Growing up in the hustle and bustle of the Philippines’ National Capital Region, relocating to the sun, sand and laid-back lifestyle of the Gold Coast (affectionately known as “the GC” to Erika) was very easy. Erika was educated in English, so all she had to learn was how to throw a snag on the barbie.
“The GC was a perfect fit. The people are friendly and weather absolutely fantastic.”
Growing up, the last career in Erika’s mind was accounting. Had she had her way, Erika would have chosen to take up Law after high school, qualifying for a place in one of her country’s prestigious universities.
“I finished high school at The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, the oldest Catholic University in the Philippines and Asia, and was elected Student Council President in high school and the first secondary student to land a seat in the University’s Central Student Council.”
However, a discussion with her late father, who was a university professor in business, resulted in a slight detour (and eventually a totally different direction). She continued her university education at the University of the East, known for their business and commerce degrees.
“I never liked numbers; in fact, it has always been my Waterloo. Surprisingly though, I love the analysis, it is as if these same numbers, when presented to me, talk their own language which I can understand.”
Armed with enthusiasm, she was fortunate enough to land a job within two weeks of arriving on the Gold Coast in an accounting firm specialising in community management and management rights.
Whilst working, she continued her education to earn an Australian accounting degree from Griffith University in Southport.
“Thankfully, I only needed to complete the taxation and law components of the course, with all of my accounting subjects from the Philippines credited towards earning the degree.”
For eight years, Erika was exposed to the inner workings of the very unique industry of Body Corporate Management and Management Rights.
“I started in the filing room, then accounts payable, body corporate management and searches, and eventually, management rights auditing and verifications. I had very supportive bosses who encouraged me to further my training.”
The late 90s brought about significant changes to the legislations of both industries and Erika became involved in the education and consultation process.
“By then, I decided to specialise. I didn’t want to be distracted with taxation work, financial planning, advice or business development; instead devoting my skills and training wholly to this industry.”
In 2000, Erika commenced her own consulting business.
In 2004, after some starts and stops, including a leave of absence to concentrate on motherhood, she finally earned her degree from Griffith University.
It was then that Erika, with the encouragement of a colleague, looked into professional memberships.
“It was a godsend that I came across the Institute of Public Accountants (then known as the National Institute of Accountants). The Institute gave me the flexibility of belonging to a professional body without having to go through the rigours of further studies on areas I know I will never use. It gave me more time to spend learning the more relevant aspects of my specialisation.”
When not busy doing trust account audits and management rights income verification, Erika likes to spend her time travelling with her husband, Steve and 15-year old son, or staying at home with them and their Maltese Shih Tzu dog, Brodee.
“I love being in the kitchen cooking or baking…and reading. I am a voracious reader who can finish two to three books in a day!”
Today, Erika is recognized as one of the few experts in Management Rights who belong in every management rights financial institution’s panel of accountants. Her boutique firm caters to a limited number of clients.
“I like to keep my client list small and be known for hands-on personal service. I only accept clients through referral.”
This may be an old-fashioned concept with the technology available and potential for expansion, but this formula seems to be working. Erika Thomas & Associates is home to a number of big quality management rights businesses and have been instrumental in the largest purchase to date.
“Being in an industry where you virtually have met or heard of everyone at some point, there is a certain air of “homeliness” in Management Rights. The industry has come a long way from over 20 years ago; it is more professional, clients are more hands-on and involved.”
It’s the friendly, inviting industry, and the livability, which has seen Erika a resident of the Gold Coast for almost 20 years.
“I like living on the Gold Coast as I have been fortunate enough to have really good clients; they are smart, business minded people who are also service oriented.
I am also close enough to all the modern conveniences and the bustle of the city, yet can still find space for peaceful contemplation; we have the beaches, walking trails, rainforests, and hiking areas close to the restaurants, farmers’ markets and decent coffees!”
