Andy Huynh (2023) after graduating from Nazareth, is currently studying a full-time Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting and Corporate Finance at Adelaide University and working full-time as an Intermediate Accountant at Brentnalls SA.
“Accounting is definitely a career that suits a certain type of individual, but for me personally, I genuinely enjoy it. A large part of my role involves managing tax affairs within an environment where tax rules are constantly changing. It requires a strong ability to critically think through both the numbers and the legislation behind them.”
Andy shares that one aspect of the job that he has found particularly rewarding is “the exposure to a wide range of industries and businesses.” Through his role, he has worked with “clients in industries including medical, construction, agriculture, and many others.” Providing an opportunity to understand how different businesses operate within South Australia.
At 17 years old, the transition from Year 12 to university and full-time work was one of the biggest challenges Andy faced after graduating from Nazareth.
“In high school, my routine was typically from 8:30am to 3:25pm, and once the school day finished, my responsibilities for the day were largely complete. Moving into a professional environment immediately after school required a significant adjustment both mentally and personally.”
Andy continues that, “Brentnalls SA were extremely accommodating and supportive throughout this transition, particularly knowing that I was still very young and completing full-time university studies alongside full-time work. Their willingness to invest in my development demonstrated the importance Brentnalls SA places on supporting young professionals, and it greatly eased what otherwise could have been a far more overwhelming transition from secondary education into professional employment and university life.”
Working at Brentnalls SA has taught Andy a wide range of different important skills.
“The most important skills I have learned in the workforce have not necessarily been the technical accounting skills, but rather the soft skills. The ability and willingness to continuously learn and develop has been extremely important. Learning how to collaborate effectively within a team, take initiative, adapt to different situations and communicate professionally with both colleagues and clients are skills that I believe are valuable in any career pathway.”
During high school, Andy wasn’t sure exactly what path he wanted to take in his career. He always pictured himself in a career relating to business, but it wasn’t until after a conversation with his then Year 10 Business, Finance and Law teacher, that his path became clearer.
A defining moment for Andy came in Year 11, when the Stage 1 Accounting class was given the opportunity to meet with his now employers, Brentnalls SA Chartered Accountants and Advisors.
“What I walked into, unexpectedly led to be the most influential experiences in not just my schooling, but my life. Sitting at the back of the room… I quickly recognised that the presenters at Brentnalls SA, James Brakmanis and Ryan Buiatti, were former Nazareth students whom I had known from whilst they were either employed as coaches or students.”
“Seeing Nazareth graduates in professional positions made the career path suddenly feel tangible and within reach. Speaking with them gave me genuine insight into the accounting profession and the roles involved, and the pathway taken from Nazareth into the industry. More importantly, it allowed me to form a future for myself that I had not seriously considered.”
With continued support from Ms. Nadia Dametto and the opportunities provided through Nazareth’s career expos, Andy began to develop a transparent understanding of the direction he wanted to pursue after school.
His advice for current students who might be unsure of the career pathway that they want to pursue is to, “speak to people, build networks, get their contact details and actively seek opportunities to gain exposure to different industries and career pathways. Sometimes you do not truly know whether something is right for you until you experience it firsthand.”
What’s next for Andy is to continue to further his career at Brentnalls SA, working towards a senior role, alongside finishing his degree and Chartered Accountants qualification, and settling down with his partner in the housing market.
