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Partner – Tax Digital Consulting
It was clear from early in Troy’s career, he wanted to help businesses solve complex tax issues.
‘I have always wanted to support businesses in solving unique and complex tax problems, systems and technology and I enjoy the continual learning required as a professional advisor. I started with Grant Thornton in 1999. My first role was split between Audit and GST Advisory for the Tax Team. At the time, clients were preparing for the start of GST from 1 July 2000, creating plenty of work in supporting businesses getting ready for the new tax. I knew some of the Partners at Grant Thornton and was excited to join the firm and its culture.'
In 2014, Troy left Grant Thornton as he wanted to develop and diversify his skills. As technology had always been his passion, he wanted to focus on this in his new role.
‘I didn’t know what my career was going to look like at that point, but I was focused on building and developing my technology skills. I worked in several roles for over nine years, increasing my technology skills in each successive role, before I returned to Grant Thornton in 2023 as a specialist in tax technology.’
So, what have been some of your pivotal career moments?
‘I think a few events helped me pinpoint my direction. Firstly, being in a team that won an AI hackathon demonstrated the benefits of AI – particularly around how accessible and valuable it can be for tax and payroll advisors. Secondly, I took a short break from work to invest more time in my technology knowledge and this helped me to accelerate my skills, where I came back to the profession with a new perspective on technology and innovation. Finally, prototyping some applications Partners took to clients to demonstrate new services was very motivating.’
While building his skills in technology, Troy recognised deploying new software often required an upfront investment of time to gain more efficient or innovative outcomes.
‘Professional services is a fast-paced environment with an expectation to do tasks as efficiently as possible. However, these pressures motivated me more and created opportunities for growth. I spent a lot of time at night and on the weekends studying technology, developing solutions and testing. Over the years I developed a set of best-practice methodologies for solving tax and payroll problems that I still use today. My time out of professional services allowed me to build on skills and now I can help solve problems for my clients from my diverse experience.’
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?
‘AI is changing the way we look at everything in professional services and I encourage anyone starting out to experiment with it – develop some expertise in using AI within your organisation. AI adoption and the impact on Australian businesses is only at a very early stage, so now is the time to dive in. Be prepared to continue learning and try to understand your client’s problems so you can help them solve their issues. Lastly, look to other team members also starting out. Collaborate and enjoy what you do together. Many of those working relationships may continue to be important to you throughout the course of your career.’
After all this experience and learning, what factors influenced your decision to come back to Grant Thornton?
‘While I was away, the firm developed significantly – not just in size but also in the depth of skills and capabilities across the business. After meeting some of the new leaders, I could see the unique Grant Thornton culture remained. Now I’m back, it’s been great to work alongside my colleagues – both new to the firm, and others who I worked with when I first started at the firm.’
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