Alexander King practices in tax consulting and compliance, specialising in the funds management, property, agribusiness and logistics sectors. He is the lead tax partner for the Sydney funds management team and is well-versed on the unique challenges in this sector.
How did you start down this career path?
I finished university just after the global financial crisis. I studied Engineering and Commerce but wasn’t thinking about pursuing a career in accounting at the time, however, my father suggested I get a qualification as a Chartered Accountant.
I started as a graduate at HLB Mann Judd in the Business Services division. After six months there was a restructure and I found myself in the tax team.
Although I never focused on tax in my studies, I found myself enjoying the work once I started. Initially, I was unsure if it would be a good fit, but as I got more involved, I discovered a real interest in the subject.
I now specialise in corporate tax working with clients across several sectors including property, agribusiness and transport; however my real passion lies in funds management.
I was lucky enough to spend time at Withum in New York – an HLB International firm - as part of the network’s secondment program.
What inspires you in your role/industry? Why?
Accounting and tax have changed since I started my career - technological advancements, regulatory changes, and global economic shifts. It’s an interesting time to be in the field.
Building on my engineering studies, what I enjoy most is the problem-solving opportunities that clients bring. I like applying the technical knowledge and skills I've developed over the years to find effective solutions for their challenges.
I enjoy diagnosing issues, breaking down complex problems into manageable parts, and developing strategic plans to address them. My engineering background has given me a solid foundation in critical thinking, precise analysis, and systematic design, which are all essential for finding effective solutions for clients.
Being part of a collaborative environment allows me to learn from others' experiences and expertise, enriching my own professional growth journey.
Generally, the more challenging the job, the more rewarding it is achieving a positive outcome.
What's your approach to customer service that separates you from the rest?
It’s important for me to get to know my client – and not just the immediate issue they need resolved or service they want delivered. I work closely with my clients to understand what their longer term goals are.
Working with several clients, I can use the knowledge gained from one engagement to assist another. This means I can anticipate issues, offer better solutions, and provide more personalised support. It's a practical way to improve the service my team and I offer and adapt to each client's needs.
I prioritise regular communications with my clients – not just on the compliance work, but to build a long standing relationship of trust and loyalty. My clients know that I am available to answer their questions, no matter how small.
How do you innovate and stay ahead of industry trends?
Working in a firm like HLB we are provided regular communication and upskilling opportunities to learn the latest regulatory developments. Having a group of supportive partners across our network enables us to collaborate and learn from each other.
I keep up to date with what is going on in markets and the economy, regularly reading industry publications and financial media. It’s important for me to attend industry events and conferences such as The Tax Summit.
As a board member of the Property Funds Association, I am also given insights into trends not just in property, but the economy more broadly.
We are also lucky to have a business transformation team who specialise in identifying opportunities for innovation and guiding our business through strategic changes. Their expertise enables us to adapt to evolving market conditions, leverage emerging technologies, and optimise our processes for greater efficiency and effectiveness. With their support, we can proactively anticipate industry shifts, stay ahead of the curve, and continue delivering exceptional value to our clients.
What is the toughest challenge you've faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
With a global shortage of accountants, one of the toughest challenges I face in my role is building a team that can continue to deliver excellent service to our clients.
To overcome this, HLB invests heavily in training, development and upskilling. We understand that nurturing talent from within is key to addressing skill gaps and ensuring a competent and motivated workforce. I provide my team members with opportunities to expand their skills and knowledge through comprehensive training programs, workshops, and certifications. I also encourage my team to step outside their comfort zone, enhance their capabilities and take on greater responsibilities.
This proactive approach not only strengthens my team's skill set but also instils a sense of ownership and pride in their work, ultimately contributing to our ability to deliver exceptional service to our clients.
HLB also offers life leave to our staff, enabling them to pursue other opportunities around the world with the comfort in knowing their job in Australia will remain open for up to two years for when they choose to return.
What are some of your goals for the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, my focus is on continuing to grow our business through deepening our relationships with existing clients and bringing on board new clients, through delivering value-added solutions that meet their evolving needs, solidifying my role as a trusted adviser.
I’m also focused on developing a strong and successful team, helping them to meet their professional goals. My goal is to empower them to become future leaders in their chosen fields.
Being agile and able to look at things differently will be important over the next five years, so I'll be monitoring industry trends and regulatory changes, constantly seeking innovative ways to unlock value for my clients.
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