Career Case Study: Heena Shah FIAA – Principal, Ameyaa Advisory 

Heena is a seasoned management consultant with diverse experience in superannuation and management consulting across multiple industries. Specialising in strategic planning and performance improvement project management, she brings a track record of driving results.

With expertise in navigating complex regulatory landscapes, she excels in delivering actionable insights and guiding organisations towards optimal financial outcomes. 

Why did you become an actuary? 

Growing up I wanted to have a career that involved mathematics and statistics. A high school math teacher was highly influential in the choice of an actuarial career. 

How did you find out about this career (including study to qualify, or any changes in direction)?  

A high school teacher encouraged me to consider Actuarial as a career given my love for mathematics. Following completion of a bachelor’s in actuarial science at Curtin, I joined PwC as an analyst within the Actuarial Team. Work encouraged and supported the completion of the professional exams, Part II and Part III.

At PwC, I was provided financial support and study leave. I was working in a team where my peers were also undergoing their qualification so there was plenty of informal support to help navigate the education and exams. 

How did you land your first job? 

The Actuarial Course coordinator at Curtin University had developed a network of potential employers who would be willing to offer work experience / vacation work to second- and third-year students. I applied for these positions and was fortunate to secure two work experience placements in my second year.

One of these was with PwC, a placement that eventually led to a graduate position with the company after I completed my degree. 

What helped you build your career? 

A solid foundation at PwC, with a team of peers who were all striving towards the same goal of qualification as a Fellow (FIAA) helped me progress. Whilst at PwC, I worked with the retirement incomes and asset consulting team building a strong knowledge base of the superannuation industry.

I then transitioned to GESB (the Western Australian Government Employees Superannuation Board, a superannuation fund with over $39 billion in funds in management). In this role, I supported a significant outsourcing project, supporting management and the board to make considered choices about aspects of the business that need to be outsourced.

This was my first step into problem solving and management consulting. I have since worked with numerous clients across multiple industries to solve complex problems, establish future strategic direction and pathways to achieve their goals. 

From your experience, what advantages does being an actuary offer in the professional world? 

Being an actuary equips you with strong analytical skills and a reliance on facts data to make informed decisions. The actuarial education hones your attention to detail and ability to consume content, distill it, and present complex mathematical information in simple, presentable formats to enable Executives and Board’s to make effective decisions. 

What top five skills do you look for when hiring an actuary? 

• Analytical skills.
• Ability to present complex information in an easy to consume format.
• Attention to detail.
• Communication and stakeholder management.  
• Ability to challenge information presented. 

What exciting projects or work locations have you been exposed to? 

• I’ve been able to work with clients across many industries which provides exciting opportunities as the work is so varied. 
• First foray into consulting – Outsourcing project at GESB, where I got to combine my knowledge of the superannuation industry, analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities. 
• Complex modelling for decarbonisation roadmaps for a number of mining and industrial organisations.

Name one career highlight.  

One career highlight was transitioning to management consulting, where I brought my soft and transferable skills into my new career.

This included my ability to explain complex technical terms in a common language, ensuring that all stakeholders understood and agreed on the necessary steps to enhance performance. 

How would you summarise yourself in one sentence? 

A go getter who never gives up. 

What advice would you give to aspiring actuaries? 

Check out Heena’s career and qualification timeline

Ready to learn more on beginning your journey to becoming an actuary?

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