How an accounting graduate applies her skills across multiple roles

“I provide administrative support to my husband's business and as I use Xero, I wanted to improve my skills and to increase my understanding of interpreting financial reports,” explained Audrey.

“I also wanted a new skill set that I could build upon with the possibility of working for myself in the future.”

By choosing to study online, Audrey was able to balance her learning alongside existing work and personal commitments.

Since completing the course, she now draws on both her financial knowledge and practical computing skills every day.

“In support of my husband's company, it aligns exactly with what I do day to day,” she said.

“I input all transactions, reconcile bank accounts, raise invoices, credit control, prepare financial reports and compile budgets.”

Audrey has also stepped into governance roles where her accounting knowledge plays an important part in decision-making and financial oversight.

“I am also Treasurer of my Body Corporate and was Treasurer of a School Committee in which I use the budgeting and understanding of financial reports skills,” said Audrey.

“I enjoy flexibility, so it is great to use the skills that I have learned at TAFE Queensland in my various roles.”

Since graduating, Audrey has maintained strong connections with TAFE Queensland, continuing to receive guidance and support from two of her teachers.

“It was incredible to have such skilled, experienced accountants teaching us on our course,” she said.

Audrey also works part-time as a library assistant, a role that allows her to draw on both her prior experience and the broader professional skills developed during her studies.

“I use the time management, goal setting and general computer skills that I gained at TAFE Queensland in this role along with OLIVER library software.”

Reflecting on her studies, Audrey says the course provided a strong practical foundation that not only built technical capability but also helped her develop a deeper understanding of how financial systems work behind the software.

“It delves deep into what goes on behind computing packages such as Xero and ensures that you are able to manually produce spreadsheets in Excel so that when you use accounting software, you understand what is happening in the background when you enter figures,” said Audrey.

“You learn what to look for if you have made a mistake and, financial reports that formerly would have seemed complicated, become readable.”

“Even if you do not use it to further your career in accounting, it is a great base for being more confident with finance, both for personal and business use.”