Grad testimonials

Archie Perriam, BAS Graduate, Christchurch

I started at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Christchurch in April 2024 and it’s been a great place to launch my career. From day one, I’ve been able to dive into meaningful work with a variety of clients and industries, which has helped me quickly build my skills and practical knowledge.

The firm provides a good balance of support and challenge, and I’ve always felt encouraged to ask questions and learn. The team here is approachable and willing to share their expertise, which has made a big difference in my development.

There’s a strong focus on ongoing learning and professional growth, with plenty of training and mentorship opportunities to help graduates get up to speed.

Being part of such a collaborative and forward-thinking firm has made me excited about my future career in accounting.

Bailey Morris, Audit Graduate, Auckland

I joined Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland as an intern in March 2024 through my university degree at AUT, participating in a co-op course. After completing my studies, I was thrilled to be offered a full-time graduate position. From the very first day, I was welcomed into a friendly and supportive environment that truly made a difference. 

The team has been incredibly approachable, including the partners, who have always made time to share their insights and guidance. This collaborative atmosphere has not only made my transition smooth but has also encouraged me to grow and develop my skills at an impressive pace. I’ve had the chance to gain valuable experience in a short amount of time, diving into real-world auditing tasks and learning from industry professionals. 

One of the highlights of my role has been visiting client sites to conduct audits. Interacting with clients has enriched my understanding of the profession and allowed me to apply my academic learning in practical settings. Each experience has reinforced my passion for auditing and solidified my commitment to this field. 

Overall, working at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway has been an amazing opportunity. I’m grateful for the support and mentorship I've received and excited about the future as I continue my journey as a graduate auditor here. 

Bryna Karl, Audit Graduate, Taranaki

I started as an audit graduate at Baker Tilly in the Taranaki Office in February 2023. I had just finished university and was getting a bit of cabin fever in Hamilton and New Plymouth was the perfect solution. I felt part of the team from the moment I started. Our audit team is small, only seven of us, but it makes for a great training environment where everyone is involved and super supportive. Working in a team of young people has been good for my learning as they were in my shoes not so long ago.

One of the things I have found helpful is our monthly department meetings. The seniors run specific trainings every month based on areas that we are struggling with or need extra help with. They listen to our questions and come up with a training to address these gaps. These trainings are great as they open the floor for more discussion and are pointed specifically at what we would like to improve on.

Everyone at Baker Tilly is very social. They have many sports teams and activities outside of work, which has grown my relationship with my fellow graduates and colleagues. Baker Tilly also offers many training opportunities around the country, and I have been able to work with a variety of clients from different industries and locations due to the diverse nature of audit. This exposure is invaluable and definitely a bonus of working in a mid-tier firm.

Charlie Li, BAS Graduate, Auckland

I joined Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland as a graduate in early 2024, drawn by the company’s stellar reputation for nurturing talent and fostering a collaborative culture. From my very first day, I felt welcomed into a vibrant and inclusive team that genuinely cares about each member's growth. 

The training opportunities here are exceptional. I’ve received hands-on guidance from my assigned manager, who has been instrumental in helping me navigate my tasks from the ground up. In just a few months, I’ve participated in a national graduate induction and various training sessions, enhancing my technical skills and confidence. 

What truly sets Baker Tilly apart is the commitment to personal development. I’ve been encouraged to explore different areas of the business, allowing me to gain invaluable insights into client needs and industry practices. Working on diverse projects has expanded my knowledge and deepened my understanding of our clients’ challenges. 

The flexible work environment is also an advantage, enabling me to maintain my passion for outdoor activities while balancing professional responsibilities. The supportive atmosphere encourages camaraderie, with regular social events and team outings that have helped me build meaningful connections. Every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow, and I’m excited about my future here as I continue my journey towards becoming a well-rounded professional.

Diana Nor Azmi, Tax Graduate, Auckland

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway is a fantastic place to establish my voice, form a support system and get my feet wet. I recall how nervous I was to begin my job at our Auckland office, but reminded myself that the network’s dedication to diversity is why I chose it over others. It's apparent how Baker Tilly upholds that principle, since I've had a feeling of belonging since day one and my co-workers have been incredibly supportive, appreciating me for who I am, listening to my opinions and being my go-to person if I'm struggling with something.

I began my career as a tax intern in the summer of 2023, where I stumbled on a collaborative and healthy work environment that values continual learning. This experience has boosted my confidence in continuing my career here as a graduate. Baker Tilly consistently goes above and beyond for its grads. To help our individual professional skills flourish, the company organises weekly tax training sessions with free lunches – such a fantastic perk! The interactive nature of these workshops, along with the opportunity to collaborate with experienced professionals, has extended my tax knowledge and enhanced my ability to give thorough and precise tax services to clients.

In just four months as a graduate, I’ve gained substantial tax skills, notably provisional taxation and income tax return preparation. These abilities are all because of the aid of my colleagues; without the collaborative environment, I don't think I'd have been able to grow my skills as much as I have. The support system went beyond what I’d expected and asked for, allowing me to grow professionally. Overall, my time at Baker Tilly has been full of pleasant experiences, and I am humbled to be given the opportunity. I am excited to advance my career and work towards becoming a chartered accountant through the graduate programme.

