Findex Melbourne

Biography

Andrew is a CA and has extensive experience in public sector auditing, including specialising in the government sector. Andrew’s skill set is in internal controls and risk management and has experience in providing outsourced and co-sourced internal audit and risk consulting services to his clients.

Biography

Antony has over 27 years’ experience in audit and assurance. His experience extends to privately owned entrepreneurial family businesses operating across a board range of industries, entities operating in the not for profit sector and companies in the financial services sector who hold AFSL’s & ACL’s. Antony’s focus is to ensure that clients meet their statutory financial reporting obligations whilst bringing a commercial practical approach to each client’s audit.

Biography

Cassandra joined the firm in 2005 as a graduate auditor and over that time has progressed to Associate Partner in the external audit division. She has experience providing both internal and external audit services in addition to being an agent for both the Victorian Auditor General’s Office and the Australian National Audit Office.

She manages statutory audits, compliance audits, internal audits, acquittal audits and provides technical accounting advice to not-for-profit and government clients. This has provided her with a broad understanding of the issues facing entities as well as allowing her to draw on experiences to propose recommendations for process improvements. With strong communication, analytical and technical ability she is efficient in her conduct and provides value added recommendations to clients. Quality work and client satisfaction are always upmost priorities for Cassandra.

Outside of Findex, Cassandra is also Treasurer, Board Member, and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee of a large disability organisation.

Cassandra works across two offices Geelong and Melbourne.

Biography

Navigating market changes can be challenging for any business. Cathy’s goal is to help you identify opportunities at any stage of your financial life cycle, ensuring you continue to meet your business needs in complex market environments. From start-up through to expansion, tax advisory to accounting, we can provide a multidisciplinary approach to managing the entirety of your affairs.

Biography

David has over 30 years' experience in professional practice ranging from the "Big Four" to running a sole practice. David has an interest and extensive experience in advising family businesses and family groups in arranging their financial affairs, with particular emphasis towards structuring and developing effective strategies for accumulating family wealth.

Biography

David is a chartered accountant with more than 18 years’ experience in internal and external audit specialising in the financial services sector. He has worked in Boston, USA and Dublin, Ireland, and has previously worked with large multinational organisations across a number of sectors within the financial services industry.

Biography

Throughout his 35 year career, Gary has provided a range of taxation and business advisory expertise to clients from a wide cross-section of industries in the SME sector. Gary possesses a strong understanding of his clients' requirements and provides hands-on and timely advice to develop long-standing relationships as the trusted advisor.

Biography

Martin has a wide range of experience across the public and private sectors. He is passionate about delivering quality assurance services in a practical, pragmatic way to ensure both his existing and potential clients are presented with innovative ways to reduce risk and meet compliance requirements.

Biography

Maurice is a partner at Crowe Horwath with over 20 years' experience, specialising in providing business advisory services. Maurice enjoys building long-standing relationships with his broad range of clients, and helping them to build their businesses.

Biography

Nicole is a Senior Partner of Findex and the leader of the National Corporate Finance - Valuations and Financial Modelling team.

Nicole is an astute adviser and key member of the Findex team, providing specialist Corporate Finance advice, focussing on valuations, due diligence, independent expert’s reports, purchase price allocation, financial modelling, discount rate assessments, impairment reviews, and commercial impact evaluation. Nicole has also conducted numerous technical presentations and authored a number of articles on valuation methodology and approaches, issues in valuations, purchase price allocation and the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets.

Nicole specializes in providing valuation advice to clients, due diligence services and financial modelling. Nicole provides high quality, commercial solutions to individuals, management, companies, legal and tax advisers and other relevant stakeholders.

Nicole has been involved in assisting clients of all sizes, maturity and stages of the business life-cycle and industries. Including valuation and due diligence of small to medium businesses; valuation of entities including private companies; partnerships and trusts; listed corporations; the valuation of intangible assets including goodwill, brand names, contracts, customer relationships, software and other intellectual property; and the valuation of projects at various stages of development. Her skills and deep expertise span a myriad of industries and sectors.

