Meet Austin
When I first joined Inspire I was a Junior Accountant under Team Riz and was recently promoted to a Senior Accountant. Currently I look after 25 of my own clients which has been a rewarding experience so far. My main goal is to work efficiently and help our team achieve our goals, while helping my clients achieve theirs at the same time.
Transitioning from my previous firm to Inspire has been an eye-opening experience. Preparing and laying the groundwork has been a valuable learning experience, requiring a shift in mindset from simply completing tasks to reviewing processes and taking a broader perspective. It’s all about more than just being compliant.
Ultimately, my focus isn’t on the numbers but on the satisfaction I feel when a client is pleased with our service.
Outside of Inspire
I have always been captivated by wildlife, and running has been my cherished pastime for as long as I can remember. Whenever I get the chance, I make it a priority to hit the trails four times a week. There’s nothing quite like immersing myself in nature and observing the antics of sugar gliders and birds during my solitary moments. It keeps me grounded and centred.
Travelling is another thrilling adventure that I thoroughly enjoy. I was fortunate enough to spend an exchange semester in Paris for eight months, where I indulged my passion for wines while pursuing my university studies. Afterward, I lived in Bristol, United Kingdom for two and a half years, during which I embarked on extensive travels throughout Europe for 10 months, and even ventured to India, where I stayed for several months and explored Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. It was a significant milestone for me, as I was able to pursue my academic goals while simultaneously traversing the globe.
What is your favourite thing about working at Inspire?
Undoubtedly, it’s the culture at Inspire that stands out the most. There’s a sense of unity and openness that breaks down barriers between individuals, allowing for vulnerability and approachability. People genuinely care for each other, and I appreciate the honesty and accountability that is encouraged throughout the organisation.
How did you get interested in accounting?
To be completely honest, I discovered my love for accounting when I earned the top rank in high school. I decided to pursue a degree in accounting, but initially, I didn’t end up working at an accounting firm. It wasn’t until I reassessed my goals and realigned myself with my passion that I realised what I truly wanted to do. For years, I searched for an industry that would allow me to add value to clients and grow within the accounting field. That’s when I discovered Inspire, and it was a perfect fit.
What is one of the biggest impacts you’ve made?
Working closely with Riz and the rest of my team has been a pleasure. As a senior accountant, my goal is to support my fellow senior accountants like Reggie and Riz by assisting with their day-to-day tasks and giving them more capacity to focus on larger projects. I joined Inspire during tax planning season and was impressed to see how they bring their best effort and expertise during that critical time.
What are some books you recommend?
I highly recommend the book ‘DUNE’ by Frank Herbert, which is the second instalment in the DUNE Saga Collections and has also been adapted into a movie with a desert planet setting. If you are a fan of Star Wars, you will definitely appreciate this book. Despite not being a big fan of sci-fi, I found the political aspects of the story to be fascinating.
Another great read is ‘One-Straw Revolution’ by Masanobu Fukuoka, which delves into the field of agriculture and the methodology of natural farming. It provides valuable insights on sustainable farming practices.
Finally, I suggest reading ‘A Wild Sheep Chase’ by Haruki Murakami, which is a unique blend of mythology and mystery. The story is captivating and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
Of all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the one that resonates with me the most is Sustainable Cities and Communities. The term ‘community’ carries a lot of weight, as it represents the potential for significant change and impact. Creating sustainable cities and communities is not just important from an environmental standpoint, but also from a social support perspective. By achieving this goal, we can create a solid foundation for addressing other SDGs as well.
