illumin8
You’ll never guess what this guy does for a living…
Introducing illumin8.
Andrew Van De Beek FCA, Founder & Head of Purpose, Ilumin8
I’m Andrew, and although I might not look like one, I’m an accountant, or at least for a large part of my professional career that’s what I’ve identified as..founder of Illumin8, podcast host, co-working community designer, bathroom renovation retail store owner, coordinator of retreats, mentor of up & coming accountants, keynote speaker & generally getting myself into interesting situations in the world of accounting.
Founding Illumin8 back in 2012 has allowed me to lead an amazing team that shares my passion for helping small business owners do more of what they love. We have been able to push the boundaries of our industry and truly believe that accountants of today and tomorrow need to be more and do more.
Being so connected with the accounting community has given me great opportunities to share the Illumin8 journey, as well as be impacted by those blazing their trail at the same time. Be it one on one, running a retreat or on a stage in front of many, I have a strong passion to share about potential. The potential of our industry, of people, businesses & of our community as a whole.
Having met many amazing people along my journey I have also played a role in starting up a social enterprise, creating and running a thriving co-working community, sitting on a handful of technology advisory boards and travelling the world to share my passion through keynote presentations on stage. These days I find myself driving the vision of Illumin8, guiding others along their entrepreneurial path, jumping on stage to share the noise & chasing mini projects of my own.
Whilst being nowhere near done, it brings a smile to my face when I reflect on what I’ve been able to do within our amazing community. I’m ever appreciative for the high fives along the way, such as winning a handful of awards like the Accounting Industry Thought Leader of The Year, being awarded Fellowship with Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand, and having Illumin8 recognised as the fastest growing firm in Australia in 2021.
Check out ‘Horror Show’ – a film by illumin8 accountants.
Read more about illumin8 here and check out their podcast series, ‘Aly & Andrews All Aussie Accounting Adventures’.
BDO (NTH QLD)
At BDO (NTH QLD), we’re proud to be the region’s largest full-service accounting and advisory firm, with offices in Cairns and Townsville. With deep roots in the community, we understand what it takes to build successful businesses in regional Queensland—and we’re here to help shape the future.
Our team of 75+ Partners and professionals offer expert support across accounting, tax, audit, and advisory services. Whether it’s an individual tax return, launching a new venture, scaling up, or planning for succession, we’re with our clients every step of the way.
We treat every business like it’s our own. We’re especially proud of our work with First Nations communities and remote organisations across Far North Queensland. Our mission is to boost financial literacy, support business growth, and create lasting opportunities for local talent—building success that spans generations.
At BDO, our why is simple: empowering people, realising possibilities. One way we do this is by investing in future talent. Whether you’re still in high school or finishing university, we offer programs designed to help you explore your interests, build your skills, and kickstart your career. Our student programs include:
👩🏫 High School Work Experience – Get hands-on exposure to a professional office environment and learn the basics of accounting and advisory services.
💼 Vacation Program – A paid, short-term placement where you’ll work on real client projects, explore different service areas, and connect with mentors.
🎓 Undergraduate Program – Work part-time or full-time while completing your degree. Gain practical experience and grow your professional network.
🚀 Graduate Program – Launch your career in a supportive environment. You’ll work on real client engagements from day one, with guidance directly from our Partners and experienced mentors.
A number of our current Partners began their journeys with us through our student programs, a testament to our long-standing commitment to cultivating home grown talent. By investing early in promising individuals we’ve built a strong pipeline of future leaders who understand our values and culture from day one. Our Partners’ career trajectories reflect the success of this strategy, proving that when we nurture potential, we grow excellence.
We’re excited to meet the next generation of changemakers! At BDO (NTH QLD), we’re proud to sponsor and support a finalist team from both Cairns and Townsville as they showcase their talent, ambition, and innovative thinking. By backing these emerging leaders, we’re investing in the future of our region and creating opportunities for growth, connection, and long-term success. Goodluck to everyone involved, we can’t wait to cheer you on as you take the next big step in your accounting journey!
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| Bonnie De La Rue People & Culture Manager |
Jecoa Selke People & Culture Coordinator |
To keep up to date with student opportunities, events, career tips and more, follow BDO (NTH QLD) on social media.
BDO NTH QLD Facebook page
BDO NTH QLD Instagram page
Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CA ANZ)
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) represents more than 136,000 financial professionals, supporting them to make a difference to the businesses, organisations and communities in which they work and live. Chartered Accountants are known as Difference Makers. The depth and breadth of their expertise helps them to see the big picture and chart the best course of action.
CA ANZ promotes the Chartered Accountant (CA) designation and high ethical standards, delivers world-class services and life-long education to members and advocates for the public good and protect the reputation of the designation by ensuring members continue to comply with a code of ethics, backed by a robust discipline process. They also monitor Chartered Accountants who offer services directly to the public.
Their flagship CA Program, the pathway to becoming a Chartered Accountant, combines rigorous education with practical experience. Ongoing professional development helps members shape business decisions and remain relevant in a changing world.
They actively engage with governments, regulators and standard-setters on behalf of members and the profession to advocate boldly in the public good and their thought leadership promotes prosperity in Australia and New Zealand.
Business Educators’ Association of Queensland
The Business Educators’ Association of Queensland Inc (BEAQ) is the professional association dedicated to supporting Business Education teachers across Queensland. With a vision of being a thriving, innovative, and inclusive organisation, BEAQ empowers its members and key stakeholders to evolve the field of Business Education in Queensland.
BEAQ is committed to equipping teachers with the resources and skills needed to deliver high-quality business programs in schools. This is achieved through professional development opportunities, an annual conference, and student-related events. The association also celebrates outstanding contributions to the field, keeps members informed on critical issues, encourages inquiry to enhance teaching practices, and provides support to educators whenever possible.
Leadership and advocacy are at the heart of BEAQ’s mission. The association maintains close relationships with key bodies such as QCAA, BEA, and JCQTA, ensuring Business Education remains a vital part of the Queensland Curriculum. BEAQ actively promotes the professional profile of Business Education teachers, develops timely policies based on educators’ needs, and fosters strategic partnerships to strengthen its impact.
BEAQ operates with the core values of collaboration, professionalism, innovation, integrity, and inclusivity. These principles underpin everything the association does, from engaging meaningfully with members to striving for creative solutions and fostering ethical, inclusive practices. BEAQ is proud to be the voice of Business Education teachers in Queensland, driving innovation and supporting professional growth in this essential learning area.
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