Phone: 08 9842 5155
Amy Sims
Senior Manager
CA
Senior Manager Amy has a wealth of experience in all things accounting and specialises in small business and primary production. Amy fills her cup by doing things for others. Over the years Amy has been actively involved with numerous not for profit organisations ranging from Albany Community Hospice to the school P&C.
An Albany resident for two decades, Amy grew up in the Wheatbelt, which drives her lifelong passion for living and working rural. Amy likes to challenge the idea of being a 'boring accountant' and brings a creative flair to the office. In her spare time, Amy enjoys baking, sewing, entertaining friends and getting out and about with the family.
Amy is the epitome of "ask a busy person to do something" but she will always make time for a wine with friends.
Ryan McLaren
Senior Manager
CA
Since moving to Albany with partner Nat, Senior Manager Ryan has brought 16-years of financial, consultation and management experience to the Smith Thornton table. A coffee aficionado and lycra-enthusiast, Ryan's ideal day starts with a bike ride and ends walking his dog Ana – an energetic husky cross kelpie.
In the office, you'll find Ryan talking to clients and overseeing large client portfolios, including taxation for multiple entities or trusts. He enjoys learning what the needs and expectations of each client are to enable him to provide the best possible advice. Being proactive and staying in front of future issues is Ryan's modus operandi.
While he might not win you over with his unique post/metal rock music tastes, Ryan is respected for his calm, level-headed nature – which we predict will come in handy during footy season debates.
Email
Ryan at ryanm@smiththornton.com.au
Barbara Biggs
Senior Manager/Executive Officer CPA
CPA
Making a difference in the lives of clients provides great satisfaction to our Senior Accountant, Barbara.
A self-confessed workaholic, Barbara is motivated to find solutions to our client's problems and takes pride in knowing they are well taken care of. Having been with us since 2004, Barbara has grown into a role that involves client management, mentoring and dealing with complex taxation issues.
Barbara rates loyalty as one of her defining characteristics – one she no doubt puts to good use as a "tragic" Freo supporter!
On the weekends you can find Barbara watching her favourite TV shows with her loyal fur-baby Lucy, walking the Middleton Beach Boardwalk whilst enjoying the spectacular Albany views or out enjoying the company of friends with a wine (or two).
Email Barbara at barbarab@smiththornton.com.au
Nancy Simon
Senior Accountant
Nancy was born and bred in Albany and is the backbone of the office. As Simon and Dean's founding employee, Nancy's official title is Senior Accountant. Unofficially, it's Go-To for Everything.
Over the years, Nancy has helped the business evolve from a small team into the thriving company it is today. Importantly, she has seen the founding principles stand the test of time - treating people well and investing in their success; be they an employee, client, or member of the broader community.
Nancy's role has also naturally changed over time, from part-time while she raised her family to a Senior Accountant today, responsible for managing large accounts for the firm. Her clients benefit from the expansive, shared history Nancy has with their businesses.
A self-described doer, Nancy loves learning Sicilian recipes from her mother and passing them down to her daughter. (Drop into the office at the right time you might score a mouth-watering lemon biscotti!).
Email Nancy at nancys@smiththornton.com.au
Melinda Hudson
Senior Accountant
As the mum of school ages twins, Melinda relies on routine (and an impressive highlighter collection) to keep life running smoothly.
With us since 2001, Melinda has grown many longstanding relationships with her clients and enjoys doing her part to support them. As a Senior Accountant, Melinda manages a variety of our business clients, providing help with tax and BAS compliance along with tax planning strategies whilst also mentoring our graduates.
Melinda gets great satisfaction from assisting clients with tricky questions and providing advice at critical moments.
Handy with a sewing machine, outside work Melinda can be found whipping up new clothes for the kids or supporting their weekend activities with husband Myles.
Email Melinda at melindah@smiththornton.com.au
Jim Robertson
Senior Accountant
Having spent the first half of his career in the livestock industry, resident superannuation guru Jim was a late starter to accounting. Wanting to reinvent himself in a new profession, Jim qualified as an accountant in 2005 and joined us soon after.
With a dry sense of humour that gets him through the day, Jim is quick with witty repartee. But when he gets down to the serious business of super, Jim can be relied upon for practical advice on strategy and compliance.
In the warmer months, you'll find Jim on the bowling green, gardening, or taking photos in the bush during the cooler months. (Just don't ask him to take pictures of weddings or babies).
Email Jim at jamesr@smiththornton.com.au
Diane Geddes
Senior Accountant
Got a question? Chances are Diane knows the answer. From systems and banking to GST, Xero and MYOB coding, Diane has a wealth of knowledge that extends across retail, farming and hospitality. A loyal team member of ten years, Diane also takes the time to mentor new staff coming into the business.
With her eldest son working in the Wheatbelt, Diane spends weekends working on the family farm with husband Paul and youngest son.
Having forged strong friendships with her workmates over the past decade, we hear it on good authority that the way to Diane's heart is through a glass of local late harvest Riesling.
