Careers & Conversations

Meet Josie Seofela - Senior Business Analyst, Perth

 Personal life 

Outside of work, what are your passions/hobbies?

Outside of work, you'll usually find me outdoors. Camping is one of my favourite hobbies, and many of our family Christmas holidays are spent exploring Western Australia. We've enjoyed trips to Denmark, Albany, Walpole, Margaret River, Augusta, Pemberton, Geraldton, Kalbarri, and Esperance, and we've even camped our way across Tasmania, from Hobart all the way to Cradle Mountain. Our next big adventure is a Perth-to-Broome road trip, which we're currently planning.
I also enjoy gardening and spending time on the land. Lately, I've been exploring more creative hobbies, including painting, sewing, and anything that lets me exercise my creative side. My dream is to one day retire on a farm somewhere in WA, surrounded by nature, with plenty of space to grow things, take on new projects, and enjoy a slower pace of life.

What is your favourite thing about living in Perth?

I moved to Australia from Zimbabwe in 2001 straight after finishing high school, and Perth has been home ever since. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to live in both The Gambia and Botswana, but somehow I always found my way back to Australia. There's something special about the lifestyle here, from the beautiful weather and stunning beaches to the friendships and connections I've built along the way.
These days, Perth is more than just where I live, it's where my family feels most at home. It's a wonderful place to raise our children, and having them grow up surrounded by their cousins and extended family makes it even more meaningful. For me, it's the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and lifestyle, and I feel very fortunate to call it home.

What’s something most people don’t know about you, a skill, a habit, or a surprising interest, that always gets a reaction when people find out?

One thing that might surprise people is that I'm a CPA with more than 15 years of experience in accounting and finance. While my career has evolved into technology and business analysis, that accounting background still gives me a unique perspective when solving business problems.
Outside of work, I'm a big fan of home renovation shows, which inspired my husband and me to take on our own owner-builder project. It's been a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience, teaching us all sorts of practical skills while also giving us the opportunity to learn more about each other as we navigate the ups and downs of a major project together. It's definitely been one of the most fulfilling adventures we've taken on as a family.

Who inspires you, and why?

I don't have one particular person who inspires me. I've found that as I get to know people, there's always something about their story, experiences, or outlook on life that inspires me in some way. I enjoy building genuine connections with people, learning from them, and sharing my own experiences in return.
If I had to choose a group of people who inspire me most, it would be working mothers. I'm constantly in awe of how they juggle so many responsibilities while continuing to pursue their career goals and support their families. Their resilience, determination, and ability to keep showing up every day are incredibly inspiring. I'm also inspired by the way women lift each other up, whether in the workplace or in their personal lives. Seeing that support, encouragement, and sense of community motivates me to keep pushing myself, strive for growth, and be the best version of myself in both my career and personal life.
 

 Professional Life 

What first sparked your interest in enterprise management and led you to become a Business Analyst?

My career journey has taken a few unexpected turns. I started in Accounting and, while at Curtin University, had the opportunity to join a newly formed RPA team. That experience sparked my passion for technology as I automated finance and HR processes, eventually leading me into IT.
During COVID, after welcoming my third child, I felt ready for a new challenge and discovered Business Analysis. That decision brought me to RSM, where I've grown from Business Analyst to Senior Business Analyst. It's been an incredibly rewarding journey, filled with opportunities to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact across the firm. Looking ahead, I'm excited to continue growing my career at RSM.

What has surprised you most about working in this area?

One of the things that keeps me excited about working in technology is how quickly it evolves. It feels like there's always something new to learn, whether it's AI, automation, or the latest tools transforming the way we work. I'm constantly amazed by how connected everything has become and how systems that once operated separately can now seamlessly integrate and work together. Being a Business Analyst gives me a front-row seat to that innovation, and I love helping turn those possibilities into practical solutions that make a real difference for our people. Every advancement leaves me curious about what's next, and that's what makes this field so rewarding.

What does your work entail?

I work with teams across RSM to understand how their processes operate and identify ways to make them more efficient. Whether it's simplifying a workflow, introducing new tools, or automating repetitive tasks, our goal is to help people spend less time on manual work and more time focusing on the parts of their job that add the most value.

 Life at RSM 

What has your journey at RSM looked like so far?

I've been at RSM for 5 years now, and each day is more interesting than the one before. Working with technology means there's always something new to learn, a different challenge to solve, or an opportunity to improve the way we work, so it never feels dull or repetitive. Beyond my day to day role, I'm also part of the EmPOWER Committee, and it's been incredibly rewarding to contribute to the planning of social events and initiatives that bring people together. It's given me the chance to connect with colleagues across different teams and offices, strengthen relationships, and play a small part in fostering the inclusive and supportive culture that makes RSM such a great place to work.

You were recently promoted to Senior Business Analyst. What has been the most rewarding part of that achievement, and what's next for you?

Being promoted gave me a real confidence boost and reinforced that I'm on the right track, performing well in my role, and making a meaningful contribution to the firm. I genuinely enjoy the Business Analyst work, particularly solving problems, driving improvements, and delivering positive outcomes. Looking ahead, I'm excited to build on that experience, take on greater responsibility, and challenge myself in a leadership role where I can mentor others, influence strategic outcomes, and help shape the future success of the team and the firm.

How would you describe the culture at RSM in Perth?

In one word, it would be “Inclusive.” From day one, I have felt at home at RSM. The culture is welcoming, supportive, and encourages people to bring their authentic selves to work. What stands out most is the genuine investment in people, with endless opportunities for learning, career growth, and professional development. It is a place where you are empowered to contribute, grow, and succeed.

If you had to summarise your time at RSM in one sentence, what would you say?

RSM has given me the opportunity to grow from solving problems to shaping change, while learning from and supporting incredible people along the way.