Secondment Spotlight:
Insights from an Auditor in Perth, Australia
Whitley Penn is proud to offer a unique benefit that allows our team members to travel and work abroad for a Secondment opportunity. This exciting program temporarily assigns employees to different positions at HLB* firms, usually internationally, while they remain employed by Whitley Penn. It’s a fantastic way for our team to gain new skills and experience diverse work environments.
Ryan Maddigan, an Audit Senior Associate in our Houston office, spent approximately three months in Perth, Australia. Read about his experiences and insights in the secondment spotlight below.
Whitley Penn is proud to offer a unique benefit that allows our team members to travel and work abroad for a Secondment opportunity. The secondment program temporarily assigns employees to different positions at HLB* firms, usually internationally, while they remain employed by Whitley Penn. It’s a fantastic way for our team to gain new skills and experience diverse work environments.
What memorable moments have you had during your secondment?
During my secondment, I’ve had some truly memorable moments. Biking around Rottnest Island was a highlight, as I admired the stunning views of the Indian Ocean and took selfies with the adorable quokkas, the native marsupials unique to Western Australia. Watching the sunset over the sand dunes of Pinnacles National Park was another unforgettable experience, allowing me to take in the unspoiled beauty of the remote Australian desert. I also enjoyed taking pictures with my fellow secondees and coworkers in the photobooth at the HLB Gala Dinner.
Visiting a wilderness park was a fantastic way to experience Australia’s wildlife. I had the chance to hold a koala, watch a sheep herding and shearing demonstration, and feed kangaroos. Learning the rules of Australian football while cheering on the local West Coast Eagles to a dramatic comeback victory was thrilling. Another memorable moment was looking out over Cape Le Grand National Park from the top of Frenchman’s Peak, followed by a walk along the pure white sand beach of Lucky Bay. Lastly, I let out my inner sommelier on a wine tour with coworkers to the Swan Valley and Margaret River wine regions.
What new skills or insights have you gained during your secondment?
During my secondment, I’ve gained several valuable skills and insights. I developed an extensive understanding of the mineral mining industry in Western Australia, which I can now apply to oil and gas, as well as other resource extraction clients in Texas. I also got firsthand experience with Australian Accounting Standards, which are similar to IFRS, and explored some key differences from US GAAP, such as the capitalization and amortization of development costs for mining tenements and the calculation of stock-based compensation using complex vesting schedules.
Additionally, I learned to use new engagement management and sharesite applications, which have enhanced my project management capabilities. I gained insights into Australia’s uniquely collaborative work culture and had the opportunity to audit multiple private and publicly listed entities, performing research to ensure compliance with the Corporations Act of 2001 and ASX Listing Rules. Overall, this experience has broadened my understanding of international regulatory environments and auditing practices.
What’s something about life in Perth that you didn’t expect?
Life in Perth brought several unexpected surprises. I didn’t anticipate just how relaxed and friendly everyone would be. The phrase “no worries” is a common response to almost everything, reflecting the city’s laid-back vibe. I was also surprised by the diversity at HLB and in Perth as a whole. My coworkers came from places like Indonesia, South Africa, Japan, Bangladesh, New Zealand, India, Fiji, the UK, and more. It was common to hear different languages spoken wherever I went.
Another surprise was the amount of rain, especially during the winter months from June to August. However, the weather cleared up nicely in September, allowing me to enjoy some beautiful days at the beach. I also didn’t expect my Australian coworkers to be so interested in my weekend adventures. They often gave me tips on things to see and do, and many mentioned that I had seen more of Western Australia than they had. This has inspired me to explore more of Texas now that I’m back.
How do you think this secondment will impact your career moving forward?
Reflecting on my secondment experience, I can see several ways it will positively impact my career moving forward. This opportunity has given me a more expansive understanding of accounting rules, particularly as they relate to resource extraction companies. The knowledge I’ve gained about these entities will enable me to better serve our oil and gas, as well as other resource extraction clients.
