Career Profiles

Following are examples of success stories within WHK statewide. They provide an interesting insight highlighting opportunities and career paths they wouldn’t have thought possible. We will help you grow your potential - the opportunities are endless!

Dane Waldron - Principal, Financial Planning, Launceston

“From undergraduate to Principal in only 10 years”

I joined the Firm as a full-time under-graduate Accountant in 1990 while still studying part-time to complete my Commerce degree. After graduating and gaining some valuable accounting experience, it wasn’t long before I developed a keen interest in shares and investments and was encouraged to undertake some postgraduate study in this area. With the support of several key senior people, I helped develop our Financial Planning business. In 2000 at the age of 29 I was appointed a Financial Planning Principal with a staff of 6. Growth has since been so substantial that I am now part of a management team responsible for approximately 50 staff across the state.

Tracey Blacklow - Loans Consultant, Finance & Lending, Hobart

“Work with us and you’ll never look back”

After working for a major bank for 25 years, I was a little apprehensive about changing employers, but my experience with working here has been life-changing! During the first 12 months of my employment I’ve been promoted, supported in undertaking further studies, awarded membership of the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia and finalised my accreditations to operate in the Equipment Finance & Home/Investment Loans areas. I also work reduced hours to help with my family commitments. I had no expectations of what “different” might be, and expected more of the same, now, every day I am grateful for the opportunity that I have been given and truly appreciate what working for an organisation like WHK means.

Matthew Mitchell - Graduate Accountant, Business Services, Hobart

“Studying part-time and working part-time provides the best of both worlds!”

In only two years, I’ve been fortunate to work under the guidance of three different Principals, gaining valuable experience and variety in a very short time. For example, I recently had the responsibility for building a model to accurately track capital gains and GST on a subdivision being developed by a client. In addition, I’ve also undertaken some forensic accounting work which I found very rewarding - and all this has been while I’ve been working part-time! Everyone’s been very supportive about my uni commitments and the flexibility to study and attend exams has been great. Now that I’ve completed my final exams, I’m working full-time and with the support of my mentor have already started the Practical Experience Program in the lead-up to studying for my CA qualification.

Anya Celzner - Accounting Manager, Business Services, Burnie

“So many services ….. great career opportunities …. it’s up to you …”

I’m originally from Bosnia and arrived in Tasmania 10 years ago, making the adjustment to a new life, language and country. I accepted a role with the Firm not long afterwards and since then I’ve been provided with some great opportunities to progress my career. The amount of training I’ve received and the breadth of knowledge I’ve obtained in such a short time has made me feel that I really made the right decision coming here. This year I was delighted to be invited to attend a leadership course in Melbourne which was very beneficial for my personal and professional development. The Firm also supported me in studying for my Bachelor of Business Degree and I’m currently studying for the CPA qualification. My role as Accounting Manager at WHK involves a wide variety of satisfying and challenging responsibilities, handling some of the larger group multiple entities and company trusts along with other rewarding activities such as being a member of the Management Team for our office.

Ros Von Stieglitz - Team Member, Superannuation, Launceston

“Flexibility is key.”

I’ve been with WHK Garrotts for more than 30 years and truly think it’s a great place to work. The flexibility I’ve been given during my employment has enabled me to maintain a career and a family life very effectively. For example, I was provided with maternity leave long before it became the norm. I’ve also had the opportunity to undertake some interesting roles which were modified so that I could work part-time. I’ve worked in a number of areas since joining including Administration, Financial Planning and now Superannuation. In all areas, I’ve received the full support of senior management to work on a flexible basis over the years. This has meant that I could be committed to my work but also attend to my family responsibilities.

Michael Bleck - Accountant, Business Services, Launceston

“It’s all about the work/life balance.”

After joining the Firm in 2002, I was soon pleasantly surprised by the degree of support provided to help staff manage their work/life balance. Compared with other firms where I’d worked previously, I found there was more genuine interest in tailoring work requirements to suit an individual’s personal circumstances. In my case, this became particularly relevant as I was finding it difficult to cope with commuting more than 75 kilometres to and from work each day. To help cut down the amount of time that I was spending on the road, the Firm made it possible for me to work from home on a regular basis. By providing remote access and effective IT support, I’m able to perform my regular duties from my home office. Although I still need to spend sufficient time in town each week to service the needs of my clients, this arrangement has given me the flexibility I needed to achieve work/life balance.