Grad testimonials

Anne Hurt, BAS Graduate, Auckland

Applying for a role at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway was one of the easiest and most reassuring experiences I’ve had. The wealth of information provided on their website made the entire process a breeze. From detailed insights into the firm’s culture to clear explanations of career pathways, I never had to question whether I was suitable for the job – I knew I was. The graduate testimonials and application guidelines gave me confidence and clarity, allowing me to focus on showcasing my strengths rather than worrying about expectations.

Now, as a graduate, every day my role challenges me to apply the knowledge I gained at university. I’m constantly learning and developing through real-world projects that push me to think critically and adapt quickly. From the very start, I’ve been given opportunities to help organise events, which has been both exciting and rewarding. Beyond work, Baker Tilly Staples Rodway offers a variety of clubs and social activities that foster a strong sense of community and connection among colleagues. This supportive environment makes it easy to build relationships and feel part of something bigger. Looking ahead, I’m excited to grow my career here and contribute to a firm that values development and innovation.

Eli Pearce, Insolvency Graduate, Auckland

Joining Baker Tilly Staples Rodway as a graduate has been an exciting and rewarding start to my career. I’m part of the business restructuring and recovery team, which has exposed me to a wide range of real-world business situations and strengthened my understanding of how companies operate. The work is varied, fast-paced, and constantly pushes me to think critically and adapt quickly.

What’s made the biggest impact is the culture. Everyone here – from graduates to partners – takes the time to support your development and celebrate your wins. The buddy system and CA mentorship provide great structure for learning, and I’ve had access to extensive training sessions that go beyond technical knowledge; helping build communication and teamwork skills, too.

No two days are the same, which keeps the work engaging. There’s also a strong social aspect, with plenty of opportunities to connect with others across the firm. Overall, Baker Tilly has been the ideal environment to grow, learn and lay the foundations for a successful accounting career.

Ella Mead, BAS Graduate, Auckland

Starting as a Business Advisory Service graduate at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Auckland has been a valuable experience. From the beginning, I felt supported by a team that prioritises learning and collaboration.

The training programme, including graduate induction and technical workshops, helped me build confidence early on. I’ve worked on a range of projects, which has given me practical insight into client needs and industry practices.The culture is friendly and inclusive, and there’s a strong focus on learning without pressure.

Over time, I’ve gained exposure to different industries and learned how to apply technical knowledge in real-world situations. The feedback process is constructive, and there’s always someone available to answer questions.

If you’re looking for a role where you can develop your skills and contribute meaningfully, Baker Tilly Staples Rodway is a great place to start.

Eva Martin, Audit Graduate, Wellington

I joined Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Wellington at the beginning of 2024 and despite still being part-way through my studies, they were very accommodating and helped me to balance work and study. 

There are many perks to working in the smallest Baker Tilly office. Perhaps what I appreciate the most is the genuine sense of community where everyone, regardless of service line, knows each other and gets along. I feel comfortable working closely with more senior, CA-qualified members of the team and this has helped to accelerate my learning and development. As soon as grads join the company, we’re given the opportunity to be involved in valued work and figure things out without feeling time pressured or micro-managed. We’re supported through the whole process, from emailing the client for information to compiling GST returns and financial statements.  

The firm has been very supportive of my professional ambitions, and I often see people undertaking extra tax courses as well as regular BAS trainings. I am often asked what kind of work I enjoy doing, or want to do, and the firm makes efforts to expose me to work I find enjoyable and interesting. At Baker Tilly you are not just a number but a valued member in the team and can make an immediate contribution and perform valued work.

Favour Owoeye, Tax Graduate, Auckland

Starting at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway was an eye-opening and intriguing experience for me. The firm’s graduate pages were packed with clear, practical information, covering everything from culture and values to how the recruitment process works, so I knew exactly what to expect and where I might fit. That transparency helped me focus on showing who I am and what I could bring without second-guessing the process.

