I’m passionate about sport:

From wanting to be a Silver Fern to leading them

Jennie’s story is all about following your passion, making a difference, and having epic adventures while rockin the CEO title.

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The inside scoop on working for New Zealand Rugby

Cameron spills on how he’s managed to carve out an epic career in sports accounting.

Rugby isn’t just a game—it’s a thriving biz, and every epic biz needs a financial whiz. That’s where Cameron Good CA comes in. Cameron’s not just an accountant; he’s a project manager at New Zealand Rugby (NZR), and he’s living his passion every single day.

Cameron’s journey to NZR wasn’t what he expected. “I thought I’d enjoy London for a couple of years, then figure out my career,” he reflects, but fate had other plans. An opportunity to dive into the sports world popped up, and he swooped on it.

His story kicked off with a three-week stint working with NZR, and years later, he’s still there. “I’m an accountant that works in rugby, so every day I wake up and come to work and think and talk about rugby all day.”

His day is a mix of office time and epic travel adventures. “I have seen the All Blacks play all around the world and get to support them through my job,” he shares. His accounting background opened this door, letting him turn his love for sports into a paycheck.

“I loved sport before I ever worked here. I loved playing it, I loved watching it, and I never really saw that I could carve a career out of it,” Cameron says. Working in the sports industry is his day job, but it’s also his passion.

A career highlight for Cameron was the Rugby World Cup, “Seeing how the tournament galvanised everyone to support rugby was pretty amazing.”

Cameron’s advice on becoming an accountant? “[it] opens doors to any industry you could imagine. The business world will always need those skills—you just have to find out what you want to do and chase your dream.”

So, if you’re thinking accounting is just about crunching numbers in a lame office, think again. At NZR, accounting is the ultimate flex.

Changing the game in women’s NRL

Tiffany Slater CA spills the tea on her gig in sport accounting.

Ever wondered how to mix your love for sports with a solid career?

Meet Tiffany Slater CA, from the National Rugby League (NRL) who’s kicking goals both on and off the field with her accounting skills.

Tiffany’s journey in Rugby League has seen her kill it in four different managerial roles over four years, each adding some serious cred and epic experiences to her CV.

This included her time as General Manager of the Women’s Elite Program where she interacted with different peeps to ensure the Women’s Elite Program got the reco it deserves. “It’s an opportunity to make a difference, and it’s really a once-in-a-career type of opportunity. I feel honoured to be doing it,” she says. “I’m really proud to work in an area of the game that is a first, so it’s great – for women generally – that there are more opportunities now on the sporting field,” she says.

Tiffany believes that being an accountant has been a solid base for her career, offering rich knowledge and endless opportunities. “You don’t have to follow a specific path as a CA; there’s definitely room for variety, and it’s a skill set that’s really valued across businesses and many industries,” she says.

The NRL is seeing more women snag a spot at the big boss table, which Tiffany believes is crucial. “Sport is a subset of society... a true representation of society in sport is really important,” she says. For Tiffany, working in sports is about growing the game for everyone and being part of a supportive, diverse business.

Tiffany also finds that her role fills her cup, as she gets to see the direct impact of her efforts both on and off the field "Sport is tangible. You can see the product on the field... so that helped me connect with my work more easily,” she says.

Any sports fan would agree that Tiffany's living the dream, so, if you’re passionate about sports and want a career that mixes that love with valuable skills, accounting could be your ultimate flex. “You don’t need to be a mad, passionate fan of any particular sport, but you do need to have a passion for what sport represents... it has the potential to change lives,” Tiffany says.

Jet Boarding to success

Want to know the secret to fueling your extreme water sport dreams?

In the hustle of business dreams, accounting can be the ultimate foundation.

Saimon Lomaloma CA, is a Kiwi Chartered Accountant (CA) who rode the accounting wave to chase his passion for extreme water sports. From crunching numbers at a global firm to launching Jetboards NZ, he’s living proof that accounting isn’t just about balance sheets—it’s about chasing your wildest dreams.

“I wanted to do the things I loved and live the life I enjoyed without feeling restricted. Being financially secure, having enough money to do all that—becoming an accountant helped me achieve that,” says Saimon.

For Saimon, the journey wasn’t just about numbers—it was about unlocking a lifestyle of freedom and adventure. “The skills I had acquired allowed me to start my own business, and also gave me the choice to do anything I wanted to do,” he shares.

Reflecting on his career highlights, Saimon recalls the moment he realised the power of his accounting journey. “During the graduation, they had a guest speaker who ran a successful craft beer company. He was a CA, and I thought, ‘Wow, that’s so awesome.’ Two years later, I ended up speaking to new members in Germany about my story.”

