Building a career through curiosity: Peter Liu’s Graduate story at PKF

Ever wondered how a graduate auditor builds a dynamic and fulfilling career in professional services? 

Peter Liu’s path to PKF began far from the balance sheets. Born in Beijing and immersed in American-style education from kindergarten, Peter then took on military boarding school life in China - where discipline and accountability first took root.

A Multicultural Beginning

At age 14, he studied in the Philippines and later spent a high-school exchange year in the UK and Europe. These experiences ignited his outgoing personality, global mindset and passion for cross-cultural connection. Choosing Melbourne as his academic home, Peter completed a Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Information Technology at the University of Melbourne - bridging Finance, Accounting, Corporate Law, Cybersecurity and FinTech.

Why PKF stands out for graduate audit careers

From investment banking to software engineering, Peter explored varied roles before discovering his fit in audit. What drew him to audit at PKF: the chance to move industry to industry, learn deeply and create value through assurance.

As a Graduate Auditor at PKF Melbourne, he supports external and internal audits across sectors - performing bank reconciliations for major corporations, validating payroll systems for thousands of employees and delivering assurance for ASX-listed entities. His work strengthens confidence in financial reporting and regulatory compliance.

What a day at PKF Melbourne looks like

“In audit, no two assignments are the same,” says Peter. One day, he might examine tangible assets for a large company. The next day, he could be reviewing a contract for a not-for-profit or checking cyber-security controls for a tech firm. Through this diversity, Peter gains rich insights into how organisations operate, risk-manage and make decisions.

Growth through challenge

Peter thrives on the learning curve, understanding how a sports team sponsorship deal gets negotiated, or how a retailer safeguards stock, or how IT infrastructure protects financial data from hackers. These “aha” moments, when context reveals why something is done a certain way. 

Of course, the role isn’t without its demands. Technical expertise plus industry knowledge are required. Deadlines matter. Time-management is essential, especially during client hand-over periods. But for Peter, these are stepping-stones, not obstacles.

Peter's advice to students and graduates

Reflecting on his journey, Peter shares three pieces of guidance for those preparing for careers in audit or professional services:

• Leave yourself space to explore. Academics are important, but growth often happens when you push beyond grades.
• Talk to strangers. New perspectives emerge when you reach out - even to someone you meet on exchange or abroad.
• Value your loved ones. Travel, study and work can take you far. Don’t forget the grounding that family and reconnecting provide.

The path ahead

At PKF Melbourne, Peter is building a career not just in audit, but in curiosity, adaptability and purpose. If you’re drawn to a graduate role that offers exposure across industries, global mindset and rigorous professional development. 

Ready to launch your career? Discover early-career opportunities with PKF and join a firm that values your story, your potential and your growth.