Stepping into the graduate role, I’ve been challenged in the best way to apply what I learned at university to real client work. From day one I’ve had meaningful responsibilities across different industries, preparing GST and tax returns, and digging into the details that help clients make better decisions. The buddy system and supportive managers have made a huge difference, as there’s always someone to ask and feedback is constructive and timely.

What stands out most is the culture. The team is approachable and genuinely collaborative, and directors, managers and intermediates invest time in your development and celebrate the small wins.

I’ve also had chances to get involved beyond the day-to-day, from helping organise team events to joining social activities like the office football team, which has made it easy to connect across the firm.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep building my skills here and work towards my Chartered Accountant qualification. Baker Tilly offers the right mix of challenge, support and opportunity, and I’m proud to be part of a firm that values learning, community and doing great work for clients.

Indrea Werder, Audit Graduate, Hawke's Bay

I started as an audit graduate at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Hawke’s Bay in November 2023. I was excited and eager to start after learning I was successful in getting the position. The recruitment process was smooth and efficient; and I was kept updated throughout.  

The first few days were overwhelming but wasn’t long before I got into a routine. I knew from day one that I made the right choice in working for Baker Tilly Staples Rodway. Everyone is very welcoming and friendly. I was assigned a buddy who has trained me up. Some days my buddy was away with a client, which was fine as there were others in the team who were willing to help and answer any questions I had. I also know that I can go to my bosses if I need help.  

One of the many aspects I enjoy is Baker Tilly Staples Rodway’s flexible working arrangements which allow me to have the right work-life balance. There are also plenty of work social events such as shared birthday morning teas, Christmas dinner party and other family events that employees and their partners can enjoy. Here, you are not just a number but part of an amazing team. Baker Tilly Staples Rodway provides great training opportunities and support for anyone who is wanting to become a Chartered Accountant. 

Jacob Forsyth, Audit Graduate, Taranaki

I started as an Audit Graduate at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway at the beginning of 2025 and my experience so far has been highly enjoyable. From day one in the Taranaki office, the team has made me feel genuinely welcome.

What I’ve enjoyed most is the level of exposure and responsibility given early on. Being trusted with my own clients and individual jobs, while learning directly from experienced seniors and managers, has accelerated my development far more than I anticipated. The culture is friendly, supportive and collaborative, which has made the transition from studying to fulltime work seamless. People are always willing to take time to share their knowledge, explain new concepts and help build your confidence.

Working in the audit team has also given me the opportunity to engage with a wide range of clients across different sectors, which has been one of the real highlights so far. Getting hands-on experience and seeing how theory applies in practice has helped me grow quickly, both technically and professionally.

When I was looking for a graduate role, I wanted a place where I could build a strong foundation, feel supported and be challenged in the right ways. Baker Tilly has delivered exactly that, and I’m excited for the opportunities ahead.

Jordyn Williams, BAS Graduate, Waikato

Walking into Baker Tilly Staples Rodway on my first day, I expected spreadsheets and silence. Instead, I found a team that values curiosity and collaboration. Transitioning from university to the accounting field felt like a whole new world – fast-paced, full of learning and packed with opportunities. The steep learning curve could have been daunting, but the support here is incredible. Everyone is willing to help, and that support has made all the difference.

As I settled in, one of my biggest highlights has been the wide exposure to different types of work. While the foundation of my role is preparing financial statements and tax returns, no two jobs ever look the same. I’ve worked on everything from residential rental properties and portfolio FIF income to tax calculations and GST returns. The variety keeps things interesting and challenges me to keep growing.

What truly makes Baker Tilly Staples Rodway stand out is the motivated, kind and supportive people who create an environment where you can thrive. I’m excited to keep building on this experience and see where this journey takes me. With diverse work and unwavering team support, I know every step will bring new opportunities to learn and grow.

Katherine Beeson, Audit Graduate, Auckland

My journey with Baker Tilly Staples Rodway began as an intern during the ’24-‘25 summer. I was part of the first intake to experience the firm’s new rotation structure, which gave me exposure to both the Audit and Business Advisory service lines. This opportunity was a key reason I was drawn to Baker Tilly, and I’ve never looked back!

