Donna Marcus | Her Career Story
I first entertained the idea of becoming an accountant during my year 12 studies.
It wasn't just the allure of maths and calculations; it was realising that this profession was as much about forging client relationships as it was about the numbers.
This insight came from watching my sister navigate her own career in accounting, and it really stuck with me.
My educational journey took me to the University of Melbourne, where I pursued a Bachelor of Commerce. The importance of education was instilled in me from a young age, especially since I grew up outside Australia. This background fuelled my desire to seize every opportunity that came my way.
Before stepping into the world of accounting, I spent five years working as a 'deli girl.' This job taught me the value of customer experience and teamwork.
Starting my professional career in 2008, being a graduate in a mid-tier firm was both exciting and daunting. I was fortunate to work across various industries through a diverse client base. This experience was enriched by a fantastic boss who introduced me to client meetings and networking early on. These opportunities were invaluable, teaching me the confidence to attend networking events on my own and articulate the value I could bring to clients.
My career achievements and qualifications have been a journey of continuous learning and development, including completing my chartered accountants program and becoming a member of the Tax Institute.
From assisting clients with ASX listings to engaging in monthly finance discussions, I've aimed to go beyond the yearly compliance dance, offering support that's both timely and impactful.
A day in my life? I’m a very disciplined person so my alarm ensures I always get up at the same time to catch a train to work. Once I’m there, I then plan my day, which I try and stick to where I can! My schedule is divided into blocks reserved for emails, reviews, networking, and firm matters. Despite my busy days, I always carve out time for daily exercise and catching up with friends. These moments of personal care and connection are non-negotiable for me.
Starting FAN (Female Accountants Network) has been one of my favourite parts of what I do.
It's a platform I created to empower both men and women in accounting, though it predominantly supports women. It's about building confidence, fostering relationships, and enhancing soft skills. The sense of community and shared learning that FAN has fostered is something I'm incredibly proud of.
Outside of work, I'm an avid traveller with an Instagram page dedicated to planning and sharing my travels. It's a way for me to engage with a broader community and share the joys of discovering new places.
When it comes to my professional passions, I'm deeply committed to educating female clients about their finances and empowering them to make decisions with confidence. I'm also passionate about staff development, expanding my network, and sharing experiences. My specialty areas include structuring, cash flow management, and helping businesses with their growth and tax obligations. Being a Trusted advisor for my clients is what motivates me to do my best, along with focusing on creating leaders and improving leadership at all levels.
I am also heavily involved in managing Strategem’s firm processes, ensuring alignment between our offices and fostering a work environment that's open, innovative, and continuously improving.
- Donna Marcus
Tax Manager | General Manager Melbourne