:: wms chartered accountants | about us - our team

Yoko has completed two double degrees including a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting, Banking and Finance and also a Bachelor of International Business at Griffith University. Yoko was inducted into the Golden Key National Honour Society for Academic Excellence.

Yoko joined WMS in June 2001 after working with a major Japanese brewing company.

Rebecca joined WMS in January 2003 and has a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting from Griffith University on the Gold Coast.

Rebecca was inducted into the Golden Key National Honour Society and received an award for Academic Excellence whilst at university.

Rebecca is a qualified Chartered Accountant with over 4 years experience in public practice.

Joined the firm in November 2003. Prior to joining WMS, Liam commenced his career in March 2002 after graduating from The University of South Australia where he completed a double degree majoring in Accounting and Management Information Systems.

Since starting with the firm he has applied his studies practically and has gained experience with taxation and accounting issues. He also possesses experience and skills within our audit division, especially trust account audits.

Vanessa has worked in public practice on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast for over 12 years. She graduated from Queensland University of Technology in 1992 and is a certified practicing accountant.

She has gained valuable experience in taxation and business services whilst working with a wide variety of clients and is a current workflow manager at WMS.

In her spare time she enjoys combining her passion for photography and travel in search of the ultimate photograph. Vanessa has just become a new mother so now juggles the challenges of her career and motherhood.

Kristy joined WMS in February 2007 and has a Bachelor of Commerce and Business Management specializing in HR and Organizational Behaviour from the University of Queensland.

Kristy is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has over 7 years experience in the Big 4 environment and she achieved a merit for the top 5% in Australia in 4 out of 5 CA subjects.

Kristy has recently returned from the UK where her experience was largely related to implementing people and operational strategies to drive strategic growth.

In her spare time Kristy likes to snowboard and hit the beach.

John joined WMS in April 2004. He graduated from Queensland University of Technology in November 1997 and worked for five years with a public practice on the Sunshine Coast gaining valuable experience in Business Services with a large variety of clients.

During 2003 John travelled the globe and also worked in London for a period of 4 months.

Leschen is a senior member of the WMS team with 12 years of experience, the majority of which was spent in a “Big Four” environment. Leschen is a Bond University graduate of 1994 , she now has two young children and spends most of her time juggling the challenges of work and children whilst in pursuit of the ever elusive work life balance.

Leschen has significant experience in retail trade, in particular pharmacy, including provision and review of financial diagnostics, cashflow management and facilitation of planning strategies.

She has a strong focus on business improvement strategies and tax effective structuring advice.

Robert joined WMS in September 2004 having worked in public practice for the past 19 years. He is a Registered Tax Agent and Registered Company Auditor.

Robert has Business Services experience across many industries and has previously conducted audit assignments in both the profit and non-profit sectors.

Kirsten started with WMS in 1998 as an undergraduate accountant.

Kirsten is a qualified Chartered Accountant with over 7 years experience in public practice.

Kirsten has extensive experience across many industries and has a strong focus on taxation and superannuation.

Andrew joined WMS in August 2007 and is a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) with over 5 years public practice experience working in Sydney, Canberra and now the Gold Coast.

Andrew graduated from the University of Sydney after completing a combined Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Arts degree and can speak Bahasa Indonesia and Niugini Pidgin. In completing his CA studies, Andrew achieved a merit listing for the Taxation and Financial Reporting module.

Andrew has extensive experience in dealing with small to medium family enterprises, and high net wealth individuals.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys scuba diving and spending time with his new family.

Suzie joined our firm in 2004 coming from a Big Four accounting environment. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant with 5 years experience in business services, taxation and other areas.

Suzie has a double degree in Commerce and Science, fluently speaking both Cantonese and Mandarin

Jun joined the firm in June 2007 and has a Bachelor of Business major in Accounting from Northern Territory University.

She is a Certified Practicing Accountant with 6 years experience in Public Practice.

Outside of work, she is a proud mum and an enthusiastic golf player.

Annie joined WMS in July 2008 and has a Bachelor of Business from Monash University, majoring in Accounting and sub-majoring in Law and Tourism.

Annie is a Certified Practicing Accountant and has worked in public practice in Victoria for 12 years. She has extensive experience in dealing with small to medium family enterprises and high net wealth individuals.

Annie loves to spend time with family and friends, dining out and socializing.