His advice for aspiring business owners? Stay agile, embrace change, and always keep an eye on the horizon. “A modern [accountant] has to have a wide range of skills and be open to endless opportunities. It takes foresight, and the role is likely to become increasingly strategy-based.”

Saimon’s story is a testament to the boundless possibilities that come with a CA qualification. So, if you’re ready to ride the wave of success, consider accounting as your ultimate passport to adventure.

Passion meets purpose

Discover how to align your passions with your career for a fulfilling life.

They say, "Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life." But how do you create a career that vibes with your passions, purpose, and goals, not just your skills and knowledge?

According to the 2019 Workforce Purpose Index, only 28% of full-time U.S. workers have a 'purpose mindset'. But 52% of them feel more fulfilled. In other words, if your job feels meaningful, you're more likely to be content.

The Chartered Accountants ANZ's paper, The 21st Century Profession, found that 84% of the public and 94% of Chartered Accountants believe professions need a purpose beyond profit. This means pros can find a sense of purpose by making a positive impact on businesses, economies, and societies.

So, how do you align your passions and purpose with your career?

"A passion is something that energises you, aligns with your beliefs and values, and is something you'd invest time in even without pay," says Danielle Duell, CEO and Founder of People with Purpose. She notes that financial fears and societal pressures often stop people from following their passion.

Danielle adds, "People often chase money first, hoping to follow their passions later. But financial commitments can trap them."

If your work doesn't matter to you, there's only a 2% chance you'll feel fulfilled. Many struggle to identify their true passions. "Combining your work with what you love makes you the best version of yourself," says Danielle. It creates energy, alignment, and a positive ripple effect on your family.

Danielle suggests using tools like the Clifton Strengths and VIA Character Strengths tests to discover your values, purpose, and goals. She advises asking yourself:

1. What's stopping you from pursuing a purposeful career?
2. What could happen if you do?

What could happen if you don’t?

Remember, exploring doesn’t mean you have to pursue right away.

I'm passionate about gaming and tech:

Turning your Sims obsession into a full-time gig

Cross over into the meta with us as we explore what it’s like to be an accountant in indie game development.

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Fashion icon and powerhouse tech entrepreneur

Fashion icon, Margaret Zhang’s top tips on how to become a powerhouse tech entrepreneur in your 20s.

Margaret Zhang is a multi-skilled pro - she was a highly sought-after photographer, stylist, writer, creative director and consultant for luxury brands such as Gucci, Dior and Louis Vuitton before becoming the Editor and Chief of Vogue China.

Starting Shine By Three at 16, Margaret's fearless style scored her invites to top fashion shows and gigs as a model and photographer.

She has a legendary work ethic, millions of followers on social media and made the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list of innovators and entrepreneurs.

Here's Margaret's career advice for young tech entrepreneurs:

Multi-task like a boss and forget sticking to one thing!

Margaret has thrown that cliché 'jack of all trades, master of none' to the winds and become a poster child for a new generation of multi-skilled professionals who embrace the notion that a career is no longer based on a single job.

Passion fuels success

Since uni, Margaret's life's been a whirlwind, but her passion keeps her going strong. "Work on what you love – it won't feel like work," she advises. Schedule tight, focus sharp, and go for it!

Social media magic

"Use socials to build your brand, but don't let likes define you," Margaret warns. "It's a tool, not real life."

Balance? It's personal

There’s no secret formula here. "If you love what you do, you'll find time," she says. Sacrifices pay off when passion drives you.

Find your escape

Margaret's a self-confessed workaholic, but even she needs downtime. "Music's my escape," she shares. "Find yours." As her star keeps rising, Margaret's diving into motion projects and consulting gigs across fashion, lifestyle, and music. 

I'm passionate about the environment:

Making an impact in eco-accounting

Learn how environmental accounting lets you work in your dream industry!

Ever thought about turning your love for the environment into a career? Environmental accounting might just be your jam! It’s all about using numbers to figure out how business decisions affect our planet.

Environmental accounting blends traditional finance with a green twist. Imagine you’re planning to build a new factory. Before breaking ground, environmental accountants calculate the impact—like how building affects the environment and what happens when it’s time to shut down. It’s part of the company’s bigger plan to be eco-friendly, which is a big deal in today's world.

Karen McWilliams CA, from Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, breaks it down: “Environmental accounting lets CAs measure, manage, and report on natural capital. It’s about helping companies be more sustainable and reduce their environmental footprint.”

Why should you consider this path? As an environmental accountant, you’ll track how businesses use natural resources like energy and water. By showing companies how they impact the environment, you can help them do better—for both nature and their bottom line.

