Build Your Network, Build Your Career for Associate members

Networking may come naturally to some, but it is a skill that can be learned, practised, and mastered by anyone.

Join us for an insightful and engaging evening designed to help you expand your professional network and gain valuable career insights on your CPA Program journey. Hear from accomplished networkers in the accounting industry as they share their unique career journeys, the pivotal decisions that shaped their success, lessons learned along the way, and advice for navigating the opportunities and challenges of a professional career.

Facilitating the discussion will be Anthony Sacco, Managing Director of Level Up Business Partnering, who will share a business leadership perspective; Lucas Mehlhopt, Talent Advisor at C3 Talent, who will provide insights from a recruitment and talent acquisition perspective; and Tina Le, Director of Finance at Queensland Treasury Corporation, who will offer a member's perspective on navigating career growth and professional development.

Attendees will be given an opportunity to test their skills with practical exercises. Whether you are just beginning your career or looking to take the next step, this event offers valuable perspectives and connections to support your professional growth.

Learning Outcomes:

Assess the role of professional networking and stakeholder relationship management in supporting career development and professional success within the accounting profession.

Anthony Sacco, FCPA, CMA, is a seasoned business leader with more than 25 years of experience across finance, commercial leadership, operations and general management. Having worked in six countries and across multiple industries, he now leads Level Up Business Partnering, helping organisations thrive through global expertise, strategic clarity and hands-on support.

Alongside his executive leadership experience, Anthony serves as a Volunteer Business Mentor with the Queensland Government’s Mentoring for Growth program, supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners with strategic advice on growth, innovation, resilience and sustainable success. He is also a member of CPA Australia’s Queensland Business Committee and an Assistant Coach with the Wilston Grange QAFLW team.

Lucas Mehlhopt is a Talent Advisor at C3Talent, a Brisbane owned recruitment agency. Lucas specialises in recruiting Accounting & Finance professionals across Brisbane and South East Queensland.

Originally from New Zealand, he started his recruitment career in London in 2015, before relocating to Brisbane in early 2021. Having built his own career and professional network across different countries and cities, he has developed a strong appreciation for the role relationships can play in creating opportunities and shaping careers.

His career has given him the opportunity to work with accounting professionals at all stages of their careers, from those taking their first steps into accounting through to experienced Finance Managers, Financial Controllers and CFOs.

This has given him a unique perspective on the decisions, relationships and behaviours that can influence career progression over time.

His approach to networking is practical. He believes strong professional networks are built through everyday conversations, curiosity, helping others and staying in touch, rather than relying on formal networking events alone.

Lucas is particularly interested in how people build genuine professional relationships, develop credibility within their industry, and create networks that remain valuable throughout their careers.

Tina Le is Director, Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) at Queensland Treasury Corporation, where she leads FP&A, corporate performance reporting, executive decision support and management reporting transformation.

A Fellow CPA, Tina brings extensive senior finance leadership experience across financial services, the public sector, health, professional services and commercialised operations. She has held senior finance leadership roles at Queensland Health and served as Chief Financial Officer at the Queensland Audit Office, leading large finance teams, complex budgets, governance frameworks and reporting transformation initiatives.

A long-standing CPA Australia member and mentor, Tina is passionate about career development and business partnering, and about helping emerging professionals understand how strong networks, stakeholder relationships and continuous learning shape a successful career.