Jacinta O'Connell

Gender: Female

Age: 34

Status: Married

Employer: RPM Management Services Pty Ltd and Watson Business Accountants

Position: Bookkeeper / Accountant

Employment history: G&S Management Services Pty Ltd, RPM Management Services Pty Ltd

Home Town: Sydney

Hobbies/Interests: Music, reading and my 11-month-old son

Atax program: Bachelor of Taxation - Distinction Student

Mode of Study: Part-time

I attended: Audio Conferences, Regional Classes

Other Study:

Questions & Answers

What made you want to study taxation?

My association with tax began in 1989 when I was employed as an office assistant in an entertainment based Chartered accounting firm.

In 1994 I became co-owner of RPM Management, which provides media relations, bookkeeping, business management and accounting services for entertainers.

I decided to study taxation in order to diversify my skills and to obtain a greater working knowledge of the Australian tax system.

What attracted you to studying with Atax?

Atax’s reputation and the ability to study via distance education. Personal and work commitments made attending on-campus lectures impractical for me.

What makes Atax stand out from other university programs?

Atax courses are of a high calibre and encourage practical, analytical problem solving. I also found the lecturers extremely approachable and willing to impart their knowledge.

What are the highlights of your experience with Atax?

I’d have to say being awarded the Australian Taxpayers’ Association prize in my first semester of study. I also enjoyed attending Regional Classes at Coogee – what a view!!

How have your studies with Atax helped you with your employment?

While I’ve predominantly continued providing accounting services to entertainment-based clients, I’ve recently started contract work for a CBD Chartered accounting firm, Watson Business Accountants. Undoubtedly my degree has allowed me to progress to this next stage of my career.

Would you recommend Atax courses/programs to friends/colleagues?

I have, and will continue to do so.

Did Atax flexible modes of study help you balance learning with family, friends and work life?

You can expect a degree of this quality will be time intensive, but like anything you’ll get out of it what you put in. The advantage with Atax is that you can study in your own time, environment and at your own pace. All challenges aside, it allowed me to juggle full-time work, married life and as of late last year a baby.

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David Fredrik Hughes

Gender: Male

Age: 33

Status: Married

Employer: Small Myers Hughes Lawyers

Position: Partner / Registered Solicitor

Employment history: I commenced work as an Article Clerk with Attwood Marshall on the Gold Coast in 1996. I was admitted as a solicitor in 1998, and became a partner in 2000. On Jan 1 2005, with two other Attwood Marshall partners, we formed the new law firm, Small Myers Hughes.

Home Town: Brisbane / Gold Coast

Hobies/Interests: Golf and scuba diving - when I can squeeze it in between changing nappies and studying for Atax.

Atax program: Currently enrolled in Master of Taxation

Mode of Study: Part-time

I attended: Audio Conferences, Regional Classes

Atax High Achiever:

The Faculty of Law's Prize night on March 9 celebrated the achievements of Atax students (2004). David was awarded the Bentleys MRI prize which recognized his achievement in his non-award course Taxation of Trusts ATAX0405.

Other Study:

Questions & Answers

What made you want to study taxation?

I genuinely enjoy tax – both from an academic perspective and a practical perspective. If forms a significant part of my legal practice, and I hope to establish a strong speciality in this field.

What attracted you to studying with Atax?

A barrister specialising in taxation we often engage recommended Atax as the only real sensible choice for studying taxation. Its reputation is unsurpassed.

What makes Atax stand out from other university programs?

The academic staff members are incredibly knowledgeable. The courses are excellent – with comprehensive material, encouraging both the absorption of content and the understanding of process. Unlike most of my other tertiary level experiences, the admin and academic staff seem genuinely keen to assist as much as possible.

What are the highlights of your experience with Atax?

Without a doubt, the Regional Classes. They are an excellent forum for encouraging discussion and understanding.

How have your studies with Atax helped you with your employment?