After completing my conjoint degree in Accounting and Earth Science at the University of Auckland, I was delighted to accept a graduate offer in audit. Baker Tilly was incredibly accommodating, allowing me to start mid-year while still providing the training I needed to head out to client sites during the busy season. In this short time, I’ve grown both professionally and personally. The inclusive culture encourages balance and connection; from playing football with colleagues after work to contributing to meaningful initiatives. I’m particularly proud to represent graduates on the ESG Committee, where I can combine my passion for sustainability with my science background to make a positive impact.

What stands out most about Baker Tilly Staples Rodway is its people and culture. Working in a mid-tier firm means being part of a tight community that values learning, development, and the little things that make work enjoyable. I can’t wait to continue to develop my professional and soft skills and see where a career in audit at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway will take me!

Kenneth Tischendorf, Audit Graduate, Auckland

The friendly and approachable team helped make entry into the accounting world smooth. Everyone was willing to answer any questions I had and ensured that I had the understanding and resources necessary to get the job done.

Working in audit has allowed me to gain experience in adapting my understanding of the clients and their industries and how to factor it into my work. Getting to experience being out at client sites and building professional relationships with my peers and the clients has been beneficial for both my professional and personal skills.

Being a mid-tier firm, Baker Tilly Staples Rodway emphasises its focus on culture and collaboration. I’ve experienced it through being able to approach my seniors, members of other departments, managers and even the directors without fear to discuss working matters and in getting to know them personally.

There is no expectation of constant overtime work, which aligned with my desires when I was searching and applying for graduate roles.

Latham Henderson, BAS Graduate, Christchurch

Starting my career at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway has been a genuinely positive experience. From my first day, the team made me feel welcome and supported, which helped take a lot of the pressure out of transitioning from university to fulltime work.

What I’ve appreciated most is the balance between being challenged with real responsibilities and always having someone available to guide me when I need help. 

The training opportunities have been excellent. Between formal sessions, on-the-job learning and helpful feedback from managers and colleagues, I’ve quickly built confidence in my technical skills. Working with a variety of clients has also given me a clearer understanding of how the theory I learned at university applies in practice.

The workplace culture has been another highlight. The environment is friendly, approachable and encourages questions, which makes it easy to keep learning. There’s also a strong focus on work-life balance, and the team regularly organises social activities that make it easy to get to know people across the firm.

Overall, Baker Tilly Staples Rodway has been an ideal place to start my career. I feel supported, challenged in the right ways and excited to continue developing professionally here.

Mitch Howe, BAS Graduate, Auckland

Kia ora, I’m Mitch. I studied Accounting and Finance at Victoria. Like most final-year students, I hit that “what’s next?” moment pretty hard. I knew I wanted a role where I could grow fast, work with a variety of clients and still feel like part of a team – not just a number. 

When I started researching firms, Baker Tilly Staples Rodway stood out. It had the reach and reputation of a global network, but the culture felt genuinely supportive and down-to-earth. That balance really mattered to me.

The recruitment process was clear and structured: An online application, psychometric testing, a chat over the phone and then a final interview. It sounds intense, but the team was approachable throughout, which made a big difference. Fast forward to now, I’m in the Business Advisory team in Auckland, and the best part has been the people. From day one, I had a network around me, a dedicated buddy, mentor, managers and even partners who were happy to help and share advice. 

There’s always someone to bounce ideas off and that support has given me the confidence to take ownership of my work while knowing the team’s got my back. Plus, the training and early client exposure have made the learning curve exciting, not scary.

Nathan Proctor, BAS Graduate, Tauranga

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Tauranga initially employed me in a part-time role while I was studying at university in June 2023. This opportunity has given me real-world business experience while providing the freedom to manage my work, study and social life. Balance is an integral part of our culture, and the team has been more than supportive of my journey as a high-performance athlete. The directors are passionate about the firm and the people who work here. They have helped me tailor a unique pathway for career development. As I have no tertiary accounting study experience, they derived a number of options before supporting my enrolment in a master’s degree that will also lead to a Chartered Accounting qualification. My colleagues have built a supportive working atmosphere that created a smooth transition into the professional environment while also encouraging personal growth and long-term success outside the office. 