Biography

Patricia has over 18 years’ experience in Asian Business, and has assisted many investors successfully establish and expand their Australian operations. With extensive international and domestic experience, Patricia is well placed to provide quality service to both Chinese and Australian companies.

Biography

Tony specialises in providing accounting and taxation services to small and medium enterprises as well as high net worth individuals. Providing not only compliance advice but extensive guidance on business operations, Tony's particular interests include strategic planning, corporate and family tax advice, superannuation and succession planning.

Biography

With significant experience in the tax and legal profession, Tim provides complex and practical tax advice to the firm’s individual, SME and large business clients, with a view to providing solutions and adding value. In addition, his legal background is an asset when it comes to managing risks and exposures, and in handling ATO dispute matters.

Biography

Chris is a Partner in the Business Advisory Division at Findex, advising private companies, family-owned businesses in all aspects of growing and managing their businesses. Chris has thorough knowledge of the unique characteristics and issues affecting private and family groups with extensive experience in business and strategic planning, risk and corporate governance, succession planning, structuring advice, together with the traditional business advisory services. In short, he works with clients to assist them in achieving sustainable business outcomes, run profitable businesses and manage risk.

Biography

Temujin is the Head of General Insurance for Findex and has more than 14 years of insurance industry experience. Temujin joined Findex in 2018, after spending the previous five years managing an insurance broking network across Victoria and Tasmania. Having worked within small and corporate brokerages, as well as multinational insurers, Temujin has a strong understanding of the broader insurance market and specialises in finding and structuring insurance solutions for complex client types.

Biography

Steve has over 30 years' experience working with many industries that range from small businesses, through to multi-million dollar companies. Steve has been involved with providing tax structuring advice on business purchases, preparing forecasts and budgets and negotiating with lenders to ensure the most cost effective solutions.

Steve works across two offices Ballarat and Melbourne.

Biography

Damian has over 21 years' experience and provides advice in retirement planning, superannuation and share trading. His exceptional client service standards have previously been referred to in the national financial planning magazine 'Smart Investor'. Damian also specialises in SMSF Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBA). Damian works across four offices Torquay, Colac, Geelong and Melbourne.

Biography

Biography

Anthony has worked in the financial planning industry since 2007 and is passionate about forming meaningful relationships with clients and stakeholders. As a Wealth Solutions Partner AFP®, BCom, DipFP for Findex, Anthony specialises in developing comprehensive financial strategies tailored to a client’s specific objectives and needs.

Anthony thrives on having detailed discussions with his clients and taking the time to identify their lifestyle aspirations, financial objectives, and personal values, ensuring that any proposed strategies continue to meet these needs. Anthony holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and Diploma in Financial Services (Financial Planning). He is also a member of Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA).

Biography

Dr. Behrang Zadjabbari is a client focused strategic data science leader with strong commercial acumen and passionate about data monetization and driving business and customer value from all variety of structured and unstructured data. He has exceptional experience in delivering a range of data science consulting services to clients, including Artificial Intelligence and Automation, predictive analytics, Business Intelligence and advanced analytics.

Biography

Carlo has completed a Bachelor of Commerce and has a Tier 1 in Insurance Broking.

With a wealth of over 15 years of experience within the Insurance industry ranging from claims management, business development and broking, Carlo is uniquely positioned to provide you a multifaceted approach to your Risk and Insurance requirements.

Carlo looks forward to having detailed discussions with his clients, to ensure that their risks are insured appropriately.

Biography

Chatri is an associate adviser at Findex with over 4 years’ experience in commercial motors, marine, liability and domestic insurance. He is prides himself on his negotiating skills, reliability and honesty.

Chatri goes above and beyond for his clients to ensure they receive appropriate insurance and the best outcome possible.

