
Assistant Accountant
Qualification: Master of Professional Accounting, CPA ongoing
Company: Fortescue Metals Group
Year of Graduation: 2023
Education Provider: Edith Cowan University
Country of Origin: India
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Like many others in India, I had dreams of moving overseas for a better future, and Australia was always a place I hoped to build that future. My partner and I decided to take the leap and moved here with our daughter. We arrived on a student visa, and to be honest, the beginning wasn't easy. I hadn't studied in almost 10 years, so getting back into study in a new country with a different education system while managing family life was a real challenge.
Those two years were tough for both me and my partner, but we faced everything together. His support meant everything to me, and that's how I was able to complete my Master of Professional Accounting. While I was studying, I worked part-time as an Accounts Receivable Officer at Hotel Pan Pacific Perth. That tole gave me the confidence and experience to land my first full-time job as a Finance Officer at Hyatt Regency. After about five months, I felt ready for a new challenge and moved into a different industry, joining SRG Global as an Accounts Receivable Officer.
Now, I’m starting my CPA journey and have recently joined FMG as an Assistant Accountant. It’s been a long road filled with hard work, ups and downs, and a lot of learning but looking back, I’m really proud of how far I’ve come.
What was the main reason(s) you selected Perth as your study destination?
Once I knew I was coming to Australia, I spent a lot of time researching where to study. Perth stood out to me for a few reasons. Firstly, the course I wanted to take was offered here, and it felt like the right fit for what I was aiming to do in my career.
But it wasn't just about the course. The cost of living in Perth seemed a lot more manageable compared to some of the other cities, which was a big factor since we were moving as a family. The weather also reminded me of home - not too extreme, with lots of sunshine. All of that combined made Perth feel like the right choice for us, and looking back now, I'm really glad we picked it.
Are there any notable experiences from your time studying that you'd like to share?
One of the first things I noticed was how different the education system is here compared to what I was used to back home. It definitely took me a little while to adjust. Back in India, everything mostly revolves around exams. But here, there's a strong focus on assignments, group work, and presentations, all of which actually help you understand the subject better and prepare you for real-world situations.
What was your transition like from student to graduate to working professional?
Honestly, I wasn't sure how I would secure my first full-time job, especially since the professional environment here is quite different to where I come from. I began by doing thorough research, reaching out to my teachers and alumni to understand how I could move forward. StudyPerth became a key part of that journey - I explored their resources, attended career workshops, and participated in networking events that they promoted. These platforms not only gave me insights into the local job market and hiring practices, but also helped me connect with professionals in my field. Networking through such initiatives gave me the confidence and exposure I needed to transition from a student to a working professional.
While I was studying, I got a part-time opportunity at Hotel Pan Pacific Perth as an Accounts Receivable Officer. It was a temporary role, filling in for someone on leave, but it became my first real experience in finance here in Australia. Even though it was short-term, it helped me understand the local work environment and gave me a much-needed confidence boost.
Not long after that, I completed an internship at The Westin as part of my course. That experience built on what I'd learned at Pan Pacific and gave me even more exposure to finance within the hospitality industry.
Together, those two experienced played a big part in helping me land my first full-time role at Hyatt Regency as a Finance Officer. When I came across the job listing, I reached out directly to the Director of Finance on LinkedIn, introduced myself, and asked if I could be considered. That one message led to an interview and I got the job.
After a few months at Hyatt, I moved into the construction industry by joining SRG Global as an Accounts Receivable Officer. By then, I had enough local experience that applying felt less daunting. I worked there for almost a year before I started thinking about my next step.
That's when I set my sights on FMG. I realised how important it is to build genuine connections within the industry, so I made the effort to connect with professionals at Fortescue and learn more about their work culture and opportunities. Engaging with people in the industry helped me understand the kind of roles they offered and gave me valuable insights that ultimately led me to the right opportunity. Networking has played a huge role in my career growth, and that's how I'm now preparing to join FMG as an Assistant Accountant.
I have also started my CPA studies, which I hope will open even more doors in the future. It's been a journey full of hard work, learning, and growth, and I'm genuinely excited for what's ahead.
What are the top 3 skills you need in your role as a Supply Chain Consultant?
In my current role, having good software knowledge is really important. Every company uses different accounting systems, so being able to quickly adapt and learn new tools makes a big difference. A strong understanding of basic accounting concepts is also essential, it helps you make sense of the work you're doing and ensures accuracy in everything you handle. And finally, good communication skills are key. Whether it’s writing emails, speaking with other departments, or following up with clients, being able to communicate clearly helps keep things running smoothly and avoids confusion.
What do you enjoy most about living and working in Perth?
One of the biggest things I appreciate about working here is the work-life balance. It's something I didn't fully expect before coming, but it's made such a big difference. There's a real respect for personal time, and that's something I value a lot, especially with a family. Perth offers me the perfect balance of a relaxed lifestyle and opportunities for career growth.
What advice would you give to students thinking of coming to Perth to study?
Perth might not be as fast-paced or flashy as cities like Sydney or Melbourne, but that's exactly what makes it special. It's a peaceful, welcoming place where you can really focus on your goals whether it's studying, working, or just enjoying a better quality of life.
Every experience you have here will teach you something, and in the end, it's all worth it. Perth has a way of growing on you. It may feel slow at first, but it never disappoints. If you're looking for a place where you can study, grow, and still enjoy a balanced lifestyle, I'd say go for it.
How has studying and working in Perth shaped your personal growth or worldview?
This experience has been truly life-changing. Studying and working in Perth has made me realise just how much hard work and determination I've put in over the last few years. When I look back, I can honestly say it's been a journey of growth, not just professionally, but personally too.
Perth has taught me patience, resilience, and that even in the toughest times, there's always a way forward. It's shown me that things may not always go as planned, but if you stay focused and keep going, there's always light at the end of the tunnel.
I'm really looking forward to continuing my journey here and growing both professionally and personally in Perth. This experience has shaped me in so many ways, and I hope that by sharing my story, I can encourage others to take that first step and consider Perth as their study destination.