Adding up to big dreams in accounting

28 January 2025
Man and woman standing on stage
CQUniversity Chancellor Mr Graeme Innes AM with Jerusa Tilau

By Tiahna Fiddling

CQUniversity graduate Jerusa Tilau is proving success knows no borders after moving from Papua New Guinea to Australia for her accounting career.

“I first took up accounting in high school and later in college to help my family manage their small business. My interest grew to pursuing a degree in accounting," Jerusa said.

“I plan to utilise my degree to help people manage their small businesses in PNG.”

Jerusa was part of 10 students from Vanimo of PNG’s West Sepik Province who completed their Certificate IV in Business at the CQU Rockhampton campus.

Her cohort was sponsored by the Project Development Benefit (PDB) Trust Fund under the Amanab FMA 1-4 Imonda and Awai Consolidated Logging Project in collaboration Amanab Forest Products Limited.

The sponsorship supported travel, accommodation, meals, tuition, textbooks, and general course and living expenses. 

“CQUniversity was the chosen institute for my sponsorship program because of its reputation, accessibility, and flexibility of education services,” Jerusa said. 

“I come from tropical country and Rockhampton is no different. I enjoyed living and studying at CQU’s North Rockhampton campus because of its natural settings and social community events.”

After successfully completing her certificate, Jersua progressed into a Bachelor of Accounting which required her to move to Brisbane in 2021.

“Moving to Brisbane was challenging at first because of COVID-19. It was difficult as I could not travel home for holidays because of the boarder restrictions. I had to stay back and continue study during the Christmas and New Year periods.

“I had to gain an understanding of online learning and how to navigate CQU learning portals and resources to help with my studies," she said.

“It was stressful and isolating at times, but with the available online groups and few on-campus tutorial classes including group assignments with other students in was not that difficult. CQU also provided online academic support and counselling for all students which I benefit from during the COVID pandemic period."

In 2023, Jerusa graduated at Rockhampton ceremony with her proud parents travelling from PNG to attend. 

That same year she secured employment through the government funded Employment Pathways Program which is facilitated locally by Multiculture Australia.

“I was fortunate enough to find an entry-level role as an Accounts Payable and Bookkeeper, just weeks before graduating from CQUniversity,” Jerusa said.

“I am very grateful to Rockhampton Associate Vice-President Ms Harrington and the multicultural team in Rockhampton for assisting me through the Australian Government funded program. 

“And not forgetting my sponsor in PNG and agents who made this dream a reality.”