Amanda Schubert learnt a valuable lesson in the power of determination long before she started her career.
The 25-year-old EY tax consultant was burnt in a house fire when she was 19 and spent the next three years in and out of hospital. When a doctor told her she might suffer a permanent limp if she didn’t begin walking, she discovered just how much willpower she had. Schubert announced, “Get me some morphine, I’m walking.”
That was the beginning of not just her physical healing but also her drive to let nothing stop her from achieving any goal she set. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to overcome,” says Schubert. Now, overcoming hurdles is something she takes in her stride.
It was during her degrees in Law and Corporate Finance at the University of Adelaide that Schubert realised her love of law might be surpassed by a love of commerce and she slowly shifted her approach.
While completing international studies, the importance of understanding ‘the numbers’ became especially essential. “When you introduce a numbers side to things you’re able to give a whole picture answer,” she explains.
So when she began to seek out professional experience Schubert looked into finding experience with firms that had a global presence and an interest in big picture solutions.
Schubert was invited to complete a three-week work experience program at EY and was convinced she wanted ongoing employment with the firm. “The thing that caught my attention was the good vibe. You work hard but you’re taken care of.”
She quickly developed relationships with colleagues and mentors who helped her to establish her place within the firm and didn’t apply unnecessary pressure. “No one will ever give you responsibility for something they don’t think you’re capable of doing,” she says.
Schubert has just clocked up two years and says that after the initial taste of life in the company, she hasn’t looked back. In fact, her role has propelled her forward in many ways.
First, being Adelaide-based means Schubert has been a bit of a “jack of all trades”, which she sees as an advantage over some other EY staff in Sydney or Melbourne who often specialise in one specific area right from the outset. With clients across sectors including mining, pharmaceutical and the wine industry, Schubert now has a comprehensive understanding of corporate tax, employment tax, superannuation and international tax issues for an eclectic mix of businesses.
“Oil and gas clients have additional intricacies. Each client is different; I don’t prefer one over the other,” Schubert explains and adds that she’s pleased to have been exposed to so many tax issues prior to refining her focus. However, she says, “I’m leaning more towards international tax.”
And she’s already well on her way to having an international tax career thanks to her tenacity and ability to display exceptional work ethic, something that’s been officially recognised. In 2013, Schubert was nominated for EY’s Chairman’s Values Awards, which gives staff the opportunity to nominate colleagues who embody the organisation’s values.
Initially she was an Oceania nominee and was then selected as a finalist in the Asia Pacific round – the accolade came with a three-day trip to Shanghai. From there she won an overall prize, which included a three-day trip to London.
“I thought, I’m not going to London for three days,” Schubert recalls. She made contact with the London office and requested some additional time there, and was eventually offered three weeks in the international tax department.
“EY has an influential position simply because it’s such a large firm thereby paving the way for some incredible networks,” Schubert explains that London’s pivotal role in business around the globe made the experience a thrilling one.
London gave Schubert a taste of the opportunities beyond South Australia and she says working there on a more permanent basis is “definitely on the cards”.
While EY does offer overseas and interstate secondments, Schubert is keen to learn more at home in Adelaide and take her career one step at a time.