Email Diane at dianeg@smiththornton.com.au
Tiffany Whitby
Senior Accountant
Easy going Tiffany has been a member of the accounting team since 2013. Nicknamed 'The Jet', Tiffany is well known for her 'can do' attitude with both colleagues and clients, nothing is too much trouble. Tiffany looks after all things compliance for a wide range of clients and industries. She also contributes to the Self-Managed Superannuation division and assists with preparation of forecasts and budgets.
After being born in Albany, Tiffany grew up in Karratha before heading back down with NSW-born Brad to be closer to her family. The pair enjoy camping and going on 4WD adventures, hitting the beach and the odd scary movie. Tiffany and Brad welcomed baby Cooper to their family in the first half of 2021 and Tiffany has taken to parenting like the jet she is.
Jane Jackman
Senior Accountant
Jane was a key member of the senior team at Morgan Charter for two decades before coming across to us in late 2022. Bringing a wealth of experience along with her, Jane now spends her busy days working across an extensive portfolio that includes farming, medical, accommodation and self-funded retiree clients. Jane particularly enjoys her farming accounts, as no two years are the same.
In her free time, Jane is a keen camper and off-road explorer. Together with her husband and two kids, Jane loves jumping into her decked out Jeep and heading off in search of the ‘pot at the end of the rainbow’ – a deserted beach or little known scenic spot.
Sandra Colmer
Senior Accountant
Sandra joined us from Morgan Charter where she had spent 24 years cultivating relationships throughout the region. Sandra works across a broad portfolio of clients ranging from individuals to supporting larger companies with complex capital gains and superannuation issues. She has worked with some of the same clients throughout the duration of her career, and enjoys the privilege and continuity of having helped several clients all the way through to retirement planning.
Sandra’s three kids keep her busy on weekends, particularly her eldest son who excels at go karting, and achieved second spot in the state in 2022.
Nigel de Snoo
Senior Accountant
Nigel has covered a wide variety of accounting and tax matters during his tenure at Smith Thornton and is currently dedicated to finding ways to make compliance work more efficient.
One of the things Nigel enjoys about working at Smith Thornton is how supportive the firm is of the local community. This has enabled him the opportunity to pursue his passion for the State Emergency Service and previously allowed him to take on the challenging role of Local Manager and of Team Leader for exiting activities like abseiling and rescue.
Nigel is a proud husband and father of young children, who keep him on his toes from morning to night. Luckily nothing phases this guy as he takes it all in his stride.
Claire Hislop
Accountant
With four kids to get out the door, mornings are hectic in the Hislop house. But for this sporty family, being active and on the go is their way of life.
For mum Claire, organisation is key, which extends to her work as a part-time member of the Accounting team. Having settled in Albany in late 2019, Claire and husband Leigh, a bank manager, had previously lived and worked in Perth and throughout the Kimberley and North Territory.
Prior to having children, Claire obtained a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Accounting from Curtin University in Perth. Since joining, Claire has dived into her role preparing financial accounts, tax returns and ATO reporting for a variety of businesses. She loves the relaxed, friendly environment and the focus on upskilling and professional development.
When not gracing the various sporting fields around town, Claire, Leigh and the kids love exploring the local beaches and heading off on camping adventures.
Nadia Tyuts
Accountant
New to the Smith Thornton team in 2020 is accounting member Nadia. Recently settling on Australian shores, Nadia resides in Albany with partner Joe and their two fur children.
Nadia in action involves crunching annual financial statements, tax returns and Activity Statements for sole traders, partnerships, trusts and companies. Tackling number problems and finding a solution for clients is a satisfying days' work.
In her free time Nadia enjoys cooking shows – but don't expect any baked goods at the office, when it comes to cooking Nadia prefers observation over creation.
Email Nadia at nadiat@smiththornton.com.au
Eloise Boelling
Accountant
Eloise starts the day by taking her King Charles Cavalier for a walk, before making her way into the office. As a junior Accountant, Eloise works on a variety of duties ranging from the preparation of BAS statements to individual income tax returns. She credits her teammates for making coming to work so enjoyable.
In her spare time, Eloise is a budding author who enjoys writing in the fantasy genre. Originally from Esperance, Eloise has been an Albany resident for six years and likes to make the most of the local lifestyle on weekends.
Jenna van Nierop
Business Services Advisor
CA
Perth's loss was our gain when Jenna returned to her Albany roots in 2018. Lifestyle, flexibility and family were at the heart of her and hubby Steve's decision to return south, bringing their three kids along for the ride.
In her role as Business Services Advisor, Jenna leads all things advisory, from business forecasts and valuations to strategic planning and tender applications. Jenna also acts as a member of the senior group, helping guide the firm's annual business and marketing strategy.
Jenna loves being part of a company in which people foster genuine friendships while being offered the flexibility to meet the demands of family life.
