at Otago - School of Business, University of Otago, New Zealand ...

GRADUATE PROFILE
Melissa Hamilton
Taxation Consultant - WHK
BCom (Hons), LLB
WHK taxation consultant Melissa
Hamilton says studying a double
degree in Accounting and Law has
added up – and the challenging
equation meant she gained
employment a number of years
before completing her Bachelor of
Commerce with Honours.
Melissa was employed through the
WHK bursary scheme, and the
opportunity has led to a varied role
with future opportunities across
New Zealand and Australia. She
enjoys assisting clients with tax
issues in relation to commercial
transactions, business restructuring
and compliance work.
“I secured my job from the start
of my fourth year at University
(I still had three years of studying
left), so my employer viewed my
qualifications as very important.”
She’s already completed the New
Zealand Institute of Chartered
Accountants Foundations
programme and will soon tackle
her PAS/PCE 2 exams. Melissa was
also admitted to the Bar in 2010,
becoming an enrolled Barrister and
Solicitor of the High Court of New
Zealand.
Melissa says the small class
numbers during the final years of
her Accounting degree – often
between three and eight students –
created a highly interactive learning
environment, which required her
to “step out of [her] shell and
contribute fully”. Small classes also
meant getting to know staff better,
and gaining from their areas of
expertise.
“I enjoyed a lot of papers that
involved practical components.
It is important to see the real life
application of any theory you learn,
as it helps cement your learning.”
During her final two years of study
she enjoyed tutoring a compulsory
first year accounting paper.
“Make the most of any opportunities
you are given – accounting is a lot
different from what you do in high
school; it is not all about numbers.
The theoretical side of accounting
is just as interesting – an Otago
accounting degree is well regarded
and worth it.”
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