Hard work, family and company support lead to success

When Davidsons director Kylie McEwan was in high school, she never considered that studying accounting would lead her down her present career pathway.

“I remember my accounting teacher at school telling me that ‘you are born an accountant; you either get it or you don’t’. I didn’t think much of this at the time,” she said.

Entering straight into the workforce after secondary school, Kylie quickly rose through the ranks from her administration role to office manager.

This managerial position reignited Kylie’s interest in accounting, and she swiftly joined Davidsons as a graduate accountant while simultaneously completing her university degree.

“I worked full time and studied part time, completing my degree followed by my CPA qualification. Over this time I also managed to get married, have a baby and progress to becoming a partner at the firm – all within the first 10 years of my career in public practice,” Kylie said.

“It was a busy time and yes, I worked extremely hard to achieve what I did over such a short timeframe, but I did not do it alone. My family were a huge support, as was Davidsons along the way.”

Being one of Davidsons’ first female partners, and celebrating her 25th work anniversary next year, Kylie feels privileged about the time she has spent at Davidsons and the journey that has led to her director role.

“While I have worn many hats throughout the years, the role I have now as a business owner is probably the one I value the most. It gives me the opportunity to connect with clients and team members, helping them achieve their version of success, which is at the core of why I do what I do.”

When reflecting on International Women’s Day, Kylie explains how grateful she is that gender was not a barrier for her and her career aspirations.

“During my earlier career, while the industry itself was dominated by males, Davidsons always had a strong representation of both genders and for that reason, I was lucky to not see my gender as a roadblock.

“Having joined a firm where promotions, remuneration and opportunities were based on performance and not gender, I did not initially realise the challenges that other women were facing and still do to this day.

“I am no longer naive to the issues faced by many women, and I see my role as a business owner, an advisor, and as a mother, to be one that supports and empowers women.”

When asked what she would say to her teenage self who was contemplating accounting life, Kylie explains that all her preconceived stereotypes would be proven wrong.

“Gone are the days of accountants being labelled as the number-crunching, tie-wearing, beetroot dip-loving crowd. We have fun, we build great relationships, we get the chance to be involved in many businesses, celebrating the wins and supporting during the harder times.

“Accounting doesn’t have to be about crunching numbers; it’s about listening, guiding, and helping. Ultimately, it is about making a difference… and maybe a bit of beetroot dip.”

Established in 1905, Davidsons Accountants and Business Consultants has been providing specialist accounting, taxation servics and business advisory support to Geelong and Torquay for more
than 100 years.

“While our size of 50 team members, including five partners, suggests we are a large firm, we are a small family business at heart.”

For more information about Kylie and the Davidsons team, and to learn how they can support you and your business, head to davidsons.com.au