We sat down with Senior Auditor, Dylan Clay from Grassi, New York to reflect on the last four months as a Secondee with our Audit & Assurance division.
Q: What appealed to you about the secondment opportunity with Moore Australia (VIC)?
I’ve always wanted to have an extended stay abroad so when the opportunity arose I was very interested. From a work standpoint I did have a couple things in mind that I wanted to learn and see, specifically regarding audit, to compare to back home in New York. These included how Moore utilises technology, how they determine their audit methodologies and what programs they use.
Q: What was the initial application process like?
The process overall was relatively smooth (except for the time differences for calls of course). The only nerve-wracking thing was making sure I had all the correct documents for the visa on time. I had interviewed with Nick Smith (Associate Director, Audit and Assurance), which was a nice introduction to the firm and subsequently I really enjoyed working with him.
Q: How did the team/firm assist you in introducing you to Australian culture?
What I learned about Australia, Melbourne specifically, is that they are passionate about their sports and their coffee. I was asked immediately which Australian Football League (AFL) team I was going to support and what I think of the local coffee. I was told which café makes the best coffee hundreds of times (each time it was a different café). I was also told that no matter which team I support, not to support Carlton in AFL.
I was invited to an audit team mini-golf event on my first day with the Victorian firm. That was a nice way to be introduced to the team and blow off some steam after the long flight from New York. The end of financial year celebration was two weeks into my secondment, which again was a nice way of meeting and networking with other members of the firm. Between all the Friday night socials; AFL matches and café runs for a cappuccino, I was able to squeeze in plenty of Rugby League matches (Go Storm!), Rugby Union matches, exhibitions and visits to different landmarks.
Q: What was your favourite moment during the secondment?
There were plenty of favourite moments, but, I think one of my favourite things about the secondment experience in general was the diversity amongst the audit team. I wasn’t expecting to meet so many people who have all come from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. The audit team alone was a melting pot from all over the world, including China, South Africa, the Philippines, India, Malaysia, Ireland, England, Singapore and, of course, Australia. It was also fairly common to work with clients who were also from completely different cultures or backgrounds.
Q: Did you get the chance to travel to other parts of the country? If so, what was the highlight?
I did. I went to Sydney a couple times as well as Brisbane. I am also planning a trip to Tasmania and Cairns before heading back to New York. Two other highlights were when my brother came in August and my parents and sister in October. We got to travel to other parts of the country and were able to share a great number of memories and experiences. The weekend I spent in the Grampians was another highlight., I love being up in the mountains and it was a fabulous experience. Other memorable moments included seeing a NRL match in Brisbane, doing the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb and seeing a show at the Sydney Opera House.
Q: How does audit busy season compare to that in New York?
Generally, I do think the busy seasons are very comparable due to the nature of the work. There were the typical challenges that occur in all firms during the busy season and I think Australia and New York deal with those issues a bit differently.
A big difference, which I’ve observed, is that the audit team here is structured differently to back home. At Moore (VIC) the audit group was smaller than our audit group at Grassi back in New York, which led to a lot of variation on the clients you work on, whereas back home the audit members have more of a specific industry niche (although there is the ability to get some variation in the portfolio, many people really focus on one or two industries).
Q: How did this secondment help you grow professionally?
In terms of growing professionally, I think there were many challenges I had to overcome that I normally wouldn’t back home in New York. One was working with other team members working overseas in different time zones. I also had to learn a different set of auditing standards and a different audit software. I also had to adjust to how the audit team plans their audits and how they tackle certain areas of a job, based on their methodology. Although these were a challenge for me, I do believe the things I learned will benefit me in my role when I return to New York.
Q: What was the most challenging thing about being away from home?
To experience living in a completely different country was exciting but it was also a challenge. I have a completely new perspective and respect for anyone who moves permanently to a different country to work. Especially those who are from completely different cultures and have to quickly adjust (whether here in Australia or back home in New York). I think having two secondees (whether someone else from the same firm or someplace else) would have been a great way to share the experience.
Q: What is your favourite Aussie slang word/phrase you have learnt?
Macca’s = McDonald’s
“Mate” = Friend, although still not sure if this is friendly or derogatory
“She’ll be right” = It will be okay
Lollies = Candy
Arvo = Afternoon
And all the acronyms Australians use!
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a secondment?
If someone is interested in pursuing an opportunity, I highly recommend it. Just the opportunity where you can walk in someone else's shoes and experience life outside of your comfort zone for a little while. I think it’s beneficial for anybody. The work and the experience can be challenging but that’s okay because it’s supposed to challenge you.
I would also advise them to be open to new experiences and be willing to try new things. Don’t have a rigid plan for everything during your stay; sometimes wandering around will lead you to the best experiences (it certainly did for me). Take the journey and spend the money on places you want to see. Be willing to accept random acts of hospitality without judgement or fear. Overall, be humble and grateful for the experience.