8.45 AM

I step off the train at Barangaroo Metro station, coffee in hand from my favourite café just around the corner. The morning breeze from the harbor wakes me up as I walk through the vibrant streets of Barangaroo's financial district. My day at KPMG starts with the usual mix of energy and focus as I settle into my desk, ready for a productive day. First up, check emails relating to firm events, client updates, audit requests, and follow-ups from team members. It’s a good way to prioritize the day’s tasks, making sure urgent requests are tackled first.

9.15 AM

At 9:15, my team gathers for a quick meeting. We update each other on the progress of ongoing audit work, discussing the testing phases we’re in and mapping out what needs to be completed. This is also the time to highlight any blockers or unusual findings we may have come across. These meetings are essential because, as auditors, our work is often highly collaborative. I might raise questions on areas where I need more client data or review feedback from managers on the audit work I've submitted. Today, there are some outstanding requests from our client that need following up, so I note down tasks for follow-up emails later in the day.

11.00 AM

By mid-morning, I’m deep into detailed audit work. My job as a senior analyst involves applying technical accounting standards to the real-life operations of our clients. The challenging part of this work is applying high-level judgments on complex transactions. I would need to apply my professional knowledge and handy Excel formulas, which will help me check for inconsistencies and ensure that the company's numbers match the supporting documentation provided.  I document my findings, ensuring every number is supported and in line with regulations. For me personally, there’s something deeply satisfying about figuring out the puzzle that is a company's financials!

12.30 PM

Lunch is a welcome break, and one of the perks of working near Barangaroo is the incredible variety of food options. Whether it's grabbing something quick from a local spot or sitting down with a colleague to talk through work (or non-work topics), it’s a great way to recharge. Today, I’m catching up with a friend from another department, and we head out for some pasta at Spago, a local favourite.

1.30 PM

After lunch, it’s back to it. This afternoon is focused on more high-level judgements within the audit. This could mean anything from reviewing the valuation of assets to analysing the appropriateness of revenue recognition methods. We dig deeper into areas that could be at higher risk for misstatement, and this often involves liaising with clients to clarify assumptions or collect additional documentation. It’s a collaborative process, and I’m often in and out of calls or meetings during this time, making sure we have the right information.

3.00 PM

We’ve got a client meeting this afternoon, and I’m responsible for walking them through some of the findings and discussing the next steps. This involves a bit of preparation, making sure I’ve gone over the key points we’ll be discussing and ensuring I can answer any questions that may arise. The meeting itself is a mix of presenting our findings, listening to the client’s perspective, and negotiating timelines for outstanding items. The dynamics of these meetings can vary—some clients are more hands-on and want to go through every detail, while others prefer high-level summaries. My role is to ensure that we’re addressing the client’s needs while keeping the audit on track.

5.15 PM

By 5:15 PM, it’s time to wrap up the day. I check off my to-do list, making sure any important tasks are either completed or flagged for tomorrow. It’s always satisfying to close out a productive day, knowing that I’ve made progress and kept things moving forward.

6.00 PM

But the day doesn’t end with work! A few evenings a week, I head out to play basketball with my colleagues from KPMG through the KPMG basketball club I founded. It’s not just about the game—it's a great way to unwind, get some exercise, and connect with colleagues outside of the office. The camaraderie on the court often translates into better teamwork back in the office. Plus, after a full day of work, there’s nothing like some friendly competition to cap things off!

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