veritasrec

Play to your Strengths!

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 23:02:14 GMT

Article written by John McGlasson - Associate Director Essendon

Targeting the right job is one of the most important steps in building a successful and sustainable career. In a competitive employment market, your time and energy are too valuable to waste on roles that don’t align with your strengths, skills, or realistic career trajectory. By focusing on positions that genuinely suit you, you not only increase your chances of success but also present yourself as a mature, self-aware professional who understands both your value and the needs of the employer.

A key part of this process is recognising and making the most of your existing skillset. Every job seeker brings a unique combination of experience, capability, and potential. When you target jobs that match these qualities, you are effectively playing to your strengths. This does not mean limiting your ambition - it simply means being strategic. Employers are far more likely to respond positively to someone who can demonstrate competence and confidence in areas directly relevant to the role. When your background aligns with the position’s requirements, your application becomes stronger, your interview performance improves, and your overall credibility increases.

In contrast, applying for jobs that are totally unsuitable or far beyond your current reach can have a negative impact. While it is natural to aspire toward growth, there is a difference between healthy progression and unrealistic pipe dreams. An application for a role you are vastly unqualified for only sends one message: that you do not fully understand the expectations, responsibilities, or seniority of the position. This misunderstanding can reflect poorly on your professional judgement and may cause recruiters to question your ability to assess your own capabilities. Worse still, it can dilute your worth in the eyes of those considering you for more suitable roles.

Recruiters can quickly identify when a candidate is applying broadly without consideration. When we see your name repeatedly on positions that do not align with your background, it suggests a lack of focus. This can lead us to assume you are desperate, careless, or unaware of your real career level. Instead of enhancing your prospects, these unfocused applications can work against you by overshadowing the strong applications you make for roles in which you could genuinely excel.

Targeting the right job also allows you to communicate your value with clarity and confidence. When you apply for positions that match your strengths, you can speak naturally about your achievements, provide relevant examples, and show clear evidence of your ability to make an immediate impact. Employers appreciate candidates who understand where they fit within an organisation and who can articulate how their skills will contribute to the company’s goals. This alignment not only increases your chances of landing the job but also helps you step into a role where you can thrive, grow, and build long-term satisfaction.

Ultimately, the job search is not just about securing any role - it’s about securing the right role. Being realistic, strategic, and self-aware ensures you invest your energy where it counts. By avoiding unsuitable positions and playing to your strengths, you protect your professional reputation, improve your success rate, and set yourself up for meaningful career progression.

What does the future look like for Accounting Support Roles?

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 21:17:49 GMT

Article Written by Tara Petherick - Principal Consultant

Overall Outlook: Transformation, Not Elimination

Accounting support work is not vanishing, but it’s changing rapidly due to automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud-based accounting systems.

According to Jobs and Skills Australia’s 2025 employment projections:

The demand for “Accounting Clerks and Bookkeepers” is expected to remain steady through 2030.
Routine, repetitive tasks will decline.
Demand for roles that combine data, systems, and analytical skills will grow.

While fewer people may be doing traditional data entry, new kinds of support roles will emerge that bridge finance, technology, and process improvement. The key Drivers Shaping the Future

Automation & AI. So many repetitive tasks (invoice processing, reconciliations, data entry) are being automated via platforms like Xero, MYOB, and SAP with AI add-ons. However, automation still requires human oversight — support staff will shift toward exception management (handling the transactions that the system can’t process automatically). Skills in using automation tools, APIs, and workflow systems will become valuable.

Digitalisation of Finance means Cloud accounting and integrated ERP systems mean finance data is more accessible and real-time. And support staff will need to be digitally literate — comfortable working with dashboards, spreadsheets, and data validation tools.

Despite automation, compliance workloads (e.g., GST/BAS reconciliation, ESG reporting support, internal control documentation) are increasing. Support staff with understanding of compliance processes will remain in demand. More routine functions are being outsourced or offshored (e.g., AP/AR processing centres). And In-house support roles will increasingly focus on business partnering, communication, and quality control.

