Networking at CA ANZ and CPA Events Without Feeling Awkward
Many finance professionals dislike networking. They imagine a room full of strangers, awkward small talk and people handing out business cards. They would rather stay home and apply online.
But in Australia and New Zealand, networking matters. Many Finance Manager and Financial Controller roles are filled through referrals and personal connections. Professional body events, run by CA ANZ, CPA Australia and industry groups, are some of the easiest places to build those connections.
This article explains how finance professionals can network at professional events without feeling awkward, and turn contacts into opportunities.
Why it matters
Many roles are filled before they are advertised
Hiring managers trust candidates who are referred
Recruiters attend events and meet candidates
You learn about businesses, industries and roles you would not otherwise hear about
You build a reputation over time
Change how you think about it
Networking is not selling yourself. It is having conversations with people in your profession. You are not there to ask for a job. You are there to meet people, learn and be helpful.
That shift makes it much less uncomfortable.
Choose the right events
Not all events are equal. Choose ones that match your goals.
Professional body events on technical updates or leadership
Industry events in the sector you work in or want to move into
Smaller events, such as breakfasts or workshops, where conversation is easier
Events for finance leaders at your level or one level above
Smaller events are often easier for people who find large rooms overwhelming.
Prepare a little
Before the event, think about a simple introduction. “I am a Finance Manager at a manufacturing business in Geelong. I look after month end, budgets and a team of four.” That is enough.
Prepare two or three questions you can ask anyone. “What brought you here today?” “What are you working on at the moment?” “What do you think of the topic?”
Start conversations easily
The easiest people to approach are those standing alone. They are often relieved to talk. You can also join small groups by listening first, then adding a comment.
Ask questions and listen. Most people enjoy talking about their work. You do not need to be interesting. Being interested is enough.
Set a small goal
Do not try to meet everyone. Set a goal of two or three meaningful conversations. Once you have had them, you can leave if you want to.
Follow up
The real value comes after the event. Connect on LinkedIn within a day or two with a short personal note. “Great to meet you at the CPA breakfast this morning. I enjoyed our chat about month end automation.”
If there was a genuine connection, suggest a coffee or a short call later. Keep it relaxed.
Be helpful
Good networking is two-way. Share an article, introduce someone, pass on a role you heard about. People remember those who help them.
Online networking
LinkedIn is networking too. Comment thoughtfully on posts from finance leaders, share useful insights and connect with people you meet. For tips on your profile, see LinkedIn About section examples for finance professionals.
When you are looking for a role
If you are job hunting, you can mention it naturally. “I am starting to look for my next Financial Controller role, ideally in manufacturing. If you hear of anything, I would love to know.” Most people are happy to help if asked simply.
Building relationships over time
Networking works best as a long-term habit, not a burst of activity when you need a job. Staying in touch with a handful of people a month, sharing useful articles, congratulating people on new roles and meeting for coffee occasionally builds a network that is there when you need it.
The strongest networks are built before you need them.
Introverts often network well
Many finance professionals describe themselves as introverts. That can be an advantage. Introverts often listen well, ask thoughtful questions and build deeper one-on-one relationships. You do not need to work the room. A few genuine conversations are far more valuable than many shallow ones.
Volunteering at events
If walking into a room of strangers feels hard, volunteer. Help at registration, join an organising committee or offer to speak on a panel. Having a role gives you a natural reason to talk to people and makes you more visible.
Professional bodies often need volunteers for local committees and events. It is one of the easiest ways to build relationships with senior finance people.
Meeting recruiters at events
Specialist finance recruiters often attend professional events. Meeting them in person can be more effective than sending a resume cold. Have a short, clear explanation of your experience and what you are looking for.
Keeping track
A simple list of people you meet, where you met them and what you talked about helps you follow up and stay in touch. It also reminds you who might be useful to contact when you are looking for a role or advice.
Networking for career changers
If you want to move into a new industry or type of role, networking matters even more. Attend events in your target sector, ask people about their work and learn the language. For more, see changing industries as a Finance Manager.
A worked example
Here is how one person might turn a single event into a real opportunity. The details are illustrative.
Leah is a Management Accountant at a Perth mining services business. She wants to move into a Finance Business Partner role within a year. She does not enjoy large events, so she picks a professional body breakfast on business partnering, with about 40 people in the room.
Before: She prepares a one line introduction and two questions. She checks the speaker’s LinkedIn profile.
At the event: She talks to a woman standing alone near the coffee. It turns out she is a Finance Business Partner at an energy company. Leah asks how she moved into the role. They talk for ten minutes.
After: Leah connects on LinkedIn the same afternoon and mentions one tip she found useful.
Six weeks later: Leah comments on one of her posts and shares an article on capex tracking.
Four months later: The new contact messages Leah. A Finance Business Partner role is opening in her team. Would Leah like an introduction to the hiring manager?
One conversation, followed up well, led to a referral. That is how most event networking pays off. Slowly, then suddenly.
What to say when you do not know what to say
Having a few lines ready takes the pressure off. Here are some that work in most finance settings.
Opening lines
“Hi, I am Leah. Is this your first time at one of these breakfasts?”
“What did you think of the speaker’s point about forecasting?”
“Which part of finance do you work in?”
Keeping it going
“How did you get into that role?”
“What is keeping your team busy at the moment?”
“Is your business going through any big changes this year?”
Leaving politely
“It has been great talking with you. I am going to grab another coffee, but I would love to connect on LinkedIn.”
“I promised myself I would say hello to the speaker. Lovely to meet you.”
A graceful exit matters as much as a good start. It lets both of you move on without awkwardness.
A 90 day networking plan
If you want networking to become a habit, give it a simple structure.
Days 1 to 30
Update your LinkedIn headline so people know what you do after meeting you
Attend one professional body or industry event
Reconnect with three former colleagues by message or phone
Days 31 to 60
Attend a second event, ideally a different format such as a webinar or workshop
Have two coffee catch-ups with people you met
Comment on five posts from finance leaders in your sector
Days 61 to 90
Ask about joining a local committee or helping at an event
Introduce two people who would benefit from knowing each other
Review your contact list and note who to stay in touch with each month
Australia and New Zealand differences
In New Zealand, the finance community is smaller and more connected. In cities like Wellington, Christchurch or Hamilton, you may see the same people at several events a year. That makes follow-up and reputation especially important. A good impression spreads quickly, and so does a poor one.
In larger Australian cities, events can be bigger and more varied. You may need to be more selective and focus on a sector or topic to meet the same people more than once. Regional areas on both sides of the Tasman often have smaller, friendlier events where it is easier to meet senior people.
What hiring managers notice
Hiring managers who meet you at events are quietly forming a view. They tend to remember people who:
Asked good questions and listened to the answers
Were clear about what they do, in one or two sentences
Followed up promptly and without pressure
Showed genuine interest in the business, not just the job
None of this requires you to be outgoing. It requires you to be curious, prepared and consistent.
Common mistakes
Avoiding events entirely
Asking for a job in the first conversation
Talking only about yourself
Collecting contacts but never following up
Only networking when you need something
Your next step
Find one professional or industry event in the next month. Set a goal of two conversations. Follow up with both people on LinkedIn within two days.
If you want your resume and LinkedIn ready for the conversations networking creates, my Gold package covers your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn and positioning strategy.
If you want help planning your job search, book a complimentary Clarity Session.
