AU_Sanjay Silwal

Written by ISS People Stories | 22/03/2026 5:54:02 AM

Like many students, Sanjay was working while studying for his postgraduate MPA (Master of Professional Accountant) at the Sydney campus of Charles Darwin University. His role as an ISS cleaner helped him to support his way through studies. But it was Sanjay’s determination, teamwork and giving his best that has earnt him a pathway to promotion as an ISS contract administrator 5 years on.

Sanjay’s ISS career path

Sanjay worked as a cleaner with Menzies Facility Services while studying for his post-graduate MPA. When ISS took over the Menzies contract in March 2019, he began his career with ISS. Part of his post-graduate program involved an internship at The Westin Sydney Hotel. It was while working here that he saw an internal recruitment post for an ISS health and safety coach role. With his knowledge of cleaning and chemical procedures, Sanjay thought this could be a good fit and he was keen to move into a corporate role.

“I interviewed for the health and safety coach role in October 2020. But as I didn’t have a vehicle, I was not given the job. Still, a few days later ISS approached me to discuss a different role vacancy as an assistant accountant. I applied and interviewed for this role as I had the necessary accounting qualifications and was hired as an ISS assistant accountant.

“As an international student, it is very tough to get a great opportunity from the start, because hiring companies usually look for one or two years of experience."

I want to thank ISS for giving the opportunity to newcomers. They believed in me and gave me this opportunity.
Sanjay Silwal, ISS Contract Administrator

Once Sanjay’s assistant accountant role got underway, he quickly faced more change. Working through the Covid-19 pandemic involved ‘pivoting’ as needed. For Sanjay, this meant that his role became more aligned to contract administrator support.

“I supported three NSW Whole of Government contracts – the Sydney package, Southwest Sydney package and North Coast Package. During this time, I even looked after the Southwest Sydney package for a year by myself to cover a colleague on maternity leave.

“At the time, it was challenging working from home through the pandemic. It was not a nice feeling to sit in front of computer for 5 days a week, alone at home, for a long time.”

But strong team support, even while working virtually, made all the difference.

“My team has always supported me and having a good working environment really counts. Also, having a vibe where there are people who want you to be the best at the job you do and who are there for you, which motivates my commitment to ISS.”

Fast-forward to mid-2022 and Sanjay’s hard work and dedication paid off with his promotion to ISS Contract Administrator overseeing the North Coast package.

“There were hurdles to overcome when I started on this package but, once I started looking over the package and successfully resolving any issues, such as significant invoice back payment, I really enjoyed the challenge.”

Sanjay’s work has not gone unnoticed, he has been awarded two peer-nominated Hero awards and a client-nominated Apple award for his work.

Sanjay’s advice?

“Be honest, give your best, try to improve yourself, believe in teamwork, have patience and your time will come.

“I am on a work-sponsored visa. I want to give ISS credit for whatever I become now. ISS plays a crucial part in my life. It has been 5 years already working from ISS Cleaner to Accountant Assistant to Contract Admin Supports to Contract Administrator.”

John Rebeiro, ISS Operations Manager awards Sanjay a peer-nominated award at the ISS Milperra office, NSW

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