Who Are WHK?
WHK is Australasia's largest provider of accounting and related services to SMEs, helping more NZ businesses achieve success. We are leading people with better advice for a better life.
WHK has 6 firms, 20 office locations and over 690 employees nationwide.
We provide you with the opportunities. The shape of your career is up to you.
You could find yourself working in:
- Accounting
- Agribusiness Consulting
- Audit & Assurance
- Business Advisory Services
- Corporate Finance
- Estate & Succession Planning
- Lending & Finance
- Risk Insurance
- Tax Consulting
- Wealth Management
From accounting to corporate finance we can provide you with a great place to start your career. We have something to offer everyone.
What WHK can do for YOU
At WHK we recognise that finding your first employer is a big decision. As a star graduate you will be seeking the right opportunity, not only for your first role but to also position yourself for your future.
On joining WHK you will be part of a graduate training programme. You will then join a number of high performing client teams. With a Principal or Manager leading each client team this is your opportunity to prove yourself and show your flair. You can expect to meet with clients, to be challenged and stretched but always have the support, tools and infrastructure of the firm behind you.
As an approved training organisation (ATO) for NZICA, you will be provided with the right training and financial support to pass your PCE1, PAS and PCE2 exams.
Also, the breadth of our client base - from farmers to high profile celebrities - offers you an exciting variety of experiences to help shape your career.
Your future is our future.
Benefits of Working at WHK:
First class career opportunities in New Zealand and overseas- Mentor programme
- Overseas secondments
- Employee assistance programme
- Comprehensive WHK induction
- Open door Principal policy
- Social clubs
- Structured learning and development programmes
- Continuing professional development
Meet Our People
We don't like to brag, but we have great people. We can honestly say that the people who work at WHK are passionate about their job and our team culture.
For the best people we offer not only a great environment but one that is extremely rewarding.
There are no barriers to promotion and several past graduates are now Principals.
Jane Donaldson
WHK Auckland
Joined in 2007
Jane has been surprised with how much work she has taken on, but is enjoying the challenge. "I'm busier than I expected to be after a short period of time, but the support and training has been key to slotting in. It's quite different from what you expect; you get quite a lot of flexibility and responsibility. I have clients calling me and I'm feeling more and more comfortable answering their questions. I've never felt as though I've been left on my own. The worst thing is to leave uni and not feel able to ask questions. I feel like I'm really progressing here."
Melissa Des Landes
WHK Hawke's Bay
Joined in 2008
Melissa found herself thrown into the thick of it on joining WHK Hawke's Bay in 2008,but that was something she was looking for. "It's hard to believe that prior to starting here I had never filled out a tax return. Now I am able to complete a full set of accounts to a high standard". The support and training has been invaluable. "I've never felt as though I've been left on my own. The Principals dedicate a lot of time to helping us and their open door policy means they aren't too scary to approach!"
Mark Ross
WHK Wellington
Joined in 2006
Mark joined WHK Wellington in 2006 from Victoria University. Mark works with both the Tax and Business Advisory teams and found an environment that proactively supports his growth. "WHK gave me the opportunity to gain a solid understanding of Business Advisory Services before specialising in Tax."
As well as the challenge of his daily work, Mark enjoys being part of the team culture: "There are great social club events that occur regularly and the open door policy of all Principals really makes you feel part of the firm by having interaction with them from day one."
Phillip Grubb
WHK Southland
Joined 2006
Phillip returned from university to join the firm in 2006 as a graduate, four years after starting as a trainee. He gained his CA status in 2008 and hasn't looked back. Placed in a team that suited his strengths with a mentor at his side, he has grown in confidence and become a mentor to new and existing staff. "From my first day with the firm I was aware of the pathway that I was on and what was expected of me.
The intensive induction program ensured that I was ready to be released into my team. Having a mentor who was a year or so ahead of me was invaluable. I
could ask him anything as he knew what to do to help me. Now I'm the mentor!"
Shaun McNamara
WHK Dunedin
Joined in 2004
Shaun joined WHK through our bursary programme going on to complete his BCom with honours at Otago University. He was attracted to the challenge involved in a changing and evolving company. "The opportunities for developing a wide range of skills and advancing my career appealed."
Last year he completed his PCE2 exams where he excelled "the culture here attracts the right people who are prepared to work hard but also enjoy what they are doing. The support for new grads is great and the training programmes allow us to develop at our own pace."
Who Are We Looking For?
We are seeking successful, passionate, motivated candidates who consider themselves top performers. For the best people we offer not only a great environment but one that is extremely rewarding.
You will be a strong communicator, a practical thinker and strive in a team environment. Most importantly, we look for those with an ability to forge relationships, as well as an embracing attitude to change.
The type of graduates who will fit into WHK will have the following attributes:
- technical competence
- B Grade average or higher
- an ability to build strong client relationships and promote our firm's services
- excellent time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines and targets
- the ability to produce work of a high standard with attention to detail
- excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- a team focus
You are likely to be in your final year at university, completing a degree in either Accounting, Business, Commerce, Economics or Finance. Your degree should also meet NZICA or CPA requirements.