Where can you work? Government jobs are a biggie, where you can shape policies and regulations. Big companies also need your skills to report on their eco-efforts and guide decisions. Plus, there’s a niche in finance where you’d assess how a company's green practices affect its investments.

Skills you’ll need? Data crunching, forecasting, and talking with people from engineers to execs. Being passionate about the environment and aware of social issues is key too.

Whether you’re into saving turtles or reducing carbon footprints, environmental accounting lets you make a real difference. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about shaping a greener future. Ready to crunch numbers for nature? Environmental accounting might just be your calling!

Cara’s guide to fuel your career dreams!

Want to find out how accountants use their jobs to fuel their passions? Check out Cara Turnley CA’s story!

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Meet the CFO turning denim into a force for good

Cayley Haig CA shows another side of a career in accounting – one that has the power to change the world.

If you think accounting, fashion and environmentalism have nothing in common, you’ve clearly never met Cayley Haig CA. As Chief Financial Officer for the Maeka Group – the team behind Outland Denim, Nobody Denim, and Maeka Manufacturing – Cayley is equal parts number-wizard and change-maker.

Speaking to Life Without Andy, Cayley shares her mission to tackle modern slavery and textile waste, and ‘Make Epic Things Happen’ through a financial role that goes far beyond what you’d expect.

From forensics to fashion

Cayley’s journey into the fashion world wasn’t exactly linear. “I started out in forensic accounting,” she recalls. Then, after years of tax and business advisory, she joined the Maeka Group, where she found a way to use her accounting skills for good.

“I consider myself really fortunate to have ended up in this role, because it's allowed me to take the skills that I've developed through accounting and apply it in a way that aligns with my passions and values, which is looking after people and the planet around us.”

“Working in fashion, you’re always looking 18 months ahead,” she says. It’s a wild shift from the perception that traditional view of accounting, which mostly deals with historical numbers and data.

In contrast, Cayley adds: “It’s quite fun to be working a lot more in the forecast space, working with product teams, working with the designers, working with marketing and sales to really plan out what the future looks like.”

Numbers, but make them ethical

While fun, the job also requires Cayley to balance her day-to-day tasks with larger scale industry challenges. “Fashion is the second biggest contributor to modern slavery in the world,” she says, cutting right to the chase. It’s a confronting truth, made worse by significant environmental damage.

“About 800,000 tons of textile waste go to landfill every year,” she explains. “Textile waste from fashion is a big issue in Australia.”

That’s why her team is committed to solutions that address these problems. “We saw a great need in Cambodia. It’s a country that already has a lot of manufacturing, but people not being paid fair wages is a big issue throughout the fashion industry.”

Outland Denim tackles these challenges head-on, from sourcing cotton to sewing the final stitches, every part of the brand’s denim process goes beyond meeting minimum standards for ethical production.

“We pay a living wage – what it takes to live in the area they live in – and make sure they can support their family, have access to medical care, and get the things they need like training and education.”

Creating change

For Cayley, the biggest reward is seeing the impact of her work up close. “Whenever I go to Cambodia, that just really reignites my passion,” she shares. “Seeing what we’ve been able to do over there to help improve their lives.”

Accounting has been the foundation for her career, and Cayley believes it’s a skill that can be so much more than just numbers.

“Everything in our world is driven by money. Accounting is a skill set that really helps you understand the story that's happening for a business,” she says. “Being able to translate that knowledge and financial literacy to your team is impactful and helps make sure that decisions are being made well.”

Ultimately, her goal for the Maeka Group and the fashion industry is bold: “We’re not just creating clothes – we’re creating change.” And at the core, she’s using accounting to do it.

A Knack for numbers can help save Australian Wildlife

Releasing bilbies, flying in helicopters, and using AI foe wildlife conservation- guess this guy’s job.

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Money moves with meaning

Smart money moves are making a real impact at the Discovery Foundation.

Dreaming of fancy cars and rock-star vibes as an accountant? Antonio is all about using his mad money skills to help others, especially through The Discovery Foundation—a not-for-profit in New Zealand. Discovery for Teens, run by Discovery Foundation, is an inclusive program benefiting all young Kiwis, focusing on mental, emotional, and physical growth through team activities.

Antonio is all about using his mad money skills to help others, especially through the discovery foundation—a not-for-profit in new zealand. Discovery for teens, run by discovery foundation, is an inclusive program benefiting all young kiwis, focusing on mental, emotional, and physical growth through team activities.

"It's awesome being involved in the strategic decision making for a charity and knowing that you are helping people less fortunate." Antonio says. He’s passionate about getting teens to accept themselves, discover their strengths, and grow.

