A former Suncorp employee has been spared jail for defrauding the company of more than $165,000 for holidays and gift cards.
Jenna Ross claimed $78,883.67 in airfares and accommodation on the financial services company's credit cards.
The Melbourne-based assistant claimed the trips were for business for other colleagues.
In reality, she went to the US with a male companion and interstate with friends.
Ross also fraudulently purchased $86,250 in gift cards, listing them as staff costs.
She was spared jail time in Victoria's County Court on Friday for the frauds committed between May 2014 and January 2018.
The 36-year-old was instead placed on a three-year community correction order.
This includes 300 hours of community work that can include mental health treatment.
Ross quit her job after being found out by the company and was charged in 2019.
She ended up pleading guilty to one combined charge of obtaining a financial advantage by deception.
The court was told Ross had long struggled with anxiety, depression and low self esteem.
This helped spur on the frauds because of her strong desire to be liked and respected by her peers.
She was also having difficulties at work and was evening the score, the court was told.
Ross said she was remorseful, embarrassed and ashamed by what she did.
Judge Christopher Ryan acknowledged her mental struggles but said they didn't affect her ability to understand her actions were wrong.
"A word to the wise, don't ever come back here," he said before Ross left the court.
