ADVISORY PARTNERS - Key Persons
In 2014, Cameron established Advisory Partners after working for high profile local and national accounting practices. He currently has two roles in the firm -
Carl joined us in August 2020 and is making quite an impression in the Business Services department at Advisory Partners. As a Business Advisor and Tax Accountant, he loves being able to use his skills for the benefit of his SME client base to improve their financial outcomes. As with all accounting, regulatory compliance can be a complex task and Carl thrives on being able to simplify this for his clients by putting it into everyday language.
One of the wonderful advantages of working at Advisory Partners is the ability to learn from and grow with the team. Carl certainly revels in this aspect and is a wonderful contributor to the professional and productive culture in the office.
Qualifications/Memberships
Job Titles:
- Financial Planning Paraplanner
- Para Planner
Catherine is a para planner working closely with the Financial Planning Team. She has a wealth of experience in various aspects of financial planning and has highly valued organisational and communication abilities. Able to multi-task and meet tight deadlines, Catherine can work under pressure and still produce high quality outcomes for clients when preparing statements of advice and managing office procedures.
Perhaps her greatest talents lie in her analytical and research abilities. Catherine's strategic thinking prowess and desire to leave no stone unturned when seeking the best results for clients has consistently proved to be a major asset. She enjoys testing all the options, problem solving and developing calculated responses to complex issues. She is a wonderful asset to the firm.
Qualifications/Memberships
Job Titles:
- Business Services Co - Ordinator
Christine's presence at Advisory Partners has been sending positive ripples through the local business community ever since she began as our Business Services Coordinator. As a Xero and MYOB software expert, she develops a great sense of pride when training and guiding clients in their use of these multi-faceted packages. She loves it when their initial anxiety about their software is transformed into confidence during her training with them.
As a trained bookkeeper with more than 15 years' experience, she knows the importance of accurately balancing the books while remaining compliant with relevant taxation legislation. Consequently, the tips and strategies she passes to clients make a considerable difference when it comes to running their businesses.
Daniel joined the team in September, 2016 in the position of Business Services Administrator where he looked after much of the firm's IT systems. Since then, he has achieved his Accounting Diploma and is now a valued member of the Business Advisory Team.
As part of his accounting studies at Deakin, Dylan first came to Advisory Partners as an intern in 2018 before returning as a cadet in 2019. On both occasions, he impressed all who came across him with his entertaining personality and ability to perform his tasks with a high level of professionalism. So it was a very easy decision to take him on as a full-time member of the team when the opportunity arose.
Currently, Dylan is working hard to complete his Chartered Accountant qualification.
Around the office, Dylan carries out several duties to ensure his clients' interest are served -
Job Titles:
- Client Relations Administration
Eileen joined the Advisory Partners team early in 2017 and has held several positions due to her flexibility, depth of knowledge and eagerness to learn. Once Matt Le Maitre's Executive Assistant, her talents are now employed in the Financial Planning Team with Jesse Purser and Jennifer Morris.
Extraordinarily organised, meticulous and efficient, Eileen's talents ensure the team functions flawlessly so all client needs are delivered with accuracy, diligence and in a timely manner. Her attention to detail and research abilities also see that the best possible advice is supplied to all clients.
Eileen's plan is to deepen her knowledge of financial planning as this area fascinates her and she loves being part of clients' financial health and literacy.
When she's not at the office, Eileen is a busy mum running her two children between sporting and social events. She wouldn't have it any other way.
Qualifications
Cert IV, Training and Assessment
Diploma in Health and Science
Elyse has been with the firm since its inception in 2014 as a Taxation and Business Advisor. Originally from a Camperdown dairy farm, she moved to Geelong to complete her studies and further her career. She has quickly made a first-class impression at Advisory Partners due to her enthusiasm and eye for detail.
Her time on the farm provided a solid grounding for grasping day-to-day small business operations so it's in this field she provides great understanding and value to her clients. This, coupled with her experience at another high profile accounting firm, has seen her develop into an accomplished accountant capable of assisting a wide range of small to medium business owners in a variety of ways.
In particular, Elyse specialises in: -
Felicity joined Advisory Partners late in 2020 and works with us in the Accounting and Taxation Department. With a solid knowledge in these disciplines, she is able to bring substantial benefits to her clients so their business and personal financial outcomes are improved. Add to that her wonderful time-management and communication skills, and Felicity is able to adeptly hit her deadlines and keep her clients up to speed.
Felicity brings further value with her knowledge in several key areas to assist her clients.
