Ky Wilson: Christine, congratulations on being named Auditor of the Year at the Australian Financial Industry Awards. Auditors play such a pivotal role in maintaining trust and accountability in the financial sector. What does this recognition mean to you and your practice?
Christine McWilliams: Thank you, Ky. This recognition is incredibly meaningful, not just for me but for my entire team. It validates our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of auditing and our commitment to innovation. Being acknowledged as a leader in this field reaffirms our role as trusted compliance partners for our clients. It’s especially rewarding to see our efforts in integrating technology and adapting to the evolving landscape recognised at this level.
Ky: The judges highlighted your innovative use of technology in addressing challenges. Could you elaborate on how technology has transformed your practice?
Christine: Of course. Technology has been at the heart of our operations, enabling us to streamline processes and enhance client service. We’ve developed our own SMSF audit software, with the first phase launched in March 2024. Automation has reduced the time spent on repetitive tasks, allowing us to focus on strategic audits. We’ve also embraced remote auditing, which became essential during the pandemic, ensuring seamless service delivery despite physical restrictions. Additionally, we’ve prioritised cybersecurity to safeguard client data and implemented real-time monitoring through our technical hotline, enabling continuous support for our clients throughout the year.
Ky: Your practice has seen remarkable growth over the past few years. What do you attribute this success to?
Christine: I believe our growth stems from the trust and loyalty we’ve built with our clients. We position ourselves as their “Partners in Compliance,” a value that resonates strongly with them. This approach has not only strengthened client relationships but also driven word-of-mouth referrals, which remain our most powerful growth engine. Additionally, our focus on innovation and staying ahead of industry changes has helped us achieve growth rates of up to 100% annually over the last four years.
Ky: You’ve demonstrated leadership in advocating for technology adoption, even in smaller practices. How do you see this shaping the future of auditing?
Christine: Technology is no longer optional—it’s essential, regardless of the size of the practice. Through our journey, we’ve shown that investing in technology can yield significant benefits, from operational efficiency to client satisfaction. I hope our success inspires other small businesses to embrace technology and realise its potential to transform their operations. The future of auditing will be defined by how well we leverage technology to meet client needs and adapt to regulatory changes.
Ky: The judging panel also praised your integrity and dedication to maintaining high ethical standards. How do these principles guide your work?
Christine: Integrity and transparency are the cornerstones of our practice. Adhering to auditing standards and ethics is non-negotiable for us. We see ourselves as stewards of trust, ensuring that our clients’ financial affairs are handled with the utmost diligence and respect. Our commitment to these values is reflected in our practices, from maintaining robust data security to fostering a culture of accountability within our team.
Ky: Finally, what advice would you offer to aspiring auditors who aim to excel in this field?
Christine: I would encourage them to embrace continuous learning and stay curious about emerging technologies. The auditing profession is evolving rapidly, and those who adapt will thrive. It’s also crucial to build strong relationships based on trust and transparency—clients value an auditor who is both thorough and approachable. Lastly, never lose sight of the importance of ethical practice; it’s the foundation upon which our profession is built.