KPMG Expat Interview Series - Dee (Assurance Manager)
What was the motivating factor that made you move over to Australia and what made you choose to move with KPMG originally ??
I wanted to explore this side of the world more. Being born in Vietnam but moved to the States in my teens, I didn’t get a chance to travel much before, and the distance between US and Southeast Asia (20 hour+ flight) didn’t help either. Sydney Australia is the perfect location for me, easy direct flights to both Asia and the US! Also funny story but when I was a little girl in Vietnam,?this show from Australia called Ocean Girl was aired on the TV and I loved the show and thought how cool it’d be to live in Australia one day!
I wanted to move with KPMG because I had a great mentor at KPMG Kansas City who used to do an international secondment. He understood the benefits of it and highly encouraged me to pursue such opportunities. When he learnt of my interest in Australia, he helped connect me with people from KPMG Sydney office. I was very fortunate to have those connections which helped my transition across the globe a smooth one.?
From a lifestyle perspective how has the change been ? What are 2 things that you expected and 2 things that you didn’t expect ??
My lifestyle has definitely changed for the better since I moved to Sydney. I wasn’t very sporty before but since I moved here I fell in love with surfing and would hit the waves almost every day. I also found some amazing friends through surfing who have become my second family and got me through some tough times during this pandemic.?
?Two things I expected – beautiful days at the beach and Aussies with their thick Aussie accent saying things like “G’day mate”. Although the first time they asked “How you going?” I took it too literally and answered “By bus” and they all laughed at me. It actually means How are you doing?
?Two things I didn’t expect – Sydney could get cold in the winter (I made the mistake of not bringing any of my winter coats) and the pandemic. I love my life here and it has been tough not being able to see my family and friends these past couple years. But now that the borders are opening back up I’m very excited to be able to visit again very soon.?
How do you feel your time at KPMG Australia has influenced your career direction ??
I think at the time when I was looking to go on a secondment, I was at the crossroad in my career where I would either move on from public accounting or move to a new place for new opportunities and better work/life balance. When I moved to Sydney I was given great opportunities of being on 2 largest US reporting jobs in the office.
It was challenging but along with it came great benefits/incentives (international travels to some APAC countries for work). And the thing I love most about KPMG Sydney is that they put trust in me and my ability and accommodate my lifestyle. I appreciate that I can take a couple hours during lunch break to go for a surf – that’s the better work/life balance I was looking for. If I hadn’t moved to Sydney I don’t think I would be with KPMG still.??
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What has been your most rewarding experience with KPMG and on that note the most challenging experience ??
Most rewarding – I really enjoy being able to come on a brand new team/engagement and able to apply my skillsets and add value and improvements. I also love coaching junior team members and being a good and honest mentor like my mentors back home used to do for me.?
?Most challenging – being from a small office where it was not very diverse to a large office like Sydney, I got to work with so many different people from different backgrounds, cultures, countries (i.e. Australia, UK, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Zimbabwe), it is exciting but also challenging especially being a manager. I need to adapt and adjust myself and understand where each person is coming from and can’t just use an “one-fit-all” approach.?
What would your general advice be for anyone abroad that is on the fence or looking to relocate to Australia ??
I would say go for it! Take that leap of faith! It might not work out how you imagine but it will work out in a way that you will gain tremendous growth personally and professionally.
?But if you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with someone from KPMG Australia, especially another secondee, who can help answer and guide you through the process.??
If you are interested in joining the KPMG Audit team please reach out directly or alternatively apply to the links here -
https://www.gobeyond.kpmg.com.au/experienced/en/job/511655/analyst-senior-assistant-manager?Melbourne
Head of Talent Attraction
3 年Loving this series Daniel Tee
Head of Experienced Hire - Talent Attraction | KPMG Australia
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