Biography

Chris is an Associate Partner in the Business advisory division with over 13 years experience in the industry. Chris works with Small & Medium size entities, in conjunction with owners of the business to provide solutions to everyday issues encountered as well as meeting all ATO compliance requirements.

Biography

Jason is an experienced corporate tax professional, with a specialisation in Transaction (M&A) Tax, working with private equity firms and domestic, international, listed or privately held corporate entities looking to expand by acquisition or strategically divest businesses.

Jason has partnered with several international and domestic companies across a range of industries including renewable and sustainable energy, transport, healthcare, retail and consumer products, and agriculture, priding himself on providing commercial and technically correct tax advice that aligns to his client’s objectives.

Biography

Jessica has worked in the financial services industry since 2002 and holds a Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning) and an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning). Jessica has extensive experience in superannuation, investments and several other areas of financial planning.

Jessica is passionate about financial planning because it is a dynamic, interesting and enterprising profession. It affords her the opportunity to use her knowledge and experience to support her clients in maximizing their financial position.

Biography

John is the Managing Partner of our Crowe Australasia tax practice in Australia and is our firm’s International Liaison Partner within the Crowe Global network. John has an extensive career in tax and was a Corporate and International Tax Partner within a Big Four firm before joining Crowe.

As a Corporate & International Tax Partner, he serves inbound and outbound foreign and Australian businesses, ASX-listed mid-cap and large private companies. John’s expertise includes M&A tax due diligence, complex tax structuring and post-deal advisory, tax advisory, and tax compliance across various market sectors. As a well-known collaborator and initiator of positive change within Crowe network locally and internationally, John has a strong focus on client excellence and the growth of our people.

Biography

John has two decades of experience within the financial services profession working with leading financial planning practices. He has significant expertise in all areas of financial planning and provides a diverse range of services to his clients.

John is a Certified Financial Planner® professional, which is the highest financial planning designation worldwide. He has also completed a Masters in Financial Planning and Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning.

John enjoys guiding people through the ever-changing landscape of financial planning and provides a personalised service that focuses on client's needs and aspirations.

Biography

Jonathan has worked in the financial planning industry since 2001, primarily as a financial adviser. Jonathan enjoys helping individuals, families and business professionals manage and improve their financial position by understanding their personal values, goals and lifestyle aspirations.

Jonathan has experience advising a broad spectrum of clients including young professionals, retirees, high net worth individuals, families, business owners and Not for Profit organisations.

Biography

Katerina has over 20 years’ experience in providing domestic and international indirect tax consulting services to government entities, multinational companies, large private businesses and not for profit entities. In her role as a specialist tax adviser, Katerina has advised on complex indirect tax matters, including: providing specific transactional advice; undertaking prudential reviews; undertaking impact studies; preparing voluntary disclosures, as well as private ruling and refund requests and liaising with the relevant revenue authorities in relation to these; assisting clients with Australian Taxation Office and other revenue authority reviews and audits, and negotiating on their behalf; advising in relation to mergers and acquisitions (including due diligence reviews); conducting training sessions; and assisting clients with indirect tax governance and risk management, including documenting and improving their policies and procedures. She is well known for working collaboratively with her clients and for providing commercial solutions.

Biography

Ken Poutakidis is corporate adviser and corporate finance executive with 20 years of finance experience. He is the Managing Director and Founder of Avenue Advisory, a boutique advisory firm providing corporate finance and capital markets advice to emerging companies. Previously, Mr Poutakidis worked as a management consultant and a corporate finance executive with leading equity firms across Australia and Asia. His particular expertise includes capital raisings, mergers & acquisitions, corporate advisory, asset divestment and strategy development. He has previously served as Chairman of the Board and Non-Executive Director for numerous publicly listed ASX companies. He sits on the Advisory Board of a leading civil contractor, and is the founder and Chair of the Theofilos Foundation, a charity formed to support students improve their education outcomes. He has a Bachelor of Business degree from Monash University.

