“The World is My Oyster” – ICMS Accounting graduate

At the age of 20, ICMS graduate Alana Williams has already secured years of valuable industry experience, has been headhunted into a career-defining role and is on her way to becoming a fully qualified Charted Accountant (CA).

Alana graduated from the International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS) with a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) in April this year. During her studies, she won a 2021 ICMS Professional Scholarship and made the Dean’s List for the May 2022 trimester and August 2022 trimester.

It was not only in academics that Alana excelled. With her passion for accounting and business, Alana sought out opportunities to network and further her career – while still a student.

ICMS offers flexible support

Alana started working as a Junior Accountant at Beaver Novello Moss in July 2021, so her Work Integrated Learning (WIL)* subject requirement was waived as she was already gaining the relevant experience her degree required.

“I worked full time whilst studying full time at the firm, with ICMS allowing for such a great work to study ratio and balance, where I was flexibly allowed to do both.”

By this stage, she already had 18 months of work experience on her resume, and was able – through hard work and dedication – to juggle full time work with full time studies.

“Getting your foot in the door isn’t always easy, which is why ICMS is great with their WIL Industry Partners connections. When it came to securing my role at Beaver Novello Moss, it came down to it’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” Alana said.

“My role at Beaver Novello Moss was a huge stepping stone in my career which led me to where I am today.”

Hard work pays off

Alana’s effort and outstanding work ethic paid off when she was headhunted into her current role as a fulltime graduate accountant at Peer Wealth, starting in January 2023.

Alana’s role focuses on handling company and trust tax returns, where she is pursuing a career within the business sector of the accounting industry.

“Working at Peer Wealth has been an immensely rewarding experience, where our commitment, accountability, excellence, teamwork, and balance truly shine. Guiding individuals through their financial journey has allowed me to witness firsthand the transformative impact we make,” Alana said.

“Peer Wealth is providing me with the perfect platform for personal and professional growth, with their supportive culture, diverse opportunities, and commitment to guiding individuals on their financial journeys.”

ICMS Accounting degree a stepping stone to CA

The Bachelor of Business (Accounting) degree specialises in accounting within a broad business context. This degree carries the quality accreditations of professional accounting bodies Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), CPA Australia, and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

By studying this degree, Alana seamlessly transitions from graduate to CA-in-training, and is well into her studies towards her Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting (GradDipCA) through CA ANZ to achieve this professional goal by 2025.

What Alana enjoys most about working in the accounting industry is how every day is different.

“I enjoy meeting new people and dealing with different clientele from all walks from life, it’s such a diverse field. No day is ever the same, you will always be doing something different and for someone different. It keeps me on my toes.”

ICMS Industry Focus an Attraction for Alana

Alana chose ICMS because of the higher education institute’s reputation for industry connections and the focus on networking with industry leaders while still a student.

“ICMS prides themselves with the professionalism they place not only on their learning experiences, but also the preparation they provide in assisting you in securing your dream job. ICMS has equipped me with the essential skills I will require to flourish throughout my career. Given all lecturers are from the industry, they were constantly guiding me with what I need to do to get to where I need to be.

“I knew that by studying at ICMS, I would have been well prepared for entering the accounting industry, and also would have been able to make countless, valuable industry connections that would be able to assist me to flourish within the industry.

“For example, with the numerous events ICMS holds, I was fortunate enough to be invited as a guest from the ICMS’s Deans List to attend their Annual Partners Lunch. Here, I was able to expand my network and make valuable connections throughout various industries.”

Focusing on a bright future ahead

“Over the next three years, I hope to be a fully qualified Chartered Accountant (CA). I have already started the course and mentorship which I will be completing over the next two to three years, all the while expanding my professional knowledge in the industry,” Alana said.

“Throughout the next five years, I plan to build a name for myself, and a solid reputation where I have established quality connections throughout the industry and can be successful within my career, wherever that may take me.

“The world is my oyster all in all.”

* Built into every ICMS degree is Work Integrated Learning (WIL), with all bachelors and master degrees having built-in WIL subjects which include a professional placement. This means all ICMS students graduate with more than a degree.

To find out more about the ICMS Bachelor of Business (Accounting), click here.

To connect with Alana Williams, click here.