Australia continues to have a shortage of qualified accountants. And organisations may rely more heavily on capable support staff to handle transactional work and assist accountants — creating opportunities for those upskilling into assistant accountant or analyst positions. Employers are increasingly seeking tech-savvy, process-minded support staff who can do more than just process transactions.

In short, the future for accounting support roles is secure for those who adapt. Routine data entry will fade, but roles blending finance, systems, and analytics will thrive. Upskilling in software and digital finance tools is the best way to future-proof your career.

Customs Brokers……….Again

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 02:22:44 GMT

Written by Andrew Bennett - Associate Director Essendon

It's time to triple down on the Customs Broker conversation. Why? the topic dominates any discussions with forwarders when we catch up with that hold a corporate licence. This is where the shortages are in the market are, the lack of available talent is starting to strain team with both manpower and margins.

Previous articles suggested the time was coming, now it’s time to call it— the straw has broken, now we wait to see what that means. Will lodgement fees rise or Broker salaries first. Given the demand in the market for Brokers, I feel it will be the former.

Let me add some context to the why using the Australian Border Force (ABF) own findings. The latest ABF, Good Compliance Update, 2024-1 data tells us. Focusing on the age profile first, some insights about the depth and demographic distribution of brokers:

Aging Workforce :

A significant proportion of brokers fall within the older age categories, particularly in the 50-59 and 60-69 age ranges. Specifically, there are 515 brokers aged 50-59 and 441 aged 60-69 , representing a large segment of the total workforce.
This suggests that many experienced customs brokers may retire soon, which could lead to a shortage if younger replacements do not enter the profession.

Low Representation of Younger Brokers :

There are relatively few customs brokers in the younger age brackets, with only 8 brokers aged 20-29 and 182 aged 30-39 . These 190 Brokers under 40 represent only 12.5% of Licenced Brokers
This indicates a potential lack of younger professionals entering the field, raising concerns about future workforce sustainability. With limited opportunities for entry level, doc runner, compiler, classifier roles for people to learn the craft there is no pipeline
Overall, the age profile suggests that the customs brokerage industry may face a talent gap in the coming years unless efforts are made to attract and train younger professionals.

Diving further into the data, a few further observations from the document.

Customs Broker Licence Renewals :

2024 was a customs broker licence renewal year for all licensed brokers (occurs every three years).
Customs brokers who did not renew their licences by 30 June 2024 lost their licenses.
Licences not renewed include 63 nominee licences, 39 corporate licences, and 1 sole trader licence.
In contrast to previous renewal years, there was an increase in unintentional non-renewals, primarily due to administrative issues.

Reasons for Non-Renewals :

The Customs broker did not pay the renewal invoice.
The renewal invoice was paid with incorrect information, or the required documents were not submitted.
Some brokers faced third-party software or identity management issues.

Customs Licensing Team :

They worked with the industry to support renewals after the due date and found that 5% of brokers unintentionally failed to renew.

Active Customs Brokers :

Of 1,539 licensed nominee Customs brokers, 275 did not lodge an FID (Formal Import Declaration) in 2024.
Some of these brokers may still be employed and performing activities related to customs but are not counted as active due to non-lodging of FIDs.

Geographic Variation :

The largest number of brokers is concentrated in New South Wales (705 brokers), followed by Victoria (474 brokers), while Northern Territory and Tasmania have very few brokers (10 and 11, respectively).
The age distribution within each state follows a similar trend, with older age groups dominating across most regions.

Let’s keep the discussion moving, I look forward to discussing this as we lead into the end of another busy year.

Source: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.abf.gov.au/trade-and-goods-compliance-subsite/ComplianceNewsletters/goods-compliance-update-october-2024.pdf

To discuss further, feel free to reach out to Andrew Bennett on 0409 137 399 / abennett@veritasrecruitment.com.au

Does everyone now live in ‘Melbourne’?

