PROBLEM-SOLVING WHIZ QUALIFIED ACCOUNTING TECHNICIAN

writer PETER WHITE // photographer MARTY MELVILLE

“The funny thing is I’m terrible at maths and there is a perception you need to be good at maths to be an accountant,” says APRIL STONE . “But I really like that it is actually more about that strong, analytical and problem solving, attention-to-detail aspect of it.”

April (27) is the financial systems team lead at Public Trust in Wellington but describes herself as a systems accountant, which is a blend of IT and accounting.

“I look to improve business processes, optimise the accounting system and implement financial controls to mitigate risk and increase efficiencies.

“I bring a unique blend of accounting and IT expertise to the table. We look after the financial system that Public Trust uses. I’m passionate about using technology to drive business success.

“That blend of IT and accounting means no two days are the same. My team is a help desk. If one of our Trustees at Public Trust decides they are having some problems with the financial system, they can come through to our team and we provide support.

“I am involved in a lot of change like when the recent trust tax legislative changes occurred, we had to work out how does it work in the system.”

April recently became a Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand (CAANZ) qualified accounting technician, which allows her to have her experience recognised and shows potential employers they can have confidence in her skills and experience.

At Wellington East Girls’ College, April took PE, Religious Studies, two Biology classes and Tourism and English in Year 13. She was not sure what she wanted to do after leaving school, so took a gap year.

“I was working at the local New World part-time and went fulltime once I left school. I had the opportunity to assist with some of the office functions, which then led to a fulltime office administration position. Working in a small office environment, I got exposure to all aspects – including bank reconciliation, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, month-end processing and gross profit calculations.

Chartered Accountants Anz Student Affiliate

Explore the accounting and finance world and receive valuable information and resources to broaden your skills and understanding. You will be invited to networking and careers events and have access to exclusive employment opportunities. What are you waiting for? Sign up to be a Chartered Accountants ANZ student affiliate today.

“I was very fortunate that the owner of the New World recognised my attitude and eagerness to learn so provided me with the opportunity to study with the Open Polytechnic to re-enforce the skills I was learning on-the-job.

“I soon realised that I wanted to be doing what our accountants were doing so I moved to BDO as an assistant accountant before progressing to [an] accountant role. I didn’t have a degree but that didn’t stop me from getting a job at one of the world’s top accounting firms.”

The key advice April has for school leavers – you don’t have to have the typical student experience but having the right attitude and eagerness to learn will take you far.

“Grab any opportunities that come your way with both hands and always allow yourself to be open to learning new things.”