Biography

Kon Kokkinos is Managing Partner in Advisory and Consulting, specialising in Digital strategy, solutions and services.

Kon has over 20 years of experience and has worked across many industries and markets. He has previously held Executive and Director level roles with listed companies and has a passion for enabling business outcomes through technology. Kon is accountable for the strategy, advisory and digital consulting functions including data science.

Biography

Lee has worked in the financial services industry since 2016 and has continuously and steadily built her knowledge and experience in this rapidly evolving industry. Lee is passionate in meeting new people and understanding their values and aspirations and is determined to build long-term relationships with them.

She is keen on utilising her knowledge to assist in optimising their financial position. Lee looks forward to being able to support her clients along their financial planning journey. In her personal time Lee likes to keep active, travelling to different countries, and exploring various cultures and food.

Biography

Leon is a Business Advisory Partner in our Melbourne office.

Leon has over 20 years’ experience in public practice accounting, and provides business advisory services, taxation, business structuring and planning, small business growth advisory, as well as capital gains tax advice to clients across a diverse range of industries. Leon also provides outsourced VCFO services to a number of indigenous, and other not-for-profit organisations.

Leon is community focused and dedicated to delivering results to his clients.

Biography

Mark is a Partner with over 25 years of experience in consulting and commercial operations management. Mark leads Crowe’s Australasian Accounting Advisory practice including the IFRS accounting advisory team and the professional practice team supporting the Australasian Audit practice. Mark’s experience covers all industry verticals as well as a specialisation in financial services, insurance and asset management. Mark has extensive international experience including 10 years in Client and Managing Partner roles in the USA and Asia Pacific.

Biography

As Findex’s Co-Chief Executive Officer, Matt is charged with designing and implementing the group’s strategy and growth ambitions. His longstanding experience as Findex’s Chief Financial Officer sees him bring a rigorous and methodical approach to the Co-CEO role, placing emphasis on quality planning and execution as well as an acute awareness of the marketplace and opportunities available for Findex to pursue. 

Matt’s forward-thinking approach has led the growth of the team from 50 to nearly 3000 employees in the past 10 years. He is instrumental in the expansion plans of Findex as it moves into its next stage of growth.

In addition to his role as Co-Chief Executive Officer, Matt is the Chair of the Board of the Findex Community Fund (FCF), which was established in 2018 to give back to the communities in which Findex operates. The mission of FCF is to help those isolated by location or circumstance, by providing funding and assistance with health, education and entrepreneurship initiatives.

Outside of work, Matt is a qualified ‘Black Belt’ in Six Sigma and enjoys rugby and cricket. He and his family are also keen travellers who are always looking forward to their next adventure.

Biography

With over 10 years’ experience within the financial services industry, Matthew has significant experience in all areas of financial planning and remains passionate about helping clients and businesses achieve their objectives. Matthew is continually looking for ways to develop his strategic and investment knowledge to ensure his clients receive the highest quality of tailored and personal financial advice.

Biography

Michael Choeng has over 15 years experience in Cyber Security and Technology risk. He specialises in Governance, Risk and Compliance, Security Strategy, Data Protection, Security Design and Cyber Security Program management. He has worked and provided in many different industries both public and private.

Biography

Naida Beltrame is the National leader of the R&D Tax Incentive practice at Findex. Naida has over 18 years’ experience assisting clients ranging from SMEs to publicly listed entities in accessing R&D tax incentive funding in the manufacturing, engineering, agribusiness, financial services, IT and software sectors. Naida has a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Science and is a member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand which enables her to provide deep technical/scientific and financial/tax insights for clients’ R&D claims. Naida is dedicated to supporting and advancing the interests of Australia’s technology sector and is currently a board member and Trustee of the Victorian Womens Trust.

Biography

Naween joined the firm in 2002 as a Graduate and over that time has progressed to Associate Partner and now heads up the SMSF Team in Melbourne. He has a wealth of experience having also worked in the SMSF Audit Team for a number of years. He prides himself on delivering exceptional client service, identifying value-add opportunities and works closely with the Business Advisory and Wealth Management teams where service delivery extends across multiple service lines.