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 02:09:31 GMT

Article written by John McGlasson - Associate Director Essendon

Why including your location on your resume matters more than you think.

In the post-COVID job market, the landscape has shifted again. While remote work and hybrid flexibility remain part of many companies’ culture, the reality is that most employers now want their teams back in the office - at least part of the week. As a result, where you live has once again become a critical factor in the hiring process. Melbourne 2025 is a city that sprawls over 85kms (from Melton to Pakenham) so with traffic only getting worse, a comfortable commute isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s an essential part of maintaining work-life balance and job satisfaction. That’s why including your location clearly on your resume has never been more important.

Likewise, some recruiters may look for candidates that live in suburbs close by an employer site, as while you may not be active on the market, being approached about a great job in an office that is only 7 minutes from your house, may change your mind. Imagine getting 10+ hours per week back from a previous long commute? That’s life changing.

Recruiters and hiring managers are tasked with finding candidates who not only fit the skills and culture of the organisation but also make sense logistically. When your resume (or SEEK profile) doesn’t show where you’re based, it creates unnecessary uncertainty. A recruiter might spend valuable time reviewing your application, only to discover later that you live far outside the realistic commuting range - or that you aren’t planning to move closer. In a competitive job market where efficiency is key, this can be a dealbreaker.

In the age of cybercrimes and identity theft, the days of noting your full residential address on your resume are long behind us and should be discouraged. However, to avoid being overlooked, always include your suburb and city or general region , such as “Reservoir, VIC” or “Inner Western Suburbs, VIC”, as giving recruiters a clear idea of your location helps them immediately determine whether the role is practical for you.

If you’re planning to move or are open to relocation, say so. A simple note like “Currently in Sandringham, relocating to Keilor in early 2026” or “Based in Brisbane – open to relocation for the right opportunity” shows foresight and flexibility. Recruiters appreciate candidates who communicate their situation honestly and demonstrate an understanding of what’s involved in starting a new role.

Commuting expectations are another key factor. Let’s face it - nobody wants to spend over an hour each way stuck in traffic or on public transport. Long commutes can lead to fatigue, stress, and reduced productivity, which isn’t good for anyone. Employers know this, and many prefer to hire people who can realistically arrive at work on time, stay engaged, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

From a recruiter’s perspective, including your location isn’t just about geography - it’s about respect for their time and the employer’s process. A clear resume saves unnecessary back-and-forth, prevents mismatched expectations, and helps you stand out as a thoughtful, organised professional. It also signals that you’re serious about finding a role that genuinely suits your lifestyle and logistical needs.

In short, your resume should tell a complete story: who you are, what you can do, and where you’re based - or where you’re heading next. With most workplaces returning to the office and commute times once again part of the equation, being upfront about your location isn’t just a courtesy - it’s a crucial step in helping recruiters match you with the right opportunities. Clarity and transparency here can make all the difference between being shortlisted or overlooked.

Zero Emissions by 2045

bhill@veritasrecruitment.com.au (Brooke Hill) — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 23:57:20 GMT

Written by Andrew Bennett - Associate Director Essendon

I have had a couple of recent conversations with Freight & Logistics candidates who have found themselves in the Climate/Sustainability space in both Local and International freight companies. Given that they are both open to new opportunities, I wanted to explore the space and what this means. This area is very rarely, if ever, a topic of conversation when speaking with clients. Here is what I found!

In Australia, freight companies face a range of legislative and legal responsibilities related to net zero targets and emissions reduction. These obligations stem from federal and state climate policies, as well as international agreements and customer-driven sustainability demands.

The government (state and federal) are starting to drive this firmly. After a little research, here is a summary of what we found.

