Meet the team | Praescius Accounting

Tanya Zahra

Office Administrator HB

I moved to beautiful Hervey Bay in 2013 and commenced work with Praescius in December the same year. Having worked in banking, finance and administration for more than 20 years, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with a diverse group of people – spanning across a range of industry settings – and this experience continues to inform my work today.

I find my role very rewarding. No two days are the same and I enjoy both the diversity of the role and equally how it continues to inspire and challenge me to constantly improve our practices.

The best part of the job is working with great people. I am lucky to be part of a supportive team who foster a wonderful family spirit and who have instilled a culture within our business that resonates with those we assist. Providing our clients and team members with the highest level of customer service, a friendly face and a positive attitude is really what it’s about for me.

On a personal note, family is the most important thing in my life and nothing makes me happier than to be surrounded by them – eating, laughing and making fun of each other. I enjoy staying fit and while I often frequent the gym my favourite exercise is simply walking along the esplanade or our beautiful beaches.

I have completed a Diploma in Banking and Finance, Fundamentals of Financial Planning along with various other accounting and administration courses. My motto for life is ‘Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success’. I believe this mindset enables me to be the best person I can be both personally and professionally.

Annika Toohey

Office Administrator NT

Having grown up in Hervey Bay and after studying Business at the University of the Sunshine Coast, being part of the Praescius team is a perfect fit for me. My role in Client Services allows me to be immersed across all areas of the business. This includes lending, financial planning and particularly tax and accounting. At Praescius, each day brings new and exciting challenges. The team have a unique way of working with people that’s so personable and helpful. This approach has become an important part of the way I interact with and assist our clients. Plus, it’s great to work alongside a team who always go above and beyond to put our clients’ needs first. Having now completed my Bachelor of Business Management, I plan to keep expanding my skills in the finance industry and continue to help our clients achieve their own unique goals. I’m now working in our Parap office where I really enjoy assisting clients with their financial, tax and accounting needs.

Karina Yates

Tax & Accounting Manager

I have been working in the accounting and financial fields for over 25 years in several firms as well as my own public practice which was in Coolum Beach. So I’m a regional coast person at heart.

It is my passion to bring your business to life – from initial conception all the way through to succession planning and retirement. I want to teach you how to work smarter in your business, how to achieve greatness and how to enjoy it along the way. Accounting is not just about tax – its all about the bigger picture! Its about getting from now to then on the best path you can and feeling comfortable and secure and looked after along the way. I have a holistic approach to accounting to ensure all of life’s factors are considered – from basic tax returns all the way through to complex business structures; insurance needs for you and for your family; wealth creation and accumulation; to superannuation and estate planning for your family’s peace of mind.

A couple of secret passions of mine are food and motorbikes. If I can combine the two together, it makes for a wonderful day out.

Darren Boman

General Manager

I have worked across many industries within Accounting, Finance & Banking, along with having run my own businesses, so Praescius is a natural fit and a great way to leverage all my skills and experience.

I enjoy passing on my finance and accounting knowledge with both clients and the wider Praescius Teams – so no two days are the same. Working with the Accounting Team to solve complex tax matters for clients, to enhancing our marketing strategy and brand awareness is all in a days work.

On the weekends I can be found in the mountains around Brisbane cycling or mountain biking. Cooking and coffee are also passions, so working in Bulimba on Oxford Street is certainly advantageous.

Michaela Rumbold

Michaela Rumbold

Client Services

While born in Melbourne, I moved to sunny Queensland as a child and apart from several years in NSW, have continued to enjoy living in Hervey Bay. I am married and have two beautiful daughters.

Having worked in tax and accounting for more than 10 years, I currently specialise in Australian securities and investment commission compliance, company and business set-ups and registrations as well as self-managed super fund administration.

Prior to this, I worked in many industries ranging from administration and insurance right through to catering and customer service positions. I am also a Austswim qualified swimming instructor.

I am friendly, easy going and enjoy working with my colleagues. I believe in the motto of, ‘If a job is worth doing it is worth doing properly’ and apply this to all aspects of my work.

Alex Kratochwil

Alex Kratochwil

Accountant

Born in Tasmania’s north west, I moved to Hervey Bay with my family at a very young age. While I’ve shifted away from the bay several times, including further north to Cairns and a return to Tassie, I’ve always managed to find my way back to the place I call home.

Following my natural affinity with numbers and structure, I chose to undertake business and accounting subjects at high school. From there I found a greater interest in the organisation and interpretation of financial data which led me to study commerce at the University Sothern Queensland, Fraser Coast. I have worked as a public accountant ever since.

Beyond assisting clients with taxation and compliance, I also provide business owners with valuable insight and clarity, so they can make informed decisions about their future. I have a keen interest in technology, and as a Xero Certified Advisor, have assisted many businesses in the implementation of new accounting systems and I enjoy this component of my role immensely.

Outside of the office, I attend Karate training twice a week to help keep me focused, and enjoy spending free time with my wife, Anna.

