Caitlin Mahon’s passion for accounting was ignited by a conversation with her brother’s friend who was a trainee accountant.

She chose to study the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting major) at the Southern Institute of Technology as she wanted practical experience, and to work hands on in her chosen career at the same time as studying.

“I believe it will put me much further ahead than people who go straight to university,” she said.

“I will have three to four years’ experience, they won’t have, as well as a guaranteed position at Crowe Horwath, the accounting firm I am training at, when I graduate.”

Crowe Horwath, Invercargill, currently has nine SIT Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) trainees.

Principal Chris Checketts said the partnership between SIT and Crowe Horwath is great and works well.

“SIT provides quality education and practical knowledge; it is also good for the students to be working while they are studying to get valuable experience before graduating”, said Chris.

Caitlin finds that training while working for an accounting firm has been of huge value to her as she gets to experience a wide variety of industries from corporate, agriculture, management accounting, taxation and small businesses. An additional benefit is that Crowe Horwath is part of a global accounting firm, so when Caitlin does graduate there is an opportunity for secondment anywhere in the world.

Caitlin feels her choice to study at SIT has provided her a solid foundation for her future and would recommend anyone looking into a career as an accountant to choose SIT.