1. Federal Legislative Framework

a. Climate-Related Financial Disclosure

The Australian government is introducing mandatory climate-related financial disclosures aligned with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) frameworks.
Freight companies that are publicly listed or large private firms may be required to:
Report on Scope 1, 2, and relevant Scope 3 emissions.
Disclose climate-related risks, strategies, and governance.

b. National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) Scheme

Freight operators exceeding certain thresholds (e.g., 50,000 tonnes of CO₂-e emissions or 200 terajoules of energy use per year) must report annually under NGER.
Non-compliance can result in fines or enforcement actions.

2. State and Territory-Level Requirements

Different states have their own emission targets and regulations:

NSW and Victoria have net zero targets by 2050 and interim targets, with programs incentivising zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and infrastructure.
Government procurement is increasingly requiring low-carbon supply chains, which affects freight subcontractors.

3. Transport-Specific Regulations and Incentives

a. Clean Freight Initiatives

Programs like NSW's "Net Zero Transport" initiatives provide grants and support for fleet transition.
Regulatory trials for electric and hydrogen freight vehicles, especially in urban delivery zones.

b. Fuel Efficiency and Emission Standards

While Australia does not yet have binding fuel efficiency standards for heavy vehicles, Euro VI standards are being phased in for new trucks.
Companies are expected to voluntarily improve fuel efficiency and report on vehicle performance or comply with contractual obligations.

4. Legal Responsibilities in Contracts

Large shippers (cargo owners) often pass emissions reporting and reduction obligations to freight providers via procurement contracts.
Freight companies may be required to:
Track and report transport emissions.
Use low-emission vehicles or fuels.
Participate in customer-led sustainability initiatives.

5. Industry and Market Pressures

Even without direct legislation, market forces are pushing freight companies to act:

Corporate net zero targets of clients mean transport providers must align or risk losing contracts.
Retailers, manufacturers, and mining firms increasingly require evidence of decarbonisation plans in tenders.

6. Work Health and Safety (WHS) and Environmental Risk

Fleet operators must ensure that low-emission vehicles (e.g., electric trucks) meet WHS standards.
Environmental Protection Authorities (EPAs) can act on pollution breaches, including from transport-related emissions or fuel spills.

Summary of Freight Company Responsibilities:

Reporting: NGER reporting, climate disclosures (TCFD/ISSB), client-driven Scope 3 reporting

Compliance: Meet state and federal emissions regulations; vehicle emission standards

Fleet Transition: Plan and implement ZEVs or low-emission alternatives, including charging/refuelling infrastructure

Contractual Obligations: Deliver on sustainability KPIs set by shippers; collaborate on decarbonisation

Risk Management: Integrate emissions into WHS, operational, and financial risk frameworks

Is Freight Decarbonisation a focus in your business?
What your business doing to lower emissions?
Will a Sustainability champion become a regular position with Freight organisations?

I’m certainly interested in feedback from our valued clients and candidates alike!

Let me know! abennett@veritasrecruitment.com.au

Stand out on LinkedIn

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 04:15:45 GMT

Stand out on LinkedIn: Strategies for content creation and becoming a thought leader

If you’re looking to build your career and professional profile and connect with other professionals, LinkedIn is a powerful tool for career growth and personal branding. By mastering content creation and establishing yourself as a thought leader, you can significantly enhance your LinkedIn presence and open doors to new opportunities. Here’s how to get started.

Understanding LinkedIn’s potential

With over 12 million Aussie users (and 810 million users worldwide in 2023, according to Accumulate Australia ), LinkedIn offers a vast audience for professionals seeking to expand their networks and showcase their expertise. A strong LinkedIn presence can lead to job offers, collaborations, and industry recognition. Successful LinkedIn thought leaders like Sue Ellson have demonstrated how impactful a well-crafted LinkedIn strategy can be.

How to create high quality content for LinkedIn

Identifying your niche

To stand out on LinkedIn, focus on a specific niche relevant to your industry and expertise. Whether it's HR, Supply Chain, Accounting & Finance, or Customer Service/Call Centre, pinpointing your niche helps you create targeted content that resonates with your audience. For example, if you’re in Supply Chain, sharing insights on the latest industry trends or technological advancements can position you as an expert.