Antonio is the money manager of Discovery's finances - making sure all the dollars and cents are put to good use. He uses his accounting skills to make smart decisions that keep everything running smoothly, from board meetings to day-to-day operations.

But its giving back that really lights Antonio’s fire. "Pavarotti once said that his voice was a gift and he had a duty to use it to positively impact as many people as possible. I feel the same way.” “There's something cool about seeing the organisation impacting multiple generations of a family.”

An eco- warrior with a calculator

The eco- accountant using her skills to combat climate change.

Think accountants don't change the world? Meet Zurich-based Chartered Accountant Lauren Zwierlein CA. She’s not just crunching numbers; she's literally saving the planet.

Lauren, the CFO and COO at UrbanConnect in Zurich, Switzerland, uses her skills to fight climate change. UrbanConnect provides low-emission vehicles to companies across Europe and Lauren runs both the finance and operations departments like a boss, while working with big names like Roche Pharmaceuticals, Lonza, and Lindt & Sprüngli to cut their carbon footprints.

“The entire premise of the company is that we look for ways to enable companies to reduce their carbon emissions. The way we do that is by converting their mobility fleet to electric vehicles.” says Lauren.

"You can provide value in a lot of different ways, not just in strictly the numbers, but also in other things like operations and strategy,” Lauren shares. “It was the first time that I was in a position of responsibility and that gave me a sense that the nature of the job was changing. Because you actually are responsible for something for the future.”

Lauren's journey proves that accountants can be powerful voices in sustainability. She urges young accountants to find roles that align with their values. “You have a set of skills that's really valuable to employers. So, think about what sort of company you want to work for and how you apply your skills with a company that's aligned with your values,” she advises. “There are many very rewarding career paths where you can make an impact and have a really, really valuable contribution."
So there you have it. If you want to combat climate change like a warrior, then accounting is your way in.

I'm passionate about entertainment

From spreadsheets to storytelling

Brett Conley CA proves accounting is anything but ordinary. She blends finance with creativity to bring Disney’s magic to life.

When you think of Disney, you probably picture movies, music, and unforgettable characters. What you may not think about? The talented and passionate accountants working behind the scenes who help make the magic happen.

For Brett Conley, a Chartered Accountant (CA) and the Finance Manager at Disney+ Australia and New Zealand, numbers and creativity go hand in hand. In a recent interview with Variety Australia, Brett shares how she uses her skills in accounting to make epic things happen and ensure that Disney’s creative vision is financially sound.

The most magical job on earth

Like many people her age, Brett’s first connection with Disney was the Lion King. “It wasn't just the movie itself, I love the music. I even had a plush toy of Simba that slept next to me for many years,” she shares.

Now, working on the Disney+ team is a dream come true. “Even though it’s a legacy brand that’s over 100 years old, it’s exceptionally fast-paced and constantly evolving. In my four years here, never has one day been the same. It’s magical.” That sense of wonder isn’t just about the content Disney creates, it’s embedded in the way the company operates. “It's got that kind of Peter Pan element about the business,” Brett explains. “No one wants to grow up, everyone wants to stay young, by working at Disney.”

Through her role, Brett is helping change the stereotype that accounting is dull. "People think being an accountant is actually boring. Operating spreadsheets, bashing away on the keyboard,” she says. “To me, being an accountant is actually enabling creativity, giving life to numbers. It allows us to pursue those creative endeavours and know that commercially they make sense.”

A life-changing career pivot

Brett’s journey to Finance Manager at Disney+ wasn’t straightforward. In fact, in early 2018, her world changed overnight.

"On Valentine's Day, I was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 26. Completely out of the blue, I had been in perfect health prior to my diagnosis,” she says. After rounds of chemo and a stem cell transplant, Brett slowly started to recover. “I'm extremely lucky. I like to think it's my own personal miracle really."

At the time, Brett was in a role that involved guiding clients through challenging financial situations on a regular basis. Her cancer diagnosis was a shock to the system and made her rethink her career path.

“I wanted a job that made me happy. I found that in my job at Disney. You're not just put away in a corner to run your numbers. People really rely on you, whether it's partnerships, marketing, productions and that's what I'm really excited about my job.”

The next generation of accountants

Brett proves that accounting isn’t just about keeping the books balanced, it’s about making things possible. Within the Disney+ team, she is one of three CAs, and she credits her qualification for opening doors for people who want an interesting and diverse career. “The CA Program will honestly take you anywhere you want to go,” she says.

For young people considering their future, Brett wants them to see the possibilities in accounting as a way to support an industry they are passionate about. It’s a profession that opens lots of exciting opportunities, whether you’re interested in music, film, sports, or tech. Behind every artist, creative and actor, there is a financial expert like Brett making epic things happen.

