Andrew Richards

Background

About Andrew Richards

Having lived around a family who run a business themselves, I have always had strong aspirations to be involved in the corporate world. Growing up I was lucky to have experienced a city lifestyle but also my agricultural background at our family's farm in Windwhistle, Selwyn District. Here I grew a passion for getting myself involved in work whenever I could. Whether it was learning to ride dirt/quad bikes, rounding up cattle or ewes in snow, rain or shine, I loved being involved always. Meanwhile, living in Auckland, I was able to gain an understanding of the ins and outs of exporting and importing from my parents running an international distribution business. Being my biggest inspiration, I got many of my ambitions from them. I was incredibly fortunate to attend both Kings School Remuera (years 1-8) as well as ACG Parnell College (years 9-13). I received straight A's through my A-Level Cambridge exams and was also elected as Deputy Head Boy in my final year at ACG Parnell. This saw me take up work such as leading the school's environmental committee and the Brainbee Club as well as setting up the 40-hour famine challenge. Through my high school years, my passion for sports lead me to take up the role of a Tennis coach with my local Parnell Tennis Club. Managing up to 30 students at a time, really improved my ability to be multi-disciplinary in regard to communication, quick decision-making and people management.I am currently completing a Bachelor in Commerce / Bachelor in Property Conjoint degree majoring in Accounting at the University of Auckland. I have taken papers such as Information Management and Information systems giving me skills and an interest in data analytics. I also took law for a year receiving an A before deciding I had more interest in my current conjoint. Along with this, I spent 3 years working at Auckland's oldest department store, Smith & Caughey's. My role there saw me garner many new capabilities around stock management, teamwork and customer relations. I was very lucky to have worked alongside experienced businesspeople and employees. Dealing with high-quality brands such as Waterford,l and Wedgwood meant knowing how to cater to the most valuable of customers. My journey now continues at Deloitte where I am interning in the Accounting & Reporting Advisory. I am so excited to meet my peers in the professional field and diversify my skillset to a new level. My passion for new experiences certainly has me looking forward to the many future opportunities I can take advantage of.