William Buck VIC - Employee Career Handbook

We do careers here

“We know that talent and growth go hand in hand. That careers are personal. That you should be valued for what you bring and respected for where you want to go.”

Jamie McKeough Chair, William Buck Group

Simply great careers

A message from our Chair

A career at William Buck means joining one of Australia and New Zealand’s most successful professional services organisations, with a reputation for quality, excellence and a culture rare in our sector.

We’re unique among Australia and New Zealand’s professional services organisations. For over 125 years we’ve forged our own path and continue to do so as we look towards an ambitious future of growth.

The William Buck difference? Creating an authentic culture of connection among our people - we care. Our award-winning culture has been built over decades and continues to be the key reason talented professionals are drawn to William Buck.

What does our culture of care look like? It’s a culture of openness, where the doors of Directors’ offices are always open. It’s a culture where your career progression is not dictated by industry or skillset, but by the contribution you can make. It’s a culture where you’re valued for what you bring and respected for where you want to go.

Our goal? To be the destination firm for Australia and New Zealand’s professional services talent, the magnet for the industry’s brightest and best. A firm that turns our people into advocates. Where those from other professional services firms or industries gravitate.

All this rests on the quality and power of our team. Real people, working together on exciting projects for great clients, creating positive change.

Those who join William Buck wish to contribute to this culture.

We look forward to you bringing your aspirations, energy, and a collaborative mindset. In return we offer a firm like no other: a home where colleagues are like family, where your experience and views matter, and your career will thrive.

Careers are personal. Welcome to a career with a firm that cares.

Jamie McKeough Chair, William Buck Group

Where careers thrive

We offer careers that develop skills, and place value on what you can bring. We invest in professionals who want to build a career, a network and thrive in a supportive community.

More than just advisors

We recognise the role we play in the lives of our people, clients and the community and believe that everything we do has the potential to make a positive change. Understanding this purpose helps ensure we have an impact well beyond just the numbers.

A top-ranking ANZ accounting and advisory firm Established in 1895, we employ some of the profession’s brightest minds. A career at William Buck means joining a community of around 1,000 professionals across Australia and New Zealand.

With a strong focus on collaboration, our offices work together as one firm. This ‘one firm’ philosophy provides a nurturing network of like-minded individuals ready to help you build your career.

Recognised as one of the largest mid-tier firms in Australia and New Zealand, we offer exciting work and a wealth of opportunities.

Caring about the community

Our culture of care expands beyond our organisational boundaries. The William Buck Foundation formalises our community and volunteer initiatives, allowing us to work with charities and organisations most in need.

We celebrate a culture where you are encouraged to give back through donations, fundraising, sponsorship and pro bono work.

An award-winning culture

We’re extremely proud to have been awarded the XRef ‘Best Workplace’ award in 2022 and 2023. The award recognises organisations that have achieved exceptional levels of employee engagement and satisfaction. William Buck was commended for effective management practices, exceptional communication and ability to support employees in learning and career development.

Nurturing professionals at all levels is very important to us. Based on direct feedback from our graduates, who highlighted our welcoming and supportive culture, we have been recognised with multiple awards for our graduate program. This includes being recognised by Prosple (Australia’s leading graduate recruitment specialist) as a top 10 workplace in the ‘Accounting & Advisory’ sector.

“William Buck has encouraged me in the direction I want to go, providing me with support and tools to reach my utmost potential.

I feel like I am part of a community that cares and is genuinely happy for my success.”

Clare, Senior Accountant, Sydney

“William Buck has opened doors for me to accelerate my career and develop my skills to become a trusted advisor to Australian technology businesses.

They’ve always encouraged me to pursue my passion for technology, which has allowed me to become a holistic advisor to Australian start-ups and scale-ups.

Thanks to the continuous learning and development I receive at William Buck, I have been able to hone my skills and stand out from the crowd. This has done wonders for my career as there are not many people who can do what I do.”

Alex, Director, Sydney

Accelerate your career

Take your career to the next level with a range of structured and unstructured development opportunities tailored to your career aspirations.

