Meet the team | Praescius Accounting

Tanika Newton

Tanika Newton

Client Services

When first joining the industry, I was unaware as to how much I would grow to love the role and have since found that no other occupation is better suited for me.
I pride myself in being polite, a great communicator and having strong attention to detail.

The most rewarding part of my role is assisting and working together with clients to help them understand the world of tax and accounting.

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.

Cassie Patterson

Cassie Patterson

Client Services

I quickly discovered a passion for financial services early in my career and have since completed my Certificate IV in Bookkeeping and commenced a Diploma of Accounting.

I see my ability to project manage and multi-task as central to my role and I’m passionate about going the extra mile to help or assist someone when I can, whether it’s a client or colleague

Anne-Maree Bromage

Anne-Maree Bromage

Auditing Assistant

A strong interest for taxation early in my career, led me to undertake a traineeship in Certificate III in Business Administration. Following its completion, I was afforded the opportunity to advance my skills and experience. Today, I assist clients with maintaining records and documentation, in line with taxation requirements.

Jacinta Cook

Jacinta Cook

Junior Accountant

Accounting and tax is in my blood and when I was offered the opportunity to work in an accounting firm after graduating from school, I quickly realised that this was the path for me. Over the past six and a half years, I’ve enjoyed connecting with our clients to assist them with their taxation needs.

Working with clients is the most fulfilling aspect of my role. By talking about all aspects of their lives I can help to devise simple and effective solutions to individual taxation needs. Correct accounting and tax strategies are integral to overall financial health and I strive to make this process stress free for our clients.

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

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.

Monique Joyce

Monique Joyce

Office Administrator

A local born and bred Territorian, I spent my first 18 months of working life in administration doing accounts receivable and payable together with a variety of other support tasks, prior to joining the accounting team in 2017.

I understand the importance of attention to detail and the need for accuracy and working in a timely manner and enjoy fronting the client service part of the Praescius Tax and Accounting team.

Ruth Gerke

Ruth Gerke

Tax (Financial) Adviser

Having lived in the NT almost continuously since 1986, I’ve worked in the finance industry since 1989 and became a financial planner 20 years ago, joining the Praescius team in 2007.

As a registered member with the Tax Practitioners Board as Tax (Financial) Adviser, I have many years of experience assisting financial planning clients with the taxation aspects of achieving their goals and objectives. When the opportunity arose to take on a role with Praecsius Tax and Accounting I saw this as a great way to combine these skills and I now assist clients with their tax returns as well as their financial planning needs.

I enjoy interacting with my clients and strive to ensure that every person has a positive experience and is in some way in a better position for having dealt with us.

I’m a member of the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA), a student member of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and am Xero certified.

Tanya Roberts

Tanya Roberts

Tax Adviser

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.

Gayle Rewald

Gayle Rewald

Client Services

Born and raised in Murgon, I find myself back in my home town, working as a receptionist at our local accounting firm.

Having worked in retail in various roles from stockhand, merchandiser and Store manager for organisations such as Coles/Myer, as well as a number of years working for Australia Zoo, my current role represented a real career change for me.

I thoroughly enjoy my role and in particular my interactions with clients, as well as supporting our office staff.

Love has brought me back to my home town. I enjoy spending time with my partner Greg and our family and friends and have a passion for anything outdoors – be it camping, fishing, walking or bike riding.

Christine Parke

Christine Parke

Assistant Accountant

After working for a number of Brisbane companies in accounts manager and bookkeeper roles for 18 years, I moved to Murgon in the South Burnett in early 2013 for my husband’s work and a tree change.

Prior to joining the team, I worked with a local accountant and after exposure to various types of tax return work, I now also complete preliminary work in tax returns for review. I believe accuracy in my work is very important and nothing makes me happier than a reconciled ledger. This probably stems from my first job after university as an external auditor in Canberra.

My initial qualifications of Bachelor of Accountancy were obtained from University of Southern Queensland when first located in Toowoomba and I’ve also completed an Associate Degree in Accounting at TAFE.

Lauren O’Neill

Lauren O’Neill

Business Manager

I have lived in Wondai all my life. I started my career straight out of school with a local business in banking and customer service and after eight years, decided it was time for a change. In 2014, I joined the team at Murgon.

I find my role, which sees me interact with our clients on a daily basis to ensure that their time with our team is enjoyable, to be very exciting and rewarding.

I spend most of my down time looking after my two ‘full-on’ children and assisting my husband in the running of our business. I love spending time with my family and friends, going to the races and camping.

Trish Harris

Trish Harris

Accountant

I grew up in the UK and whilst there held a variety of roles within banking, secretarial and management accounting. In 1995 I moved to Australia and spent many years supporting business in the implementation of financial systems before a tree change in 2007 brought me to the South Burnett.

In 2009 I was given the opportunity to join a local office of a nationwide group, specialising in individual tax returns, and saw this as a chance to work towards and obtain my Tax Agent registration.

