When I was young, one of my after-school jobs was working for a hairdresser. I did the bookwork along with sweeping the floors, and quickly learned I would far rather deal with the numbers and provide advice to the hairdresser, who was far too creative to be interested in the day-to-day. 

From there I decided to go to university to get a Business Management degree. This gave me a taste of many business facets, but accounting and business advisory came out on top.

I started as a graduate for Murray Crossman & Partners (predecessors to Baker Tilly Staples Rodway in Tauranga). Through the years I have seen changes, but what I want to do inherently is make a difference to my clients and the people I work with. 

I am proud of the legacy I have created, working part-time once I had my children. Having reduced hours and school holidays off left a nice balance of work and family life. Some 24 years ago, I convinced the Directors that there was value to be had from part-time employees, setting the lovely precedent for our current mothers.

There is nothing more satisfying than when I am out socially and people say, “oh you don’t seem like an accountant”. They struggle to wrap their heads around the idea of accountants being cheerful and outgoing! I love my job and love making sure others enjoy their interactions with me.