I am privileged to learn from and work alongside intelligent and experienced individuals who are among the best in our industry. I have personally been tasked with an appropriate level of responsibility that has challenged me and driven contextual learning. With a range of quality resources and experience on hand, we are well equipped to meet our clients’ accounting needs while going beyond their service expectations. I look forward to growing my relationship with Baker Tilly Staples Rodway at both client and firm level in the future.
  

Prateek Kumar, BAS Graduate, Auckland

Stepping into the real competitive world after university felt incredibly daunting, but joining Baker Tilly Staples Rodway made that transition smoother than I ever imagined. From the moment I walked in for my interview, I sensed that Baker Tilly genuinely values people for who they are. The interview felt more like a relaxed conversation than a formal assessment, which immediately put me at ease.

But what truly sets it apart for me is its incredible support system and culture. Since day one, everyone has been very welcoming and supportive. Every new graduate is paired with a buddy and a manager, creating a strong foundation of guidance and mentorship. Whether it’s work-related queries or navigating workplace systems, there’s always someone to reach out to. This environment has helped me grow both professionally and personally, and I’ve never felt alone in my journey.

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway isn’t just a workplace – it’s a community that fosters learning, collaboration and respect. I’m grateful to be part of a team that prioritises people and empowers them to thrive.

Rikhil Parmar, Audit Graduate, Auckland

Starting my journey as an audit graduate at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway has been an incredibly rewarding experience. From day one, I was welcomed into a supportive environment and have been able to make meaningful relationships.

I was able to gain early exposure as on my second day, I was already out at a client site. This allowed me to gain hands-on experience early, and quickly understand how audit work is carried out.

The firm places a strong emphasis on professional development. Through continuous training sessions and feedback, I’ve been able to rapidly build my skills and confidence. Everyone in the team, including the partners, is eager to share knowledge and offer meaningful advice, which has really helped my growth.

One of the highlights of my role is the diversity of clients that we audit. Each engagement introduces me to a new industry, helping me expand my knowledge on how different businesses operate and what makes them unique. Furthermore, I’ve also enjoyed using the latest technology, which is encouraged by the firm, to complete audit work efficiently. Being in this collaborative learning environment makes each day at work something to look forward to.

Sam Bedford, BAS Graduate, Christchurch

I have been very lucky to start at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Christchurch in March 2025 after finishing my degree at the University of Canterbury.

One of the aspects I enjoy most is the variety of work. I’ve been able to gain experience across a wide range of different business structures such as rentals, trusts, sole traders and small business accounts. This keeps work interesting and helps me develop my skills as an accountant. The positive and collaborative team environment makes it easy to ask questions if I ever get stuck.

The firm values work-life balance and has plenty of social activities outside of work including mid-winter and Christmas dinners and a social touch rugby team which I really enjoy being a part of.

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Christchurch has also been very supportive of my CA studies. There are mentors and lots of people at work who are also doing the study who can help you if you have questions about the study material or the CA process in general. I am excited to continue my career here and work towards becoming a Chartered Accountant.

Sidilse Vela Gurovic, BAS Graduate, Wellington

I joined Baker Tilly Staples Rodway in late 2024 as an intern through the CA ANZ Achiever Programme, working part-time while in my final year of study at Victoria University of Wellington. I was initially interested in Baker Tilly because of the clear pathways for future career development, including CA and training, which aligned with my long-term goals.

What made me stay, though, was the culture and the people. From day one, I felt genuinely welcomed and supported. The work is challenging, but never overwhelming, and I really value the positive and constructive feedback I receive. There’s always someone willing to help, explain, or guide me through new tasks, which has made the transition from university to full-time work much smoother.

Both partners and managers are very approachable, which creates an environment where you feel comfortable asking questions and contributing ideas. I’ve learned a lot in a short space of time and I’m excited to continue developing my career at Baker Tilly Staples Rodway as a graduate.