I particularly wished to study taxation at a Masters level to give the theoretical underpinning for what I apply in practice, and it has been incredibly helpful in this regard. Understanding the policies behind the law, makes tax planning both easier to understand and to explain.

Would you recommend Atax courses/programs to friends/colleagues?

I have already done so.

Did Atax offer flexible modes of study help you balance learning with family, friends and work life?

It does – although one would expect a course of this level to be intensive.

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Melanie Baker

Gender: Female

Age: 29

Status:

Employer: Allens Arthur Robinson

Position: Lawyer

Employment history: I worked for the then Department of Industry, Science and Resources for a year before moving to the Australian Taxation Office, where I worked in the Office of the Chief Tax Counsel. After a few years with the Commonwealth Public Service in Canberra, I decided to try my luck practising law in the private sector. I did my Articles in the tax department of Allens Arthur Robinson in Melbourne and have been with them ever since.

Home Town: Melbourne

Hobbies/Interests: I always struggle answering this question because I don't do anything seriously or well enough to qualify as a 'hobby'. That said, I enjoy reading, and am extremely interested in food and wine. Given my interest in food and wine, I am also forced to maintain something of an 'interest' in exercise, so I do the occasional 'fun' run and novice triathlon. I also enjoy bushwalking.

Atax program: Master of Taxation - Distinction Student

Mode of Study: Part-time

I attended: Audio Conferences, Regional Classes

Other Study:

Questions & Answers

What made you want to study taxation?

After commencing with the ATO, it didn't take me long to realise that tax law is incredibly complex and that I had no chance of understanding even a fraction of it without proper training. Studying tax seemed to be a good way of developing my knowledge because it offered a structured and comprehensive way of learning. That was important to me because when I first enrolled with Atax I had been working in tax for only six months and my knowledge was extremely limited.

What attracted you to studying with Atax?

Although there were a number of training opportunities that were available to staff at the ATO, studying with Atax really seemed to be the best option. After all, the course descriptions suggested that Atax covered a good balance of law and policy, and I had heard excellent things about the program and staff.

What makes Atax stand out from other university programs?

The range of subjects offered by Atax is excellent. I did eight subjects to complete the Masters degree and yet there are still subjects I would have liked to have studied.

What are the highlights of your experience with Atax?

The quality of the teaching was excellent. There were particular teachers, too many to name individually, who not only had great technical expertise but also realised that knowing the wider political and historical context of reform is necessary to understand the law properly. Not only did they teach the basics, but they also encouraged students to think critically about policy, law and administration.

How have your studies with Atax helped you with your employment?

Although I can't attribute any specific role or promotion to my studies, I think that studying with Atax has been enormously beneficial to me. Studying has really broadened my knowledge of the tax law, which is clearly an advantage for someone at the beginning of their career as a tax lawyer.

Would you recommend Atax courses/programs to friends/colleagues?

Absolutely.

Did Atax flexible modes of study help you balance learning with family, friends and work life?

Yes, the flexibility of the Atax program meant that I was able to fit study in around my other priorities.

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Alan Panther

Gender: Male

Age: 61

Status: Married – 2 adult offspring (one of each)

Employer: Australian Tax Office

Position: Personal Tax / Provision of Advice / CGT Unit / Complex Case Officer

Employment history: Joined ATO in 2000. Operated own IT company for 22 years. Worked in IT industry 14 years.

Home Town: Howlong

Hobbies/Interests: Golf, Snooker, Fishing – Local football club historian – Rural fire brigade member & instructor.

Atax program: Bachelor of Taxation- Distinction Student

Mode of Study: Part-time

I attended: Audio Conferences

Other Study:

Questions & Answers

What made you want to study taxation?

Several reasons. Firstly, I had been denied a university education in my youth and this was shaping to be my last chance. Secondly, as I work for the ATO, taxation study is particularly relevant to my work, and thirdly and most important, the fact that the course was HECS free.

What attracted you to studying with Atax?

