What's your job about?
Nutrien Ag Solutions is a leading Agricultural services and inputs provider in Australia, with interests in livestock, insurance, finance, and real estate to name a few. It’s a big company, with a massive network of skilled professionals across many different areas.
I am working within the financial accounting team at the head office, more specifically within the fixed assets and leases team. I am responsible for maintaining the asset register, providing reports to other teams and ensuring that company policy and reporting requirements are followed. My role is quite cyclical, we have tasks that are dependent on the time, like month-end, quarterly and year-end. These are great because they provide a sense of routine and the ability to organise my time as I know when I will be busier. What I enjoy most about my role is learning about all the different projects happening within the company and communicating with a range of different people within the network. It’s also exciting to see the company grow and improve our services and products for our customers.
There are always projects on the go, so there is always a chance to learn something new. As a grad, there is an opportunity to gain experience across a whole heap of areas, so even if you don’t think agriculture is for you, you might find your passion in one of the many other roles that support the industry.
What's your background?
I grew up in Northern Tasmania, I am not off a farm or from a rural background (although some may consider Tassie rural), however, I did grow up in a family with a strong appreciation for the origins of our food and how it ends up on our table. In high school, I studied food and nutrition sciences to become a dietician but was quickly inspired to go into agriculture after learning about food security and the challenges we will face to feed the growing population.
At university I was lucky enough to study a double bachelor’s degree in Commerce (majoring in financial management) and Agricultural Science at La Trobe University in Melbourne (unfortunately they don’t offer this degree combination anymore, but they do still offer Ag Science!) Choosing to study Ag Science was a big step for me as I was worried I would be at a disadvantage because I’m not from a farming background. However, I quickly learnt there were many other people like me, and that it is an industry with so many roles and opportunities beyond being a farmer.
I applied for Nutrien’s grad program in August 2022 and was lucky enough to be offered a role before I graduated that year, I started working in November 2022 and have been in my role for a bit over one year now. During uni, I worked part-time in fast food, retail, tourism and at the odd vineyard. Also, as part of my studies, I completed an industry placement at an agricultural pharmaceutical company.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Yes, but in saying that, my role would be more suited to someone with an accounting background. For my role, it is important to have good documentation skills, honesty and the ability to speak up immediately when you make a mistake (we all make them!). A general understanding of accounting software or ERPs would also be useful, but you will learn these as you go. More importantly, strong Excel skills, you will use this a lot!
What's the coolest thing about your job?
The graduate program has been amazing, so far I am halfway through the program but have loved the opportunity to travel and learn more about the business and make friends with other grads within the company. Having friends in completely different roles is great, I feel like I have a better understanding of the business through knowing them and what they do. It’s also great to have people to relate to and understand your struggles as a new grad!
What are the limitations of your job?
Honestly, my role is great. I have the flexibility to work from home, support, an excellent mentor and a great team. The only thing that I find limiting personally, is that I am in a fixed role. This means I am staying in the same business unit and team for the duration of my contract as a graduate. I would love to be able to gain more experience within the business as I am still early on in my career and not set on what job I want yet. Note that Nutrien does sometimes offer rotations for finance graduates, I’m just fixed!
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