Blayney Morgan

BCom (2001)

Blayney Morgan, the third generation of his family to study at the University of Melbourne, has forged a distinct career in auditing and financial leadership.

As the third generation of his family to attend the University of Melbourne and study a Bachelor of Commerce, Blayney Morgan has carved out a unique niche for himself in the energy and resources sector, departing from his family’s business to forge a career that’s all his own.

A family legacy

Morgan's academic lineage at the University of Melbourne is significant. His father and grandfather both studied the Bachelor of Commerce at the Faculty of Business and Economics, creating a deep-seated connection to the institution.

His grandfather, Roy Morgan, founder of market research company Roy Morgan Research, studied a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1929–1930, but did not complete it. Blayney Morgan's father, Gary Morgan, is now the Executive Chairman of the company. He studied a Bachelor of Commerce degree and graduated in 1969.

Despite this legacy, Morgan approached his studies with an open mind. He was drawn to a Bachelor of Commerce program, particularly enjoying the auditing components, which would later shape his career path.

“I always knew I was going to do a BCom, like my father,” he says.

His family's history with the university added a personal touch to his educational journey, influencing his decision to pursue accounting even before he fully understood its implications. Morgan recalls his father assisting with building out the Faculty’s first market research course.

Blayney Morgan on his graduation day (pictured with his parents)

“I can remember my father helping the lecturer with that first course… our family had a really strong linkage with the University of Melbourne.”

His sister, Portia, would later also study a BCom/Laws (hons) at the university.

Transitioning to auditing

After completing his studies, Morgan initially joined his family's market research business, a venture that offered valuable experience but did not align with his professional aspirations. Recognising the need to explore his own interests, he made the decision to leave the family business. This move allowed him to redirect his career towards auditing, a field that fascinated him during his time at university.

“It’s about finding your own way, working out how to do it yourself, starting from the ground up,” he explains.

“All of those things, I think, are really important.”

Morgan's career trajectory soon took him to prestigious firms, including BDO and Deloitte, where he gained valuable experience in auditing and was exposed to complex financial operations and diverse clients.

Specialising in energy and resources

Morgan's decision to focus on the energy and resources sector stems from his understanding of its significance in Australia. Growing up, he recognised that this sector is fundamental to the country’s economy, shaping daily life in ways that are often overlooked.

"It's a sector that everyone uses every day," he explains.

"You pick up a stapler and all the metals it’s made from are the things that come from that industry.”

His expertise in energy and resources has been pivotal in shaping his current role as a partner and leader of the Energy and Resources Industry Group at SW Accountants & Advisors.

Here, he leads teams in assessing clients' financial statements, ensuring transparency and compliance within the sector.

Navigating cultural complexities

Working with international clients has presented its own set of challenges, particularly when bridging cultural divides. Morgan highlights the complexities that can arise when Australian and Chinese business practices intersect.

“A classic example is the Australian management is worried about funding, but the Chinese management is worried about profitability, and quite often they’re talking about the same thing.”

He describes the need for careful communication, especially when clients have differing perspectives.

“Quite often you’re the translator saying… that the thing you’re ignoring is the thing that they need to get what you want.”

Mentorship

Morgan's career has also highlighted the importance of mentorship. He acknowledges the significant role that mentors have played in his professional development, both within and outside the organisations he has worked for. As a result, he has made it a priority to give back by mentoring others.

“I think that’s definitely the most rewarding,” he says.

“You’re the one that’s giving them a nudge to think about something different.”

By venturing into a sector he is passionate about, Morgan has established himself as a key voice in the energy and resources industry. Now, he says he’s fortunate to be interacting more with his old alma mater as the auditor of Ormond College, one of the University of Melbourne’s largest residential colleges.

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