Job Titles:
- Provisional Financial Advisor
Jennifer came to Advisory Partners as an intern in her final year of study at Deakin University. Majoring in Financial Planning and Accounting, she was a perfect fit and continued on to complete her degree with distinction and achieved several other notable awards for excellence in the process. Currently, she works with us in Financial Planning and helps to support Jesse Purser with administration.
Jennifer's focus is building and maintaining productive relationships with clients. This means her involvement spans all the key players in various organisations as well as being available for inter-office administrative duties. Proficient at conducting business reviews, she offers a knowledgeable sounding board and skilful communication abilities whenever she connects with her clients. She is also extraordinarily proficient with Praemium software enabling us to keep track of a multitude of client interests.
Qualifications and Awards
Job Titles:
- Authorised Representative of the Financial Planning Department
- Financial Planning / Partner
Jesse is an Authorised Representative of the Financial Planning Department within Advisory Partners, in addition to managing that department. With abundant experience in another large local accounting firm, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table every time he meets with his clients.
Discussing wealth strategies is an element of work Jesse really enjoys. He loves being a small part of his clients' successful financial transition from working to retirement.
Holding this position often requires Jesse to have delicate conversations with clients. Topics regularly include cash flow, superannuation, personal investment, tax outcomes and personal insurance - including Life Insurance, Income Protection, Total and Permanent Disability and Trauma.
He's keen to ensure advice is easy to follow, and his natural caring manner enables him to relax his clients quickly so they come to realise the importance of setting goals and implementing strategies to assist in building and maintaining wealth for retirement. Feeling confident in the process then enables clients to make sound and informed decisions.
Jesse is accomplished at -
Job Titles:
- Client Relations Administration
It's safe to say Jessica is one of the characters around the office. Jess is quick with a joke and with a real love of life. Currently, she works with us in Financial Planning and helps support Cameron White with Administration.
In particular, Jessica enjoys creating lasting relationships with clients so she can assist them to derive the maximum benefit from their dealings with the firm.
Qualifications
Diploma Financial Planning
Job Titles:
- Accounting and Tax
- Accounting and Taxation
Katie has been assisting at the firm since 2014 in the capacity of Tax and Business Advisor. Before this, she gained valuable experience working in another Geelong-based accounting group so is completely across local business culture and needs. She enjoys using her expertise to help her clients achieve their business goals while minimising their taxation burdens.
In particular, Katie feels privileged to work with a broad spectrum of clients across the business community. This provides her with great interest, enables her to make instant connections with people and fuels her enthusiasm to stay sharply aware of emerging possibilities for her clients. From large and complex business structures to straightforward tax returns, Katie is determined to ensure her clients have the best possible advice for their needs. This, combined with her personable and caring manner, has resulted in her maintaining many close relationships with her clients.
Kristie's strong work ethic, attention to detail and ten years' experience are considerable assets for her clients. Whether it's preparing financials and tax returns, working through the intricacies of SMSFs or making Workcover claims, her focus on the details of every individual case helps her clients gain maximum financial advantage while remaining compliant with relevant taxation legislation.
Geelong bred, she has a deep affinity for the town, its people and business community. She understands that a vibrant society is made up of people who are financially secure and optimistic about their future. This guides her in all her endeavours at Advisory Partners.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Commerce, Majoring in Accounting and Finance
Xero Certified
Proficient in MYOB and QuickBooks
Luke joined Advisory Partners in 2017 and has proven himself to be an accomplished member of the team. His sense of purpose and professionalism are matched by his enthusiasm to bring about the best results possible for his clients. With double degrees of Commerce and Law under his belt, Luke is in an excellent position to ensure every possibility is explored so his clients receive optimal outcomes. The results of this are very clear as is demonstrated by the growth of his client list.
A true giver, Luke is often involved in organising events for the Croatian community of Geelong. His love of sport has brought about opportunities for participation and organisation which have served to enhance his interpersonal skills and his ability to be a team player who enjoys a little fun along the way.
Luke is proficient at helping clients with:-
Matt is the Managing Partner at Advisory Partners. Previously a partner at a top 5 Australian accounting firm, he has all the experience and expertise required to develop medium to large corporates while still possessing the passion to take small businesses to the next level.
One of the hallmarks of Matt's approach is his enthusiasm. It's the first thing people notice and when it's coupled with his strong commercial acumen and ability to understand business owners quickly, he is able to offer sound advice very early in the relationship.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Specialist Business and Taxation
Nicholas is a specialist Business and Taxation Advisor who has made a significant impact in his clients' lives. A skilled communicator, he always sees the value in keeping his clients up to date with the latest taxation strategies and sound business guidance all while ensuring compliance with relevant state and federal statutes.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant to Matt Le Maitre
Rachel joined the Advisory Partners team early in 2021 and quickly made a favourable impression. As Executive Assistant to Matt Le Maitre, Rachel brings many essential talents to the table which she acquired in a central Victorian legal firm and her studies at Swinburne University before coming to us. These abilities enable Matt to fully concentrate on providing exceptional value to clients.