Danielle Gustafson

Danielle Gustafson

Senior Accountant and Registered Tax Agent

An interest in accounting from an early age led me to study commerce at the University of Southern Queensland. I began my career in public accounting, working for a small firm in Hervey Bay in 2010. Over the last eight years, as the firm’s clientele continued to grow, I too continued to grow my knowledge in the public sector gaining experience working with a vast array of clients from various industries.

I believe my role as an accountant is to simplify complex issues and help my clients to better understand their tax obligations, so they can move forward with peace of mind. I find working alongside small business to be particularly rewarding and enjoy getting to know more about what drives each business and providing them with strategies that work to support their goals.

I am an associate member of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and I am currently completing a post graduate program through IPA and Deakin University.

Tanya Roberts

Accountant

As a big believer in a healthy work life balance, I strive to help my clients achieve this too. Having worked as an accountant for more than seven years, I enjoy being able to help free up my clients’ time and reduce their stress by assisting them with compiling information, BAS statements and income tax returns.

Amanda Taylor

Amanda Taylor

Accountant

My background in agriculture is what led me to accounting and this somewhat usual pathway has enabled me to approach the work I do with fresh eyes and a unique outlook.

I saw many local cattle stations looking interstate to find accountants who understood the industry and felt that businesses should be able to see their accountants face to face on a regular basis.

Working for my family also taught me the importance of hard yakka and adaptability. My goal is to build relationships with my clients, that supports them to do what they are passionate about. It is much easier for a person to build and do what they enjoy, if they know they can trust their accountant to look out for them, guide them, and give them an honest answer.

I strive to do this by learning new ways of doing things and I’m often guided by the mantra of ‘just because it works, doesn’t mean it’s the best’.

I am currently studying to become a registered Tax Agent and have completed a Graduate Certificate in Public Accounting. I’m also an Associate member of the Institute of Public Accountants and hold a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from Charles Sturt University.

Peter Bennet

Peter Bennet

Lending Specialist

Leaving school in 1979, I began a career with one of the ‘big four’ banks where I quickly moved up the ranks into the challenging and rewarding arena of lending.

I took on my next challenge in 1985 following in my brother’s footsteps and joined the Queensland Police Service, which saw me move about the state from city to country before settling in Hervey Bay in 1999. I can honestly say over those 29 years, I had the privilege of experiencing some of the most rewarding experiences of my life, whilst working to serve and protect the people and communities of Queensland.

In February 2014, I retired from the Police to take on my next challenge as a lending specialist with Praescius. Helping and serving was the continued theme and I am rewarded on a daily basis by assisting my clients to achieve their financial goals and dreams. The favourite part of my role is helping young families realise that dream of home ownership and being part of their successful financial journey through providing quality lending solutions.

I am fortunate to have six beautiful children and five beautiful grandchildren and love living in Hervey Bay where I enjoy the lifestyle, and my favourite pastimes the area provides from fishing through to sport and camping. I have a Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking and had an early career highlight as the winner of the Yellow Brick Road Regional Award for Queensland and NT in 2015.

Sharyn Parker

Sharyn Parker

Client Services and Implementations

After working in client services for 25 years, I joined the Praescius Hervey Bay team in 2016 and have felt right at home ever since, with my role continuing to provide new and exciting challenges.

I pride myself on being patient, polite and a strong communicator; to me great service comes down to listening and being able to carefully understand a client’s individual needs.

The most rewarding part of my role is ensuring the experience is a positive one for each of our clients as they journey towards achieving their personal goals. I continue to live by the mantra of ‘treat people as you would like to be treated’.

Michael Toohey

Michael Toohey

Financial Planner

I was born and raised on a sheep and wheat property near Forbes in the central west of New South Wales. After completing my Commerce Degree in 1992 I worked in rural banking and agribusiness until 2000. An opportunity presented itself to change direction with an Accounting Firm as a Financial Planner in my home town in 2000 and I’ve continued to stay in this space since.

No one day is the same in our industry thanks to constant change combined with the opportunity to meet new people from all walks of life, and in my eyes it’s these factors that make for a very rewarding career.

The favourite part of my role is establishing strong relationships with my clients and working with them to maximise their financial position. My strength lies in making the complicated simple so they can feel comfortable knowing they understand the advice they receive. Most importantly, I believe every client regardless of their means deserves advice that is straight forward and relevant to their circumstance.

My formal qualifications include a Degree in Business, Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning), Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking and a SMSF Specialist Advisor. I am also a member of the Financial Planning of Australia Association.

My wife Donna and I and our three children Annika, Max and Meg made the huge decision to relocate to Hervey Bay in 2009 – much to our parent’s disgust! We have enjoyed our nine years in this beautiful part of the world and look forward to enjoying many more.

Tanya Zahra

Tanya Zahra

Hervey Bay Business Manager

I moved to beautiful Hervey Bay in 2013 and commenced work with Praescius in December the same year. Having worked in banking, finance and administration for more than 20 years, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with a diverse group of people – spanning across a range of industry settings – and this experience continues to inform my work today.

I find my role as Business Manager very rewarding. No two days are the same and I enjoy both the diversity of the role and equally how it continues to inspire and challenge me to constantly improve our practices.

