Matthew Keller plays a pivotal role as an Assistant Manager at LDB Group, supporting the superannuation team to deliver their crucial compliance work.
While he’s known for solving all manner of self-managed superannuation fund problems, you might be surprised to find out that he’s learning to repair old-school electronics.
Read on to get to know Matthew.
How did you end up in accounting?
My parents steered me towards accounting because it’s a strong profession with stability and a good reputation. When I started doing accounting subjects at school, I found I had a natural aptitude for it.
I joined LDB in 2011 after moving to Melbourne from QLD. The firm was looking for a specific role in superannuation, which I had done before, so everything just aligned.
What do you love about your job?
I like the consistency of superannuation. We get clients who are very interested in how their super funds are performing and meeting all of their obligations with the ATO.
It also gives you greater exposure to accounting for investment, so you have to learn about the share market, how managed funds work, and how property transactions work. You get a lot of exposure to a variety of different areas.
What is your best accounting tip for businesses of all sizes?
For accounting in general, my best tip is to make the most of technology. For us, data feeds from the banks and brokers have been a real game changer. We don’t sit around tapping in transactions every day; technology has freed us up to look at bigger picture matters more regularly.
In terms of superannuation, it’s important to be aware of what your obligations are. Make sure you stay on top of your commitments, not every day but regularly enough, to perform a satisfactory job for the trustee.
What are your interests outside of LDB?
I’m a bit of a cricket tragic. I like the longer form of the game, so I’ll stay up all night when the Ashes are on.
I’m also into technology, like computers and video games. I’ve started teaching myself how to repair electronics. It’s a new skill and it probably doesn’t hurt to know how to repair things. Over the past 20 years, everyone has become so happy to throw things out rather than open them up and have a look at what’s wrong. At the moment, I’m repairing old game consoles and learning about circuits, capacitors, and brushing up basic skills like soldering.
What has been your favourite holiday?
I’m not much of a traveller, but I visited Disneyland in LA when I was a kid. Like any kid, I was kind of into it, but I was also on the verge of becoming a teenager. I was at that stage where I was becoming a little ‘too cool’ for Disney, but I was still young enough to enjoy it.
What’s your favourite book and film?
My favourite film is The Big Lebowski. I like its mix of absurdity and mystery, and there’s so many threads at play, but all of the characters are unique and strange in their own way.
My favourite book is Jurassic Park. I liked the technological possibilities it raised, but also the philosophical complications that can come with that progress.