Lindsey joined WMS in February 2004 and is currently studying towards her Bachelor of Business with a major in Accounting at Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus. She has already completed her Certificate in Business Management.

Lindsey’s prior work experience has included accounts payable and receivable in both the legal and travel industry.

Kimberlee joined WMS in October 2006 and has a Bachelor of Business degree with a major in Accounting from Griffith University on the Gold Coast.

Whilst undertaking her degree she received an award for Academic Excellence and was inducted into the Golden Key National Honour Society.

Kimberlee is also a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) and will be undertaking further studies to become a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2007.

Before joining WMS, Kimberlee spent three years in public practice and three years within the finance department of Royal Pines Resort.

Outside of work, Kimberlee likes going to the gym, socialising and backpacking to distant countries.

Natalie joined the firm in August 2006. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Marketing), a Master of Business Administration (with distinction) and a Masters of Accounting (incorporating the CPA program).

Before joining WMS Natalie began her career in the fields of marketing and product management, and then ran a successful management rights business.

Matthew joined the firm in May 2006. Prior to joining WMS, Matthew graduated from Griffith University (Gold Coast campus) in 2005, with a Bachelor of International Finance Majoring in Accounting.

Matthew is a qualified Chartered Accountant. He commenced his career in 2004, working in small practice in Northern NSW, specialising in tax and compliance work.

Outside of work Matthew’s interests include cricket, golf, trail bikes and his family farm.

Shintaro hails from Japan and has been studying in Australia for the past 9 years. He graduated from high school in Brisbane and completed a Bachelor of International Business at Griffith University.

Shintaro has also completed his Master of Professional Accounting.

In his spare time Shintaro likes to go outdoors to exercise. He likes to surf and go to the gym on the weekend. He has been cooking since he was 18 and can cook a wide range of foods.

Michael joined the WMS team in May 2007 as an undergraduate accountant. Michael is currently in his second year of a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Accounting at Griffith University. He is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society.

Michael graduated from All Saints Anglican School where he was awarded the academic prize for Accounting

Michael is an avid soccer fan and also enjoys playing golf and listening to music.

Eric graduated from Griffith University (Gold Coast Campus) in 2006 with a Master of Professional Accounting. Eric Joined WMS part-time in July 2006.

Eric has a double degree in Accounting and Business and Tourism Management and speaks French fluently. He was inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society and received an award for Academic Excellence whilst at university.

Outside of work, Eric likes sports, cooking and cinema. But his ultimate passion remains travelling and the discovery of unknown places.

Alvin joined WMS in September 2005 and has a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Accounting at the University of Queensland (St Lucia Campus). Alvin is currently studying the Chartered Accountants Program.

Alvin is a multilingual with proficiency in both Bahasa Indonesia and Japanese.

Prior to joining WMS, Alvin worked as an Assistant Accountant at a manufacturing company and a Tax Help Volunteer at the Australian Taxation Office.

Outside of work, Alvin’s interests include travelling, chess, studying the financial markets, and learning a foreign language.

Stephen joined WMS in July 2006 as a graduate accountant. He has recently completed his Master of Business in Professional Accounting from Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He was also inducted into the Golden Key’s Society (UQ chapter) in 2001 for Academic Excellence.

Stephen has worked in wholesale, aquaculture farms and family businesses.

Stephen can speak Mandarin and understand Taiwanese. In his spare time he likes to participate in various sports, such as golf, basketball and surfing. He also enjoys making cuisines from different cultures.

Selina joined the firm in June 2007. She completed a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and Master of Financial Management in 2005 and has since worked in public practice with a focus on taxation and compliance.

Selina speaks fluent Mandarin and in her spare time she enjoys going to the beach, shopping and dining out. She is also a fierce tennis player.

Yoshiko joined WMS in September 2007. Yoshiko has a Bachelor of Business majoring in Tourism Management at Griffith University (Gold Coast Campus) and is currently studying towards her Masters of Professional Accounting at Griffith University (Gold Coast Campus).

Prior to joining WMS, Yoshiko worked as an assistant accountant at a wedding resort and at a private language school for more than five years.

In her spare time she enjoys painting and walking with her dog.

Sally joined the firm in July 2007. She had completed her Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Accounting and Bachelor of Information Technology at the University of Queensland in 2005. Sally also received an award of Academic Excellence from the School of Business.

