The dragon-boating powerhouse behind your GST
Dawn Bartie
Having been at Bennetts Proactive since she came off a kiwifruit orchard 22 years ago, Dawn is Bennetts Proactive’s longest-serving team member apart from Lance. She likes to point out that she was very young when she started – and that she has more hair than Lance. “Although,” she says, “he will often laugh and blame his hair loss on us.”
Working as an Accounting Specialist, Dawn has had plenty of opportunities to learn and develop her skill set, both within the practice and the profession. “I could have done CA papers over the years, but I really enjoy the work I do. I like to say that my qualification is QBE (Qualified by experience),” she chuckles.
Training with the BOOBOPS Dragon boating team, a team for Breast Cancer survivors.
In terms of learning in the role, there has been plenty of opportunities. “Compliance has really evolved over the years, as have the requirements for accountancy. There are always in-house trainings and webinars on the latest in legislation and tax rules, or emails asking if anyone wants to attend a seminar or event. If we wanted to, we could do that every few weeks. The great thing is that you can choose where you want to go in the business; if you want to rise and advance, or you can really enjoy your role and just grow in it.”
Dawn explains that in her role she prepares GST Returns and annual accounts, loads in any extra data and checks it all, then gives it to the Account Manager for a final review and to give the good or bad news. “I love that we have regular contact with our clients. In a bigger business, you don’t often get that opportunity. I wouldn’t want to sit in a back office. This way we get to know them and really understand their business. I grew up in the region and enjoy the feeling of helping people in the community.”
Working Mondays out of the office and finishing at 2pm on Fridays, Dawn really feels like she has achieved a good work-life balance. “Bennetts Proactive supports me to make my week work for me. On Friday afternoon I might do stuff around home, or catch up with friends – take some ‘me’ time. Or I might make sure all my home jobs are done so that I can spend Saturday dragon boating.”
Dawn belongs to the BOOBOPS Dragon boating team, a team for Breast Cancer survivors. “I’ve even had Lance in the dragon boat – we made him paddle. He thought it was hard work,” she laughs. “We compete in regionals and nationals, and there is an international competition next year we’ll take part in. It’s lots of fun – and there is 100 percent team comradery. Lance is great – he has supported me through my journey.”
The full BOOBOPS squad get together before a training session.
Team comradery is also strong at Bennetts Proactive. We often do different social things like drinks, or even treasure hunts put together by different teams. The great thing is that if you want to take part you can, if not, you don’t have to. She describes a recent pottery and wine night the team went to, which was great fun. “Although,” she explains, “they made you do some of your pottery before you got any wine - for obvious reasons.”
The ease and humour with which she talks about her relationships at work and the enjoyment of her role have probably already answered the question as to why she has been at Bennetts Proactive for so long. But, in her words: “I enjoy the relationship I have with my clients - I have a real connection with them and I like what I do.…But really, I couldn’t handle the Tauranga parking or traffic,” she laughs. “My next step out of here is retirement. It suits me – I’m happy doing what I’m doing.”