Biography

Having worked at Findex since 2007, Pandeli’s attention to detail, communication skills and empathy are qualities greatly appreciated by his clients. Pandeli is effectively supported by a team of client service administrators, adviser support staff, management and investment products specialists whose teamwork and professionalism help him build long-term relationships with his growing client base and provide excellent customer service. Pandeli is a proud recipient of Diplomas in both of Financial Services and Business/Accounting as well as an Advanced Certificate in Accounting. His focus is on providing holistic advice and peace of mind to all clients. Pandeli is authorised to provide financial planning and financial product advice in the following areas: Superannuation, Self-Managed Superannuation Funds, Managed Investment Portfolios, Direct Equities, Securities, Deposit Products, Govt Debentures, Stocks & Bonds, Investor Directed Portfolio Services, Margin Lending, Retirement and Centrelink. With a Greek speaking background, Pandeli is also able to service clients from the Greek community, no matter which language is preferred. Pandeli is happily married to his lovely wife Silvana and has two lovely daughters. Away from the business, he enjoys AFL football – Richmond Football Club, golfing, travelling and most importantly spending time with family and friends.

Biography

Scott has been working for the Findex group since 2006 and has gained valuable experience in advising both retirees and wealth accumulators. Scott is married and his interests include renovating houses, social golf and spending time with family and friends.

Biography

Shane is a senior leader and current Head of Technology Experience at Findex. Shane has a keen interest in understanding how society is shaped by technological forces, today and into the future. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration from Deakin University (Corporate Philanthropy) and Master of Business and Technology from the AGSM. In his spare time he enjoys cycling, sauna, and The Economist.

Biography

Simone is a provisional adviser within the wealth management team based in Melbourne. She has worked in financial services since 2019, steadily building her expertise and knowledge under new highly regulated industry standards. Graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Financial Planning from Deakin University, she’s equipped with strong technical capabilities, specialising in investments, superannuation and retirement planning advice.

Passionate about providing clients with a comprehensive range of strategies to optimise their financial position, Simone strives to build trusted relationships. Through detailed discussions around their lifestyle objectives, she is able to offer clients peace of mind about their financial future.

Biography

Simon brings over 20 years' experience in investment management, corporate finance, strategy and advisory and equity research. Having held positions in Australia and Europe, Simon's clients benefit from his extensive global experience and expertise in investment analysis, valuation, transactional structuring and advisory across equities, debt and private equity asset classes. He has broad ranging experience across multiple industries with particular expertise in retail, technology, IT services, resources, energy, agriculture, industrials, media, healthcare and financial services.

Biography

Simon has worked in the financial services industry for over 15 years, in a career that has seen him both recognized and awarded as a trusted professional within the financial planning community.

Simon has a good understanding and expertise in all facets of financial planning which allows him to provide a diverse and comprehensive range of services to his clients. More importantly, he is passionate about helping professionals and families take responsibility and control over their lifestyle and financial future through smart financial strategies, better money habits and access to other professional resources.

Simon currently holds a Fellow Charter in Financial Planning and continues to further develop his studies to ensure he remains a trusted professional, whereby giving his clients confidence in the strategy and advice both today and into tomorrow.

Biography

Sosha has worked in the financial planning industry since early 2021 and has a never-ending drive for expanding her knowledge and experience. Her commitment to ensuring clients’ needs are put first allows Sosha to establish meaningful, long-term connections as she guides them towards making well-informed decisions, moving them in the direction of their goals and aspirations.

Biography

Sumit has over 20 years of experience across Digital and Technology consulting specialising in Service Integration and Transformation services. He has experience working with both Public and Private sector clients across Enterprise and mid-market segments. His skills and expertise include Digital Application Management and designing end-to-end services providing cost effective, valued added annuity services that meet client expectations.

