Accounting & Taxation Advantage: About Us

MELISSA BROWNE
PRINCIPAL

Melissa is the principal of Accounting and Taxation Advantage and therefore wears many hats and has many roles – something she is sure many small business owners can relate to!

Melissa is a tax expert and specialises in looking after the particular needs of small business. Her aim is to ensure that business clients are set up and running as effectively and efficiently as possible so that the owner is able to concentrate on building their business.

She is currently studying at MGSM toward her aim of completing her MBA. In her spare time she plays netball, reads, attempts snowboarding and tries hard not to injure herself!

LAUREN LAW

ACCOUNTANT

Lauren is a qualified accountant who is currently studying towards becoming a CPA. Lauren has a background working in government departments and corporate including the ATO, Department of Environment and TransGrid. She is excited about converting her experience working for large corporations into assisting small business owners to implement systems, structure and strategy.

In her spare time Lauren enjoys the outdoors - running, hiking, camping and catching up with friends over a nice glass of wine or two.

CLARICE IBBITSON

GRADUATE ACCOUNTANT

Clarice has been with us since May 2010 as a Graduate Accountant. She is in her first year of study towards completing her Advanced Bachelor of Business and Commerce (Accounting) at University of Western Sydney. Clarice has a wealth of life experience both through working at O'Donoghues since she was 19 and travelling solo overseas at 18.

The most artistic member of our team, Clarice enjoys drawing, cooking (and eating), music, fashion, and is responsible for our social media profiles.

ANNIKA LEES
GRADUATE ACCOUNTANT

Annika has been with us since August 2009 as a Graduate Accountant. She is currently in her final semester of study and will complete her Bachelor of Business (Accounting) at UTS in July 2010. Annika's experience working in other businesses while studying, including QBE Insurance, have given her great professionalism in dealing with our clients and she is proving to be a great asset.

When not working, Annika enjoys tennis, touch football and spending time with friends and family.

SANDRA OXLEY
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Sandra is our Office Administrator and is the one who makes sure our busy office runs smoothly! She has a wealth of experience from previous roles in the banking sector, other accounting offices and simply raising a family. She is also the voice at the end of the phone when you call us and can answer simple queries, take appointments or pass you on to the member of our team that you need to speak to.

An extraordinary trivia buff, when not at work you'll find Sandra teaming up with her friends or family at local trivia competitions.

JULIE COLLINS
PERSONAL ASSISTANT

PART - TIME

Julie has been with our firm since 2008 in various administrative roles. She is currently in the office one day a week providing personal assistance to Melissa and implementing office projects. Don't be surprised if you catch her at the other end of the line when you call us, she may even offer you a chance to get involved in one of our latest seminars.

When Julie is not in the office she can be found at the UNSW library, finishing an assignment for her Bachelor of International Studies. She needs to practice speaking Spanish for her cultural exchange to Spain in 2011, so feel free to test her skills when you call!

COLEEN PERROTT
BOOKKEEPER

Coleen has been with our firm since 2007. Coleen attained her Accounting Diploma at TAFE in 1999 and has worked as a book-keeper in small business since that time. This mix of study and professional experience enables Coleen to provide a high level of service to our clients.

Coleen has three children, a grandson and a granddaughter on the way – all of whom keep her very busy when she is not at work. Coleen also enjoys photography, numbers (surprisingly) and is actively involved with her local church.