Cheers: Weaver Staff Goes Abroad

This summer Weaver had another staff member participate in the Weaver Secondment Program. See what Michael Seaback of Weaver had to say about his experience at Staples Rodway in New Zealand.

Name: Michael Seaback
Position: Manager, Assurance
Dates: May – July 2016
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Host Firm: Staples Rodway

What were the objectives of the secondment? 

The objective was to learn another country’s audit methodology and to gain industry experience outside my normal wheelhouse. I wanted to see how public accounting firms operate outside of the United States and bring what I learned back to Weaver. I enjoyed working with the employees at Staples Rodway and got to experience many things New Zealand had to offer.

Briefly detail your secondment experience. 

I worked with clients in industries that I never thought I would be a part of. This helped me learn new auditing methodologies and New Zealand’s IFRS. I worked with great teams at the firm and everyone was very welcoming.

What have you learned as a result of the secondment experience? 

I learned that public accounting is not as different as I expected around the world. Most still have the same goal and many of the same methodologies, but there is more emphasis on testing of controls in New Zealand. 

I also learned a lot about New Zealand and was able to go on adventures that I never would have had the opportunity to experience if it was not for the Secondment program.

What was something that surprised you about the local culture? 

I was surprised by how beautiful the country was and how welcoming the people were. The country is much less populated than I expected, though Auckland is a thriving downtown city right on the harbor. Every weekend, when traveling around the country, I was blown away by the scenery. The coffee was also the best I have ever had!

What was a challenge you had to overcome while being in New Zealand? 

Driving on the other side of the road was definitely odd the first few times, but it only took a short amount of time until it became natural. 

Did you pick up a local phrase or habit while there? 

They use the phrase “sweet as,” which basically means “cool” or “awesome,” and it sounded really odd at first. They also use the phrase “cheers” instead of “thank you.” I still catch myself saying “cheers.”

Name a favorite experience from the trip.

My favorite experience was a trip to the south island of New Zealand to the city of Queenstown. It was beautiful. While I was there I played golf, took a helicopter to the top of mountains, swung on the biggest swing in the world and bungee jumped.