Meet Kara Golding

								
																												Get to know our RSM staff as they chat about their lives and career journey so far.

Meet Kara Golding - Principal, Business Advisory

When you work and live in a small town, building strong relationships with local clients and the community proves not only important for developing client knowledge and trust during your career, but also to creating lifelong friendships and helping to establish a quality work/life balance.

Based in our Geraldton office, Kara shares her story about the best parts of working in her small town.

HAVE YOU LIVED IN GERALDTON YOUR WHOLE LIFE?

I’m a born Geraldton local and have lived here my whole life.

Once I left school, I began studying my university degree, a Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy, externally. I have always worked in Geraldton and, when I joined RSM in 2005, it was as a trainee accountant in the Geraldton office. While working with RSM I have also completed my Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) degree.

Over my 16-year career with RSM, the business has provided me with a lot of support. I have been able to take time out for my children, and still come back and progress my career.

I am also an active member in the Geraldton community, currently serving as the treasurer for the Midwest Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING IN GERALDTON?

I love how everything is only a short five minutes away. I also love that I get to see the ocean on my drive to work each day.

WHAT HAS WORKING IN A SMALL TOWN TAUGHT YOU?

Working in a small town has taught me that relationships are important, and a lot can be achieved with a discussion over lunch. You also never know who you might meet at a school event or even at the park having a coffee.

WHAT INTERESTS YOU ABOUT ACCOUNTING?

When I did accounting in high school as a tertiary education elective subject I realised I was good at it and actually really enjoyed it. I even got dux for accounting during my final year of school.

I really wanted a job that was flexible for when I had a family, but also one that I could move all over the world with if I wanted to, and accounting provides those opportunities for me.

WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR YOU?

First, I drop my two girls off at school, and then grab a coffee on the way to the office. After that, I read and respond to emails, make phone calls, and attend meetings, which take up a large portion of my day.

I go to the gym at lunch time, and then once I return to the office, I continue to help my clients and the team with tasks, advice, and enquiries.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST OR MOST COMMON ISSUES THAT YOU HELP YOUR CLIENTS WITH?

Understanding cash flow, budgets, and succession planning are common issues, and I aim to help my clients to achieve the financial goals they have.

WHAT ADVICE FOR YOU HAVE FOR PEOPLE WHO MAY BE CONSIDERING MOVING TO A SMALL TOWN?

You need to be able to give the town a chance; get involved in a sport or activity and then you will find yourself meeting some great people that will turn out to be lifelong friends.

The people in a small town are always willing to help each other out as well.