Eva Martin, Audit Graduate, Wellington

I joined Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Wellington at the beginning of 2024 and despite still being part-way through my studies, they were very accommodating and helped me to balance work and study. 

There are many perks to working in the smallest Baker Tilly office. Perhaps what I appreciate the most is the genuine sense of community where everyone, regardless of service line, knows each other and gets along. I feel comfortable working closely with more senior, CA-qualified members of the team and this has helped to accelerate my learning and development. As soon as grads join the company, we’re given the opportunity to be involved in valued work and figure things out without feeling time pressured or micro-managed. We’re supported through the whole process, from emailing the client for information to compiling GST returns and financial statements.  

The firm has been very supportive of my professional ambitions, and I often see people undertaking extra tax courses as well as regular BAS trainings. I am often asked what kind of work I enjoy doing, or want to do, and the firm makes efforts to expose me to work I find enjoyable and interesting. At Baker Tilly you are not just a number but a valued member in the team and can make an immediate contribution and perform valued work.

Indrea Werder, Audit Graduate, Hawke's Bay

I started as an audit graduate at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Hawke’s Bay in November 2023. I was excited and eager to start after learning I was successful in getting the position. The recruitment process was smooth and efficient; and I was kept updated throughout.  

The first few days were overwhelming but wasn’t long before I got into a routine. I knew from day one that I made the right choice in working for Baker Tilly Staples Rodway. Everyone is very welcoming and friendly. I was assigned a buddy who has trained me up. Some days my buddy was away with a client, which was fine as there were others in the team who were willing to help and answer any questions I had. I also know that I can go to my bosses if I need help.  

One of the many aspects I enjoy is Baker Tilly Staples Rodway’s flexible working arrangements which allow me to have the right work-life balance. There are also plenty of work social events such as shared birthday morning teas, Christmas dinner party and other family events that employees and their partners can enjoy. Here, you are not just a number but part of an amazing team. Baker Tilly Staples Rodway provides great training opportunities and support for anyone who is wanting to become a Chartered Accountant. 

Jackson Kelly, BAS Graduate, Christchurch

I have been fortunate to secure a position and start off my professional career at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Christchurch from early 2024 in the Business Advisory Services team. 

Transitioning directly from university to the professional environment initially was quite daunting but the firm welcomed me with open arms and made me feel right at home. 

Baker Tilly prioritises both personal and professional development and has provided me with numerous opportunities to build both my technical and communicative skills to be the best I can. It also has a great support system to where you can receive help at any time to help you reach your fullest potential with learning.  

I have gained substantial knowledge in the accounting field thanks to the systems, processes, and colleagues at Baker Tilly. Every day you learn something new and are presented with engaging work that brings high rewards. 

Being surrounded by such a driven group of people inspires you and encourages you to work hard and provide the best results. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Baker Tilly so far and am excited to see what the future holds with this firm.

Jocelyn Wang, Insolvency Graduate, Auckland 

I've been eager to join a CA firm ever since I began my MPA studies, and Baker Tilly Staples Rodway has always been the team I aspired to join. My journey as an insolvency graduate at Baker Tilly has been amazing. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the insolvency team, as insolvency is often considered a “sophisticated” area in accounting. Having had no prior knowledge of insolvency, everything was new to me. It's been exciting to absorb new information every day, much like a sponge soaking up nutrients.

Although starting as an insolvency graduate was challenging, it has been even more rewarding. The support from the team is unwavering. Everyone here is approachable and always ready to help. The buddy system is a fantastic way to kickstart my journey in a new environment, and the support from a CA mentor ensures a smooth path in my CA journey.

Training is vital for graduates and the training culture at Baker Tilly is outstanding. They prioritise training, offering extensive sessions not only within your working area but also in other areas such as tax. I've learned a great deal from these sessions. Plus, I love that Baker Tilly provides delicious food during training sessions! In addition to hard skills, Baker Tilly has taught me many soft skills, such as communication, collaboration and confidence. I am very much looking forward to growing with the team and the network throughout my career journey.

Joshua Morris, BAS Graduate, Wellington

I joined Baker Tilly Staples Rodway as a Business Advisory Services (BAS) intern in July 2022 while completing my final year of university. Following this, I was offered a full-time role and began employment in February 2023.

My internship provided the opportunity to put theory from university into practice, interact with clients and gain a better understanding of how a CA firm operates. From day one, I was attending team trainings and completing work beyond what I expected to do as an intern. This experience, combined with the supportive culture, smoothed my transition into full time employment.

Baker Tilly appealed to me due to the company’s genuine interest in my professional development. My BAS managers/partners are always available for questions and willing to sit down and work through any issues I have. Our team holds weekly BAS meetings to check progress and offer support where needed. Our office attends internal training sessions, CA ANZ seminars and presentations from a range of industry experts.

My time at Baker Tilly has been an overwhelmingly positive experience and I am excited to see what the future holds.