The advantages of the Atax program were presented by my then local ATAX co-ordinator Sue Cilia shortly after I began with the ATO.

What makes Atax stand out from other university programs?

I can’t honestly answer other than to say that it is the only taxation oriented course I have heard about.

What are the highlights of your experience with Atax?

I would have to say meeting many of my lecturers face to face for the first time at my graduation, although the Moot Court was a real hoot.

How have your studies with Atax helped you with your employment?

Definitely. When I began my Atax course I worked in high risk debt collection, but now I am producing complex private binding rulings, I find that ATAX has really improved my ability to interpret complex legislation and consistently apply the ATO view.

Would you recommend Atax courses/programs to friends/colleagues?

Without a doubt. Even for the fact that you could spend the next 5 years doing your job and have nothing to show for it, or you could apply yourself for those 5 years and have a degree from UNSW.

Did Atax flexible modes of study help you balance learning with family, friends and work life?

Probably the hardest part to adjust to. Without a flexible learning approach I doubt whether I would have continued. However you have to be absolutely disciplined in respect of time management.

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Martin Zaiter

Gender: Male

Age: 22

Status: Not married

Employer: PricewaterhouseCoopers - Sydney Office

Position: Tax Consultant

Employment history: Worked for 20 months at Greenwoods BKTF/T. 15 months Part time at Millington SBS

Home Town: Pendle Hill

Hobbies/Interests: Rugby League, cricket, music and politics

Atax program: Bachelor of Taxation - Distinction Student

Mode of Study: Part-time, Full-time

I attended: Audio Conferences, Regional Classes

Other Study:

Questions & Answers

What made you want to study taxation?

I was interested in accounting, economics and law. Taxation is affected and includes a collection of all the above. My interest in politics also led to my curiosity of how the tax system worked and how I could possibly affect and improve its application on the economy.

What attracted you to studying with Atax?

The flexibility was the number one attraction. Also the positive feedback I got from my brother who has completed his Bachelor in Taxation and Master in Taxation.

What makes Atax stand out from other university programs?

Its flexibility and support offered to its students. The fact that I could work and study the course from any part of the country makes it unique.

What are the highlights of your experience with Atax?

The moot case in Tax litigation. The challenges it gave me during some difficult times of juggling work and study with personal life.

How have your studies with Atax helped you with your employment?

It has allowed me to attain a job in a big 4 firm whom were greatly curious about the skills and knowledge such a degree has given me.

Would you recommend Atax courses/programs to friends/colleagues?

Yes I would and I have. It’s great for those who want to both work and study.

Did Atax flexible modes of study help you balance learning with family, friends and work life?

Yes it did. I don’t think any other degree would have allowed me to complete a degree in 3.5 years plus have 3.5 years experience in the accounting/tax industry.

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Dimitra Diamantis

Gender: Female

Age: 29

Status: Single

Employer: Mulpha Australia Limited

Position: Chief Accountant

Employment history: I worked in a small accounting firm for a year before moving to Bentleys MRI Chartered Accountants in their Business Services Division. I worked at Bentleys for 6years and left there as a Manager in July 2004. I then took a 6 month break from the workforce and completed a full time semester with ATAX and travelled for a short period afterwards. I re-commenced employment in February 2005 in a commercial role with Mulpha Australia Limited - initially in a taxation role but recently have moved into a more diverse role.

Home Town: Sydney

Hobbies/Interests:

Atax program: Master of Taxation - Distinction Student

Mode of Study: Part-time, Full-time

I attended: CBD Classes

Other Study:

Questions & Answers

What made you want to study taxation?

I felt I needed to build up my technical knowledge especially in the area of tax which is constantly changing. I wanted to undertake more studies so as to be confident in tackling the big tax issues as well as be able to think on my feet when posed with different tax issues from clients and staff.

What attracted you to studying with Atax?

