Learning about how businesses work is one of the greatest benefits you will obtain when working at Ferrier Hodgson. One day you’ll be asked to investigate a business facing significant financial challenges. You might be working on a voluntary administration, helping the management of an organisation work through its financial issues in the hope that you can assist in restoring its profitability. You may also be involved in implementing a plan for its recovery.
The very next day you may be called to an urgent receivership where you and your team are asked to assess the viability of the business within tight deadlines. This may involve searching files for fraudulent activities or questioning senior management and directors on what they have been doing, and then forming recommendations on your findings.
Many of our staff who have been with us for many years initially commenced as a graduate, vacationer or undergraduate; a testament to the continued challenges and rewarding work they do at Ferrier Hodgson.
Some of our staff have shared their experiences working at Ferrier Hodgson:
Experienced professional
Service Line: Corporate Recovery
Classification: Manager
“With close to three years insolvency experience with a second tier practice in Perth, I headed to Melbourne in search of a firm that shared similar values to myself and one that could advance me both professionally and personally. I was attracted to Ferrier Hodgson initially because of the Chartered Accountants Program support and the social and cultural aspects I had heard so much about. I have since completed my Chartered Accountants Program and have completed the IPAA Advanced Insolvency Course.
The interview process was relaxed and professional and having also met with a Partner, this reinforced my perceptions of the Firm. Needless to say, the last 3 years have proved very hectic, having worked on many assignments including the voluntary administration of a playground manufacturer, investigative accountants reports and reviews, and a bankruptcy, to name a few.
Each day is different at Ferrier Hodgson and I truly value the variety, the non-routine aspects in my job and the hands-on approach that’s required. At one point I could be reviewing a lease document, the next hour verifying amounts owed to employees and the next day I’m aiding in the negotiations for the sale of a business. My ongoing learning and development has also been enhanced as I have been able to work under a variety of Managers and Partners”.
Clare, Manager
Undergraduate/Cadet
Service Line: Corporate Recovery
Classification: Senior
“I commenced work with Ferrier Hodgson as a cadet straight after finishing my HSC. With no experience in accounting or insolvency, let alone working in a corporate environment, the Firm has offered me priceless work experience and encouragement over the past two years as I work towards obtaining my degree part-time.
The work environment is more challenging and rewarding than I ever imagined. I work in a small team, which handles small to medium administrations in a variety of industries, providing exposure to a unique range of issues and people. Surprisingly, photocopying and filing are not the only tasks I have been engaged in despite my lack of qualifications - there has been a focus on professional training and development from the time I began. My typical day might include preparing ASIC/statutory forms, answering creditor queries, liaising with directors of insolvent companies, managing trade accounts, dealing with company assets, investigating company activities, basic tax/GST work and collating/analysing data.
Corporate Recovery work has exposed me to the legal and investigative side of corporations - it is not just the typical "number-crunching" work that is characteristic of the accounting profession. I have also developed great communication and problem solving skills in dealing with our clients over the phone and in person. Being in a team environment has also provided me with great role models and support.
Most importantly it's not always about work! As a member of the Social Club, I am involved in organising extra-curricular activities and functions for the enjoyment of staff. I have also developed great friendships, as the people at Ferrier Hodgson are young and a joy to work and socialise with”.
Amanda, Senior
Service Line: Corporate Recovery
Classification: Senior Manager
“Leaving school and starting work at a firm such as Ferriers was both exciting and daunting. Exciting because it was my first real office job, and daunting because I had absolutely no idea what to expect from the world of insolvency. Fortunately my fears were unfounded as I was welcomed into a great cadetship program at Ferriers.
Professionally, Ferriers take the green cadet and embark you on a journey of continual development with training sessions conducted by external insolvency experts such as lawyers and bankers, from within the firm and by industry experts in fields ranging from insurance, mining and economics. As you develop, the tasks you are exposed to gain magnitude until ultimately you are charged with running multi million dollar companies employing hundreds of people.
Academically, the challenge of working fulltime and attending university at night was combated by being part of a team of students at varying stages of university life who were always available to listen to questions and willing to review your assignments. This assistance carried through the postgraduate programs of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Australia and the Insolvency Practitioners of Australia.
Looking back on my journey through Ferriers conjures many memories and reminds me of the great friendships that I will always cherish”.
Nathan, Senior Manager
Service Line: Corporate Recovery
Classification: Intermediate
"I have found the Ferrier Hodgson cadetship program an excellent way to combine working and studying. I am studying Business at RMIT University and at the same time gaining valuable experience in the business world. I have found FH's study support very helpful and the office environment encouraging and supportive. One of the biggest advantages of the cadetship is the head start you gain on your peers, along with the exposure to many different facets of accounting and insolvency."
Phillip, Intermediate