Secondment to SW Accountants and Advisors, Australia

Rocel Magtibay, Human Resource Director, Kreston Helmi Talib, Singapore:

As a member of the Kreston Global network, we place significant value on building strong, collaborative relationships with fellow member firms. Secondments create opportunities for deeper operational alignment, shared learning, and stronger professional connections that benefit both our firm and the wider network. In addition, we view international assignments as an important component of developing future managers and leaders. Exposure to different audit environments, client expectations, and cultural contexts accelerates professional growth. Approving these secondments enables us to offer high-potential employees a developmental pathway that enhances both their technical expertise and their global mindset.

The partnership and coordination between SW Accountants and Advisors and our firm, Kreston Helmi Talib, have been collaborative and seamless throughout the entire secondment process. Following the standard selection procedure, we provided SW with a candidate profile aligned to their requirements for an Audit Senior. With the support of Hannah from SW’s HR team, as well as their audit leadership, the evaluation and selection process progressed smoothly and efficiently. From the issuance of the offer letter to visa processing and eventual onboarding, the communication flow remained clear, timely, and well-coordinated. Both firms maintained a thoughtful and proactive approach, ensuring that all administrative, compliance, and logistical matters were handled promptly. This partnership contributed to a positive experience for the secondee and an efficient overall transition.

For this secondment, we set clear expectations with the secondee ahead of her placement to ensure she was prepared for the transition. Although the secondment period from August to October coincides with a slower period for our Audit team in Singapore, we were informed that SW Accountants & Advisors would be in the midst of their peak season. We communicated this upfront, helping her anticipate the volume, pace, and level of client demands she would experience upon joining the SW team. We also emphasised the developmental value she would gain through this opportunity, including exposure to different audit methodologies and software, working within a new team structure, and operating in a different professional and cultural environment. These experiences were positioned as key growth drivers that would broaden her technical capabilities and strengthen her adaptability.

Keshika returned from the secondment motivated and inspired, despite the relatively short duration of the assignment. She valued the hands-on exposure she gained in a new environment and shared insightful reflections on how she adapted to different audit approaches, team dynamics, and work culture. The experience strengthened her confidence, broadened her technical and professional perspective, and enhanced her ability to manage change effectively.

Keshika Ravichandran, Audit Senior, Kreston Helmi Talib, Singapore

I felt that participating in a secondment within the Kreston Global network would allow me to gain broader professional exposure, including exposure to different clientele and industries. It would also allow me to deepen both my technical skills and personal growth.

My role during the secondment differed from my responsibilities at my home firm. In my home firm, engagements are usually handled by the audit-in-charge from acceptance to completion of an audit, together with the manager and partner-in-charge. During the secondment, my role was more focused on specific accounts and areas of the audit, with an overall more collaborative approach alongside the rest of the engagement team.

The experience exposed me to different industries which I had not encountered before and strengthened both my technical skills and resilience, as I had to familiarise myself with new software, tools and methodology in an unfamiliar environment. Working with new and diverse colleagues, including different leadership styles, allowed me to grow my relationship-building and collaboration skills. Through this secondment, I also gained insight into best practices such as audit documentation and risk assessment, which I can apply in future engagements at my home firm.

Adapting to a different work culture and expectations was a challenge at the start. I also had to navigate new software, tools, methodology, local FRS, auditing standards and SOPs on the job, while managing personal adjustments to housing, lifestyle and routine, alongside feeling homesick. During my first week, I completed the essential training and looked up resources to familiarise myself with the firm’s SOPs. Although it was a challenge to balance independence with asking for help, my colleagues at the secondment firm were kind, welcoming and supportive, which allowed me to adjust quickly. My family, friends and colleagues from my home firm also checked in on me often, which helped me overcome feeling homesick.

Overall, the secondment allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. It has driven me to challenge myself, particularly in improving my documentation and exercising professional judgement. Following the secondment, I communicated my desire to be assigned to more complex clients to my team lead.

Kreston Global secondments are just one of the ways the network brings together our people and supports international training and development.