Additionally, I’ve improved my understanding of international markets, which will help me better serve some of our more globally connected clients. Experiencing a unique workplace culture and different ways of doing things has provided me with a new, more global perspective. This experience has also allowed me to expand my network internationally, which I believe will be invaluable in my future career.
*Whitley Penn is an independent member of HLB International, a global network of advisory and accounting firms. HLB refers to the HLB International network and/or one or more of its member firms. Click here for more information on HLB International.
What memorable moments have you had during your secondment?
During my secondment, I’ve had some truly memorable moments. Biking around Rottnest Island was a highlight, as I admired the stunning views of the Indian Ocean and took selfies with the adorable quokkas, the native marsupials unique to Western Australia. Watching the sunset over the sand dunes of Pinnacles National Park was another unforgettable experience, allowing me to take in the unspoiled beauty of the remote Australian desert. I also enjoyed taking pictures with my fellow secondees and coworkers in the photobooth at the HLB Gala Dinner.
Visiting a wilderness park was a fantastic way to experience Australia’s wildlife. I had the chance to hold a koala, watch a sheep herding and shearing demonstration, and feed kangaroos. Learning the rules of Australian football while cheering on the local West Coast Eagles to a dramatic comeback victory was thrilling. Another memorable moment was looking out over Cape Le Grand National Park from the top of Frenchman’s Peak, followed by a walk along the pure white sand beach of Lucky Bay. Lastly, I let out my inner sommelier on a wine tour with coworkers to the Swan Valley and Margaret River wine regions.
What new skills or insights have you gained during your secondment?
During my secondment, I’ve gained several valuable skills and insights. I developed an extensive understanding of the mineral mining industry in Western Australia, which I can now apply to oil and gas, as well as other resource extraction clients in Texas. I also got firsthand experience with Australian Accounting Standards, which are similar to IFRS, and explored some key differences from US GAAP, such as the capitalization and amortization of development costs for mining tenements and the calculation of stock-based compensation using complex vesting schedules.
Additionally, I learned to use new engagement management and sharesite applications, which have enhanced my project management capabilities. I gained insights into Australia’s uniquely collaborative work culture and had the opportunity to audit multiple private and publicly listed entities, performing research to ensure compliance with the Corporations Act of 2001 and ASX Listing Rules. Overall, this experience has broadened my understanding of international regulatory environments and auditing practices.
What’s something about life in Perth that you didn’t expect?
Life in Perth brought several unexpected surprises. I didn’t anticipate just how relaxed and friendly everyone would be. The phrase “no worries” is a common response to almost everything, reflecting the city’s laid-back vibe. I was also surprised by the diversity at HLB and in Perth as a whole. My coworkers came from places like Indonesia, South Africa, Japan, Bangladesh, New Zealand, India, Fiji, the UK, and more. It was common to hear different languages spoken wherever I went.
Another surprise was the amount of rain, especially during the winter months from June to August. However, the weather cleared up nicely in September, allowing me to enjoy some beautiful days at the beach. I also didn’t expect my Australian coworkers to be so interested in my weekend adventures. They often gave me tips on things to see and do, and many mentioned that I had seen more of Western Australia than they had. This has inspired me to explore more of Texas now that I’m back.
How do you think this secondment will impact your career moving forward?
Reflecting on my secondment experience, I can see several ways it will positively impact my career moving forward. This opportunity has given me a more expansive understanding of accounting rules, particularly as they relate to resource extraction companies. The knowledge I’ve gained about these entities will enable me to better serve our oil and gas, as well as other resource extraction clients.
Additionally, I’ve improved my understanding of international markets, which will help me better serve some of our more globally connected clients. Experiencing a unique workplace culture and different ways of doing things has provided me with a new, more global perspective. This experience has also allowed me to expand my network internationally, which I believe will be invaluable in my future career.
*Whitley Penn is an independent member of HLB International, a global network of advisory and accounting firms. HLB refers to the HLB International network and/or one or more of its member firms. Click here for more information on HLB International.