At Alexander Spencer, the strength of our team is reflected in the dedication and leadership of all our partners. Seth Li, a key figure and partner of Alexander Spencer, exemplifies this ethos.

Seth Li’s journey to partnership and Principal at Alexander Spencer began when he moved to Australia as an international student from China. His initial focus on accounting laid the promising foundation for his future success. He joined Alexander Spencer in 2014 as an accountant, and over the years, his dedication saw him progress through various roles until he became a partner in 2022, now overseeing Alexander Spencer’s tax advisory department.

Reflecting on his journey, Seth recollects that "it’s been a long journey, over nine years now... (it was) challenging but rewarding".

He manages a diverse portfolio of clients, excelling in taxation, compliance, and accounting while taking a proactive approach to client service. His ability to balance technical skills with personal relationships has been a cornerstone of his career at the firm.

Seth’s impact extends beyond his technical expertise. He has played a pivotal role in connecting Alexander Spencer with the Chinese business community in Australia. Recognising that many Chinese business owners faced challenges in navigating the Australian tax system, Seth has worked tirelessly to bridge this gap, offering services in Mandarin and simplifying complex taxation laws for most, if not all his clients. His cultural and linguistic understanding has enabled him to build strong relationships, ensuring that these clients receive the personalised service they deserve.

In addition to his work with clients, Seth is passionate about mentoring the next generation of accountants. He leads Alexander Spencer’s mentorship program, ensuring that partners and managers provide regular guidance to staff. This program helps team members not only advance in their careers but also develop in themselves personally, supporting them in achieving their own goals.

"Not everybody wants to be a partner, but we want to have this open channel (for) mentorship programs. We aim to help our team members achieve what they want in their futures," Seth shares. His leadership is centered on fostering an environment of growth, accountability, and collaboration within the firm.

Seth’s vision for Alexander Spencer aligns closely with the firm’s commitment towards personalised client service and community engagement. He is dedicated to ensuring that the firm remains a leader in proactive client management, particularly in specialised sectors such as Australian medical practices. Recently, Seth Li alongside Vinse Lau, represented Alexander Spencer at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioner (RACGP)’s Practice Owner’s Conference, providing resources to assist practice owners in navigating the intricate landscape of medical payroll tax risks. His approach blends the expertise of a large firm with the personal touch clients expect from a smaller organisation.

"We’re a big firm, but you get the personal touch you would expect from a smaller firm," Seth notes. "Clients know they’re talking to the same people, and we provide a full range of services, from bookkeeping to complex tax advice".

Seth Li’s journey from international student to partner at Alexander Spencer is a story of perseverance, leadership, and dedication to career growth and community service. His role in bridging the gap for Australian-Chinese business owners and his mentorship of young professionals reflect the core values of Alexander Spencer.

As Seth continues to lead with vision and integrity, we have no doubt his contributions will leave a lasting mark on both the firm and the broader community.