Departure opens the golden door

Suzan Pervan says her luckiest break came following her departure from top four chartered accounting firm Ernst & Young, as it provided the catalyst for her, and Ernst and Young partner Dalton Gooding, to establish Gooding Pervan Chartered Accountants.

The firm, which was established in March 1998, focuses primarily on the top end of the small to medium sized enterprise market and small public companies.

During the past eight years, Gooding Pervan has grown from nine to 45 staff members. The focus is to operate a firm that aims to provide smart commercial advice delivered quickly, directly and affordably. This means not only taking care of compliance issues, but also providing strong, value-added advice on expansions, acquisitions and bottom line financial return.

Ms Pervan said the company differentiated itself from other accounting firms by aligning its interests as closely as possible with those of its clients. The partners are closely involved in each assignment to provide optimum benefit, expertise and quality service.

Ms Pervan started her career as a chartered accountant in 1984 when she joined Ernst & Young. In her role, she gained experience in audit, management consulting and information technology before moving on to work in varied tax, management consulting and management accounting positions in Pricewaterhouse, British Telecom – Mobile Communications and Ernst & Young.

She then joined Bunnings Ltd as financial controller of the manufacturing division, before rejoining Ernst & Young as a senior manager in the entrepreneurial services division.

Motivation

“My motivations have changed over the years… in 1998 my motivation was different to what it is today…its really about providing a quality service and being a quality firm and also its being able to do other things which is a pretty important part of my life other than work at the moment.”