Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Chelsea Devine and I am the finance manager for Thiess at Peak Downs. My family and I reside locally to my work in Dysart, QLD and we have two beautiful Children aged 5, 1 with #3 on the way.
When did you start in the mining industry and what was your first job?
My husband and I (boyfriend at the time) made the sea change to Mount Isa in 2015 as I had accepted a graduate accountant position with Glencore. That two-year plan quickly turned into four!
How different is your job now to what you wanted to be when you were a kid?
Very different! I wanted to be an actress and a vet! It was only by chance that I landed into the mining sector – I was a tax accountant in Mackay and wanted to be closer to my partner working at a nearby Glencore mine. I ended up with a graduate position at Mount Isa.
What’s a usual day at work entail?
Juggling motherhood and a management role should be an extreme sport. Typical day starts at 4am to ensure children’s lunchboxes are sorted then I am out the door with an XL coffee by 5:15am. Our primary goal is to ensure the profitability and longevity of the project is maintained and the contract is adhered to when applying the framework to our operations. This can be seen through daily cost reporting to our supervisor teams, negotiating contracts with suppliers, EOM reporting obligations to internal stakeholders and maintaining a strong relationship with our client.
What’s the best thing about your job?
I love the team on site. Cliché I know but you spend more time with the people you work with than with your own family so why not enjoy work! In my role I have the flexibility to still be present in key moments in my children’s life. I love that my role and employer offer this. It is also great being able to get exposure to mining as a whole operation, instead of being stuck in the four walls of your office!
The worst thing?
The worst thing would have to be the reporting deadlines – holidays and trips away always have me mentally calculating if it fits into certain deadlines.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
Imposter Syndrome! Being a young female leader in a male dominated industry can bring up some internal dialogue – I don’t have 30 years’ experience; am I too inexperienced? Do I belong in this role? The management team onsite and within the business supported and helped me develop my self-confidence to ensure I backed myself and my ability. I also participated in the WIMARQ Mentoring Program. The leadership skills I learned set me up for success and improved my leadership capabilities.
What’s something about your job that would surprise people to know?
I haven’t touched a tax return in 10 years – just because I am an accountant does not mean I do tax returns all day!
What’s your best advice for people entering the industry?
If you don’t give it a go, how will you know? Come to work with an open mind and eagerness to learn. Ask questions and use that knowledge to grow your skills. Pair this with hard work and a positive attitude and you will be set up for success in a rewarding career.
The mining industry gets more than its fair share of criticism. What is your view of our industry and the impact it has?
The mining industry is the backbone of regional QLD and NSW and if people disagree then I think they haven’t been able to comprehend the industry as a whole and the impact it has on everyday Australians. I have seen first-hand how the mining companies contribute to the sponsorship of sporting clubs, local schools and not-for-profit events. At the local primary school their funding has enabled free hearing and eye tests. That’s just one great example.
