Careers & Conversations

Meet Sarah Kelso, Rising Star of the Year finalist. 

Sarah Kelso is dedicated to her community and life at RSM. A finalist for the Rising Star of the Year award, Sarah shares some of her professional story and a bit of her passion for travel, books and a fat cat named Murphy.

Personal life

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT LIVING IN TOOWOOMBA?

One of my favourite things about living in Toowoomba is the community. It’s got a friendly, small-town feel where people actually say hello to each other on the street, while also being one of the largest inland cities in Australia. I grew up in a small tourist town called Glasshouse Mountains on the Sunshine Coast; Toowoomba gives me the same sense of community that I knew growing up, just a little further away from the beach.

When I first moved to Toowoomba, I thought that being located in a regional centre would mean slow weekends with nothing to do, however I was quickly proven wrong. With Park Run at Queen’s Park, followed by the Cobb+Co farmers markets on a Saturday morning, my weekends are usually off to a busy start.

The RSM office in Toowoomba is opposite Laurel Bank Park which is one of the main parks in the city. Having this as the backdrop for a lunchtime walk definitely beats walking through a crowded city for me. The park is also a main attraction for the city’s Carnival of Flowers which takes place every September and showcases our gorgeous city and supports so many of our local businesses. I really enjoy living in a city where shopping local is so encouraged.

OUTSIDE OF WORK, WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?

Outside of work, I enjoy travelling. This normally consists of a road trip to the Sunshine Coast where I can spend my days relaxing at the beach. Occasionally I will get a little farther from home and venture to the south coast of NSW. I am about to head off on a six-week solo backpacking trip through UK and Europe. It will be my first time overseas.

This year I have also started a few new hobbies, including indoor netball which has been a fun way to stay active and catch up with friends.

I’m also part of a book club, which is keeping me motivated to read, venture outside of my usual genre’s and have a laugh with friends.

WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I am a big animal lover! Growing up, there were always more animals in the house than there were people. Now I keep it a little less crowded with one pet, a cat named Murphy, who loves attention, and loves to eat. My friends have nicknamed him “fat-cat,” but I think there is just more of him to love.

Life at RSM

LOOKING BACK ON YOUR CAREER SO FAR, WHAT MOMENTS OR ACCOMPLISHMENTS  HAVE FELT THE MOST REWARDING TO YOU, AND WHAT MADE THEM MEANINGFUL?

Looking back on my career so far, one of the most rewarding accomplishments has been successfully balancing full-time work with my studies. Starting out as an undergraduate with RSM and progressing through both university and the CA program, I’ve spent much of my career juggling professional responsibilities with academic commitments.

It wasn’t always easy, but that experience taught me so much about discipline, time management, and resilience. Graduating while working full-time felt like a huge milestone, not just because of the qualifications, but because of the personal growth that came with it. It showed me what I’m capable of when I stay focused and committed, and it’s something I’m proud of.

Now as a senior accountant I have had the opportunity to work with and be somewhat of a mentor to many junior staff members who are following the same path I took. It has been incredibly rewarding to help them through the same challenges I faced and help them see the light at the end of their hard work. 

Rising Star Finalist:

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE NOMINATED FOR THIS AWARD?

Being nominated for the Rising Star of the Year award is incredibly meaningful to me. It feels like a moment to pause and reflect on how far I’ve come. From starting out as an undergraduate at RSM with no experience only four years ago, to completing both my university degree and CA qualification, and now working as a senior accountant. My journey has been full of challenges, growth, and learning, and this nomination feels like recognition of all the hard work and dedication I’ve put in.

It also means a lot to be acknowledged alongside so many talented professionals in the industry. I am still so early on in my career, it makes me even more excited about what’s ahead.

I am proud to represent RSM, especially the regional centres of RSM, and hopefully inspire the next generation of accountants.

HOW DO YOU THINK THIS NOMINATION REFLECTS THE VALUES AND/OR CULTURE OF YOUR OFFICE?

RSM’s Toowoomba office has such a strong focus on growth and learning. I am so lucky to work in a team that truly supports and empowers each other to reach our potential. From the very beginning of my career in 2021, I’ve been encouraged to take on challenges, step outside my comfort zone, and keep developing both personally and professionally.

The culture in the Toowoomba office has a strong focus on collaboration, integrity, and striving for excellence, not just in the work we do for clients, but in how we support and uplift each other. Being nominated for this award is a reflection of this environment. I wouldn’t be where I am without the mentorship, trust, and opportunities I’ve been given by the people around me.

IF YOU COULD GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO YOURSELF WHEN YOU WERE A GRADUATE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

When I first started out, I put a lot of pressure on myself to know everything, to get everything right the first time, and to prove that I belonged. Now, looking back and being a mentor to others in that position, I know that no one expects you to be an expert on day one. What is far more valuable is your desire to learn and grow.

Some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned have come from moments where I didn’t know what to do, and because of this I was forced to ask questions, give it a go and learn from my mistakes. Those moments helped me build confidence, not because I had the answers, but because I learned how to find them.

I’d also remind myself that growth isn’t always linear. There will be times when things feel overwhelming or uncertain, and that’s completely normal and something that I still struggle with every day. What matters is showing up, giving everything a go, and trusting that with time and effort, things will start to click.

I would also tell myself don’t be afraid to lean on the people around you. Your team has all been where you are and have experienced the same struggles and doubts. Know you are a part of a team and that you don’t have to do it all alone.

WHO HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE OR MENTOR THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER?

The biggest influence in my career so far has been my first manager at RSM. From the very beginning, they took the time to help me grow, not just with the technical side of things, but in how to navigate the professional world with confidence and integrity. Their belief in me, especially during moments when I doubted myself, gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward.

They never made me feel like I had to have all the answers. Instead, they encouraged me to ask questions, to be curious, and to see mistakes as part of the learning process. That mindset really shaped how I approach challenges today.

They also led by example, by balancing professionalism with kindness, and always being available to support others. Watching how they built relationships with clients and colleagues taught me about the kind of accountant and mentor I want to be.

HOW DO YOU HOPE YOUR NOMINATION INSPIRES OTHER EARLY-CAREER PROFESSIONALS IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

I hope this nomination shows other early-career professionals that you don’t have to be a veteran accountant or a senior team member to make an impact. You just need to show up, work hard, and be open to learning.

I’ve spent most of my career so far balancing full-time work with study, and there were definitely moments where it felt overwhelming. But being recognised like this proves that consistency and resilience pay off.

I also hope it encourages others to back themselves, especially when they’re just starting out. You don’t need to wait until you feel like you’re ready to take on new challenges or step into opportunities. Sometimes the best growth happens when you’re slightly outside your comfort zone.

I hope it highlights the importance of supportive workplaces and mentors. I wouldn’t be here without the people who believed in me, and I want others to know that it’s okay to lean on your team and ask for help along the way.