Grad testimonials

Alexandria Howden, BAS Graduate, Christchurch

When I started applying for graduate roles what originally drew me into Baker Tilly Staples Rodway was the website’s graduate testimonials and company values. After reading a few different testimonials, I felt like Baker Tilly could be a good fit for me. I was grateful that once I started the application process it was simple and straightforward, with the interview being a highlight for me, as I immediately felt welcomed and supported, which helped make the entire process stress-free.

Since joining the BAS team, I have had the chance to apply what I learned at university to real-world situations, working with a wide variety of clients and developing new skills every day. I have been encouraged and supported to explore different areas of accounting, which has broadened my knowledge and helped me grow professionally.

What really stands out at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway is the culture. There is a strong sense of community, with the social committee planning a variety of social events throughout the year. Overall, it has been a great place to start and grow your career, within a team that values both your career and personal wellbeing.

Favour Owoeye, Tax Graduate, Auckland

Starting at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway was an eye-opening and intriguing experience for me. The firm’s graduate pages were packed with clear, practical information, covering everything from culture and values to how the recruitment process works, so I knew exactly what to expect and where I might fit. That transparency helped me focus on showing who I am and what I could bring without second-guessing the process.

Stepping into the graduate role, I’ve been challenged in the best way to apply what I learned at university to real client work. From day one I’ve had meaningful responsibilities across different industries, preparing GST and tax returns, and digging into the details that help clients make better decisions. The buddy system and supportive managers have made a huge difference, as there’s always someone to ask and feedback is constructive and timely.

What stands out most is the culture. The team is approachable and genuinely collaborative, and directors, managers and intermediates invest time in your development and celebrate the small wins.

I’ve also had chances to get involved beyond the day-to-day, from helping organise team events to joining social activities like the office football team, which has made it easy to connect across the firm.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep building my skills here and work towards my Chartered Accountant qualification. Baker Tilly offers the right mix of challenge, support and opportunity, and I’m proud to be part of a firm that values learning, community and doing great work for clients.

Jacob Forsyth, Audit Graduate, Taranaki

I started as an Audit Graduate at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway at the beginning of 2025 and my experience so far has been highly enjoyable. From day one in the Taranaki office, the team has made me feel genuinely welcome.

What I’ve enjoyed most is the level of exposure and responsibility given early on. Being trusted with my own clients and individual jobs, while learning directly from experienced seniors and managers, has accelerated my development far more than I anticipated. The culture is friendly, supportive and collaborative, which has made the transition from studying to fulltime work seamless. People are always willing to take time to share their knowledge, explain new concepts and help build your confidence.

Working in the audit team has also given me the opportunity to engage with a wide range of clients across different sectors, which has been one of the real highlights so far. Getting hands-on experience and seeing how theory applies in practice has helped me grow quickly, both technically and professionally.

When I was looking for a graduate role, I wanted a place where I could build a strong foundation, feel supported and be challenged in the right ways. Baker Tilly has delivered exactly that, and I’m excited for the opportunities ahead.

Jordyn Williams, BAS Graduate, Waikato

Walking into Baker Tilly Staples Rodway on my first day, I expected spreadsheets and silence. Instead, I found a team that values curiosity and collaboration. Transitioning from university to the accounting field felt like a whole new world – fast-paced, full of learning and packed with opportunities. The steep learning curve could have been daunting, but the support here is incredible. Everyone is willing to help, and that support has made all the difference.

As I settled in, one of my biggest highlights has been the wide exposure to different types of work. While the foundation of my role is preparing financial statements and tax returns, no two jobs ever look the same. I’ve worked on everything from residential rental properties and portfolio FIF income to tax calculations and GST returns. The variety keeps things interesting and challenges me to keep growing.

What truly makes Baker Tilly Staples Rodway stand out is the motivated, kind and supportive people who create an environment where you can thrive. I’m excited to keep building on this experience and see where this journey takes me. With diverse work and unwavering team support, I know every step will bring new opportunities to learn and grow.

Kalru Medagedara, Audit Graduate, Taranaki

I started as a graduate at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Taranaki at the beginning of 2026 and my experience so far has been extremely positive. From day one in the office, the culture of the firm stood out to me. Everyone was genuinely welcoming and encouraging, which made settling into the role and the team feel natural and enjoyable.

What I’ve appreciated most is the guidance and support provided at every level of the firm. Seniors and managers are always approachable and willing to take the time to explain concepts, answer questions and provide valuable feedback. The directors also have a truly open‑door approach and I’ve really valued the time they invest in the first few months to help graduates build a solid foundation.

The hands‑on nature of the role has been a great opportunity to learn on the go. I’ve particularly enjoyed the exposure to a wide range of clients across different industries, which has significantly strengthened my business acumen. Being given responsibility early, especially when it comes to communicating directly with clients, has helped me fully appreciate the importance and impact of the work I do.

The culture at Baker Tilly is friendly, supportive and collaborative, making the transition from university study to professional work seamless. Asking questions is encouraged. This has been a crucial part of the practical learning process and has helped bridge the gap between theory and real‑world application. Outside of work, there are also plenty of opportunities to get involved and get to know colleagues, with a personal highlight being the variety of sports teams entered in local leagues.

I wanted to begin my career in an environment that encouraged learning, responsibility and professional growth. Baker Tilly Staples Rodway has exceeded my expectations, and I’m excited to keep developing and contributing as my career progresses.

