Our people

Q&A with Lina Tchung: Supporting a culture of growth in Internal Audit at Macquarie

21 June 2024

Since joining Macquarie’s Internal Audit team as a Division Director in 2019, Lina Tchung has progressed her career, worked at the forefront of innovative risk practices, served on the board of a community organisation, and mentored her team to help them realise their own potential. Today, she is Head of Audit for our Financial Management Group, Risk Management Group and Central Executive Group. 

Why did you join Macquarie? 

In life, I’m a firm believer that 'everything happens for a reason.' I had been working in a professional services organisation for over 17 years when I got the opportunity to join Macquarie's Internal Audit team. I always admired Macquarie for its values, growth story, and approach to risk management; it was one of the few organisations where I could see myself working.

When I started my career over 20 years ago, two of my housemates were graduates at Macquarie. They had plenty of interesting stories about the work they were doing and were very positive about the organisation’s culture. Both went on to have successful careers with the organisation, with one even rejoining Macquarie as a 'boomerang' after a period working elsewhere.

In the end, the two things that convinced me to join were the flexibility and the opportunity to continue growing. As a full-time working mother of two children, flexibility is important to me. I also want to work in an environment where I am constantly learning new skills and developing my career, and five years later, I still feel challenged every day. There's so much happening at Macquarie; you're supported to make the most of opportunities and learn along the way. Every day brings new challenge and opportunity, which is so exciting.

 

What does a typical day look like for you? 

No two days are the same. My days often consist of meeting with stakeholders, ensuring our audits are on track, and understanding how I can help my team. 

At Macquarie, we’re at the forefront of risk practices. So, a big part of my role is influencing risk management frameworks, driving strategy, and delivering on our technology and data transformation. There’s a clear sense of accountability, with everyone empowered to speak up and find better ways of doing things. We’re one team: I’m often working with my global colleagues to resolve issues, complete audits and achieve the best outcomes for the business. Risk management is critical to Macquarie and in my role, I have access to our Executive Committee and the Board. 

I also make sure I’m available to answer my team’s questions, helping them work through any issues and removing barriers. This often involves reaching out to my network to escalate concerns or ask questions. I’ve invested time in building relationships across the organisation and everyone goes above and beyond to help. 

 

How do you feel supported and empowered to take on new opportunities and carve your own unique career pathway?

I’ve experienced multiple roles in Internal Audit since joining Macquarie in 2019. I’m currently responsible for the Financial Management Group, Risk Management Group, and Central Executive Group portfolios, but I previously led the Banking and Financial Services Group, Macquarie Asset Management Public Investments, and Corporate and Asset Finance portfolios. I am also the current Macquarie Bank Limited Internal Audit Delegate.

I’ve embraced opportunities to grow my network and learn from my colleagues. I’ve worked with a variety of stakeholders across the organisation to understand their business area, the regulatory environment in which they operate, and the risks they manage. 

I have always felt empowered to take opportunities that push me outside of my comfort zone. My manager is invested in my career, and I am equally as invested in the development of my team. Many managers and mentors have supported me throughout my career, and I want to pay it forward. I aim to understand the career aspirations of my team and provide them with the guidance and support they need to excel. 

 

How are you supported to give back to the community? 

Time is my most precious resource. There is a lot going on in my life with my career and family but giving back is also important to me. I’ve volunteered my time and expertise to not-for-profit organisations for over 15 years, including working with boards and management on strategy, risk management and financials to ensure the organisation remains stable and sustainable.

I was elected to join the board of the YWCA Australia the same year I joined Macquarie, a not-for-profit organisation that supports women across Australia with housing, support programs and leadership pathways. The support I was given by my manager and Macquarie was incredible. A couple of months later, the pandemic began and I needed to work closely with YWCA to ensure the organisation responded appropriately. It was a challenging and fulfilling experience which I couldn’t have done without the support of my team. 

Macquarie has an employee-led approach to giving. You’re supported to contribute your services, financial support and leadership to causes that mean something to you through the Macquarie Group Foundation.

I’m also supported to work flexibly so that I can effectively balance my work, family life and volunteering. There’s a level of respect from my manager and team in managing these important areas of my life – we’re focused on outcomes. Open communication is important, we prioritise and ensure that we deliver while also supporting the needs of our team. 

 

How would you describe your peers? What do you value about working as part of our team? 

I work with such a diverse and talented group of people. We come from all walks of life; no resume or background is the same. Learning from their lived experiences, both professionally and personally, allows me to reflect on my own career and leadership journey. And working alongside so many inspiring leaders helps me support and develop my team to realise their potential.  

Macquarie has a collaborative culture. I always feel comfortable picking up the phone or reaching out to a colleague to ask a question or ask for help. There are so many inspiring leaders. 

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