Atax has a great reputation amongst other professionals and academics. I also knew of Atax via my previous role with various associations with them. Also, the CBD city classes suited my timetable and let’s not forget my overall UNSW bias!

What makes Atax stand out from other university programs?

Flexibility – part-time vs. full time, deferring for a semester, attending CBD classes or Distance mode education – suits different learning styles. Dedicated and quality academic staff and an overall good structured course with a broad range of tax subjects to choose from.

What are the highlights of your experience with Atax?

All those research papers! They were killers at times…. I enjoyed attending the CBD classes and interacting with the other students in class and the academic staff and learning from them.

How have your studies with Atax helped you with your employment?

Provided the technical knowledge to ensure tax issues are solved and advised upon with confidence, efficiency and accuracy. I have also had the opportunity to practice my research skills and refine these further.

Would you recommend Atax courses/programs to friends/colleagues?

Certainly. It has been the most valuable course I have completed in terms of ‘on the job’ technical knowledge.

Did Atax flexible modes of study help you balance learning with family, friends and work life?

Yes – I did both part-time and full-time study, deferred for one semester at one stage and completed all subjects via CBD mode by choice.

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Hannah Soh

Gender: Female

Age: 35

Status: Married, expecting first child in October 2005

Employer: PKF Chartered Accountants

Position: Senior Manager, Taxation Consulting Group

Employment history: I started as a cadet at a two partner chartered accounting firm, Ruwald & Evans Chartered Accountants, doing business services style work. I went to university to obtain my commerce degree as a mature age student. Upon graduation from university I worked in the taxation consulting group of Greenwood BKT (formerly Greenwood Challoner, now WHK Greenwoods) mainly doing tax compliance work. I joined PKF in September 2001 to work in their taxation consulting group, initially as part of the Professional Practices Network (PPN) group of PKF, later moving to the Corporate tax group.

Home Town: Bondi Junction

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, cooking, eating out, catching up with friends.

Atax program: Master of Taxation - Distinction Student

Mode of Study: Part-time

I attended: CBD Classes, Audio Conferences

Other Study:

Questions & Answers

What made you want to study taxation?

PKF’s tax consulting group is the biggest tax consulting group outside of the “Big 4” accounting firms. Working with a really talented group of people made me realise how much more I had to learn when it came to tax.

What attracted you to studying with Atax?

A number of reasons – firstly I had heard very good things about Atax from a number of friends and colleagues. Secondly, the subjects on offer were relevant, topical and practical. Finally, the flexible learning options available – I did a mixture of face to face classes and audio conferences.

What makes Atax stand out from other university programs?

The quality of the lecturers and the study materials. Also, as noted above the subjects offered were relevant, topical and practical.

What are the highlights of your experience with Atax?

As I did quite a few face to face classes it was a good opportunity to meet the lecturers and fellow students and establish some new networks.

How have your studies with Atax helped you with your employment?

As I did a Masters I found that doing a research paper for each topic was a good way to learn how to write an effective paper. The feedback from each research paper was used to improve the next one and the discipline required to write a research paper has definitely helped improve my paper writing and research skills in my employment.

Would you recommend Atax courses/programs to friends/colleagues?

Yes definitely – and I already have.

Did Atax flexible modes of study help you balance learning with family, friends and work life?

Yes – you could structure your study time around your work and family commitments, although it is necessary to be disciplined when research papers are due and exams are looming.

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Swee-Eng Karen Tan

Gender: Female

Age: 28

Status: Married

Employer: Baker & McKenzie Singapore

Position: Tax Associate

Employment history: I was admitted as an Advocate & Solicitor in Malaysia in August 2000 and commenced practice in Tay & Partners, Kuala Lumpur. In July 2001, I joined Baker & McKenzie, Kuala Lumpur and was involved extensively in corporate and tax matters before leaving for Australia in January 2004 to pursue the Master of Taxation programme. After returning from Australia, I was an International Lawyer with the Tax and Trust Practice Group of Drew & Napier LLC, Singapore before rejoining Baker & McKenzie, Singapore in November 2005.

