Counting on Success: How accounting can lead to different career pathways - May 2025

Counting on Success: How accounting can lead to different career pathways

Understanding the exciting future career pathways available to you when contemplating study options allows you to make informed decisions. Accounting is more in demand than ever!

If you are a secondary school or tertiary student considering a major in accounting, a parent or a teacher, we invite you to join us to learn more about the accounting profession and landscape, and the many different career pathways it can lead to. Join us to hear insights from our panel to help you understand the world of possibilities and what your future may hold.

We hope you enjoy the session!

CHAIR:

Shailan Patel
Education Manager, MYOB

Shailan Patel is a passionate advocate for empowering students to find meaningful careers through education-industry cooperation. Originally from the UK and a graduate of the University of Bristol, he has made New Zealand his home, bringing a diverse career background spanning recruitment, event sales, media and advertising.

In 2015, Shailan joined MYOB to lead its education channel across Australia and New Zealand, working to bridge the gap between education and industry by fostering partnerships that help students succeed, regardless of their career path. In addition to this, he serves as Board Co-Chair of NZAGE (New Zealand Association of Graduate Employers), where he plays a key role in advancing best practices in early talent recruitment and development.

PANELLISTS:

Mark Nicholson
Audit & Assurance Partner, BDO Auckland

Mark Nicholson’s BDO story is one of growth. “I joined BDO Auckland as a graduate in 2011, undertook my CA, and was an audit senior on some large jobs before taking the chance to further develop through a secondment with BDO London. After three years in a manager role there, I returned in 2018 to a growing BDO Auckland, where I became a Partner in January 2024.

Mark graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance) and completed his CA studies with CAANZ and BDO, becoming CA qualified in 2014.

Outside of life at BDO, Mark enjoys spending time with his young family, running around with his golden retriever, making the most of Auckland’s North West craft breweries, and he is attempting to work on his golf swing.

Stephanie Cooke
Finance Associate Director, Australia & NZ at JLL

Steph is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in the accounting and finance industry. With a diverse background in property, tourism and corporate finance, she drives business growth through strategic analysis.

Alongside her corporate career, Steph founded Bridal Fusion, a boutique bridal shop in Auckland with a diverse collection of wedding attire and accessories and eco-friendly gown rental service.

Steph’s career progression and entrepreneur highlights the varied paths a finance career can take and can be leveraged in both corporate and entrepreneurial ventures.

Vana Kumar
Bachelor of Business in Accounting student and Co-President of AUT Accounting Association

Vana is a final-year Pacifica AUT student majoring in Accounting with minors in Business Law and Professional Accounting. She is Xero and MYOB certified and applies her skills as an accounting intern at A&A Accounting.

Actively involved in the AUT Accounting Association since her first year at university, she now serves as Co-President, helping students transition into their careers.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, sketching, and playing pool.

Khai Nguyen
Bachelor of Business in Accounting and Finance student, Head Treasurer of AUT Accounting Association and CA Student rep

Khai is an international student from Vietnam. He is currently in his final year at AUT studying accounting and finance. He previously worked as an audit intern at Deloitte NZ, gaining valuable insights into professional services and industry best practices.

Khai thrives in team environments, enjoys networking, and actively seeks opportunities for both professional and personal growth. He is currently interning at A&A Accounting and serves as a student representative for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).

Beyond academia, Khai is passionate about fitness and has previously competed in bodybuilding during high school.

This event is in partnership with MYOB, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and BDO New Zealand.