Career Q&A with Abbey McCarthy

We caught up with Abbey McCarthy, who started as a Nexia graduate in Christchurch and is now an Intermediate Accountant. Find out about Abbey’s experiences as she has built her career with Nexia.

Why did you choose Nexia?

Working for Nexia is great because it’s big but not too big. It’s a full service firm which gives staff exposure to a wide range of accounting and business advisory work. Nexia also has global links through the Nexia International network, which brings a variety of opportunities for personal and professional development.

What do you enjoy most about working at Nexia?

One of the best things about Nexia is definitely the people. From my first day everyone was so welcoming and supportive, and it makes coming to work much more enjoyable! The friendly sociable culture is amazing – throughout the year there are heaps of opportunities to attend social events and get involved. Hard work is rewarded which is really motivating, and there is never any shortage of challenges.

What is your greatest achievement since joining Nexia?

A few things come to mind. One is being promoted to an intermediate accountant after starting with Nexia as a graduate. I was also put in charge of running the graduate training. This was a cool opportunity for me, and it’s great that Nexia is willing to give younger staff members these responsibilities. And before COVID struck, I was invited to speak on a panel at the APS conference. This was a big achievement – especially for someone who doesn’t consider themselves a public speaker! These experiences go to show that Nexia is always looking to challenge and develop its staff.

What training opportunities have you benefitted from most at Nexia?

Nexia provides learning opportunities all year round through webinars, seminars and offsite training. If we are ever struggling with any area of our work, the firm is very responsive at arranging training or support. Recently I attended a leadership course which was a valuable experience both professionally and personally.

What does a typical day in your role look like?

It usually involves preparing annual accounts, tax returns, GST returns or monthly reports for clients. Some days there will be client catch ups, staff meetings or training. We also have Friday drinks, which is something to look forward to. I’ve built some good friendships at Nexia and we enjoy having lunch on Victoria Street.

If you like the sound of working for Nexia, find out more.