Education is part of the firm’s DNA William Buck has a strong focus on education. Our accredited in-house training programs are recognised by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), The Tax Institute (TTI) and Certified Public Accountants (CPA).

Our dedicated Learning and Development team will provide you with a clear career pathway including internal and external courses, mentoring and on the job training. All geared towards helping you build a professional and personal skill set to take you wherever you want to go.

We’ve also developed a proud reputation as expert speakers and training providers within the profession and among the business community.

Ignite your career with secondment opportunities

Working with our clients and international networks you’ll have the ability to acquire new skills through secondments and exchange programs.

As a member of Praxity, the world’s largest independent accounting and advisory alliance, we offer international secondments in several countries and a range of advisory disciplines. Our professionals thrive when given the opportunity to experience life and work on the other side of the world.

Working within our client’s environment, our client exchange programs allow you to apply your skills and experiences to solve to real-life problems that have a lasting impact.

Work where you matter

Careers start with care

And we mean it

As you start your journey at William Buck, you will see the word CARE everywhere. In all our offices and in the everyday language we use.

But what does it mean? Put simply, CARE are the four values we live by at William Buck: Collaborative, Aspiring, Relationship-driven, Enterprising.

It’s the values, the behaviours and the mindset that all of our people at William Buck bring to their work every day and why they stay with the firm for many years.

It’s the reason clients choose us. How our culture has developed and sustained. It’s unique to us: our promise to each other and to our clients.

CCollaborative

We are one firm, working together to achieve amazing things.

AAspiring R Relationship-driven E Enterprising

We challenge ourselves to achieve our goals by unlocking the potential in everyone.

We put people first in everything we do, prioritising relationships and delivering exceptional client results.

We unearth possibilities and provide value through our innovative approach.

“William Buck has supported me with a clear career path. I started as a graduate and have worked my way to Principal. I have been supported and mentored during each stage of my career.

I’m provided with the flexibility I need to manage the demands as a working parent with young children.”

Joann, Principal, Adelaide

Career promise

Culture isn’t an accident; it requires work and commitment. At William Buck you can expect your leaders to bring our CARE values to life through actions that have impact.

Employee Care Plan We do careers here

Culture

We have caring and committed leaders who are invested in our people and our clients.

Career

We provide countless opportunities to achieve your career goals through personal and professional development that enables you to do your best work.

We foster a diverse, respectful and inclusive culture.

We demonstrate a genuine interest in you.

We celebrate success and recognise great contribution.

Our leaders are accessible and approachable.

We are collaborative in everything we do.

We build trusted relationships.

We aspire to unlock your potential to be the best you can be.

We welcome new ideas and innovation.

We communicate the right messages at the right time, clearly and consistently.

We give you the opportunity to grow a successful career.

We build connections with diverse clients to make a difference.

We provide curated formal and experiential learning opportunities to develop our people.

We promote tailored career pathway development.

We support you in your ongoing development and further study.

We offer bespoke learning programs at career milestone levels.

Workspaces

We create a workplace where flexibility and sustainability can thrive.

Benefits

We show you we value you and your work by rewarding you in different ways.

Community

You are part of a larger community that you can give back to, and get involved in.

Our workspaces enhance the firm’s culture and create physical and virtual spaces where people want to be.

We have a choice of benefits that focus on your health, wellbeing and career growth.

We foster positive change through our William Buck Foundation.

We compensate well for the job that you do.

We strive to be a sustainable and socially responsible organisation.

We have flexible working options that balance your needs and the needs of the business.

We have a considered and trusted reward system.

We provide opportunities to connect across the Group and global Praxity affiliations, including secondments.

We create spaces that support health and wellbeing initiatives and social events.

We offer a comprehensive employee benefits and discounts program integrated with peer-to-peer recognition.

We provide opportunities to give back to our communities.

We’re extremely proud of our award-winning culture. Our culture of CARE. But what does that look like?

It’s an inclusive and respectful culture with committed and supportive leaders. It’s a culture where you’re valued for what you bring and respected for where you want to go. It’s a culture in which we care about all aspects of your health and wellbeing.

