51²è¹Ý

When Geoff Rooney reflects on his undergraduate years at the 51²è¹Ý (UOW), he lights up, calling them some of the best times in his life - a perfect mix of study, work, and enjoying campus life with friends.

“The teaching staff, flexibility, and campus environment were amazing,” Geoff said.

As a 51²è¹Ý-local, it made perfect sense for Geoff to attend an internationally renowned university close to home. Studying a Bachelor of Commerce allowed him to nurture his passion for business while staying connected to his community.

“Being able to access a great education, get a good degree, with a mix of study and work without having to go straight into a capital city made a lot of sense to me,” he said.

This strong foundation set the stage for Geoff’s impressive career and enduring commitment to mentoring the next generation of finance leaders.

University life

Attending his first class at UOW in 2003 was a blend of excitement and nerves for Geoff, but the campus experience is the thing he remembers most.

“The atmosphere was buzzing as new students arrived. Everyone wanted to try and get there early to make sure they got a good parking spot. The campus was alive with a mix of artistic and political activities,” he said

“The soundtrack to my university days is just as vivid. A mix of Britney Spears, Nickelback, Kanye West, Justin Timberlake, Pink, Black Eye Peas, 50 Cent, and No Doubt dominated the charts. Probably like it or not the song that got stuck in most people heads was OutKast ‘Hey Ya’!”

It was a momentous time in history to be studying commerce and accounting, during the SARS epidemic, the onset of the Iraq War and the death of Steve Irwin, it brought real-time relevance to tutorial discussions.

“Geopolitical uncertainties surrounding the war caused oil prices to rise and triggered a global asset price deflation, impacting both developed and developing economies. While some countries like China continued to experience strong growth, others, particularly in developed economies, saw reduced economic activity and slowed growth,” Geoff said.

Geoff Rooney’s UOW graduation and early career as a chartered accountant. Foundations of his path to leadership in financial services. Photos: supplied

Geoff credits his success at UOW to balance and embracing opportunity. Working with UniAdvice taught him valuable soft skills he would continue to hone throughout his career, while working in firms both in 51²è¹Ý and Sydney gave him the professional experience he needed to secure a graduate position.

“I met a whole bunch of people outside of commerce. I got to work on Discovery Days, visit schools, talk about scholarships and the benefits of UOW. Working on campus, I met people from all walks of life that I wouldn’t have met otherwise,” he said.

The friendships and networks Geoff built during those years became influential, shaping his life long after graduation.

Finding his calling in finance

After graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce (Deans' Scholars) with Distinction, specialising in Accounting and Applied Finance, Geoff began working at EY as a chartered accountant. He later joined , the country's fifth largest association of independently owned accounting practices, where he is now a Partner in Financial Services.

“My education at UOW played a significant role in shaping my career path by providing me with the knowledge and skills needed in the business and commerce fields. The support and opportunities from UOW have been instrumental in my professional development,” Geoff said.

Geoff is passionate about helping clients improve their processes and control systems, a vital role that enhances trust and performance within financial markets.

“It’s an important responsibility, and I’m proud to contribute to maintaining market integrity and accountability,” he said.

“Accounting is the language of business, and risk management ensures that risks are taken with strong controls and governance. Supporting clients in this way keeps me engaged and excited every day.

“I’m a strong believer in lifelong learning, especially with new developments like reporting on the horizon - this will enhance transparency and help markets and stakeholders make better-informed decisions.”

Giving back

With extensive experience in financial services audit, assurance, risk management, treasury, and regulatory compliance for clients across banking, funds management, superannuation, and fintech sectors Geoff is using his experience to mentor others and create opportunities for current UOW students.

“I feel that as my career has progressed - first with the team, then with staff and finally with clients - it has given me the technical capabilities, relationships, and a wider network to find new ways to help others,” he said.

“I think there's an element of giving back. Looking back on my career, I can see how important a little guidance from certain people can be. What might feel like something small to you can make a big difference in someone else’s career. The more people who do it, the better.”

Geoff Rooney connecting with fellow alumni at a UOW networking event, strengthening UOW community ties. Photo: UOW

Geoff is a big believer that UOW offers a unique approach in Australia’s higher education landscape.

“As a student, UOW supported the development of strong problem-solving skills and critical thinking, rather than rote learning. This was critically important then and remains so now as an employer today,” Geoff said.

Now as a BDO partner, Geoff continues his strong ties with UOW by supporting internships and graduate programs, valuing how UOW graduates bring lateral thinking and real-world problem-solving to the workplace.

“We need people who can apply knowledge and skills to new and unique problems to find commercial solutions. Working with UOW has been rewarding, providing valuable opportunities for students and access to great talent for our team and firm.”

He is energised by the next generation of commerce students and values the unique UOW alumni connection. Excited to uncover fresh talent, he works closely with UOW to identify opportunities that match students’ interests and offer flexible working arrangements to amplify their potential.

“That shared history and experience create a powerful connection and fosters understanding right from the start,” he said.

“Students can choose to work part-time during the holidays for extra money, rather than having to pick up a job in hospitality, they can build valuable work experience to help them hit the ground running. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

“In 2021, we were able to offer a UOW intern the opportunity to work remotely with the Melbourne-based team to match his passion and skill set.”

Having moved to the Southern Highlands in recent years, Geoff works remotely and commutes to Sydney two to three days a week. Looking back, Geoff appreciates now that his uni experience was ahead of its time, echoing the flexibility and focus on connection that defines today’s workforce.

“Where you work matters less, and connection matters more. There is less importance placed on being physically in an office. Especially in commerce, if you have a mobile phone and a laptop you can work anywhere.”

Geoff is confident that UOW will continue to build on its success into the future.

“Supporting regional universities like UOW is essential to foster growth beyond traditional capital city-based universities, as they embrace technological advancements, drive economic development, and expand their geographic reach to create lasting impact.”