Prior to joining WMS, Sally has worked in a public practice for a year with a focus on taxation and audit.

Sally speaks fluent Cantonese and in her spare time she enjoys photography and travelling.

Heitor joined WMS in August 2006 as a graduate accountant. He has recently completed a Master of Professional Accounting at Griffith University (Gold Coast), and he also holds a Bachelor of Hotel Management from the same university.

Heitor speaks Portuguese fluently, and French at an intermediate level.

In his own time, he likes socialising with friends, going to the beach, gym, travelling, cooking, and as a true Brazilian he likes to follow the soccer.

Jessie joined the firm in August 2006 as a graduate accountant. She has a Bachelor of Hotel Management and Master of Professional Accounting and received an award for Academic Excellence at Griffith University in 2004.

Before joining WMS Jessie worked for Sheraton Mirage on the Gold Coast for 5 years and worked for HANA BANK as a Finance Consultant in Korea for 3 years before coming to Australia. Jessie is fluent in Korean.

Outside of work, she is a proud mum and wife. She loves swimming and has recently started taking tennis lessons.

Tom joined the firm as a graduate in July 2007 after relocating to the Gold Coast from Tasmania.

Tom has over 2 years experience working in public practice in Tasmania as an undergraduate, specifically in Business Services. Tom intends to start the CA program in February 2008.

Outside of work Tom likes to keep busy by spending time with friends and family, exercising and going on adventures!

Ros joined WMS in August 2007 and has years 18 years experience within the banking industry with a major bank within Australia. Her experience is largely in the Commercial and Personal Lending area.

Outside of work Ros is an enthusiastic artist and photographer.

Nadeen joined WMS in September 2007 after spending 13 years with one of Australia’s largest banks.

Nadeen’s area of expertise is predominately in the commercial lending sector.

Outside of work Nadeen enjoys netball, yoga, walking and anything that her 2 and 4 year old daughters enjoy doing.

Paris joined the firm in January 2008 after spending one year working as part of the audit team at a large accounting firm in Brisbane. Paris has joined the Business Services team.

Paris is looking forward to beginning her further studies and becoming a Chartered Accountant.

Paris is a member of the Griffith University Accounting Association.

Paris is currently studying her final year of Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accounting at Griffith University.

Outside of work Paris enjoys reading, swimming, shopping and socialising.

Kasia joined WMS in February 2008 and is currently studying her final year of Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting.

Kasia has received both Golden Key’s Society membership and the Award for Academic Excellence.

Kasia speaks fluent Polish, basic German and is starting French lessons.

In her own time Kasia enjoys the beach, reading and dining out.

Christian joined WMS in March 2008 as a graduate accountant. He has recently completed his Masters of Accounting at Central Queensland University (Gold Coast) and received an Award for Academic Excellence.

Prior to his studies in Australia, Christian completed a Bachelor of Business Administration in Germany with majors in Economics and Finance. Furthermore, Christian worked for North German State Bank as a Credit analyst for two years before coming to Australia.

Christian is fluent in German and also has a basic understanding of French.

Outside of work Christian enjoys surfing, Rugby and Australian Rules football.

Ishan joined the WMS team in March 2008 as an undergraduate accountant and is currently studying in his 3rd year of Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accounting and Finance at Griffith University. Ishan started his accounting career as a Tax Cadet with a public practice in Brisbane.

He is the President of Griffith University Accounting Association and he received a nomination from Griffith University to attend the Queensland Student Leadership Forum which was hosted by Queensland Parliament in 2007.

Ishan is a bilingual with proficiency in Hindi and other Indian dialects.

In his spare time he enjoys many sports including tennis and cricket, playing the guitar and hitting the dance floor.

Leigh joined WMS in March 2008 after relocating from Sydney, where she gained 3 years practical experience in public practice.

Leigh has completed a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting at QUT. She also has a Diploma in Hospitality Management.

After completing her university studies, Leigh worked in London and travelled throughout the UK and Europe for 18 months.

Patrick joined WMS in May 2008 after working over two years in Commerce as an Accountant and has a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Accounting from Bond University. He is currently completing his CPA qualification.

Prior to his studies in Australia, Patrick completed an advanced diploma in business administration with honours. He has also worked over 6 years in business administration and HR at a large multinational organisation in Germany and the Netherlands.

Patrick is a visiting teaching fellow for accounting at Bond University.