Where culture matters

Celebrating success

At William Buck we celebrate our wins – big and small. Our celebrating success budget gives each team the flexibility to choose how they celebrate and recognise their successes. It might be a coffee run, team activity, team member of the month award, balloons or flowers to say ‘well done’. The choices are endless! Just one of the ways William Buck ensures that celebrating team members is part of our culture.

Service awards

Our service awards are an important way to recognise and celebrate our people’s years of contribution, hard work and dedication to the firm.

The company acknowledges each year of service and celebrates with special recognition during the annual year-end function for those reaching milestones of 5 years, 10 years, and each subsequent 5-year interval thereafter. Many of our people have celebrated over 20 years with William Buck!

Annual employee awards

As well as our service awards, we also proudly present a set of awards annually at our end of year function. These awards recognise people who have achieved outstanding things under the three William Buck pillars of People, Clients and Collaboration.

Social Committee

Our dedicated social committee host a range of events including the William Buck Tennis Open, annual footy tipping competition, EOFY party, William Buck day and a family BBQ picnic at the end of the year. These social opportunities are a great way to connect with team members and build relationshops across the firm.

William Buck Foundation

Our culture of care expands beyond our organisational boundaries. The William Buck Foundation formalises our community and volunteer initiatives, allowing us to better work with charities and not-for-profit organisations most in need.

Established in 2022, the aim of the Foundation is to support disadvantaged members of the community by collectively making the most of William Buck’s financial support, and to encourage you to give your time and expertise through volunteering and pro-bono work.

The William Buck Foundation provides a valuable platform for people across all of William Buck to connect with the community, get involved, inspire others and give back to the wider community.

Volunteering

Every member of the William Buck team has the opportunity to take part in volunteer charitable activities during work hours. Our CSR leave policy enables you to volunteer up to 2 days per year in a volunteer activity or event supported by William Buck.

Environmental, Social & Governance

At William Buck we are committed to making a positive impact on the environment, fostering an inclusive workplace, and upholding strong governance practices. With a focus on sustainability, diversity, and ethical conduct, we strive to create a better future for our communities, clients, and employees.

Diversity & Inclusion

Our Diversity and Inclusion Group is committed to creating a workplace culture that values and embraces diversity in all its forms. Our mission is to promote equity, diversity, and inclusivity throughout our organisation by providing education, support, and resources that empower all individuals to reach their full potential.

Where benefits matter

Paid parental leave

William Buck appreciates the benefits of having a diverse workforce. We endeavour to support all our people to balance their lives outside of work, including those who decide to start a family.

To support our people during this exciting time of their lives we offer paid parental leave that can be accessed in addition to the Government’s paid parental leave scheme, subject to certain eligibility criteria. This policy ensures you are still supported financially and can focus on caring for your new child.

Client referral bonus

Feel like stretching your business development and marketing muscles? William Buck offers a client referral bonus program for team members who refer clients into the firm. The bonus is subject to eligibility criteria and is designed to reward and recognise those who contribute towards the growth of the firm.

Employee referral bonus

Our people are rewarded for referring their friends, family and acquaintances for vacancies within our team. Upon successful completion of probation period for the referred person, you will be eligible to receive a referral bonus of up to $8,000.

Professional membership subscriptions

William Buck is committed to supporting your professional development and understands the significance of maintaining your professional memberships. Consequently, we will cover the expenses associated with your primary annual membership or subscription. Any subsequent subscriptions will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Bravo!

Our CARE Hub, Bravo! is supported by the Reward Gateway platform offering reward and recognition for our team and offering the largest employee discounts program in the world.

Reward Gateway leverages unmatched buying power to give unbeatable savings at hundreds of Australian and New Zealand retailers to help extend your income. By using the program you can access significant monthly savings from essential and everyday purchases to special items like gifts or holidays.

The Village Green is the heart of our office located on William Street.

Where health and well-being matters

Employee assistance program

We recognise that everyone faces various life challenges from time to time. The wellbeing of our people is important to us, so to help in managing these challenges, we provide you with access to an assistance program. This is a 24/7 independent, confidential and free service that our people and their families can reach out to for support and counselling for mental health and dealing with difficult personal situations.

