Good afternoon everyone,

My name is Shawn and I am a graduate accountant at Findex, a leading accounting firm that
specializes in providing financial services and wealth management to individuals, businesses and
organizations across the world. I am excited to be here today to share with you my experience of
being recruited through the Findex graduate program.

The Findex graduate program is a three-step process that offers an excellent opportunity for
students to begin their careers in accounting. The first step involves choosing an area of interest and
submitting your CV and transcript. This allows Findex to get to know your skills, qualifications, and
interests, and helps them to match you with a suitable role within the company.

Once your application has been reviewed, the second step is a video interview. This is an
opportunity for you to showcase your personality and communication skills, and for Findex to gain a
better understanding of your potential fit within the organization. During my video interview, I was
able to discuss my previous experience and my goals for the future.

Finally, the third step is an in-person interview with a partner of the company, followed by a
reference check. This step allowed me to demonstrate my technical accounting skills and knowledge,
as well as to gain an understanding of the culture and values of the company. It also gave me the
opportunity to ask questions about the role and the company to ensure that it was a good fit for me.

I am proud to be a part of the Findex team, and I can confidently say that the graduate program has
provided me with a solid foundation for my career in accounting. The program has given me the
opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and to work with a diverse range of clients,
which has helped me to develop my skills and knowledge in the field.

In conclusion, the Findex graduate program is an excellent opportunity for students who are
interested in starting their careers in accounting. With a thorough recruitment process that ensures
a good fit between the candidate and the company, the program provides a solid foundation for a
successful career in accounting. Thank you for your attention today, and I hope that you have found
my presentation informative.

First and foremost, I want to commend you on the excellent work you have done during your time
here. Your attention to detail and ability to quickly grasp complex concepts have been impressive.
You have shown great initiative and have been proactive in seeking out opportunities to learn and
contribute to our team. Your positive attitude and willingness to take on new challenges have also
been noticed and appreciated. Xero need to learn

In terms of specific areas of strength, your analytical skills and ability to work well under pressure
have stood out. Your proficiency in using various software programs and your attention to detail
when preparing financial statements have also been impressive.

However, as with any new job, there is always room for improvement. One area where you could
focus on improving is in your communication skills. While you have been proactive in seeking out
information and assistance when needed, there have been a few instances where you could have
communicated more clearly and effectively with team members.
I am still in the early stages of my employment, having just completed my first month on the job.
Thus far, my experience has been a mixed bag of emotions as I adjust to the company's work and
team culture.

On the one hand, I am excited to be part of such a prestigious organizationIt feels like a great
accomplishment to be part of such a large and successful company. Additionally, the company's
training and development programs are robust, and I have already learned a lot in just a few short
weeks.

On the other hand, I am still trying to find my footing in the company's work and team culture. The
workload is intense, and the hours are long. It is challenging to balance the demands of the job while
also trying to maintain a healthy work-life balance. I am also trying to navigate the company's
complex organizational structure, which can be overwhelming at times.

The team culture in my department is supportive, and my colleagues are friendly and welcoming.
However, I have noticed that there is a strong emphasis on performance and meeting deadlines.
There is a sense of urgency in everything we do, which can be stressful for someone who is new to
the job.

Overall, my experience so far as a graduate programmer in a Big accounting firm has been both
exciting and challenging. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such a prestigious
organization, but I am still trying to find my place in the company's work and team culture. I am
confident that with time, I will become more comfortable with the demands of the job and be able
to contribute to the company's success.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in accounting? I have always been interested in
numbers and problem-solving, and accounting seemed like a natural fit for me. Additionally,
I was drawn to the stability and career opportunities that the accounting industry offers.

2. What do you believe are the most important skills for success in this industry? I believe that
attention to detail, analytical thinking, strong communication skills, and a commitment to
ongoing learning are all essential for success in the accounting industry.

3. Can you tell me about a time when you had to solve a challenging accounting problem? In
my previous role, I was responsible for reconciling a complex set of accounts for a client that
had a history of poor record-keeping. I spent several weeks reviewing and correcting the
accounts, and ultimately developed a new process for maintaining accurate records going
forward.

4. How do you stay up-to-date with changes in accounting regulations and industry trends? I
make a point of reading industry publications and attending professional development
events to stay current with changes in accounting regulations and industry trends.
 5. What is your approach to managing tight deadlines and multiple priorities? I prioritize my
tasks based on their importance and deadline, and I communicate with my team and clients
regularly to ensure that we are all on the same page. I also make sure to build in extra time
for unexpected challenges or issues that may arise.

6. How do you handle situations where you need to communicate complex accounting
concepts to non-accountants? I try to simplify the information as much as possible and use
real-world examples to help the person understand the concept. I also make sure to listen
carefully to their questions and concerns and address them in a way that is
understandable.