Laura Bowdler, BAS Graduate, Christchurch

Starting as a Business Advisory Services graduate at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Christchurch in March 2024 has been an incredible experience. I chose Baker Tilly Christchurch because of the positive feedback I had heard and what I had witnessed about its culture and working environment. 

From day one, I was welcomed into a supportive team that truly values collaboration, growth, communication, engagement and care. Everyone is friendly and approachable and always willing to help on my journey. Having a buddy made the transition much smoother; they were there to guide me, answer questions, and help me settle in. 

The opportunities I have had to grow both professionally and personally have been invaluable. Through training and exposure to various jobs. I had the chance to visit Auckland for training with other graduates and intermediates from across the New Zealand network, which further enriched my experience, connections and understanding of the firm. 

Baker Tilly Christchurch has a good balance of providing high quality work for our clients and fostering team connection. I am grateful to be part of such a positive and engaging culture where I can thrive and contribute, and I look forward to continuing to grow both professionally and personally as I continue my career at Baker Tilly. 

Molly Lourie, BAS Graduate, Taranaki

I began as a graduate at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Taranaki in February 2024 but worked here previously as a student intern. I decided to continue with my career with Baker Tilly, as I’ve felt a sense of family over my time here and have been highly interested in our well developed and experienced agricultural team. It also meant that I was able to return to my region of Taranaki after being away for three years. Starting as a graduate, I was still finishing my final year at university, and the staff and directors ensured that I was constantly supported while juggling work and full-time study.  

So far, I have been to various trainings in Auckland, different industry updates and chats, and additional external training seminars held to ensure that graduates are getting the best possible knowledge and guidance. I thoroughly enjoyed the different trainings as they allowed us to mingle with the other graduates from different offices and learn how all offices have points of difference. The industry updates and chats have also been very beneficial. A lot of what I learned was useful for my university studies.  

What makes Baker Tilly different is its unique family culture. Everyone is friendly, and Baker Tilly is always ensuring that colleagues are mingling, with social sports teams, dinner clubs and lunches. The flexibility offered also means I can continue doing everything I love, including exercising and helping on our family farm. It truly is the best of both worlds.  

Nathan Proctor, BAS Graduate, Tauranga

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Tauranga initially employed me in a part-time role while I was studying at university in June 2023. This opportunity has given me real-world business experience while providing the freedom to manage my work, study and social life. Balance is an integral part of our culture, and the team has been more than supportive of my journey as a high-performance athlete. The directors are passionate about the firm and the people who work here. They have helped me tailor a unique pathway for career development. As I have no tertiary accounting study experience, they derived a number of options before supporting my enrolment in a master’s degree that will also lead to a Chartered Accounting qualification. My colleagues have built a supportive working atmosphere that created a smooth transition into the professional environment while also encouraging personal growth and long-term success outside the office. 

I am privileged to learn from and work alongside intelligent and experienced individuals who are among the best in our industry. I have personally been tasked with an appropriate level of responsibility that has challenged me and driven contextual learning. With a range of quality resources and experience on hand, we are well equipped to meet our clients’ accounting needs while going beyond their service expectations. I look forward to growing my relationship with Baker Tilly Staples Rodway at both client and firm level in the future.
  

Raine De Vaan, BAS Graduate, Taranaki

I started as a graduate at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Taranaki in March 2024. I chose Baker Tilly for its mid-tier position. It’s large enough to provide exposure to a diverse range of clients, while also maintaining a collaborative and supportive team environment. 

From day one, Baker Tilly has invested in my professional development through supportive training and providing opportunities aligned with my interests. I've been able to work on a variety of projects including financial statement preparation, tax and GST returns, portfolio and FIF analysis, and charities works. All of which has allowed me to grow my skills and develop a rounded concept of accounting in practice. 

The team here – including directors, managers, and fellow colleagues – are all very friendly and approachable. They've created a culture where everyone feels valued, where continuous learning is encouraged, and where you can direct the path you want to take in your career. 

With my experiences so far, I know I made a good choice choosing Baker Tilly. I’m excited to see what the future holds. 

Trang Hoang, BAS Graduate, Hawke's Bay

When I was about to finish university, I decided to apply for a job at a chartered accountant firm. Baker Tilly Staples Rodway caught my attention because it was the kind of company I had been searching for. Starting as a new graduate was challenging but rewarding. There was so much to learn, but there was also excellent support available at every step. I had a buddy who patiently showed me how to do workpapers, explain why something is a credit or debit, and help me apply my theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. I also received a lot of training and if I came across a complex technical issue, managers or directors would explain it until I understood.

National training was a great opportunity to make new friends and network with people from other offices. I feel extremely lucky, not only because of the skills I have learned but also the positive working environment. Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Hawke's Bay regularly organises exciting activities to bring people together. From occasional family gatherings at sports parks with fun games and delicious food to monthly birthday morning teas and multicultural celebrations, we share food, stories, and create lasting memories.

During a difficult time like the floods, I appreciated the support from the directors even more. They provided financial and emotional support, and I always felt cared for. Baker Tilly is a big friendly team with great support, fun activities, and appreciation. I believe there is so much more to learn and enjoy as I continue my career here.