ZOE PODRAZA OSTREGA

Why practice clicked

“I realised early in my career that accounting in practice was the right fit for me. During my training, I saw how much trust clients place in their accountant, not just to prepare accounts, but to help them understand their business and make informed decisions.

As I’ve progressed, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients and build long-term relationships. Being part of that journey and seeing businesses grow and evolve over time is something I find genuinely rewarding.”

Balancing detail and direction

“I bring hands-on accounting experience alongside a managerial perspective, which allows me to stay close to the detail while keeping the bigger picture in mind.

A big part of my role is making sure everything is technically accurate and ready for sign-off, while also helping clients understand what the numbers are telling them. I aim to provide advice that is practical, clear and easy to act on.”

Building trust that lasts

“For me, building strong relationships comes down to accountability. When a client trusts me with their finances, I take that responsibility seriously.

I worked with a client who had to transfer their accounts to us due to family circumstances. There was some hesitation at the start, so I focused on understanding how things had been done, keeping everything transparent and supporting them through each step.

By being approachable, responsive and proactive, we built a strong working relationship. It’s always rewarding to see that trust develop and for clients to feel confident their business is in safe hands.”

Managing pressure

“One of the challenges in my role is balancing multiple client deadlines, particularly during busy periods like year-end or tax season.

Early on, I learned that without clear planning and delegation, both the team and clients can feel that pressure. Since then, I’ve focused on prioritising effectively, setting realistic expectations and communicating openly. That helps me stay organised and maintain standards, even when things are busy.”

Things don’t stand still

“One of the ongoing challenges is keeping up with how quickly the profession is evolving. There’s always something new to get your head around.

Regulations and tax rules are constantly changing, and with frameworks across local and international levels, staying compliant can be demanding and time-consuming. It requires close attention to detail and a commitment to staying up to date to ensure everything is accurate and reliable.”

More than compliance

“Accounting is often thought of as just numbers and rules, but in reality it’s about making sense of complexity and turning it into clear, useful advice.

The real value comes from helping clients stay ahead, whether that’s through tax planning, cash flow management or wider business decisions, so they can move forward with confidence.”

Stronger as a team

“Being part of a collaborative team makes a real difference. We share knowledge, support each other and work towards the same goal, which helps maintain consistency and quality across client work.

Alongside that, the wider AAB organisation gives us access to a broader network of expertise, strengthening the support we can offer to clients. Looking ahead, it’s about continuing to make the most of that by sharing knowledge, bringing in the right people when needed and making sure we’re giving clients the support they need as their requirements evolve.”