He is fluent in German and outside of work enjoys playing squash, cycling and also travelling.

Matthew joined WMS in May 2008 after moving from Northern NSW where he worked in a small accounting firm in Lismore.

He is currently in his 2nd year of a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accounting and Finance at Southern Cross University. He has had more than 10 years experience managing a small business.

He enjoys Rugby Union, surfing and classic cars.

Shae joined WMS in July 2008 having previously worked in the finance industry, in the residential property and lending sector.

Shae also has experience in the media industry specialising in sales and marketing, with experience in both Australia and the United Kingdom.

Outside of work, Shae enjoys netball, tennis & classic cars.

Vernita has been working in Financial Planning for two years as an Office Manager in Melbourne. During this time she successfully completed her Financial Planning Diploma.

After relocating to the Gold Coast in June 2008 Vernita is continuing her studies and currently completing the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning.

To assist in achieving a work/life balance, Vernita enjoys relaxing on the beach, reading and one day would love to learn to hang glide.

Kate joined the WMS team in July 2008 after relocating from the UK, where she worked for a large legal firm.

Kate’s experience lies within customer support, client services and project management in the professional services sector.

Outside of work Kate spends her time reading, keeping active at the gym and enjoying the beach.



	about us about us > our team > professional staff Managers Senior Accountants Accountants Managers
			Yoko Briese CPA Yoko has completed two double degrees including a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting, Banking and Finance and also a Bachelor of International Business at Griffith University. Yoko was inducted into the Golden Key National Honour Society for Academic Excellence. Yoko joined WMS in June 2001 after working with a major Japanese brewing company.

			Matthew Butler CA Matthew was recruited by WMS in October 2005. Matthew has worked in public practice on the Gold Coast for more than 10 years. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in taxation, business services, superannuation, audit and other areas of public practice.
			Rebecca Gear CA Rebecca joined WMS in January 2003 and has a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting from Griffith University on the Gold Coast. Rebecca was inducted into the Golden Key National Honour Society and received an award for Academic Excellence whilst at university. Rebecca is a qualified Chartered Accountant with over 4 years experience in public practice.

			Liam Hern CA Joined the firm in November 2003. Prior to joining WMS, Liam commenced his career in March 2002 after graduating from The University of South Australia where he completed a double degree majoring in Accounting and Management Information Systems. Since starting with the firm he has applied his studies practically and has gained experience with taxation and accounting issues. He also possesses experience and skills within our audit division, especially trust account audits.
			Vanessa Hildebrandt CPA Vanessa has worked in public practice on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast for over 12 years. She graduated from Queensland University of Technology in 1992 and is a certified practicing accountant. She has gained valuable experience in taxation and business services whilst working with a wide variety of clients and is a current workflow manager at WMS. In her spare time she enjoys combining her passion for photography and travel in search of the ultimate photograph. Vanessa has just become a new mother so now juggles the challenges of her career and motherhood.

			Kristy Macfarlane CA Kristy joined WMS in February 2007 and has a Bachelor of Commerce and Business Management specializing in HR and Organizational Behaviour from the University of Queensland. Kristy is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has over 7 years experience in the Big 4 environment and she achieved a merit for the top 5% in Australia in 4 out of 5 CA subjects. Kristy has recently returned from the UK where her experience was largely related to implementing people and operational strategies to drive strategic growth. In her spare time Kristy likes to snowboard and hit the beach.
			John Kidd CPA John joined WMS in April 2004. He graduated from Queensland University of Technology in November 1997 and worked for five years with a public practice on the Sunshine Coast gaining valuable experience in Business Services with a large variety of clients. During 2003 John travelled the globe and also worked in London for a period of 4 months.
			Kim Sceriha CA Joined WMS in February 2000 and has a Bachelor of Business degree with a double major in Accounting and Marketing from Griffith University (Gold Coast Campus). Kim is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has over 6 years experience in business services, management, taxation, structuring and many other areas.


			Leschen Smaller CPA Leschen is a senior member of the WMS team with 12 years of experience, the majority of which was spent in a “Big Four” environment. Leschen is a Bond University graduate of 1994 , she now has two young children and spends most of her time juggling the challenges of work and children whilst in pursuit of the ever elusive work life balance. Leschen has significant experience in retail trade, in particular pharmacy, including provision and review of financial diagnostics, cashflow management and facilitation of planning strategies. She has a strong focus on business improvement strategies and tax effective structuring advice.