With three young boys underfoot, life is busy – but Jenna still finds time to hit the netball court. On weekends you'll find them out and about cycling or exploring together.
Lauren Batten
Senior Bookkeeper
The first thing tea-drinker Lauren does of a morning is put the coffee pot on for her colleagues, which should tell you a bit about her straight off the bat.
As deft with a classical guitar and woodworking tools as she is accounting software Xero, QuickBooks and MYOB, Lauren spends her days helping clients with all aspects of bookkeeping, software, single touch payroll obligations, BAS lodgements and end of year activities. Lauren is also responsible for training clients new and old who choose to complete their own bookkeeping.
Having been a part of the team since 2013, Lauren sees client interaction and office camaraderie as the two biggest factors in her workplace enjoyment.
Wendy Fitzgerald
Bookkeeper
Adding to our ranks of talented weekend artisans is bookkeeping sage Wendy, who tucks her jewellery-making skills away during office hours to support a myriad of client needs. From accounts payable and receivable to payroll, Wendy has a busy role that sees her working across a range of industries and clientele.
Always quick with a smile, Wendy puts her spare time to good use creating jewellery to sell at markets, making glass beads and learning silver smithing.
Since relocating from Perth to Albany with her husband and son, Wendy is enjoying the adventure that comes with settling into a new community and surrounds.
Tracey Galantino
Administration Manager
Having been a valued team member from 2011 to 2017, Tracey was able to leave us for three years to travel north, before slipping back in without missing a beat. Describing the experience like returning to family, Tracey is happily back as part of the fold as Office Manager.
Responsible for keeping the office humming, Tracey takes care of a range of administration duties that support the broader team. On any given day this can involve tasks like processing files, making appointments, reception relief and liaising with the ATO.
Valued for her calm nature, Tracey spends weekends building upon her impressive crafting repertoire, from card making to knitting and candle making.
Email Tracey at traceyg@smiththornton.com.au
Kendal Camp
PA/Administrator
Kendal joined our team in August 2017 as receptionist and then a Partners Assistant to Dean and Rebecca before becoming a Mum to little Alaska in 2020. Kendal is now back working in her former role every Friday, assisting the team to keep things flowing.
If you have had the pleasure of meeting Kendal, you will know her as a cool, capable, easy going person with a quick wit and a can-do attitude. When Kendal is not at the office, she is busy nurturing her family and spending time with her friends.
Skita Goodall
Administration Assistant
Ever practical and a true team player, Skita has been with Smith Thornton Accountants for 15 years. Over this time she has served in various capacities, such as bookkeeping, and now as an Administrative Assistant.
Skita appreciates the flexible working arrangements and positive culture of the office. With her children now grown up and living independently, Skita and her husband Bevan relish the lifestyle that Albany provides. In her downtime, Skita enjoys exploring her interest in crochet, traveling on memorable holidays, and immersing herself in a good book. The newest addition to their family, a cavalier puppy named Sonny, fills their lives with joy and energy.
As an Administrative Assistant, Skita utilises her diverse skill set to support the team and provide quality service to clients.
Andrea Morgan
Administrator
Experienced admin all-rounder Andrea loves the fact that every day is wildly different to the one before it in her role. After kicking off each morning walking her dogs on the beach, Andrea heads into the office to deal with a multitude of tasks, from client queries to liaising with the ATO, systems and training, and providing general support to the accounting team. She particularly enjoys the supportive and friendly working environment of the office.
After work, you will find Andrea in her home gym lifting weights - a passion that keeps her fit and focused.
Isabella Herren
Administration Assistant/ Receptionist
Bella joined Smith Thornton shortly after graduating from St Joseph’s College in 2022. When she’s not on campus at UWA, where she is pursuing a law degree, Bella will be on hand to greet you in reception with her trademark smile. In addition to her front of house duties, Bella is tasked with a variety of administrative tasks that help keep the office running smoothly.
Having made the change from city slicker to farm-goer five years ago, Bella relishes the outdoor lifestyle on her family’s 10,000 acre property, where she steps in as a stand-in-mum to orphaned lambs. In her free time, Bella enjoys spending time with friends and family, sound mixing and crocheting.
Vanessa Tschabotar
Administration Assistant/Receptionist
Administrator extraordinaire Vanessa enjoys the fast pace of our office, and the friendly colleagues and locals she interacts with on a daily basis. She assists with a range of supporting duties, such as the preparation of ASIC company statements, and provides cover on reception and the phones.
An Albany native through and through, Vanessa met her husband locally at age 17 and they have two teenage children. Aside from her work at Smith Thornton, Vanessa is also kept busy doing the bookkeeping for their cattle, sand and gravel businesses.
Vanessa spends her time away from the office taking her kids to sport and extracurricular activities, walking her black lab at the beach, catching up with friends and playing Vets Basketball.
234 Stirling Tce
Albany, WA 6330
Australia
PO Box 5445
Albany, WA 6332
Australia
CPA Australia
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