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Meet your Student Representative
After a long search, we are proud to introduce your new Student Representative at The Tax Institute Higher Education - Serinder Athwal, CPA.
This role gives our students a stronger voice in shaping tax education and the overall learning experience, also giving direct access to decision-makers and Academic Board discussions.
Serinder is the Oceania Tax Lead at Novo Nordisk, managing tax across Australia and New Zealand. She previously worked across several professional accounting firms, giving her insight into both advisory and in-house tax roles.
Why Serinder became the student representative?
Serinder is one of those people you instantly think of as a forever friend. She's colourful, warm, charming and instantly approachable.
Serinder is currently studying the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) program with The Tax Institute finishing the CTA3 Advisory exam in November 2026.
“I'm sitting on both sides of the table. I'm a tax practitioner, but I'm also a CTA student, so I understand the student experience firsthand."
That understanding inspired her to put her hand up for the role.
"I wanted to be someone students feel comfortable reaching out to and to make sure their experiences and ideas are heard by the Academic Board."
What excites her about tax?
She sees tax differently to most.
“People often think tax is all numbers, but for me it’s really about solving interesting problems and helping people make good decisions. Every day brings a new challenge, and that’s what keeps it exciting.”
She’s excited that tax offers consistent demand, complex problem-solving and meaningful client outcomes. More than that, tax supports a fulfilling long-term career growth across advisory and in-house roles.
What students can expect
As Student Representative, Serinder will represent the student voice at Academic Board meetings and share feedback directly with decision-makers. She hopes to turn everyday student experiences into practical improvements.
"I'm looking forward to bringing real student experiences into the room and helping turn great ideas and honest feedback into meaningful improvements."
She also wants students to know they are not alone.
"You're not on this journey alone. Most of us are balancing work, study and everything else life throws at us, so don't be afraid to lean on the student community. And if there's something on your mind, I'd love to hear from you, your voice really does matter."
Your voice matters in tax education
Serinder wants every student to know their feedback matters, no matter how small, helping bit by bit to create a more effective and connected learning environment.
"Please don't think your feedback is too small or not important. Whether it's something that's working really well or something you'd like to see improved, I'd genuinely love to hear it.
Together, we can enrich the student community where everyone's voice helps shape the future of tax education."
Get in touch
"You're not on this journey alone. Most of us are balancing work, study and everything else life throws at us, so don't be afraid to lean on the student community. And if there's something on your mind, I'd love to hear from you as every experience really does matter."
The easiest way is to email her at studentrep@taxinstitute.com.au. Whether you have a question about the next lecture, feedback on a convenor or just want to share your learning experience, her inbox is always open.