Numbers aren’t just numbers, they’re the foundation of every great story. And at Disney+, Brett is making sure those stories continue to come to life.

Meet one of Australia’s coolest accountants

With long curls and a love of music. Anthony De Filippis proves how accountancy can be a way to follow your passions.

Close your eyes and imagine an accountant. Are they behind a desk? Crunching numbers? Wearing a blazer? Well, Anthony De Filippis is the complete opposite. He wears a denim jacket, not a blazer. And if given the choice, he’d opt for music over maths. In fact, his quirky edge is what makes him so good at his job.

De Filippis is a Chartered Accountant (CA) and the founder of Amplify 11, a boutique accounting firm with a creative twist. Anthony has successfully built his career not just by balancing the books, but by balancing passions.

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone AU/NZ, one of Australia’s coolest accountants shares how he carved his own path to ‘Make Epic Things Happen’ and inspire the next generation to see accounting for what it truly is.

The truth about accountants

When you think about it, accounting is the backbone of almost everything. Behind every major project – whether it’s a music festival, a film production, or even your favourite local bookshop or café – there’s an accountant making sure it all works financially.

According to a 2023 report by Chartered Accountants ANZ, demand for accountants remains strong across Australia and New Zealand.

Turns out, you don’t need to be a maths genius to be an accountant, either. Those who are great at the job are instead experts in strategy, problem-solving, and creativity. “You know, calculators exist – we've got to add the numbers up,” De Filippis admits. “But at the end of the day it's really more about having those really solid relationships.”

“You have this rare opportunity to really get inside somebody’s financials, which directly impacts their life too.”

Combining passions

When De Filippis isn’t helping bring his clients’ dreams to life as a financial expert, he’s happiest in his own space with his hands on a guitar.

“I’ve always been a quiet kid,” he says, recalling his younger years spent immersed in music. “Music was my way of being heard. It drove me, and that passion never went away. But at the same time, I knew I needed to find a sustainable way to support myself and others.”

That’s exactly what he’s done. With Amplify 11, De Filippis has created a firm that connects accounting with the creative industries, working with clients in music, film, and beyond.

“I think there’s this old-school idea that accountants are just mundane, boring people who sit behind a computer and harp on about specific tax rules and what you can’t do.”

For him, accounting is all about connecting with people and helping to actualise their ideas. “A client will come to me with nothing but an idea,” he says. “Whether it’s opening a recording studio or starting a small business, we help bring that to life.”

Especially in recent years, with the music industry struggling through COVID-19, rising costs of touring, and fewer people attending gigs, De Filippis has been a lifeline for artists, helping them stay financially afloat and continue pursuing their passions despite economic challenges.

Carving your own path

When it comes to showing his personality through his work, De Filippis has never been afraid of being different, even in environments where it didn’t always seem welcome.

“Going into big accounting firms, I’ll never forget this one time,” he says. “I sat down to do a basic performance review with a manager, and he said to me, ‘You’ve got quite a large personality for a place like this.’ I just took on that feedback and said, ‘Yeah, I do.’”

But instead of dialling it back, De Filippis leaned in – true to his rock ‘n’ roll spirit, he decided to carve his own path. “I said to myself, I’m going to do this on my own. I’m going to start Amplify 11,” he says. The rest, as they say, is history.

“I’m working with really cool people. I’m seeing some really cool stuff.”

“I get to geek out and talk to people in recording studios about different consoles. I get to talk to guitar builders about different types of woods and electronics. I get to talk to artists about what they’re planning for upcoming tours.”

By embracing his individuality, he created a firm that reflects his passions and breaks away from the traditional mould, showing that accountants can be as dynamic and creative as the clients they serve.

You don’t need to be in the spotlight to work in media

Discover how Ravina is living her passion in the media industry, attending epic premieres, and making game- changing AFL deals!

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Fashion icon and powerhouse tech entrepreneur

Fashion icon, Margaret Zhang’s top tips on how to become a powerhouse tech entrepreneur in your 20s.

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Can accountants change the world?

Guess the job

Making magic with numbers

Accounts rock, literally!

Turning passion into pay: Accounting career secrets

Wanna turn your passion into a legit career? Join Izzy from Year13 as she chats with Andrew Van De Beek FCA, an accountant who’s living his dream! From high school grad to running his own accounting firm, Andrew spills all the tea on his journey, what it takes to win, and why accounting is more than just numbers. Get the lowdown on skills, real-life advice, and how to keep it real in your career. Dive in for some epic insights and laughs.

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