Our People - International Stories: Yvonne Small (Governance, Risk and Controls Advisory)

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

Yvonne: One of my motivating factors for the move to Australia was to provide my family, especially my kids with better opportunities and a future and as well as for myself and my hubby! My husband had visited Australia before and he always told me how great it was and I just felt I also needed to come and experience it for myself! I worked previously for KPMG and I loved the KPMG values and the team spirit and the one thing I can say - because of the global methodology - it made it much easier and approachable to come over and find my feet – “although in a new place it still felt like home!”

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?

Yvonne: Our lifestyle as a family has changed a lot – it is a flexible work environment, with great colleagues who are supportive and helpful, so that made me feel right at home from day one, actually even before we arrived! The KPMG team was in touch on a regular basis and supported us throughout the process which I did not expect and it is still ongoing! I did not expect that everything is working and on time and that you can basically go anywhere with public transport, I am still amazed how organised Australia is and I love it!   

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?

Yvonne: I believe it will bring a lot of value to my career, meeting new people, learning a different culture and industries. KPMG has already provided me with opportunities that will enhance my career.

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

Yvonne: The most rewarding experience was when the Partner came to dropped off a goodie bag and made sure we as a family were okay and settling in. A day after our arrival (we had to isolate), she took time out of her busy diary to make sure we are fine and had everything we needed! The most challenging was getting all the paperwork done during Covid and getting into WA – but due to the support from KPMG we got over that challenge without getting too much grey hair!

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

Yvonne: Just do it – KPMG is there to support you throughout the whole process – it is definitely worthwhile and we are not looking back!

We are here to leave our footprints in Aus!

If you are interested in joining the KPMG Governance Risk and Controls Advisory team in Perth please reach out directly or search our careers page for upcoming GRCA Perth Opportunities.