Charlene Lavaring

5.00 AM

I hear my alarm sound and relish a few minutes snoozing before my cat Harley insists I get up. This is followed by a coffee, breakfast and some chores around my apartment before getting ready for the day.

7.00 AM

I head off for the train and usually fit in reading a few pages of a novel or getting ahead in some study for the Chartered Accountants program while on the train.

8.00 AM

My day officially begins. I start by checking my email and in with my supervisor about how I’m tracking to complete certain client jobs and tasks for the week. Working in the Business Services division can mean I have additional work come up during the week depending on the time of the year and client needs, so I always need to be organised and aware of my work flow.

8.15 AM

As part of completing compliance work for a client, I analyse their Xero file before extracting necessary information to import into the firm's financial reporting software. From there, I create any necessary work papers and perform reconciliations for critical accounts. I finish off by preparing financial statements containing any adjustments needed, such as recording depreciation.

11.00 AM

I prepare a tax return based on the financial statements I have prepared and discuss any questions I have with the manager who oversees the client’s taxation affairs. After a call to the client, we have clarified some queries I had and made some further adjustments.

12.30 PM

Lunchtime is spent catching up with fellow graduates in other divisions, especially the auditors when they are not out at client sites. Our firm's dining area ‘Brooksies’ is a popular spot to meet-up or when the weather isn’t too hot, we like to take a walk along the Brisbane River.

1.00 PM

Myself and some others from the Business Services division head to a ½ hour yoga class where we have the opportunity to refresh and reset. Our instructor Jade’s classes always leave me feeling inspired and ready to tackle the rest of the day ahead of me.

1.30 PM

As part of the firm’s Corporate Secretarial Team, I assist one of the partners in establishing a company for a client who wishes to commence a wholesaling business. I compile the information needed to submit to our firm’s lawyers to incorporate the company, along with preparing any forms to be submitted to ASIC.

3.30 PM

I continue to review some emails which have come in during the day and attend to anything urgent. Today it is preparing a Business Activity Statement for a new client in order to bring their lodgement obligations up to date.

5.00 PM

t’s time to head home and either get stuck into some more study or catch-up with friends.

9.00 PM

After watching an episode or two on Netflix, I am off to bed in order to tackle whatever tomorrow brings!