Creating engaging posts

Engagement is key on LinkedIn. Write compelling updates and articles that provide value. Use attention-grabbing headlines and start with a hook to draw readers in. Incorporate storytelling techniques to make your content relatable and memorable.

Design eye-catching visual content

Images, infographics, and videos are powerful tools to increase engagement. Posts with visuals are more likely to capture attention and encourage interaction. Use tools like Canva to create visually appealing content that complements your text.

Be consistent

Consistency is crucial for maintaining visibility and engagement. Develop a content calendar to ensure you post regularly. This not only keeps your audience engaged but also signals to LinkedIn's algorithm that you are an active user, potentially boosting your content's reach.

Four ways to position yourself as a thought leader on LinkedIn

Sharing expertise

Share your knowledge on industry trends, challenges, and solutions. Write in-depth articles and whitepapers to showcase your expertise. LinkedIn's Publishing Platform is a great place to start.

Engaging with your network

Engagement goes beyond posting content. Respond to comments on your posts, participate in industry discussions, actively comment and engage on posts that your connections have shared, and network with other thought leaders. This not only builds your credibility but also expands your network.

Building credibility

Build credibility by consistently sharing high-quality content and engaging with your audience. Seek endorsements and recommendations from colleagues and clients to reinforce your expertise.

Optimise your LinkedIn profile

Profile picture and banner

First impressions matter. Forget the old photo from 10 years ago that’s been collecting metaphorical dust in your desktop folder. Choose a professional profile photo (or get an updated professional headshot) and design a banner image that reflects you, your business or the company you work for. Ensure your images are high-quality and appropriately sized.

Headline and summary

Your headline and summary is your chance to shine on LinkedIn. It can be seen when you comment on posts as well as when people head over and check out your profile, so make it count. Ideally, you want a headline that captures your expertise and a summary that tells your professional story. Use keywords relevant to your industry to improve searchability, and add a bit of flair or personality if that’s a key part of your professional brand.

Experience and skills

As the heading suggests, this is your opportunity to highlight key your professional work history and skills. Be specific about your roles and accomplishments and if applicable add context to your achievements. For example: As part of this role, we grew sales by 20% over the 2023-24 financial year.

Recommendations

Request recommendations from colleagues, supervisors, and clients. These testimonials can significantly enhance your profile's credibility and provide social proof of your expertise.

For further guidance on optimising your profile, check out LinkedIn’s article on 20 Steps to a better LinkedIn profile in 2024 or get in touch with one of our team members who will be able to assist you with some pointers.

Analyse and adapt your LinkedIn strategy

Tracking engagement

Use LinkedIn's analytics tools to monitor the performance of your posts. Use a spreadsheet to track metrics like views, likes, comments, and shares to understand what type of content resonates most with your audience.

Adapting content

Based on your engagement metrics, look at what content performs best and tweak and adjust your content strategy as needed. You may like to experiment with different content formats and topics to see what works best. You can also check out other LinkedIn thought leaders and ‘ Top Voices ’ for some inspiration.

Creating a stand out LinkedIn profile

By mastering content creation and thought leadership, you can significantly enhance your LinkedIn profile and open doors to new opportunities. Start implementing these strategies today, and watch as your professional network and influence grow.

We’d love for you to connect with us on LinkedIn and share your stories with us too.

Building professional relationships through connection and collaboration

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 03:51:11 GMT

The art of building professional relationships

Building professional relationships through connection and collaboration

Building professional relationships can lead to a thriving career, enriched personal interactions, and a supportive community. As one of our founding Directors Urszula Lusk whose career spans over 25 years in recruitment aptly states, “Everything depends on your connection to people. More than ever, the importance of connection and community is needed.”

