Susan Rix AM

Getting on board with learning

Chartered accountant Susan Rix has been on the boards and trusts of so many organisations over the past few decades that she has now lost count. Medical and higher education institutions, financial firms, disability charities and churches, government-owned rail and port corporations, even the performing arts - her (mostly unpaid) service has spanned the full spectrum of business and society.

"My family would say that I don't know how to say 'No' to anything, which is probably a fair assessment," says the UNE alumna, who was recognised for her service to business and the community with an AM in 2014. "I just see projects and think 'I could have a go at that'. It gives me exposure to new and different board and governance experiences, some of which I can apply with clients within our own firm."

But there's something deeper at play, too. "I feel that I have had a lot of opportunity in my life, to attend a good school, have a year as an exchange student in Germany and then three years at UNE," Susan says. "Nearly 40 years later, there are a lot of kids who don't have such opportunities. I've got a good job, and I've obviously worked hard, but I've enjoyed a whole lot of benefits that make my life interesting and full. I like to take advantage of my networks and connections to try to help others, and to keep learning myself. It keeps me up-to-date."

"Our firm" is the Brisbane tax and advisory company BDO, where Susan has just clocked up 35 years' service. It was only her second job after graduating from UNE with a Bachelor of Financial Administration in 1982, as one of just a handful of female accountants. Since then she's been a mentor to countless graduate and junior accountants, male and female, and become highly sought after for board and trust positions.

"Some of that is about the fact that I am an accountant and a woman," Susan says. "I have a different outlook on life from the usual 'stale, male and pale' stereotypes. But I will never accept a position if it means being the token woman; I am very comfortable with my skill set and what experience I bring to the table professionally, especially in governance and risk."

In marking her 35th work anniversary in January, Susan's work colleague Tony Schiffmann acknowledged the value of her external board roles to BDO and her strong record in both the private and public sectors. "Not only does this reflect her skill set and reputation for sound advice, it brings an element of prestige to our firm," he said.

But Susan has never been one to rest on her laurels. Her commitment to continued personal and professional learning is evidenced by the specialised online study she has completed in family business advising and dispute resolution. Even in "the twilight" of her career, while working from home during COVID-19 lockdowns, she considered spending the time she saved commuting studying again, and perused UNE's website "for a nice challenge".

"Life doesn't stay still and we have to keep moving with the times, whether that's embracing technology or new governance or accounting standards," Susan says. "Under anyone's governance model, I have been with our firm long enough and need to go, but I've spent 35 years here because I have always sought out new opportunities. I enjoy growing my client base and working with clients and staff in business advisory services, and accepting new challenges is what keeps me motivated."

"Life doesn't stay still and we have to keep moving with the times, whether that's embracing technology or new governance or accounting standards,

So what does an accomplished business leader and in-demand company director do in their spare time? When international borders are open, travel. "My passion in life is travelling, so I'm suffering right now," Susan says. "I guess it's about my thirst for knowledge. I was lucky to have done a lot of travel before the pandemic, and planning and taking my next trip has helped me to lead a balanced life. The moment I can get a vaccine and get on a plane, I will."