Oxford Edge knows that a good benefits package is essential to recruiting and retaining the best talent. Financial wellbeing is fundamental for people and their families.
What is becoming apparent, though, is that for younger staff members, fundamental aspects of the job such as overall satisfaction carry much more weight.
For 25-year-old Thomas Reid, what he finds attractive is the opportunities he gets at Oxford Edge for professional development and for “interesting and exciting work where you can see a positive impact at the end”.
Thomas previously interned at another Christchurch accounting and advisory firm and was initially keen to continue as a graduate there when Oxford Edge came calling. A three-month contract turned into three years and Thomas hasn’t looked back.
“At other firms, you are just another input into the giant machine. At Oxford Edge, with its flat organisational structure, there is more autonomy but also more opportunities to be part of the conversation,” Thomas says. “I have loved getting to know our clients and helping them solve the pressing challenges facing their businesses. Seeing the positive impact that my work can directly have on our clients has been a highlight.”
Employee benefits at Oxford Edge include premium health insurance paid for by Oxford Edge and a Kiwisaver employer contribution of 4% on top of wages or salary. A share of the business’s financial performance is also paid at Christmas.
For his part, Thomas feels the health insurance package is a real incentive for young people. The flexible Working From Home policy is another hot-ticket item with his peers, he says.
Thomas has also been able to further his studies while at Oxford Edge, with the full support of his employer. “There’s always been support for team members continuing their education and joining relevant professional bodies.” Examples are reimbursement of fees and also leave for study and exams.
Thomas is soon heading off to London for his OE. While he will miss the team at Oxford Edge and the work he is doing he acknowledges that this isn’t necessarily a ‘goodbye’ but rather a ‘see you later’.
“The firm have been incredibly supportive of my plans to head overseas and get some international experience. I love working here and am thankful that the firm has kept the door open for me to come back on my eventual return to New Zealand.”
Are you bored where you are? Oxford Edge is recruiting for several roles. If you want to know more, email hr@oxfordedge.co.nz
