Let’s build a future
that inspires.

I’m not used to people being interested in what I do, not even my wife or kids! But let me walk you through a day in the life of a Portfolio Manager... My journey to my “career nirvana” began in 2004.

While studying Commerce at university, I joined Cutcher & Neale as a Trainee Accountant. Always “good at maths” and fascinated by the share market, I quickly realised my passion lay in investment management. This led me to a decade-long stint at Colonial First State Global Asset Management (now First Sentier Investors), where I gained invaluable experience in Australian and international equities, as well as global fixed income and credit.

As a Portfolio Manager, my mornings start bright and early. I begin my day by catching up on overnight market developments while enjoying my muesli, yoghurt, and fruit. Mornings are dedicated to ‘reading, learning, and thinking,’ with publications like the Australian Financial Review, Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg. When I talk about loving what I do, this is what I am referring to. Every day brings something new to learn in the relentless pursuit of returns for our clients.

At the office, the Cutcher & Neale Financial Planning and Wealth Management team and I get to work, full of coffee and ideas. Our typical discussions include: “Did you see that?” or “Should we adjust the portfolio?” We then conduct detailed research and analysis and monitor local markets in Australia and Asia closely during the remainder of the day. Evenings for me involve family time. I also watch Bloomberg Television to see what investors are focused on leading into a new trading session in the United States and Europe during the night ahead. The next day, I can’t wait to start it all over again.

You know, I almost became a teacher! But a last-minute nudge from my dad and brother steered me towards studying commerce at the University of Newcastle and I haven’t looked back.

Accounting was in my blood, I guess! Cutcher & Neale came into my life in 2004, thanks to a referral from a friend. They were probably surprised I stayed, given my 1.5-hour commute at the time. Cutcher & Neale became my professional home, where I climbed the ranks from Intermediate Accountant to Client Service Manager to Associate and finally Partner. Along the way I’ve worked closely with the Medico Partners to grow and lead the team, and had big wins like moving our accounting software from APS to Xero Practice Manager.

When I became Partner, I wasn’t sure it was for me but I had a fantastic mentor who helped me see my potential and was encouraged to “be bold and brave”. Some days are tough, but all days are rewarding. The firm has been incredibly flexible and supportive throughout my journey, especially when I became a mum of two. Supporting my family is my “why”; my motivation for coming to work. I worked part-time while building my career, and now, as a full-time professional, I have never missed a special occasion for my children. Recently, I took the opportunity to move my family to Brisbane for work, which has been both challenging and rewarding.

A new city, new adventures! I’m loving getting to know the team here and enjoying all the social activities. One of the best things about Cutcher & Neale is the friendships I’ve made. Even those who have moved on, we’ve stayed close. Every day is different at Cutcher & Neale. Sure, there’s a learning curve in the early years, but no two career paths have to be the same. Cutcher & Neale values individuality and flexibility, and I love that about this firm.