The art of connection, relationships, and community

At the core of professional success lies the ability to connect with others. This connection goes beyond networking or exchanging business cards or email signatures.. It involves genuine interactions and forming meaningful relationships that have the ability to extend beyond the office walls. Building these connections requires the ability to be empathetic, understanding and inclusive of different ways of thinking and working.

Becoming more empathetic

Empathy is a cornerstone of effective communication. To truly connect with others, it's essential to listen actively, understand their perspectives, and respond with kindness and consideration. Empathy allows us to build trust and rapport, which are crucial for any professional relationship.

When we approach conversations with empathy, we create an environment where others feel valued and understood. This can lead to more open and honest communication, fostering stronger connections. In the workplace, empathetic communication can enhance teamwork, improve conflict resolution, and boost overall morale.

Building relationships is about quality over quantity

While it's easy to get caught up in the numbers game of networking when you are building your professional career, it's far more beneficial to focus on the quality of relationships rather than the quantity. A few deep, meaningful connections can have a more significant impact on your professional life than a vast network of superficial contacts.

To build strong relationships, invest time and effort in getting to know the people you interact with. Show genuine interest in their lives, both professionally and personally. This can involve remembering important details about their interests, milestones, and challenges, and following up on previous conversations. By demonstrating that you value and care about the person beyond their role in your professional sphere, you lay the groundwork for a lasting and mutually beneficial relationship.

The power of community

A sense of community is vital for personal and professional growth. Being part of a supportive network can provide encouragement, inspiration, and valuable resources. Communities can take many forms, from industry-specific groups to broader professional organisations.

Participating in these communities allows you to learn from others, share your knowledge, and collaborate on common goals. It can also provide a sense of belonging and reduce the feeling of isolation that can sometimes accompany a WFH culture in our professional life. Whether through formal organisations, social media groups, or informal meetups, being an active member of a community can significantly enhance your professional journey.

Collaborating with other professionals

Collaboration is a powerful tool in building professional relationships. When individuals come together to work towards a common goal, they can leverage each other's strengths, share knowledge, and foster innovation. Collaboration not only enhances the quality of work but also builds a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.

Successful collaboration requires clear communication, a willingness to share credit, and the ability to work through differences constructively. By fostering a collaborative environment, you create opportunities for deeper connections and more meaningful professional relationships.

Effective communication strategies

To build and maintain professional relationships, effective communication is essential. Here are some strategies to enhance your communication skills:

Active listening : Pay close attention to what others are saying, and show that you are engaged through non-verbal cues like nodding and maintaining eye contact. Reflect on their words before responding to ensure you fully understand their message. Remember the “two ears, one mouth” adage.
Clarity and conciseness : Be clear and to the point in your communication. Avoid jargon and overly complex language, which can create confusion.
Open-ended questions : Encourage deeper conversations by asking open-ended questions that invite detailed responses. This shows your interest in the other person's thoughts and experiences.
Positive body language : Non-verbal communication is just as important as verbal. Ensure your body language conveys openness and approachability.
Follow up : After an initial meeting or conversation, follow up with a message or call to express your appreciation and reinforce the connection. This small gesture can make a significant difference in solidifying the relationship.

Embracing connection in your professional life

Building professional relationships is an art that requires a combination of empathy, effective communication, and a focus on quality interactions. By mastering these skills, you can create a network of meaningful connections that support and enrich your professional and personal life.

As Urszula Lusk reminds us, the importance of connection and community is more crucial than ever. Embrace the art of connection, nurture your relationships, and be an active participant in your professional community. In doing so, you'll find that your career and personal fulfilment will flourish in ways you never imagined.

Why taking a counter offer might not be your best option

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 05:03:48 GMT

Stand out from the rest!

Have you been offered a counter offer? If you want to make sure you're making the best decision, check out Christine's top 5 reasons to learn why taking a counter offer might not be your wisest choice!

The Secret to a Successful Interview

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 03:22:41 GMT

Stand out from the rest!

The key to acing any interview? Preparation. Unlock your potential and get one step closer to your dream job with John's tips on making a lasting impression!