Jessica Cane knew from primary school she wanted to be an accountant. She studied full-time at Deakin University while working full-time at a local practice, demonstrating remarkable drive and ambition. However, her first role at a traditional accounting firm nearly ended her career before it began. As a young woman seeking career progression, she found herself in an environment where advancement seemed impossible. Discouraged, she told her parents she was considering leaving accounting altogether.

Her mother's advice changed everything: try six other places first. Within days, Jessica had a new job at a modern, people-focused practice. This was "modern accounting" - strategic thinking, forward planning, and genuine client connection. After just eighteen months, the partners offered to sell the practice to just two staff members. At only 26 years old, Jessica was one of them. Despite the daunting debt and responsibility, she took the leap.

Fifteen years later, Accounting Solutions Victoria thrives on Jessica's unwavering focus on people and culture. Her philosophy is simple: you can teach technical skills, but you cannot change someone's attitude. The practice operates on making complex financial matters simple, ensuring every client understands their situation completely. As an SMSF specialist, Jessica navigates Centrelink and aged care complexities, holding clients' retirement dreams in her hands.

The practice has grown entirely through word-of-mouth referrals, serving clients across Australia including Queensland, Northern Territory, and Tasmania. Jessica maintains a strong preference for face-to-face meetings, believing personal connection is irreplaceable. She and her team actively support local sports clubs and schools, embodying her belief that in small regional communities, everyone needs to do their bit.

Jessica is honest about the challenges - the early years were brutal, filled with long hours and constant worry. Her survival strategies include reframing her mindset (from "I have to" to "I GET to"), finding trusted mentors, and sleeping on difficult decisions. Her family remains her biggest support network.

Staffing remains the biggest regional challenge, especially after the local RMIT accounting program closed. Jessica addresses this by hiring young people and supporting them through their studies while they work, creating deeply invested team members. Despite challenges, she loves the regional lifestyle - stunning natural beauty, close-knit community connections, and genuine client relationships.

Her advice to aspiring business owners: "You are more capable and stronger than you think, and you can handle anything that's thrown your way." Find somebody you can trust to talk through challenges - verbalizing problems provides relief and clarity.

Today, Accounting Solutions Victoria stands as testament to what's possible when you combine professional expertise with genuine human connection, prioritize people over profits, and stay deeply rooted in community.

Contact: accountingsolutionsvictoria.com.au | McLeod Street, Bairnsdale | Contact Susan for community support inquiries