PINNACLE PARTNERS - Key Persons
Alister graduated from the Australian National University with a Bachelor of Commerce and went on to spend over 10 years in public practice in Canberra. There he gained extensive experience working with government consultants and other specialists, as well as managing the taxation of personal investments. After moving north for warmer climes, Alister has worked with clients in Brisbane and Mackay before finally settling on the Gold Coast. Since recently joining our team, he has specialised in the taxation of various clients and their superannuation funds.
Ben Teng acquired the business in March 2011. Over the next six months Ben transitioned the practice successfully to what is now known as Pinnacle Partners Business & Medical Accountants.
With over 20 years experience in the accounting industry including stints overseas with multinationals, Ben draws on a wealth of practical experience to benefit our clients. A Chartered Accountant and Fellow of the Tax Institute allows Ben to provide technical guidance. However, Ben's passionate "bigger picture" approach given to clients affairs, along with his consulting focus provide certainty for growth and all round business performance. Ben has significant experience in a range of industries including Medical, Professional Practices, Small to Medium Business, Retail and navigating the complexities of International Taxation and Migration matters. A keen mountain bike rider and gym fan you will find Ben balancing his time outside of the office between these pursuits and his love of a good meal.
Job Titles:
- Financial Planning Manager
Brett is a recent addition to the Pinnacle Partners team having previously worked with a major bank in their private business and health division, and brings 8 years of experience in assisting clients with their financial planning needs. He is proficient in providing holistic financial advice in areas such as Superannuation, Investments, Retirement Planning and both Personal & Business Protection Insurance needs. Brett holds a Bachelor of Science degree along with his qualifications in Financial Planning, is a member of the Financial Planning (FPA) and SMSF Associations, and is currently completing his Masters of Applied Finance to further increase his knowledge in the profession. Outside of business hours Brett is a sports tragic who enjoys spending time with his young family, friends and beloved family dogs.
Candice Russell has recently joined our team as an intermediate accountant. She comes with over 20 years experience with company accounting and has an excellent knowledge of bookkeeping. She has a Diploma in Accounting and recently completed a Course in Community Justice (Justice of Peace Qualified).
Candice has lived on the Gold Coast all of her life and outside of the office she enjoys giving back to her community and spending time with her family.
Cris first started working in public practice in 2006 and has been with Pinnacle Partners since early 2013. She completed her Bachelor of Business from Griffith University and is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) accreditation. With over ten years of professional experience assisting clients with their taxation and financial compliance, Cris has a strong focus in the Self-Managed Superannuation Funds.
With her Philippine background and fluent in Tagalog, Cris can provide business advice and services to expatriates of the Philippines. Cris is always wearing a smile in the office and at home. She enjoys spending her time outside of the office with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Fellow of Institute of Public Accountants
Danny Copley joined the firm in January 2012. An advantageous addition to the team, Danny was later admitted as a Director in January 2014.
Danny is a Fellow of Institute of Public Accountants with over 20 years' experience in the accounting industry. Along with being a qualified licensed financial planner he is also a registered SMSF auditor. Formerly a partner in a large Gold Coast based practice specializing in Small Business and Self Managed Superannuation Funds. Danny has broad based experience in many industries, with a particular emphasis on the Medical and Management Rights Industries.
Danny's community spirit is evidenced by his involvement in many charities on the Gold Coast and his position as treasurer of the Carbine Club supporting junior sport. Recently Danny has been awarded a Paul Harris Fellow for his services to charity. A rare individual having been born and bred on the Gold Coast, Danny is an accomplished fitness tragic and talented musician.
Having joined the team in 2007, Jarka's advice and assistance has become integral part to the growth of the business. Jarka has a Master's Degree of Professional Accounting. Jarka thoroughly enjoys her role, appreciating the opportunity to work with such a supportive and positive group who have genuine interests for their clients business and financial matters.
Having a Broad Based experience to most compliance needs and circumstances, Jarka is constantly applying her knowledge to help clients with issues that affect them, while allowing them to concentrate on the day to day issues of running a business. Born and raised in Czechoslovakia and fluent in three languages (Czech, Slovak and English), Jarka is able to assist international clients by breaking down the interpretation barrier.
Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending time with her family, going camping and reading books.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Administrator
Olivia is a client services administrator who joined the team in March 2022. Olivia is currently in her last year of university, where she is studying her Bachelor of Business majoring in management and finance. After her degree she wishes to complete her Charted Financial Analyst (CFA) accreditation and progress further in her career.
Olivia has always lived on the Gold Coast and wishes to work overseas in the future. Outside of work Olivia finds herself hiking, going to the gym, reading, and spending time with her family.
Renata first joined the Client Services Administration team for Pinnacle Partners in 2017, soon after graduating from Griffith University with her Bachelor of Business. While performing this position, Renata was often exposed to accounting practices, and inevitably gained a strong desire to further her career in the accounting industry. Renata has since completed a Diploma of Accounting, has enrolled into a CPA accreditation, and has progressed forward to an Assistant Accountant position where she is able to further demonstrate and develop her skills.
Having joined our team in early 2018, Shelby swiftly applied over 7 years of accounting experience into our ever-growing workflows. Congruent with her Bachelor's degree in Commerce - majoring in Accounting, her exceptional talent has precipitated an unprecedented level of quality and service to our clients. Currently striving to further her knowledge of the accounting profession, Shelby has recently completed her Chartered Accountant accreditation.
When away from the office, you will often find Shelby traveling the globe, photographing all that the world has to offer.
Susanna was Born and raised in China and fluent in three languages (Mandarin, Cantonese and English). After completing her Bachelor of Art degree in China, Susanna came to Australia and study Master of Accounting, and she is also a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) accreditation. Susanna first started working in public practice in 2008 , and joined Pinnacle Partners in early 2018, with extensive taxation and accounting experience on Management Right Business and Self - Managed Superannuation Fund. Susanna now has a strong focus in the Self-Managed Superannuation Funds auditing.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Administrator
Tori is a new addition to the Pinnacle team, joining as a client services administrator in September 2021 from NZ. Tori has an administration background working in the retail industry as well as her family's business. Tori brings a happy and positive approach to the office; she combines effective communication skills with industry knowledge to deliver superior outcomes for our clients.
Growing up in China, Yi quickly came to understand her aptitude of mathematics as she excelled amongst her peers. Seeking to master this newfound adroitness, Yi travelled to Australia to study a dual Bachelor's degree of Science and Commerce - majoring in mathematics and accounting. Yi enhanced her expertise working both in China and Sydney as she completed her CPA qualifications, before finally settling on the sunny Gold Coast in 2016. Her ability to fluently communicate in Mandarin has significant amplified our ability to facilitate engagements with foreign clientele.
With a keen eye for detail, Yi often spends her free time crafting quality leather accessories and goods.