			Robert Smith CA Robert joined WMS in September 2004 having worked in public practice for the past 19 years. He is a Registered Tax Agent and Registered Company Auditor. Robert has Business Services experience across many industries and has previously conducted audit assignments in both the profit and non-profit sectors.

			Kirsten Stewart CA Kirsten started with WMS in 1998 as an undergraduate accountant. Kirsten is a qualified Chartered Accountant with over 7 years experience in public practice. Kirsten has extensive experience across many industries and has a strong focus on taxation and superannuation.

			Andrew Ward CA Andrew joined WMS in August 2007 and is a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) with over 5 years public practice experience working in Sydney, Canberra and now the Gold Coast. Andrew graduated from the University of Sydney after completing a combined Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Arts degree and can speak Bahasa Indonesia and Niugini Pidgin. In completing his CA studies, Andrew achieved a merit listing for the Taxation and Financial Reporting module. Andrew has extensive experience in dealing with small to medium family enterprises, and high net wealth individuals. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys scuba diving and spending time with his new family.

			Suzie Xu CA Suzie joined our firm in 2004 coming from a Big Four accounting environment. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant with 5 years experience in business services, taxation and other areas. Suzie has a double degree in Commerce and Science, fluently speaking both Cantonese and Mandarin

			Jun Yang CPA Jun joined the firm in June 2007 and has a Bachelor of Business major in Accounting from Northern Territory University. She is a Certified Practicing Accountant with 6 years experience in Public Practice. Outside of work, she is a proud mum and an enthusiastic golf player.

			Annie Morgan CPA Annie joined WMS in July 2008 and has a Bachelor of Business from Monash University, majoring in Accounting and sub-majoring in Law and Tourism. Annie is a Certified Practicing Accountant and has worked in public practice in Victoria for 12 years. She has extensive experience in dealing with small to medium family enterprises and high net wealth individuals. Annie loves to spend time with family and friends, dining out and socializing.

			Senior Accountants

			Lindsey Dorsey Lindsey joined WMS in February 2004 and is currently studying towards her Bachelor of Business with a major in Accounting at Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus. She has already completed her Certificate in Business Management. Lindsey’s prior work experience has included accounts payable and receivable in both the legal and travel industry.

			Kimberlee French Kimberlee joined WMS in October 2006 and has a Bachelor of Business degree with a major in Accounting from Griffith University on the Gold Coast. Whilst undertaking her degree she received an award for Academic Excellence and was inducted into the Golden Key National Honour Society. Kimberlee is also a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) and will be undertaking further studies to become a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2007. Before joining WMS, Kimberlee spent three years in public practice and three years within the finance department of Royal Pines Resort. Outside of work, Kimberlee likes going to the gym, socialising and backpacking to distant countries.

			Natalie Moore Natalie joined the firm in August 2006. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Marketing), a Master of Business Administration (with distinction) and a Masters of Accounting (incorporating the CPA program). Before joining WMS Natalie began her career in the fields of marketing and product management, and then ran a successful management rights business.

			Matthew Shoobridge Matthew joined the firm in May 2006. Prior to joining WMS, Matthew graduated from Griffith University (Gold Coast campus) in 2005, with a Bachelor of International Finance Majoring in Accounting. Matthew is a qualified Chartered Accountant. He commenced his career in 2004, working in small practice in Northern NSW, specialising in tax and compliance work. Outside of work Matthew’s interests include cricket, golf, trail bikes and his family farm.

			Accountants

			Shintaro Awata Shintaro hails from Japan and has been studying in Australia for the past 9 years. He graduated from high school in Brisbane and completed a Bachelor of International Business at Griffith University. Shintaro has also completed his Master of Professional Accounting. In his spare time Shintaro likes to go outdoors to exercise. He likes to surf and go to the gym on the weekend. He has been cooking since he was 18 and can cook a wide range of foods.

			Michael Crump Michael joined the WMS team in May 2007 as an undergraduate accountant. Michael is currently in his second year of a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Accounting at Griffith University. He is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society. Michael graduated from All Saints Anglican School where he was awarded the academic prize for Accounting Michael is an avid soccer fan and also enjoys playing golf and listening to music.