Around the office, Rachel's problem-solving abilities and planning skills are continually on point. By anticipating bottlenecks and potential hurdles, she is able to create workarounds and solutions before Matt ever even knew a problem existed! This frees him up to work undisturbed on client files.
Organised, possessing acute critical thing skills and highly productive, Rachel is a pleasure to have around the office. Her happy, smiling face, can-do attitude and wonderful customer focus have made her a real asset to the AP team.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Social Science (Behavioural Studies)
Job Titles:
- Business Services Administration
Renee's organisational abilities and her attention to detail make her a treasured asset as a Business Services Assistant. She enjoys working in a supportive role to ensure a logical and consistent flow of quality information and material reaches other members of the Business Services Team. They are then able to efficiently interpret this to maximise the benefits to clients.
Having held various administrative roles in a diverse range of businesses including a large wholesale nursery, a business brokering firm and an electrical contracting franchise Renee's talents and insights are highly valued by the Business Services Team. With a high output, a strong adherence to accounting and compliance deadlines and an enthusiastic approach to her work Renee is a vital cog in the Advisory Partners organisation.
Job Titles:
- Authorised Representative
When it comes to solid financial planning, nothing is more critical to our clients' success than experience. As Sam came to us with over 20 years' experience, it was a fairly easy decision to bring him onboard with the Financial Planning Team at Advisory Partners.
Since joining the team in July 2023, Sam has hit the ground running and made highly favourable impressions on his clients. Financial planning has many intricacies and every client has their own set of financial hopes and dreams. Sam's ability to simplify the complex and spend time learning his clients' financial goals before mapping out a sound strategy to achieve them are sources of great comfort to his clients.
Having worked in larger firms, Sam now enjoys being closer to his clients and getting to know them as humans instead of as numbers. He finds this personal knowledge of their circumstances motivating and regards their success as his success.
When he's not working the angles for his clients, Sam can be found running, woodworking and pitching in raising his two super active kids within his basketball tragic family.
Qualifications & Memberships
Sandra is one of the friendly faces customers often see on the reception desk when they walk in from the street. Having owned and operated the Bannockburn Post Office with her husband for 12 years, she lives and breathes both customer service and office systems. She possesses a natural, approachable manner and is a real asset to the team with her excellent communication skills and patience. Her ability to proactively follow up clients and make sure they are happy with the service they have received reflects her concern for their welfare.
Her loyalty and big heart are evident in her local community too where she has earned a Life Membership with the Bannockburn Tennis Club and still carries out volunteer work there.
For over 20 years, Stacey has been gaining valuable experience working within small to medium sized businesses in the Geelong region. Her working knowledge of their processes, constraints and pain points is a real asset to the SMSF team here at Advisory Partners.
A real team player, Stacey enjoys putting her knowledge to work for our clients to ensure they are compliant with current superannuation regulations while their investments are working hard to provide a secure financial future.
When she's not in the office, she can be found taxiing her children to and from sporting events or hiking one of the region's challenging trails.
Job Titles:
- Accounting and Taxation / Partner
Many clients benefit from Tahlia's clear approach and deep analysis abilities. Her affinity for breaking down complex problems into their components so clients can easily grasp the concepts is unrivalled. This talent is particularly on display in the complex field of tax ation. This ever-changing landscape requires her to remain up-to-date with a multitude of practices, conventions and statutes so clients know their taxation requirements while still attaining the full benefits allowable under the law.
Outside of work, Tahlia volunteers at the Ocean Grove Football and Netball Club and enjoys Pilates, boot camps and gardening.
In the practice, Tahlia skills are best suited to: -
Thomas joined Advisory Partners early in 2020 as an intern and hit the ground running. Working with other more experienced accountants on the team, Thomas is learning a great deal about real world accountancy in a high-performing practice. His strong desire to service clients and bring about the best result for them is constantly on display and since his graduation, he has become a very valuable asset at Advisory Partners.
Currently completing his Chartered Accounting qualification Thomas certainly has a lot on his plate. Yet his ability to focus completely on the task at hand and quickly move on to next means he is able to keep on top of his workload and maintain a superior quality output.
When not studying or working at Advisory Partners, Thomas's passion is his soccer team, the North Geelong Warriors. Here he puts his organisational skills to good use by becoming involved in fundraising and events for his Croatian community. He's definitely a future President in the making!
Qualifications/Memberships