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From studying French at La Trobe in the 1970s to setting up a forensic accounting unit with the Victoria Police, it has been an interesting career journey for Terry Brooks. Since 2004 his unit has conducted financial investigations into corrupt and criminal behaviour by police. Terry Brooks certainly challenges the notion that a career in accounting is dull.

How would you describe the path you have taken to get you to where you are today?

Like many people today I have had a number of career changes. I commenced full time work with the Commonwealth Public Service after graduation and worked in the Attorney General’s Department, which included five years in Canberra where I was the Commonwealth Director of Censorship. I then returned to Melbourne to work with Telecom Australia (now Telstra) and identified the need to undertake post graduate study in commerce.

I then worked in the private sector in accounting firms and also as a company director. While working with Clarke and Co and then Bentleys MRI in their consulting divisions, where I started undertaking forensic assignments for clients, usually in matters of damages claims. This became my specialisation and so over time I developed my skills through CPA Australia and other areas.

In 2003 I joined Victoria Police where I was tasked with establishing a specialist forensic accounting unit within the Ethical Standards Department. This unit investigates matters of serious crime and corruption.

Do you have a personal philosophy that you bring to your work?

It is important to keep a balance. By this I mean both a work life balance which allows one to work at an optimum level and also to have a life outside of work.

In the work environment there is a need to remember that even though one works on matters where there is crime and misbehaviour that this is not the norm for the wider population. There is a wider perspective that one must keep in mind.

What has been your greatest career highlight/s?

From October 2007 to May 2008, I led the financial investigation into a major fraud involving the sale of heavy vehicle licences. This was a Victoria Police investigation in co-operation with VicRoads. This investigation resulted in the recovery of over 100 fraudulently issued licences, the recovery of assets that were forfeited as the proceeds of crime and criminal convictions. My unit and I were recognised with a Divisional Commendation for this work.

What has been your greatest career challenge? How did you navigate this challenge?

The change from the public sector to the private sector meant a change in culture and also personal organisation. I relied on the advice of experienced practitioners in how to operate in the new environment.

Do you have any sage advice for those starting out in their careers?

I have always found it valuable to have a mentor. A good mentor not only provides advice on a specific matter but is also a valuable resource to discuss career and other matters.

I am now mentoring a young graduate who is undertaking CPA professional units. I find it rewarding and valuable to be in the mentoring role.

Where to from here

I wish I knew that. I will continue to work for quite a few years yet and continue to be involved in the profession. I also hope to travel a bit more and pursue my hobbies.

What is your lasting impression of La Trobe?

I remember La Trobe as a place of discussion and debate both in lectures and tutorials and also in the Plaka. I hope to continue a close association with the university and will be giving a lecture there at a Public Sector Accounting Forum.