
Public practice accountants provide a broad range of services to multiple clients from individuals and partnerships to trusts and superfunds, to businesses and companies. At Matthews Steer we work with high quality clients across diverse industries including transport, food and beverage, manufacturing, agriculture. Our Accounting and Taxation, Business Advisory and Wealth Management divisions offer a comprehensive suite of accounting and advisory services, as well as supporting our clients in specialised areas such as government grant applications, virtual CFO services, tax debt support and startup support.
What are the advantages of working in public practice accounting?
Variety is the spice of life in public practice accounting, and working at a public practice firm will expose you to multiple facets of the accounting field. Your role and responsibilities may include number-crunching tasks, financial planning, forecasting, strategy, management of colleagues and clients, business and wealth advisory and financial planning. Working in public practice will give you the opportunity to engage with clients of all sizes, from all walks of life, across all manner of industries, from individuals, to partnerships, Trusts, Super funds, family businesses and other major corporations. If you’re looking for an accounting career path where no two working days are the same, public practice could be for you.
What level of education do I require to be a public practice accountant?
At Matthews Steer we require all our accountants to complete a CA or CPA qualification, and we provide support for selected professional development studies, whether our people choose the CA or CPA pathway. While attaining a CA or CPA requires time, resources and effort, these qualifications round-out our accountants’ capabilities, opening up a world of career opportunities in accounting within our firm that enable them to create and follow the career path of their dreams.
How do I know if a career in public practice accounting is for me?
There are a number of things to think about when considering if public practice accounting is the right career path for you:
- Goals: where do you see yourself working five years from now? Do you dream of variety in your role and responsibilities, a range of exciting clients and challenges, and progression up the career ladder towards associateship and partnership? Or, do you prefer the consistency and predictability that can be found working in the accounting department of a business?
- Working style: Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same and you’re constantly learning and growing professionally? Or, do you prefer to work at the consistent pace, and with similar day to day responsibilities, offered in industry?
- Range of interests: Are you keen to learn and experience the many and varied facets of accounting? Or, do you have a specific interest or skill set that you’re confident will be best expressed in a corporate environment?
Accounting career progression
The variety of career and professional development opportunities offered by public practice, makes it one of the best accounting fields to enter into. At Matthews Steer we treat our people as more than just a number and we take pride in supporting team members to shape the career of their dreams, based on their own, individual goals and aspirations. While most accounting roles require a similar basic skillset; an analytical mind, good numeracy, and an eye for data – and detail – all individual accounting careers require slightly different skills and some specific training. The accounting industry is constantly evolving, but the size of our firm means we can ensure our people receive up-to-the-minute training. We invite our people to define their own career pathways, setting their own career goals and progressing at their own pace, allowing them to choose their own adventure in the world of accounting.
If you’re looking for an accounting career that’s more than just numbers, public practice offers challenge, variety, and professional development and advancement opportunities. If you’re looking for an accounting role where you’re treated as more than just a number, Matthews Steer recognise that your job satisfaction, work-life balance and wellbeing is paramount to the success of our business, and offers a range of opportunities and benefits normally only offered at large CBD firms.
For more information about accounting job opportunities at Matthews Steer please call our HR team on 9325 6300, or click here to email us.
To register your interest for a future position at Matthews Steer, please visit our careers page.