From accounting to ERP consulting & life at Fenwick
The Microsoft Reskill Program offers a structured and supported pathway into ERP consulting, with targeted training in Dynamics 365 Business Central. Fenwick’s collaboration with the program meant that I was supported through this journey and helped build a strong foundation for success in the Microsoft ecosystem.
After graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Professional Accounting, I began my career at BDO in their Business Services Division. Over the course of three years, I had the opportunity to work across a broad range of industries—including real estate, property, energy, manufacturing, and healthcare—delivering outsourced finance functions and managing tax compliance for a diverse client base. During this time, I also completed my Chartered Accountants (CA) program and became a member of CAANZ.
While I valued the technical foundation and professional growth that accounting provided, I began to feel the need for a new challenge. One that still leveraged my finance background, but in a more dynamic, solution-oriented environment. I’d always enjoyed helping colleagues, sharing knowledge, and breaking down complex concepts. I often found myself intrigued by the demonstrations and training sessions led by professionals from accounting and software firms. That curiosity sparked my interest in the ERP and technology space.
The Microsoft Reskill Program
The Microsoft Reskill Program is a global initiative as part of the Business Central Talent Program designed to help professionals from various backgrounds transition into high-demand roles within the Microsoft ecosystem. It provides structured training in technologies like Dynamics 365, Azure, and Power Platform, along with career coaching and job placement support through partner organisations. The program is particularly well suited for individuals looking to leverage their existing expertise—whether in finance, operations, or IT—while building technical capabilities in cloud-based business solutions.
Entering the Reskill Program pathway
Fenwick, in partnership with the Revolent Group and Microsoft’s Reskill Program, opened the door for me. Microsoft’s broad presence across industries made the prospect particularly compelling with most companies relying on Microsoft in some capacity, making it a stable and future-focused area to build a career.
The Reskill Program itself was thoughtfully structured into two core components. The first was a deep dive into Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. This portion was largely self-guided, with support from mentors and clear milestones. The curriculum covered foundational system navigation, configuration (including finance and inventory), and core business processes such as purchasing and sales, closely reflecting the lifecycle of real-world Business Central implementations.
The second component consisted of weekly professional development workshops. These focused on consulting soft skills like communication, mindset, stakeholder engagement, and presentation. While some topics were familiar, the sessions offered valuable insights and prompted useful reflection on how to elevate my effectiveness as a consultant.
Joining Fenwick’s Sydney office
The onboarding experience at Fenwick complemented the Reskill Program. From day one, Fenwick guided me through a structured induction process and paired me with a buddy for day-to-day support. By my second week, I was already contributing to client work. This immediate trust and integration into project work provided a strong foundation for hands-on learning.
What stands out most about Fenwick is its open and collaborative culture. The team structure is non-hierarchical, and everyone is accessible and willing to share their expertise. Although the Sydney office opened only a few years back, it has already grown substantially. It has been exciting to be part of this growth. Internal training at Fenwick further enriched my development, covering additional areas such as Warehousing, Manufacturing, EDI, Tasklet, and even some introductory technical concepts. Together, these experiences have enabled me to apply what I learned in the Reskill Program in meaningful, client-focused ways.
Aaron has been a great addition to the Sydney office. He brings a wealth of finance knowledge and can easily deal with clients using both the technical and soft skills from his previous experiences. The Reskill Program has helped him learn about Business Central and enhance his skillset.
I’m confident that he will continue to grow and be an integral part to the company and Sydney team.
– Atish Malla, Business Lead – Sydney at Fenwick
Bridging experience & opportunity
One of the most fulfilling aspects of this transition has been applying my previous accounting experience to ERP projects. Whether it’s understanding financial workflows or recognising industry-specific challenges, my background has helped me approach problems with both technical knowledge and business insight.
Business Central is a powerful and complex platform, and every project presents new challenges. But that’s also what makes this career path so engaging. There’s a constant opportunity to grow, think critically, and deliver real impact for clients here at Fenwick.
Looking forward
The biggest lesson I’ve taken away from this journey so far is to stay open to new paths. Careers aren’t always linear, and sometimes the most rewarding opportunities come from stepping into unfamiliar territory. The Reskill Program offered a structured, supportive pathway into a new industry. I’ve been fortunate to continue that journey with a company like Fenwick.
For anyone considering a similar move, especially through the Microsoft Reskill Program, I’d say this: it’s okay to feel apprehensive. I was too. After years of university and earning my CA qualification, the idea of diving back into study wasn’t particularly appealing. But the program is practical, focused, and truly sets you up for success.
With the support of Fenwick and the foundational training from the Reskill Program, I’m excited for what’s to come. There’s still so much to learn, but I’m confident that I’m in the right place to continue growing, delivering value, and making a meaningful impact, not only to the local Sydney office, but also across the company and my career.
Like Aaron, my career transition into the ERP consulting space was supported by the Microsoft Reskill Program, and I can’t overstate how pivotal it was in shaping the transition.
Coming from a background in engineering, I was seeking a role that was fast-paced and collaborative, and Business Central delivered just that. The Reskill Program provided a strong foundation, but what’s made the biggest difference has been the support and culture at Fenwick. From day one, I was immersed in client work, backed by mentors who genuinely care about your development. The team encourages questions, celebrates curiosity, and shares knowledge generously. I’ve been able to apply my past experience while constantly learning new skills, whether it’s through internal training or hands-on implementation work.
It’s a steep learning curve, but also a deeply rewarding one. For anyone considering this path, I’d say the combination of the Reskill Program and a place like Fenwick makes for a truly empowering career move.
– Gihan De Mel, Consultant at Fenwick
