Careers & Conversations

Meet Beenu Fernando – Principal, Melbourne

Beenu has worked for the past three years in our Risk Advisory division in Melbourne. Beenu was recently promoted to Principal in recognition of her exemplary service and extensive industry experience in Financial Services.

In this Careers and Conversations, we chat to Beenu about her professional experiences, personal interests, and life lessons. Learn all about her secret passion for interior design, how she embraced flexibility in her career path, and why she values the supportive culture RSM provides.

Life at RSM

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN RISK ADVISORY?

I have been with RSM now for three years, working in the Risk Advisory Division. I began my role as Principal on 1 July 2022.

It’s funny, a common misconception when I say Principal is the immediate association with schools, so I do have to elaborate on what that means in the Professional Services context.

WHAT ARE THE MOST SATISFYING ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB?

I really appreciate having the opportunity to grow the service line and expand our team.

I also love working as part of a team that is centred around our service proposition to clients. I think it’s so important that we listen to what our clients want, rather than telling them what we think they need. Understanding what our clients want helps us to build an offering that is truly valued by them.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CULTURE IN YOUR OFFICE AND DIVISION?

The Risk Advisory team has a great culture of support for the team and that is one thing that I really value and love about RSM.

Having worked at large organisations previously, one thing that I noticed immediately with RSM is how the leadership group genuinely care for their employees. Not just from a professional development perspective, but also their wellbeing. The latter was especially evident with the pandemic.

At the onset of the pandemic, many professional services cut back on staff members. By contrast, the conversations and considerations at RSM at the leadership level were about the wellbeing of staff and how we retain the team and keep people in jobs.

What I notice above all in my experience at RAS is that the culture here is very supportive and inclusive. There is a focus on ensuring that team members feel like they belong and are valued.

Regardless of whether you are a graduate, or a Senior Manager the Partners and Principals (P&P) group has an open-door policy.

Our P&P group are approachable and genuinely care for their people and it’s something I see daily in practice.  

To me, that speaks volumes in terms of culture.

HOW HAS WORKING AT RSM HELPED YOU EXPRESS YOUR PERSONAL WORKING STYLE?

RSM have created an amazing collaborative and collegiate working environment. They also offer great flexibility with hybrid working arrangements. As a mum of three, the option to work from home really helped me to balance my family and professional commitments.

Professional life

WHAT LED YOU DOWN THIS PARTICULAR CAREER PATH? 

For about 20 years before joining RSM, I was in Financial Services including working at Westpac and CBA. I have held various roles from part-time branch customer officer (while an undergrad at Uni) to later managing HNW Private Bank clients and then Senior Private Client Advisory teams.

It was my industry exposure that first led me to having a conversation with RSM. At the time, they were looking to bring in someone with industry experience to enhance the service offering to the Financial Services based Internal Audit clients.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

 I love the people I get to work with every day. Truly, everyone I have had the opportunity to work with so far at RSM comes to work daily and gives their best. I feel so encouraged and inspired being surrounded by that.

RSM recognises that team members bring different aspirations and strengths to the table. A team is most effective when we are able to harness those skills and aspirations to get the best outcome for our clients.

I am truly glad to have an environment where I can work in this way.

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF PROFESSIONAL ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

There are two that have stuck with me. The first - treat others the way you wish to be treated - applies to life in general, not just a career. I’ve always interpreted it to be about treating people with respect and kindness. In a work context especially, this is crucial for people to develop a sense of belonging. 

 The second piece of advice came when I was younger and quite career focussed. I had a plan and one of my mentors at the time said,

“Stay focused but don’t get tunnel vision. Don’t be so inflexible around your career path that you lose your peripheral vision – you might miss opportunities that come your way because you are so intent on executing that plan.”

 I think that shift in mindset is one of the main reasons I moved from essentially being a Banker to an Internal Auditor.

Had you told me that five years ago I would have laughed. But that flexibility in thinking and having an open mind when an opportunity came along, is what ultimately allowed me to forge this new career path at RSM.

Personal life

TELL US SOMETHING WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU... YET.

This sounds very clichéd, but I love shoes and have quite a collection! My colleagues probably don’t know that about me, because I wear the same (very comfy) style of heels to work.

I also love florals and interior design and have done some bits and pieces in both areas for friends and family. I’ve put together decor for a number of events including a few charity fundraisers and my sister's wedding!

HOW HAS YOUR LIFE BEEN IMPACTED BY COVID-19?

I was one of those people who really enjoyed the slowing down of pace in 2020 and then 2021 felt too slow as we were all keen to get back to life out of constant lockdowns.

Professionally speaking, I think some positives have come from the Covid-19 working from home experience. Knowing that we can work equally effectively remotely and flexibly has had a significant impact.

WITH BORDERS OPEN, WHERE ARE YOU NEXT LOOKING AT GOING ON A HOLIDAY?

London and possibly Paris are two places that are definitely on the cards for a long-awaited family holiday.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU’RE CURRENTLY TRYING TO MAKE A HABIT?

Walking at least 30 minutes a day and practicing mindfulness. Even if it’s for just 10 mins a day, mindfulness brings a sense of calm that helps put things into perspective for me.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

I’m inspired by people who have a positive mindset and always manage to see the silver lining. I see that in my kids and it both amazes and inspires me, especially after the tough couple of years of lockdowns we have all experienced.

It is quite remarkable to see people who are consistently able to operate in that positive mindset.