'Work experience is worth more than a GPA of 7.0!' says Tim Herington, graduate R&D Tax Consultant at R & D Incentives group at KPMG Australia.
KPMG’s Research & Development (R & D) Incentives group is experienced in obtaining funding to assist local, national and multinational clients conducting Australia’s most innovative R & D projects. In this role you will primarily work to help companies access funding and tax incentive programs designed to boost competitiveness and improve productivity across the Australian Economy; by encouraging and rewarding R & D activities undertaken by Australian Businesses. The R&D team comprises individuals with diverse technical backgrounds (including Science, Engineering, Geology and many more)
R & D Tax is working with a variety of industries including construction, IT, manufacturing, energy and natural resources, engineering, agribusiness, environmental sustainability, automotive, mechatronics, food technology and many more.
As a graduate you will be exposed to cutting edge technology based concepts, techniques and strategies currently being developed in Australiaand abroad. You will explore and apply technical principles to specific circumstances present within developmental projects undertaken by clients. Full training, support and mentoring will be provided.
Tim Herington studied Dual Bachelor Degrees in Science (Microbiology) and Economics (Public Policy) at the University of Queensland. In December 2013 he started working as a graduate R&D Tax Consultant at KPMG Australia. We asked him about his experience.
Why did you apply for this position?
Because – to use a sporting metaphor – they are the best and fairest. As one of the ‘Big Four’ accounting firms they provide unparalleled access to world-class professional training, networking opportunities and meaningful career development. But KPMG goes one better – they hire good people, not just good test scores; they are socially responsive and actively engage with the community; and their one-on-one commitment to their Graduates’ goals and aspirations is exemplary.
A day in your professional life
Going to scope out client projects and delve into their business models, learning not just about their accounts but also their people. We apply this information to our own analysis and aim to provide the best risk-to-return tax benefit for those R&D projects. Coming from a largely scientific background, I find the learning of disparate disciplines such as tax and law, and the scientific intrigue from each client project, is what makes the work interesting.
Three things you like about your work
Learning about all the latest technology in a wide variety of sectors; the people – KPMG is filled with friendly, hardworking and, most importantly, supportive people; the global reach – we have the global head of R&D Tax Incentives right here in Australia and the impact of this on the types of clients we get is clear.
What do you find challenging in your work?
Trying to limit which firm initiatives and social programs I participate in – KPMG has a wide array and between sport, professional, social and charitable opportunities it is impossible to do everything! But they do help us to target which balance of opportunities might bring us the best experiences.
What’s your previous work experience?
I previously worked for the Australian Red Cross in a part-time program support role. It seemed a world away from tax services then, but several people at KPMG have similarly diverse experiences and I feel that helps.
What were the key achievements in your life?
Graduating from UQ was a huge milestone, as well as some big international youth/humanitarian conferences. But the best is still to come hopefully!
In retrospect, what did you wish to have known when you were still a student?
That UQ had graduate recruitment services to help place you. It’s how I found R&D Tax without being a Commerce Graduate, because they knew all the positions and people to find what truly suits you. Also, work experience is worth more than a GPA 7.0 – recruitment practices in most fields have come full circle in that regard and many firms want to see more than just grades.
What are your tips or advice to students just starting their career?
Find something you love to do and work hard at it, sometimes for free. True experience and knowing what suits you will come across in an interview better than even preparation will.
For more information on careers with KPMG R & D Incentives group visit kpmg.com/au/grads