Home Country: Malaysia

Hobbies/Interests: Travelling / Baking

Atax program: Master of Taxation - Distinction Student

Mode of Study: Full time

I attended: CBD Classes, Audio Conferences, Intensive Regional Classes

Other Study:

Questions & Answers

What made you want to study taxation?

I had some exposure to taxation from my undergraduate law course and found the subject to be most interesting. I also enjoyed dealing with the tax aspects in corporate and commercial transactions and wanted to specialise in tax as my focus area of practice.

What attracted you to studying with Atax?

Having done my research on various universities in Australia and the tax /law courses offered, I found the Atax MTax programme to be most suited to what I was looking for. As I was keen on acquiring a deeper knowledge of taxation and be better- equipped to pursue a career in tax, I found the MTax course to be most ideal. I was also attracted to the flexible modes of study and the range of interesting courses available.

What makes Atax stand out from other university programs?

Atax has a strong reputation in Australia and the MTax course was highly rated as the most prestigious post-graduate course for tax practitioners who seek a long-term career in tax. The choice was an obvious one for me.

What are the highlights of your experience with Atax?

I was impressed with the range and extent of resources and materials which were readily available for students pursuing courses with Atax. I also enjoyed the CBD sessions – the standard and quality of the teaching was high and the lecturers were excellent facilitators in getting us to think and develop our own understanding and perspective on the difficult tax issues.

How have your studies with Atax helped you with your employment?

Atax has strengthened my foundation on many aspects of taxation particularly on indirect taxation. I feel that it has equipped me with the requisite skills from both a theoretical and practical perspective to better deal with the client’s tax issues and problems.

Would you recommend Atax courses/programs to friends/colleagues?

Yes, I have recommended Atax to friends and colleagues and will certainly continue to do so.

Did Atax flexible modes of study help you balance learning with family, friends and work life?

Yes. I was an International Student and the flexible modes of study had given me the opportunity to travel and explore Australia in the time that I was in Sydney.

Overall, it was a rewarding and enriching experience for me and I would recommend Atax in Australia as the preferred choice to pursue post-graduate tax qualifications.

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Fatme Yamak

Gender: Female

Age: 45

Status: Single parent

Employer: ATO

Position: Auditor

Employment history: Teacher, Accountant, Marketing, Sales, Office management

Home Town: Sydney, Padstow

Hobbies/Interests: Classical music, reading & swimming

Atax program: Batchelor of Taxation - Distinction Student

Mode of Study: Full time, Part Time

I attended: CBD Classes, Audio Conferences, Intensives, Regional Classes

Other Study:

Questions & Answers

What made you want to study taxation?

I developed interest in taxation related courses while studying at TAFE.

What attracted you to studying with Atax?

As a parent with family commitments, studying with Atax provided me with the flexibility of distance education while I enjoyed all the benefits of great support through Audio Conferences, Regional Classes, tutorials and most of all access to ATO libraries and conference rooms where I got in touch with my fellow students.

What makes Atax stand out from other university programs?

A qualification from Atax is highly recognised – A reputable university with a professional course in high demand. Studying with Atax also meant dealing with extremely friendly and helpful staff, not to mention the level of expertise, knowledge and professionalism of Atax lecturers.

What are the highlights of your experience with Atax?

Winning the Prize for “Principles of Capital Gains Tax” and graduating with distinction. All is due to the constant support provided by Atax.

How have your studies with Atax helped you with your employment?

Atax is highly recognised in and outside the ATO. I applied for a job at the ATO half way through my degree. I got the Job which was a fantastic start. My wide exposure however to taxation issues and topics through Atax provided me with excellent and recognised skills. I am consistently performing higher duties.

Would you recommend Atax courses/programs to friends/colleagues?

Absolutely.

Did Atax flexible modes of study help you balance learning with family, friends and work life?

Absolutely.

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