RSM Melbourne's Industry Connect initiative

In a rapidly evolving financial landscape, staying ahead requires more than just technical expertise—it demands collaboration, leadership, and a future-focused mindset. RSM in Melbourne’s Industry Connect initiative was created to meet this need. Designed as a platform to connect finance professionals, share insights from industry leaders, and foster meaningful relationships, Industry Connect is paving the way for the next generation of decision-makers.

About Aimee Whittingham

Aimee Whittingham, Partner in the Assurance & Advisory division at RSM in Melbourne, is the driving force behind Industry Connect. With over 15 years of experience delivering external audit and assurance services to publicly listed and large private companies, Aimee brings a wealth of knowledge and industry insight to the initiative.

Her expertise spans both the public and private sectors, with a focus on industries such as technology, life sciences, extractive industries, and retail. Over the years, Aimee has gained invaluable experience in addressing key accounting and tax challenges, enabling her to manage effective and constructive relationships with her clients.

Aimee’s passion lies in elevating her clients’ operations:

"Having advised a significant number of public companies for many years, I thrive in providing clients a high-quality service, including helping them improve their systems and processes as well as ensuring they are compliant with all financial reporting requirements."

It is this dedication to quality and collaboration that inspired Aimee to bring Industry Connect to life in Melbourne.

What is Industry Connect?

RSM Australia’s Industry Connect is a unique forum designed to bring together current and future leaders of Australian-based businesses. The initiative helps participants develop connections, skills, and confidence to tackle common business challenges, including:

• Industry and economic trends
• Cash flow management
• Stakeholder engagement
• People management
• Security and risk management
• Digital transformation
• Sustainability

The events, held quarterly, aim to foster meaningful dialogue and provide actionable insights through a mix of panel discussions, keynote presentations, and informal networking.

As Aimee notes, “Industry Connect bridges the gap for finance professionals, particularly those in smaller teams, by creating a space to share knowledge, build networks, and learn directly from industry leaders.”

The journey so far

The Melbourne chapter of Industry Connect draws inspiration from a similar initiative in the UK, which has seen significant success. Recognising the differences between the Australian and UK markets, Aimee and her team adapted the concept to address the unique challenges faced by finance professionals in Australia.

Since its inception, the initiative has already hosted two successful events. The first focused on the evolving role of the CFO and featured experienced finance leader Brenton Lockhart, who shared his insights on navigating business challenges and the shift from “Chief Financial Officer” to “Chief Future Officer.”

The second event delved into resilience and the importance of mentoring, with a panel of C-suite executives, Andrew Mellor and Rita Harris, offering their invaluable perspectives. Both events received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with attendance growing from 50 to 80 participants, reflecting the initiative’s resonance with Melbourne’s finance community.

Why Industry Connect matters

Networking is often overlooked in the finance profession, particularly for those in smaller teams. Industry Connect changes that by creating an inclusive and engaging space for finance professionals to:

• Build meaningful relationships
• Learn from seasoned industry leaders
• Gain insights into emerging trends and challenges

“Our goal is not just to add value to our clients but to enrich our entire network by fostering connections and providing platforms for growth,” Aimee shares.

RSM Australia Alumni program

In addition to Industry Connect, RSM also offers an Alumni program, recognising the importance of staying connected with those who have contributed to its success. Whether you’ve transitioned to new opportunities in commerce, industry, or elsewhere, the Alumni program provides a platform to grow your networks and stay informed about the latest developments at RSM.

Through this program, RSM aims to maintain meaningful connections with past colleagues, celebrate their achievements, and foster ongoing relationships. By keeping in touch with the Alumni community, RSM ensures that shared experiences continue to add value long after individuals have moved on to new challenges.

These initiatives – Industry Connect and the Alumni program – underscore RSM's commitment to building and nurturing a thriving professional network, providing opportunities for growth, collaboration, and lasting connections.

Looking ahead

RSM envisions Industry Connect as a transformative platform with plans to significantly broaden its impact. The initiative is set to evolve and grow through:

• Partnering with legal firms and recruitment agencies to diversify perspectives
• Hosting events outside RSM’s offices, including breakfast forums and technical deep dives
• Creating an exclusive LinkedIn group to share resources, continue conversations, and provide ongoing engagement opportunities

Future topics will be shaped by attendee feedback, ensuring relevance and value. Themes such as leadership, strategy, and innovation will remain central, with a mix of technical and soft skills discussions to keep the events dynamic and engaging.

Join us

Whether you’re a financial controller, an aspiring CFO, or an established industry leader, Industry Connect offers the perfect opportunity to grow your network and skills in a supportive and inspiring environment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information or to register for the next event, visit RSM’s Industry Connect Page or contact Aimee and the Industry Connect team. Mark your calendar to join us for an evening of engaging conversations, valuable interactions, and opportunities to connect with professionals from various industries in a relaxed, informal setting.