VANDERKLEY, Chris

Degree

Bachelor of Business

Graduation year

1984

Current position

Special Counsel

Employer

PwC

What are some of your career highlights?

I completed a Bachelor of Business at Ballarat College of Advanced Education (BCAE), now Federation University, with majors in IT/Law/Accounting that led to job offers from a number of the big accounting firms. I joined KPMG Melbourne for almost 10 years, initially in Audit, then 8 years in tax and completed my Chartered Accounting studies and a Grad Dip Law (Taxation) at Monash University. I subsequently joined GE in different roles over 20 years - Head of Tax ANZ; Head of Tax Asia; CFO ANZ including Chairman of 90 GE Boards across ANZ, and travelled extensively in that role across Asia, Europe and the USA (particularly New York). I joined PwC as Special Counsel just over three years ago where I coordinate their tax transparency and governance practice across Australia. I have recently been asked to join the Board of Tax by the Morrison Government.

Describe the most enjoyable and challenging aspects of your job

Working with Boards and senior management teams on their tax transparency and implementing  “fit for purpose” tax governance structures; and working with businesses as they deal with the many current COVID19 challenges including ongoing viability, restructuring, JobKeeper payments for Staff etc.

In my Board of Tax Role I am advising Federal Government (through the Treasurer) on major Tax Policy/Admin issues. This will be even more critical as the country works it way back into recovery mode

What are some of your strongest memories of while you were studying at the University?

Meeting many of my now lifelong mates through the Business course including Paul McCarthy (Colac), Ted Powlett (Dimboola), Ian Olver (Maryborough), and Tim Calaby, Greg Gooch, and Mark Knight, all from Mildura.

Doing well at BCAE, which gave me the confidence to take on big roles in Accounting, Finance and Tax and broader business.

Do you have any advice about life after study to pass on to current students?

Always take on challenges. In your roles ask to be extended and stretched. You'll grow exponentially through doing this, both professionally & personally.