The best part of the job is working with great people. I am lucky to be part of a supportive team who foster a wonderful family spirit and who have instilled a culture within our business that resonates with those we assist. Providing our clients and team members with the highest level of customer service, a friendly face and a positive attitude is really what it’s about for me.

On a personal note, family is the most important thing in my life and nothing makes me happier than to be surrounded by them – eating, laughing and making fun of each other. I enjoy staying fit and while I often frequent the gym my favourite exercise is simply walking along the esplanade or our beautiful beaches.

I have completed a Diploma in Banking and Finance, Fundamentals of Financial Planning along with various other accounting and administration courses. My motto for life is ‘Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success’. I believe this mindset enables me to be the best person I can be both personally and professionally.

Nerida Sparkes

Nerida Sparkes

Group Operations Manager

Upon reflection you could say that my journey to Praescius was nine years in the making. After completing a management traineeship with retailer David Jones, I worked with Matthew (who joined Gareth at Praescius in late 2005) for nine years at Standards Australia / SAI Global in a variety of different roles; we often laugh at the fact that during this time I was always his superior. We of course kept in contact over the years and in early 2014 he called me to say Praescius was looking for a Group Operations Manager and here we are.

While moving to Financial Services represented somewhat of a change in terms of industry, I haven’t looked back. It’s an amazing feeling being part of a team that works so actively towards helping its clients to achieve their goals. At times my work can be invisible to staff and it’s almost always invisible to clients – and really that’s how it should be. My role is focused on ensuring our business practices continue to support and empower our advisers to deliver the best experience possible and I love being the person that people come to for help – for almost every aspect of the business.

Beyond a Diploma in Human Resources I also hold a Certificate IV in Business. Having worked in client services for more than 20 years, I continue to be guided by the simple motto of ‘be better’ and enjoy coaching and working alongside the Praescius team to produce outstanding results.

Matthew Harrington

Matthew Harrington

Director + Praescius Board

I was born at Camden Hospital in 1978, eight weeks early which doesn’t surprise me at all as I’ve always been a little too impatient when it comes to myself. I met Gareth Jakeman (Managing Director of Praescius) when I was four years old at the local ‘Chug-a-long’ preschool and we’ve been best mates for the 35 odd years since.

I attended the local primary school which was a 10 minute walk from home, but it was during my high school years I started to develop an interest in the subject of business and economics. Upon leaving school I went straight into working for a compliance, audit and training business where I progressed through the management ranks and gained invaluable experience in managing large teams of people and everything that comes with this type of position.

After much discussion and some years of considering the idea, I joined Praescius in late 2005 and so far it’s been the journey of a lifetime and something I will always wish I’d done sooner. I love the challenges of the financial services and accounting sectors as they’re always evolving and I have the great pleasure of working to help clients from all walks of life, from all backgrounds, all across this great country of ours.

I am a father of three beautiful children whom I completely adore, who always make me laugh and remind me about the best things in life. I enjoy any kind of fitness, playing golf (or watching it more so these days) and playing the guitar, every day if possible.

I can honestly say I love my job, and being a part of Praescius, and the opportunities it has provided over the years to work with a diverse range of people.

Gareth Jakeman

Gareth Jakeman

Managing Director + Chairman

Praescius was founded on 4 May 2004, when I left the mid-tier chartered accounting firm, Bentleys MRI and decided to develop my own proposition for clients. At that time, I had three clients, who are still with me today and to whom I am eternally grateful for their trust in my ability. Today, Praescius services clients spanning across the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales and beyond, which I believe speaks to our continued and strong focus on people.

I grew up in what was a little town called Camden in NSW, which could now be considered essentially a suburb of Sydney. At a small pre-school, I met my best mate at the age of three – Matthew Harrington – who is now my business partner and co-Director of Praescius. Upon leaving school and then tertiary education at the University of Wollongong, I joined the Accounting profession and received the benefit of the experience of some of the best practitioners in the Accounting and Financial Planning sectors.

Currently, I am undergoing the ’50-year apprenticeship’ that allows one to call themselves a ‘Territorian’. As well as being a proud resident of the NT I have two hilarious children who I am extremely proud of, and am a passionate Rugby Union supporter player with the Casuarina Cougars and Stray Cats Rugby Union Clubs.

One of the best things about what I do is the rapport I have been fortunate to build with those we work in partnership with-our clients. They are fantastic people, who love what we do, because of the value we place on relationships. This makes it really easy to go to the office each day and I continue to genuinely enjoy the work I do and the service the entire Praescius team works so diligently to provide.

Meet our accounting team

DARWIN

HERVEY BAY

Danielle Gustafson

BRISBANE

Annika Toohey

Tanya Zahra

Michaela Rumbold

Darren Boman C.A.

Tanya Roberts

Karina Yates

DARWIN

HERVEY BAY

Danielle Gustafson

BRISBANE

Annika Toohey

Tanya Zahra

Michaela Rumbold

Darren Boman C.A.

Tanya Roberts

Karina Yates

DarWIN

HERVEY BAY

Tanya Zahra

BRISBANE

Amanda Taylor

Karina Yates

Michaela Rumbold

Darren Boman C.A.

Tanya Roberts

Danielle Gustafson

Future, meet insight.