Flexible work

We encourage flexible working to meet the needs of our people’s personal lives, our clients and their teams. Our people have the ability to work flexible hours, including work from home options and working part time.

Health and wellbeing committee

Our active health and wellbeing committee provide various opportunities throughout the year to get involved in a range of health and wellbeing activities, including breakfast club, running club, monthly Massage Day, and more. This allows you to take some time out of work to focus on your own health and wellbeing while spending time with other team members.

Flu vaccinations

Complimentary flu vaccinations are offered to our people at our offices once a year ahead of flu season, to help protect against the most common strains of the virus.

Mental health first-aid officers

We have mental health first-aid officers who have been trained and are equipped with the practical skills to recognise, understand and respond to our people who need assistance.

William Buck day

William Buck Day is an annual whole firm event where we come together to celebrate our shared values and achievements. This day serves as a reminder of our collective accomplishments and the journey we’ve undergone as a team.

Whether the day involves team building activities, informative sessions, or simply a chance to connect on a personal level, William Buck Day strengthens the bond between colleagues and celebrates our success.

Open plan collaborative workspace

Located in the heart of the CBD, we have a bright and welcoming office space with lots of plants and collaborative workspaces. The Village Green is the heart of the office, where people gather for coffee meetings, firm updates and events – it’s the perfect place to connect with your colleagues.

End of financial year party

To celebrate the end of financial year, and acknowledge the hard work of our people, William Buck hosts an end of financial year party with entertainment and dancing. Partners are also welcome to attend and celebrate with us.

Christmas party

On the last working day of the year we celebrate the year that was and the beginning of the holidays, with a Christmas lunch for all our people.

Fresh fruit and barista style coffee

William Buck provides fresh fruit as a healthy snack option in the kitchens. You can also find a range of teas, cereal and even lollies for that afternoon sugar hit!

We provide team members with barista style coffee in the office with access to fully automatic bean coffee machines.

Where learning and development matters

At William Buck, we’re always providing opportunities to help you become the best version of yourself. A huge part of this is our continuous, blended learning culture that enables you to do your best work. As well as formal and self-directed learning, our leaders will regularly coach and develop you, nurturing your career. From day one, you’ll have the opportunity to work closely with our directors, senior managers, and a variety of clients. This collaborative approach allows you to start developing from the outset.

Care Coach

At William Buck everyone has a Care Coach. This is someone who is part of your Career Care Team, but not your direct manager, or a member of your immediate team. Your Care Coach will help you define specific goals and give independent advice when it comes to your career and seeking experiential learning opportunities.

Colleges and conferences

As a member of the William Buck Melbourne team, you are also part of a greater team across Australia and New Zealand. Throughout your career you’ll have the opportunity to attend several group wide colleges and conferences. These are all a great opportunity to access the latest learnings, grow your internal network and visit great cities across Australia and New Zealand.

Secondment opportunities

Working with our clients and international networks you may have the ability to acquire new skills through secondments.

As a member of Praxity, the world’s largest independent accounting and advisory alliance, we offer international secondments, for some disciplines. Our professionals thrive when given the opportunity to experience life and work on the other side of the world.

Study assistance

William Buck recognises the importance of professional qualifications and will actively support and encourage people who wish to pursue work-related studies. You are eligible for study leave and exam leave (where relevant) per module/course.

Study support

For those completing post graduate studies through a professional association, we provide a range of study support options or groups to ensure our people have support throughout their studies.

For those studying the Chartered Accountants (CA) program we also host group-wide virtual study sessions for all upcoming CA exams to ensure our people have the best chance of success.

Access to online learning

Our people have full access to William Buck’s online learning platform. Our learning platform offers one of the largest curated eLearning libraries available in a single subscription. Through this platform William Buck provides Learning Pathway specific to your role and career.

Tax training

We work with accredited training organisations to provide best in class tax training to relevant teams at William Buck. This involves regular face to face workshops covering a range of case study style practical examples, as well as online offerings.