7. Can you tell me about your experience with specific accounting software or tools? I have
experience with a variety of accounting software and tools, including QuickBooks, Xero, and
Excel. I am always open to learning new software and tools as well.

8. How do you handle ethical dilemmas in the workplace? I always prioritize honesty and
transparency in my work, and I make sure to follow all relevant regulations and guidelines.
If I encounter an ethical dilemma, I would consult with my supervisor or seek guidance
from professional associations.

9. What do you think sets your accounting skills apart from other candidates? I believe that my
attention to detail, analytical skills, and commitment to ongoing learning and professional
development sets me apart from other candidates. I am always looking for ways to improve
my skills and knowledge and to provide the best possible service to my clients.

In the next five years, the accounting industry is expected to continue its shift towards more digital
and automated processes, with a growing emphasis on data analysis and management. With the
advancement of technology and automation, the role of accountants is likely to evolve towards
higher-level strategic and advisory services, such as financial planning, risk management, and
business strategy.

Additionally, there will be an increasing focus on sustainability and environmental, social, and
governance (ESG) reporting, as businesses recognize the importance of corporate social
responsibility and ethical practices. Therefore, accountants will need to develop a strong
understanding of these issues and be able to incorporate them into financial reporting and decision-
making.

Overall, the accounting profession is likely to become more specialized and require a broader skill
set that includes technical accounting knowledge, data analytics, communication, and strategic
thinking. Accountants who can adapt to these changes and continually develop their skills and
knowledge will be well-positioned to succeed in the industry over the next five years and beyond.

Good morning/afternoon [Manager's name], thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.
As we discussed, I'd like to present my one year plan, three year plan, and five year plan for my
career here at [Big Four accounting firm].
One Year Plan:Xero

In the next year, my primary focus will be on obtaining my CPA license. As you know, I've been
studying for the exam and plan to take it in the next few months. Once I've passed, I would like to
take on more responsibility in my current role, I also plan to attend at least one industry conference
or networking event to expand my professional network.

Three Year Plan:

Looking ahead to the next three years, my goal is to become a senior manager in our department. To
achieve this, I plan to continue to take on challenging assignments and build relationships with
clients. I also want to focus on developing my leadership and project management skills, potentially
by taking on larger and more complex projects.

Five Year Plan:

My five year plan involves achieving a management-level position within the firm. In addition to
continuing to build my technical skills and leadership abilities, I plan to explore opportunities to work
in other regions or countries to gain international experience. I also want to become more involved
in the firm's diversity and inclusion initiatives and potentially serve on a firm-wide committee or task
force.

Outlook:

Overall, I am very optimistic about my future at [Big accounting firm]. I believe that by achieving my
short-term and long-term goals, I will be able to make a significant contribution to the firm and
advance my career. I'm open to feedback and guidance from you and other senior leaders as I work
towards these goals. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to continuing to work together in
the coming months and years.

What are the most important skills needed to succeed in this role?

How can I improve my technical accounting skills?

What are the best ways to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients?

How can I continue to develop my career within the company?

What are some common mistakes that new hires make in this position, and how can I avoid them?

Can you recommend any training or professional development opportunities?

How can I make the most of my performance evaluations and feedback sessions?

How do you balance the demands of the job with maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
How can I stay up-to-date with changes in the industry and accounting standards?

Primary Production Oriented Client Path:

If you're interested in working with clients in the primary production sector, such as farmers,
ranchers, or agricultural businesses, there are a variety of opportunities available. You could work
for an accounting firm that specializes in serving these clients, or you could work in-house for a
company that operates in this industry.

In this role, you'll be responsible for managing financial records, preparing tax returns, providing
financial advice and analysis, and helping clients plan for the future. You'll need to have a strong
understanding of the unique financial challenges facing primary producers, such as seasonality,
fluctuating commodity prices, and weather-related risks.

Construction Oriented Client Path:

If you're interested in working with clients in the construction industry, there are also many
opportunities available. You could work for an accounting firm that specializes in serving this
industry, or you could work in-house for a construction company.

In this role, you'll be responsible for managing financial records, preparing tax returns, providing
financial advice and analysis, and helping clients plan for the future. You'll need to have a strong
understanding of the unique financial challenges facing construction companies, such as project-
based accounting, job costing, and cash flow management.

Superannuation Oriented Client Path:

If you're interested in working with clients in the superannuation industry, there are also many
opportunities available. You could work for an accounting firm that specializes in serving this
industry, or you could work in-house for a superannuation fund.

In this role, you'll be responsible for managing financial records, preparing tax returns, providing
financial advice and analysis, and helping clients plan for retirement. You'll need to have a strong
understanding of superannuation regulations, investment strategies, and retirement planning
options.

Overall, the accounting profession offers a wide range of career paths, and each path presents
unique challenges and opportunities. Whether you choose to specialize in serving primary
producers, construction companies, or superannuation funds, there are many opportunities
available for ambitious and talented graduates.