Jennifer Chambers

“I’m excited about our focus on diversity and especially our strategic goal to develop more female advisors – because that’s me.”

What appealed to you initially about Grant Thornton?

It combines the reach of an international group with the feel of a smaller business. Grant Thornton International has partner firms and offices in many countries, but the Recovery and Reorganisation (R&R) team I work with is still small enough to offer a real depth and breadth of opportunities.

What do you like about working here?

The culture and opportunities for professional growth. I feel as though I’m part of a big, encouraging family at work. Grant Thornton offers the benefits of a large firm, but your individual career path isn’t lost – you’re not just another worker bee.

Grant Thornton also fosters a really supportive environment and celebrates every individual’s success. For example, last year I was invited to attend the annual partner’s conference in Canberra to accept an inspiring performance award for my contributions to the R&R team – it’s great that hard work is recognised like that.

Describe the people you work with.

The people I work with are likeminded, inspiring and lots of fun. I can’t remember working at a job where I’ve laughed so much during the day. I also like that there’s a true open door policy – many firms say they do this, but whether it’s true is another story.

I also feel as though my colleagues, from graduates all the way to partners, are genuinely interested in what’s going on with me. They take the time to have a chat, whether it’s about a job or Kim Kardashian’s latest antics. I feel like there’s that time and mutual respect and genuine interest in everyone else.

What advice can you offer to people starting out at Grant Thornton?

Say yes and get involved with the opportunities presented to you. Also, just show up – whether that’s to a networking function, Friday night drinks or a training program. I think sometimes newbies can be a bit worried about networking or not knowing people at functions, whereas if you just go, you’ll meet people, have fun and potentially make valuable connections.

And don’t be afraid of asking questions. Sometimes it might seem embarrassing, but it’s much easier and more efficient to ask. A lot of the time, the people you’re asking will have already experienced that particular obstacle and will be more than happy to help.

How has Grant Thornton’s emphasis on collaboration proven valuable in your role?

I feel supported by likeminded people in achieving outcomes, whether for a client, individual or team member. My colleagues are very open and supportive. There’s always a sense that we’re working towards a common goal and my ideas are never shut down. It’s collaborative – everyone’s perspective and input is valuable.

What’s the most challenging experience you’ve had working in R&R?

The most challenging experience in R&R, which happens every so often, has been dealing with employees who are being made redundant. Telling someone it’s their last day is a tough job, especially if they’re owed entitlements and it’s unsure whether there’s enough money to pay them. It’s taught me the importance of showing compassion and facilitating the employees’ needs, but also about balancing those against the priorities of the job.

When was the last time your input helped shape a positive outcome for a client?

It was working for a concrete pumping business in Western Australia. While investigating what went wrong for signs of foul play, we recovered substantial evidence that allowed us to successfully pursue the directors for their actions. The creditors got a return on the money they had lost, and that felt good – it’s always rewarding when you feel as though you’re making a difference, and your job isn’t just pushing paper all day long.

What excites you about Grant Thornton’s future?

I’m excited about the firm’s growth and the associated opportunities. I’m also excited about our focus on diversity and especially our strategic goal to develop more female advisors, because that’s me. It’s good to be part of a firm with a future, supported by a strong leadership group.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I wanted to be an engineer like my dad until I discovered I couldn’t stand physics – it was too abstract! So I dropped out after three weeks and took up psychology instead. I did science at school and went into commerce at uni – and here I am.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

You mean other than the opportunity to work at a progressive and ambitious firm? Honestly, it’s the morning coffee run with workmates. I love that it’s a chance to hang out and catch up before getting to the day’s tasks. That and the alarm clock. It’s loud and obnoxious and I place it at the far end of the room. Highly effective.

Imagine you’re a superhero in a graphic novel about R&R – what’s your superpower?

Telepathy – being able to read people’s minds. It would be valuable in recovery because a large part of your role is investigating what’s happened and why. So if you’re talking to the key people involved in a company’s failure, and their stories don’t align with other people’s stories, it’d be really useful to have a way to tell what actually happened – but I suppose it’d take some of the mystery out of the job!