			Eric Flammang Eric graduated from Griffith University (Gold Coast Campus) in 2006 with a Master of Professional Accounting. Eric Joined WMS part-time in July 2006. Eric has a double degree in Accounting and Business and Tourism Management and speaks French fluently. He was inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society and received an award for Academic Excellence whilst at university. Outside of work, Eric likes sports, cooking and cinema. But his ultimate passion remains travelling and the discovery of unknown places.

			Alvin Lee Alvin joined WMS in September 2005 and has a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Accounting at the University of Queensland (St Lucia Campus). Alvin is currently studying the Chartered Accountants Program. Alvin is a multilingual with proficiency in both Bahasa Indonesia and Japanese. Prior to joining WMS, Alvin worked as an Assistant Accountant at a manufacturing company and a Tax Help Volunteer at the Australian Taxation Office. Outside of work, Alvin’s interests include travelling, chess, studying the financial markets, and learning a foreign language.

			Stephen Lin Stephen joined WMS in July 2006 as a graduate accountant. He has recently completed his Master of Business in Professional Accounting from Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He was also inducted into the Golden Key’s Society (UQ chapter) in 2001 for Academic Excellence. Stephen has worked in wholesale, aquaculture farms and family businesses. Stephen can speak Mandarin and understand Taiwanese. In his spare time he likes to participate in various sports, such as golf, basketball and surfing. He also enjoys making cuisines from different cultures.

			Selina Liu Selina joined the firm in June 2007. She completed a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and Master of Financial Management in 2005 and has since worked in public practice with a focus on taxation and compliance. Selina speaks fluent Mandarin and in her spare time she enjoys going to the beach, shopping and dining out. She is also a fierce tennis player.

			Yoshiko Kirby Yoshiko joined WMS in September 2007. Yoshiko has a Bachelor of Business majoring in Tourism Management at Griffith University (Gold Coast Campus) and is currently studying towards her Masters of Professional Accounting at Griffith University (Gold Coast Campus). Prior to joining WMS, Yoshiko worked as an assistant accountant at a wedding resort and at a private language school for more than five years. In her spare time she enjoys painting and walking with her dog.

			Sally Mak Sally joined the firm in July 2007. She had completed her Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Accounting and Bachelor of Information Technology at the University of Queensland in 2005. Sally also received an award of Academic Excellence from the School of Business. Prior to joining WMS, Sally has worked in a public practice for a year with a focus on taxation and audit. Sally speaks fluent Cantonese and in her spare time she enjoys photography and travelling.

			Heitor Almeida de Morais Heitor joined WMS in August 2006 as a graduate accountant. He has recently completed a Master of Professional Accounting at Griffith University (Gold Coast), and he also holds a Bachelor of Hotel Management from the same university. Heitor speaks Portuguese fluently, and French at an intermediate level. In his own time, he likes socialising with friends, going to the beach, gym, travelling, cooking, and as a true Brazilian he likes to follow the soccer.

			Estelle Proskefalas Estelle joined the WMS team in February 2006 as an undergraduate accountant. Estelle is currently studying towards her Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting and Finance at Griffith University. Estelle has been awarded the dux of Management Concepts at Griffith in 2005. Estelle graduated from St Hilda’s Anglican School on the Gold Coast, completing year 12 as School Sports Captain. She has previously worked in numerous family businesses before commencing with WMS. Estelle’s interests outside work include keeping active playing sports such as touch football and tennis.

			Jessie Song Jessie joined the firm in August 2006 as a graduate accountant. She has a Bachelor of Hotel Management and Master of Professional Accounting and received an award for Academic Excellence at Griffith University in 2004. Before joining WMS Jessie worked for Sheraton Mirage on the Gold Coast for 5 years and worked for HANA BANK as a Finance Consultant in Korea for 3 years before coming to Australia. Jessie is fluent in Korean. Outside of work, she is a proud mum and wife. She loves swimming and has recently started taking tennis lessons.

			Tom Steele Tom joined the firm as a graduate in July 2007 after relocating to the Gold Coast from Tasmania. Tom has over 2 years experience working in public practice in Tasmania as an undergraduate, specifically in Business Services. Tom intends to start the CA program in February 2008. Outside of work Tom likes to keep busy by spending time with friends and family, exercising and going on adventures!

		Roslyn Jones Ros joined WMS in August 2007 and has years 18 years experience within the banking industry with a major bank within Australia. Her experience is largely in the Commercial and Personal Lending area. Outside of work Ros is an enthusiastic artist and photographer.