Katherine Beeson, Audit Graduate, Auckland

My journey with Baker Tilly Staples Rodway began as an intern during the ’24-‘25 summer. I was part of the first intake to experience the firm’s new rotation structure, which gave me exposure to both the Audit and Business Advisory service lines. This opportunity was a key reason I was drawn to Baker Tilly, and I’ve never looked back!

After completing my conjoint degree in Accounting and Earth Science at the University of Auckland, I was delighted to accept a graduate offer in audit. Baker Tilly was incredibly accommodating, allowing me to start mid-year while still providing the training I needed to head out to client sites during the busy season. In this short time, I’ve grown both professionally and personally. The inclusive culture encourages balance and connection; from playing football with colleagues after work to contributing to meaningful initiatives. I’m particularly proud to represent graduates on the ESG Committee, where I can combine my passion for sustainability with my science background to make a positive impact.

What stands out most about Baker Tilly Staples Rodway is its people and culture. Working in a mid-tier firm means being part of a tight community that values learning, development, and the little things that make work enjoyable. I can’t wait to continue to develop my professional and soft skills and see where a career in audit at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway will take me!

Kenneth Tischendorf, Audit Graduate, Auckland

The friendly and approachable team helped make entry into the accounting world smooth.

Everyone was willing to answer any questions I had and ensured that I had the understanding and resources necessary to get the job done.

Working in audit has allowed me to gain experience in adapting my understanding of the clients and their industries and how to factor it into my work.

Getting to experience being out at client sites and building professional relationships with my peers and the clients has been beneficial for both my professional and personal skills.

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway emphasises its focus on culture and collaboration. I’ve experienced it through being able to approach my seniors, members of other departments, managers and even the directors without fear to discuss working matters and in getting to know them personally. 

Latham Henderson, BAS Graduate, Christchurch

Starting my career at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway has been a genuinely positive experience. From my first day, the team made me feel welcome and supported, which helped take a lot of the pressure out of transitioning from university to fulltime work.

What I’ve appreciated most is the balance between being challenged with real responsibilities and always having someone available to guide me when I need help. 

The training opportunities have been excellent. Between formal sessions, on-the-job learning and helpful feedback from managers and colleagues, I’ve quickly built confidence in my technical skills. Working with a variety of clients has also given me a clearer understanding of how the theory I learned at university applies in practice.

The workplace culture has been another highlight. The environment is friendly, approachable and encourages questions, which makes it easy to keep learning. There’s also a strong focus on work-life balance, and the team regularly organises social activities that make it easy to get to know people across the firm.

Overall, Baker Tilly Staples Rodway has been an ideal place to start my career. I feel supported, challenged in the right ways and excited to continue developing professionally here.

Rikhil Parmar, Audit Graduate, Auckland

Starting my journey as an audit graduate at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway has been an incredibly rewarding experience. From day one, I was welcomed into a supportive environment and have been able to make meaningful relationships.

I was able to gain early exposure as on my second day, I was already out at a client site. This allowed me to gain hands-on experience early, and quickly understand how audit work is carried out.

The firm places a strong emphasis on professional development. Through continuous training sessions and feedback, I’ve been able to rapidly build my skills and confidence. Everyone in the team, including the partners, is eager to share knowledge and offer meaningful advice, which has really helped my growth.

One of the highlights of my role is the diversity of clients that we audit. Each engagement introduces me to a new industry, helping me expand my knowledge on how different businesses operate and what makes them unique. Furthermore, I’ve also enjoyed using the latest technology, which is encouraged by the firm, to complete audit work efficiently. Being in this collaborative learning environment makes each day at work something to look forward to.

Sam Bedford, BAS Graduate, Christchurch

I have been very lucky to start at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Christchurch in March 2025 after finishing my degree at the University of Canterbury.

One of the aspects I enjoy most is the variety of work. I’ve been able to gain experience across a wide range of different business structures such as rentals, trusts, sole traders and small business accounts. This keeps work interesting and helps me develop my skills as an accountant. The positive and collaborative team environment makes it easy to ask questions if I ever get stuck.

The firm values work-life balance and has plenty of social activities outside of work including mid-winter and Christmas dinners and a social touch rugby team which I really enjoy being a part of.

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Christchurch has also been very supportive of my CA studies. There are mentors and lots of people at work who are also doing the study who can help you if you have questions about the study material or the CA process in general. I am excited to continue my career here and work towards becoming a Chartered Accountant.

Sidilse Vela Gurovic, BAS Graduate, Wellington

I joined Baker Tilly Staples Rodway in late 2024 as an intern through the CA ANZ Achiever Programme, working part-time while in my final year of study at Victoria University of Wellington. I was initially interested in Baker Tilly because of the clear pathways for future career development, including CA and training, which aligned with my long-term goals.

What made me stay, though, was the culture and the people. From day one, I felt genuinely welcomed and supported. The work is challenging, but never overwhelming, and I really value the positive and constructive feedback I receive. There’s always someone willing to help, explain, or guide me through new tasks, which has made the transition from university to full-time work much smoother.

Both partners and managers are very approachable, which creates an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions and contributing ideas. I’ve learned a lot in a short space of time and I’m excited to continue developing my career at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway as a graduate.