Our People - International Stories: Kiara Bell (Contract Assurance & Performance)

Q1. What was the motivating factor that made you move over to Australia and what made you choose to move with KPMG originally?

Kiara: My choice to move abroad was based on having grown up and worked in South Africa, I thought change would be great. I was eager to grow my career with some international experience and connect with individuals I would never have had the chance to from back home. I believe in being open to all growth opportunities and seek the challenge to expand my knowledge base.

Q2. From a lifestyle perspective how has the change been? What are 2 things that you expected and 2 things that you didn’t expect?

Kiara: Moving countries is something I had underestimated and realised how much I took for granted back home, however I can say Melbourne has been the easiest adjustment with the major cultural diversity present in the city. There were times I felt so out of my depth, so foreign and struggled to relate to some conversations however you soon become a local and realise that if you reach out for advice there is often so many willing to give you a few tips – Even for a drink, meal or picnic sunset spot! From not being able to take public transport in my home country to my choice to live off it – It has been a challenge filled with many adaptions, new ways of looking at things, and realising that I am not the only foreigner. From being a summer girl who loved beach days most days whilst living in a warm environment, this will be the first time I experience four seasons – And I am so excited!

2 Things expected: Big city life, and a whole lot of good coffee (Melbourne’s known for it after all)

2 Things I didn’t expect: To feel so welcomed as a foreigner and to meet so many individuals from all over the world with such incredible stories.

Q3. How do you feel your time at KPMG Australia has influenced your career direction so far? Or how do you feel it might in the future?

Kiara: Having joined KPMG in February 2022 I am still new to the team, but already feel that I have a distinct role and met majority of my team members from all over Australia. Being in a smaller team which is nationally so integrated I feel it’s been the best move with a solid support structure.

I felt the calm, welcoming presence that the KPMG team gave me from my interview to equipping me to establish my role in the team I am so grateful for the opportunity. I feel that with the support, and the network I am growing I am eager to establish my presence and grow my career within KPMG.

Q4. What has been your most rewarding experience with KPMG and on that note the most challenging experience?

Kiara: A perk I had recently was visiting family in Sydney where I got to work remotely for the week and even go into the Sydney office to meet some team mates personally – Incredible!

The greatest challenge was where I had to work from the office during the period where there were mask mandates and office restrictions leading me to be the only team member in the office most days, sometimes the only person on a floor (At least it felt that way). However, since the mask mandates have dropped, and the team has had a few social events as well as started to come in on certain days it has been a great, warmer change to the office!

Q5. What would your general advice be for anyone abroad that is on the fence or looking to relocate to Australia? 

Kiara: My advice would be to just do it and be open to the challenges! Speak up if you are needing advice and more times than not there’s someone with a golden tip for you. I would say come with an open mind with the aim to experience Melbourne fully and that way not wanting to replicate anything you are used to at home but try and find what the locals did in that place – That way you get a whole less homesick and start relating more to the culture. Overall, you can always stay home and work in an environment which is comfortable but where you get an opportunity to grow in a first world country with a firm like KPMG, I would grab it with open arms – you won’t regret it!