		Nadeen Stammer Nadeen joined WMS in September 2007 after spending 13 years with one of Australia’s largest banks. Nadeen’s area of expertise is predominately in the commercial lending sector. Outside of work Nadeen enjoys netball, yoga, walking and anything that her 2 and 4 year old daughters enjoy doing.

		Paris Stambanis Paris joined the firm in January 2008 after spending one year working as part of the audit team at a large accounting firm in Brisbane. Paris has joined the Business Services team. Paris is looking forward to beginning her further studies and becoming a Chartered Accountant. Paris is a member of the Griffith University Accounting Association. Paris is currently studying her final year of Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accounting at Griffith University. Outside of work Paris enjoys reading, swimming, shopping and socialising.


		Katarzyna Pawlikowska Kasia joined WMS in February 2008 and is currently studying her final year of Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting. Kasia has received both Golden Key’s Society membership and the Award for Academic Excellence. Kasia speaks fluent Polish, basic German and is starting French lessons. In her own time Kasia enjoys the beach, reading and dining out.

		Christian Gehoff Christian joined WMS in March 2008 as a graduate accountant. He has recently completed his Masters of Accounting at Central Queensland University (Gold Coast) and received an Award for Academic Excellence. Prior to his studies in Australia, Christian completed a Bachelor of Business Administration in Germany with majors in Economics and Finance. Furthermore, Christian worked for North German State Bank as a Credit analyst for two years before coming to Australia. Christian is fluent in German and also has a basic understanding of French. Outside of work Christian enjoys surfing, Rugby and Australian Rules football.

		Ishan Gemini Ishan joined the WMS team in March 2008 as an undergraduate accountant and is currently studying in his 3rd year of Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accounting and Finance at Griffith University. Ishan started his accounting career as a Tax Cadet with a public practice in Brisbane. He is the President of Griffith University Accounting Association and he received a nomination from Griffith University to attend the Queensland Student Leadership Forum which was hosted by Queensland Parliament in 2007. Ishan is a bilingual with proficiency in Hindi and other Indian dialects. In his spare time he enjoys many sports including tennis and cricket, playing the guitar and hitting the dance floor.

		Leigh Drummond Leigh joined WMS in March 2008 after relocating from Sydney, where she gained 3 years practical experience in public practice. Leigh has completed a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting at QUT. She also has a Diploma in Hospitality Management. After completing her university studies, Leigh worked in London and travelled throughout the UK and Europe for 18 months.

		Patrick Mauder Patrick joined WMS in May 2008 after working over two years in Commerce as an Accountant and has a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Accounting from Bond University. He is currently completing his CPA qualification. Prior to his studies in Australia, Patrick completed an advanced diploma in business administration with honours. He has also worked over 6 years in business administration and HR at a large multinational organisation in Germany and the Netherlands. Patrick is a visiting teaching fellow for accounting at Bond University. He is fluent in German and outside of work enjoys playing squash, cycling and also travelling.

		Matthew Bleakley Matthew joined WMS in May 2008 after moving from Northern NSW where he worked in a small accounting firm in Lismore. He is currently in his 2nd year of a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accounting and Finance at Southern Cross University. He has had more than 10 years experience managing a small business. He enjoys Rugby Union, surfing and classic cars.

		Shae Bleakley Shae joined WMS in July 2008 having previously worked in the finance industry, in the residential property and lending sector. Shae also has experience in the media industry specialising in sales and marketing, with experience in both Australia and the United Kingdom. Outside of work, Shae enjoys netball, tennis & classic cars.

		Vernita Whittaker Vernita has been working in Financial Planning for two years as an Office Manager in Melbourne. During this time she successfully completed her Financial Planning Diploma. After relocating to the Gold Coast in June 2008 Vernita is continuing her studies and currently completing the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning. To assist in achieving a work/life balance, Vernita enjoys relaxing on the beach, reading and one day would love to learn to hang glide.

		Kate Maknia Kate joined the WMS team in July 2008 after relocating from the UK, where she worked for a large legal firm. Kate’s experience lies within customer support, client services and project management in the professional services sector. Outside of work Kate spends her time reading, keeping active at the gym and enjoying the beach.


Copyright ©2008 WMS Chartered Accountants. All Rights Reserved.