Joining the Murgon team in 2017, I was pleased to enhance my skills with the preparation of tax returns for partnerships, trusts and companies, as well as individuals. I especially enjoy the face to face contact with people from varied backgrounds and drawing on my knowledge to ensure the best outcomes for those I assist.

I believe it’s important to help clients to look at the bigger picture and encourage them to ‘think outside of the square’. In my mind, no question is too difficult.

When I’m not working, I enjoy travelling overseas to experience different cultures and spending time on my acreage with my animals.

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.

John Kosmidis

John Kosmidis

Financial Planner

An interest in finance from an early age led me to study Commerce at Macquarie University. Following the completion of my degree, I commenced work at an international bank in their superannuation division. It was during this time I completed a Diploma in Financial Planning. I have since become a Certified Financial Planner and am a member of the Financial Planning Association of Australia.

As a Financial Planner I believe my role is to simplify complex financial matters and to provide my clients with peace of mind. Yet the thing I cherish most about the work I do is the trust my clients place in me. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.

One of my favourite quotes that you’ll often hear me reference comes from the great Warren Buffet, CEO Berkshire Hathaway, who said, ‘Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing.’ For me it highlights the important role we have to play in educating our clients and in empowering them to make informed decisions; those all important decisions that will help them to achieve their goals.

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.

Geoff Bishop

Geoff Bishop

Lending Specialist

I moved into Financing Broking after an opportunity presented itself with Praescius and enjoy the flexibility and scope the role provides in terms of being able to offer tailored solutions for our clients.

With access to a wide range of financiers, I’m able to source competitively priced products, suited to specific needs. This diversity provides real value for our clients. Everyones requirements will be different and this approach enables us to find a solution that responds to each clients current and future needs.

With qualifications in Financial Planning, Mortgage Brokering and more than 30 years industry experience which saw me hold the position of Corporate Manager for a major Australian bank, finding the right solution for each of my clients – whether it’s commercial finance, property finance, home loans, leasing, equipment finance, personal loans, working capital or cashflow lending – is core to the work I do.

In addition to my role, I’ve also held the position of Independent Member on the Roper Gulf Regional Council Finance and Audit Committee for seven years. I find this role, which encompasses the financial management of Council, incredibly rewarding knowing that the decisions I help make are capable of positively impacting those living in Northern Territory communities.

Eleni Michael

Brisbane Business Manager, Financial Planner

I’ve always held an interest in finance. In fact when I was seven, I started to do my ‘books’ every night to track how much pocket money I had received and spent each week. In hindsight, a career in Financial Services seems particularly fitting.

Commencing in superannuation, I experienced firsthand the limitations of working in ‘generalist’ advice. It never felt like enough and always at odds with what people were truly seeking holistic and tailored advice geared to their personal goals. Moving into Financial Planning represented both a clear choice and natural progression.

For me, good advice is about taking the time to understand what a client seeks to achieve and in doing so identify roadblocks that have been present in the past. Knowing what questions to ask is crucially important to revealing what matters most and it will be different for every client.

The financial landscape has become increasingly complex and challenging and for this reason, I see my role as one of both coach and counsel, as I help my clients to navigate and understand this environment. I believe putting a clear and deliberate strategy in place – a plan that empowers them to make smart decisions as they look to grow and protect their wealth – is the key to improving long-term financial outcomes.

With so many options and varied opinion, overwhelm and inaction is often the by-product, so I love that moment where a client feels they have reached clarity and a sense of calmness comes over them – knowing they’re putting their ‘financial house’ in order. Being a part of this equation and watching their plan come to fruition as we track their progress is incredibly rewarding.

I currently hold a Bachelor of Business (Management), Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning a CFP certification – the highest financial planning designation worldwide, was awarded Self Managed Super Fund Specialist, Life Risk Specialist, am a Justice of the Peace and am a member of the Financial Planning Association of Australia. In 2012 and 2013 I was also named in Australia’s Top 50 Financial Advisers by the Australian Financial Review.

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

MURGON

Amanda Taylor

PIALBA

Cassie Patterson

Christine Parke

Tanya Roberts

Danielle Gustafson

Michaela Rumbold

Gayle Rewald

Ruth Gerke

Alex Kratochwil

Tanika Newton

Parap

Monique Joyce

Anne-Maree Bromage

MURGON

Gayle Rewald

Amanda Taylor

Ruth Gerke

Christine Parke

Parap

Tanya Roberts

Monique Joyce

PIALBA

Alex Kratochwil

Cassie Patterson

Tanika Newton

Danielle Gustafson

Anne-Maree Bromage

Michaela Rumbold

MURGON

Christine Parke

Gayle Rewald

Parap

Amanda Taylor

Tanya Roberts

Ruth Gerke

Monique Joyce

PIALBA

Danielle Gustafson

Alex Kratochwil

Anne-Maree Bromage

Cassie Patterson

Michaela Rumbold

Tanika Newton

Future, meet insight.