Leaving an employer doesn't necessarily mean leaving every financial connection behind.

Many Australians have participated in employee share schemes or received shares through their workplace. Years later, after changing jobs or moving to another address, those investments can become difficult to locate.

If you're searching for forgotten employee shares in Australia, your employment and financial history may provide the first clues.

Start With Your Previous Employers

Make a list of companies you've worked for over the years.

Then look through:

• Old payslips
• Tax records
• Employee share statements
• Dividend statements
• Employment correspondence
• Previous addresses
• Shareholder numbers

Even if you don't remember the exact number of shares, an old employer name can be a valuable starting point.

Check Australia's Unclaimed-Money Records

The Australian Government provides a free unclaimed-money search, while ASIC maintains records for certain unclaimed shares and investments.

If you find a potential record, you'll need to establish your identity and ownership before an eligible claim can proceed.

Don't Ignore Company Changes

An old employer may no longer operate under the same name.

Mergers, acquisitions, restructures and other corporate changes can make an old employee investment difficult to recognise.