Biography

As the executive in charge of the Digital, Technology and Marketing divisions at Findex, Thomas blends creativity, a passion for technology, and business acumen to unlock transformational business change that creates lasting value. Thomas’ strengths in workplace transformation and innovation saw him create a dedicated Digital division for Findex where he has overseen the creation of its technology ecosystem which includes market-leading platforms such as Visory, Centric and the TaskX job planning and scoping system. In 2019, Thomas was responsible for launching Findex to market as a consumer facing brand after overseeing the amalgamation of the group’s legacy M&A brand portfolio. Now, with a focus on growing Findex’s current position as one of Australia’s largest and most diversified financial services businesses, Thomas continues to look for ways to unlock value for the Findex Group and its clients.

Biography

Tony has over 20 years' working with large businesses in the area of project management and management accounting. Tony specialises in agribusiness consulting services and business advice to not-for-profit organisations.

Biography

As Co-Chief Executive Officer, Tony is pivotal to the key operations and will help set the strategic tone for this next phase of growth. With a focus on redefining the ‘norms’ of how a successful business operates, Tony has been instrumental in Findex becoming the largest diversified financial services and trusted advice business in Australia.

Tony values strong leadership and empowering others to think outside the box. In driving purpose and strong trademarks, he builds and maintains relationships with his teams by making a considered effort to regularly travel between Findex’s regional and metropolitan offices. Facilitating engagement sessions with employees in these locations, Tony ensures their feedback is understood, absorbed and acted upon by his operations team and broader business.

In addition to being a group Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Tony has served as a Chair of the Findex Investment Committee, which brings together external investment advisers, client advocates, and key Findex investment professionals to oversee the strategy, research and implementation of Findex’s investment philosophy and activities.

Biography

Tristan has worked in the financial planning industry for the past 10 years in various roles.

Tristan’s strengths are identifying client’s financial and lifestyle objectives, developing comprehensive financial planning strategies in support of those objectives and, through regular review, ensuring these strategies continue to meet the needs of the client.

Tristan is married and has two young daughters. He is a member of the National Golf Club. His interests include golf, cycling, reading and spending time with family & friends.

Biography

Hagen Schroeder has been a finance professional for almost 20 years. He has extensive experience as a commercial banker with a major Australian bank, and has advised businesses in a wide range of industries including agriculture, mining, civil construction, retail, hospitality, engineering & transport.

Hagen joined Findex in 2012, and now works alongside Findex's highly skilled advisers in providing advice to individuals and businesses in all areas of lending including residential mortgages, reverse mortgages, property development, commercial & industrial property purchases, debt restructuring, vehicle & equipment finance, Self Managed Super Fund borrowing and rural finance.

Hagen holds a Bachelor of Finance, a Masters of Applied Finance, a Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management, and is a current member of the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia.

Please contact Hagen should you have a lending related enquiry - we would welcome the opportunity to meet and assist you.

Biography

Raj started his journey in the financial service industry in 2010. As a Financial Adviser Raj enjoys working with clients of all ages, from young accumulators through to retirees, including families and business owners. With over 10 years of experience Raj has the passion, knowledge, and interpersonal skills to understand his client’s goals, then position them to best achieve those goals – whether they be financial or personal.

Raj appreciates the importance of having a close trusted relationship with his clients and understands that no two clients are the same. His commitment is to provide high-level customer experiences by matching his client’s needs with advice and strategic plans to help reach their goals. Raj says, “being able to connect with your clients and understand their needs and financial situation is much more than just understandings their numbers”.

Outside work Raj thoroughly enjoys gardening as he believes it is good for your health and mindset. Raj is based in Mildura (main office), Broken Hill, and Melbourne.

Qualifications and Memberships:

- Master of Financial Planning

- Certificate IV in Superannuation

- Financial Adviser Industry exam

- Member of Financial Planners Association & Tax Practitioners Board