Michelle Chai

My name is Michelle Chai. Since joining Mclean Delmo Bentleys as a graduate accountant in January 2024, I’ve transitioned from a background in commercial accounting where I worked for 3 years as a General Accountant. This move was driven by my deep desire to rekindle my passion for tax accounting, where I can focus on tax-related tasks and contribute more deeply to clients’ financial strategies and compliance, a place where I can pursue my dream goal.

6.30 AM

As a morning person, I like to start my day early, as always. I start my day by tuning down the alarm as well as giving breakfast for my cat every morning. She always jumps onto the bed, staring at me making sure that I do not miss any single meal.

7.15 AM

Sometimes I use car for commuting to work. For me, enjoying the drive as a time to mentally prepare for the day ahead. Another reason for being early where I can secure free parking nearby before it gets filled up!

7.40 AM

I usually arrive at office around 7.40 am and have my homemade banana milkshake to start for the day. I always begin by reviewing my today to-do list, planning upfront for any priority tasks. I then prioritize my tasks based on the deadlines and importance.

8.00 AM

After the preparation, I start to focus on the work as per the to-do list starting with complex task so that I will have my day to finish them.

9.30 AM

Workflow meeting. On every second Monday, we will be having a workflow meeting with the team and code partner to catch up and plan ahead for the following fortnight to do task. We also discuss about the team productivity and overall job progress.

10.00 AM

Getting back to work and continuing to prepare the compliance work. In simple terms: imagine you're balancing your checkbook and tracking how much you spend and earn. My job is similar, but on a larger scale, helping businesses keep track of their money and making sure everything is accurate and meet legal requirements. An interesting detail is that the work can vary greatly—one day I might be analyzing tax returns, and the next, I could be helping a client optimize their business finances.

12.30 PM

Lunch time! I usually have my lunch prepared the day before and head to Tina’s Kitchen (that’s our kitchen’s name!) heat up the food, eating and chitchat with colleagues there. Once in every month, we will have our code lunch prepared by the company where we get to eat and meet with all colleagues! We gather and chat about weekend activities. In occasion, we celebrate festivals not to mention about Happy International Women Day!

1.30 PM

In the afternoon, I would email to my manager for reviewing on my completed work, concluding queries I gathered to further request information from client. Besides, I also assist the team with the workload which helps me gain valuable knowledge and experience. By supporting them, I learn more about complex accounting issues and enhance my problem-solving skills.

4.00 PM

Follow up work. I spend the last part of my day finalizing the to-do list and updating my work progress with my manager for a smooth start tomorrow.

4.45 PM

Birthday celebration? Yes you hear it right. We celebrate birthday once in every month. We get to receive email invitation as reminder to head to Tina’s kitchen! We gather, celebrate, play games, chit chat and meeting with awesome people adding up connection with other teams or departments like long lost friends.

5.15 PM

Time for home. Wrapping up and time for home! Time to say goodbye to colleagues and finish the day off. Work is done, and now it’s time for my CAANZ study!

Thinking of experiencing life as a Bentleys Graduate? Sign up to Prosple to receive job alerts for Bentleys.