13th August, 2024
In the latest episode of Fiscal Therapy we had the pleasure of hearing from Stacie Shaw, a partner at PKF, one of Australia’s top accounting firms.
Stacie’s journey from uncertain student to a leader in the accounting industry is as inspiring as it is relatable, especially for anyone who has ever wondered if they’re on the right career path.
Stacie’s career path is anything but linear, which makes her story all the more engaging.
From her early days of studying medical physics and later opting for a business communications degree, Stacie didn’t set out to be an accountant.
Her journey was marked by a series of unexpected turns, including a brief stint in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs and an ambitious attempt to study optometry.
What stands out in Stacie’s story on Fiscal Therapy is her openness to change and her willingness to pivot when things didn’t work out as planned.
It was a conversation with a family friend that led her to consider a career in commerce — a decision that eventually brought her to PKF.
Starting as a trainee, Stacie explored various departments within the firm, including insolvency, audit, and business services.
It was a journey of trial and error, and as she humorously notes, she once felt “old and behind” at the age of 21.
Despite her initial reluctance to pursue a career in accounting, Stacie’s experience at PKF has been transformative.
A pivotal moment came when she considered leaving the firm but was persuaded to stay by one of the partners, who empowered her to define her own role within the company.
This human-first approach at PKF allowed Stacie to carve out a career that aligned with her strengths and interests, ultimately leading to her role as a commercial manager and, later, partner.
Stacie’s story is a testament to the importance of being in the right environment, surrounded by supportive colleagues who encourage growth and innovation.
She credits her success to the people around her, particularly the partners at PKF, who gave her the freedom to explore different avenues and the confidence to take on leadership roles when she was ready.
As someone deeply involved in improving business processes, Stacie has a refreshing take on technology in accounting practices.
Rather than advocating for a high-tech solution for every problem, she emphasizes the importance of understanding the problem first and sometimes opting for low-tech solutions, like good old Excel.
Her approach is pragmatic: less is more when it comes to tech, and addressing small, everyday inefficiencies can lead to significant improvements over time.
Stacie’s work in implementing systems that streamline processes and create a “single source of truth” has been instrumental at PKF.
Her experience highlights the importance of adopting technology that truly meets the needs of the business without adding unnecessary complexity — a lesson that many SMEs can benefit from.
One of the most compelling aspects of Stacie’s story is her candid discussion about balancing a demanding career with family life.
She speaks openly about the challenges of parenthood, the need to ask for help, and the importance of not trying to do everything on your own.
Stacie’s advice to “stop trying to be a hero” and accept support, whether from family, friends, or paid services, is both practical and empowering.
Her approach to work-life balance is rooted in the belief that it’s okay to take things at your own pace.
Her partners at PKF supported her decision to delay pursuing a partnership until she was ready, a decision that she believes was crucial to her long-term success.
For Stacie, success isn’t just about professional achievements—it’s about being calm, relaxed, and making people smile, whether they’re laughing with her or at her.
So, what does success look like for Stacie Shaw?
In her own words to Fiscal Therapy, it’s about finding balance, making people feel good, and embracing the journey — no matter how winding it may be.
Her story is a powerful reminder that there’s no one right path to success, and sometimes the best opportunities come from the most unexpected places.
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