Blackburn Lazer

Accounting & Taxation

We offer a comprehensive range of accounting and taxation solutions for businesses.

Good record keeping is essential for anyone in business. It provides meaningful information to manage cash flow, meet your tax obligations, make key decisions and understand how your business is performing.

Our team of business tax accountants will work closely with you to ensure your records are up-to-date and your compliance obligations lodged on time.

We actively engage with you during the tax planning phase to ensure that you are aware of any tax minimization strategies and clarity of your tax position nearing the end of each financial year.

Please contact us today to discuss how we can benefit your business.

Business Advice & Management Reporting

Growing a successful business is always complex and requires continuous and careful planning and professional advice. Our mission is to assist business owners to achieve both their personal and business financial objectives.

Our experienced team of accountants will work closely with you throughout the financial year to assist you in extracting and interpreting the information made available by your management information systems to enhance the understanding of your business and enable you to make more informed and effective decisions on a day-to-day basis. We aim to provide you with strong practical advice and to assist you in implementing strategies to achieve profitability, sustainable growth and increased value.

We take pride in getting to know you and how you run your business so we can tailor our advice according to your business objectives.

Please contact us today to discuss how we could assist your business.

Management Accounting Advice & Guidance

Our mission is to assist business owners achieve both personal and business financial objectives.

Our experienced team of accountants will work closely with you throughout the year and provide you with strong practical advice, assist to implement strategies to achieve profitability, sustainable growth and increased value. When working with you we will:-

Review your business regularly
Work with you in determining future strategies that will bring success
Develop management information systems providing timely information
Assist in the development of financial budgets
Measure your performance against Key Performance Indicators
Tax Planning
Utilise specialist financial analysis to assess the performance of your business and more importantly how to improve it

Though lodgement compliance is an important part of our role, we also focus on your current financial records to assist you with key business decisions and future goals.

Management Reporting

Management reporting centres on the timely provision of financial and statistical information. Information required by business managers to make day-to-day and short-term decisions more efficiently and effectively if they are to achieve desired outcomes such as increasing returns or delivering improved services and representing the information in a clear format.

An important aspect of Management accounting is determining what information management or business owner needs. These reports typically show the amount of available cash (free cash flow), sales revenue achieved, actual versus budget of financial performance, liquidity of business, outstanding debts, raw material and inventory movement, and may also include trend charts, variance analysis, and other statistics.

Other areas of analysis include:

Strategic advice to business owners about the financial implications of projects
Key Performance Indicators and benchmarking to industry reporting
Explaining the financial consequences of business decisions
Formulating business budgets and strategies
Monitoring spending, financial control and Cashflow projection
Monthly/quarterly management reports

We take pride in getting to know you and how you run your business so we can tailor our advice according to your business objectives.

Cloud Accounting Solutions

An increasing number of small to medium sized businesses are moving to cloud accounting.

Cloud Accounting enables more timely, efficient and effective management of a business’s information and finances.

It offers extra accessibility and easier integration to other supporting ‘add-on’ software which can provide many advantages to tracking the performance of your business.

With cloud accounting you and your team can access vital information at any time, data can be processed and updated quicker with the use of bank feeds, and we as your business adviser can access your file quickly, with minimal interruption to your business.

Blackburn Lazer is proud to be partner of the following accounting software providers and can assist you with the setup, migration, training and ongoing support of the software best suited to your business and financial reporting requirements:

Please contact us today to discuss how cloud accounting can benefit your business.

Corporate Secretarial

We have a great understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that applies to business entities and can help you understand the myriad compliance programs and regulatory obligations that impact your business.

We will help to ensure your business meets all of its obligations to the numerous regulatory bodies including ASIC (Australian Securities & Investments Commission).

Please contact us today to discuss how we can benefit your business.

Self Managed Superannuation Funds

Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSF) are becoming more and more popular for people interested in managing and controlling their own investments.

Our team of superannuation accountants live and breathe all things super and can take the complexity out of some of the administrative aspects of your SMSF.

Through our professional network of financial advisers, we can also assist with:

Financial Advice and Planning
Estate Planning
SMSF Audit
Personal Insurances

Please contact us today to discuss how we can assist you with your self managed super fund.

Eric Dunn

Director - B.Bus, CPA

Eric commenced at Blackburn Lazer as a graduate in 1988 and was admitted as a director in 1999. He has over 30 years’ experience in accounting and business advisory services and specialises in working actively with businesses to help them build profitable and sustainable businesses. In his role as corporate advisor he meets with clients regularly, reviewing their performance and assisting in developing business strategies. He has been involved in a numerous business sales, acquisitions and corporate restructures and sits on a number of his client’s advisory boards.

Away from the office, Eric is a passionate (previously long suffering) tiger supporter, cricket fanatic, avid golfer, and general sports enthusiast. He is married with two daughters.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Business
Certified Practicing Accountant
Registered Tax Agent

Philip Hii

Director - B.Comm., M. App. Fin., CA

Having commenced Public Practice in January 1998, Philip has had over 20 years of professional experience providing accounting, tax and business advice to various businesses in the Professional Services, Medical and Engineering services, Manufacturing, Wholesale Distribution and boutique Retail industries. Philip became a director of Blackburn Lazer in 2008, and has obtained valuable experience in areas of general accounting and tax advice including business structures, asset protection and tax planning, assisting businesses with their computer network systems and computerised accounting systems, and providing superannuation tax advice.

Areas of Specialisation:

Cashflow Budgeting and Planning
Information Management Systems and Reporting
Business Restructures
Business Valuations
Due Diligence
Superannuation administration and tax advice

Qualifications:

Chartered Accountant
Masters in Applied Finance
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance)
Registered Tax Agent

Timothy Betts

Director— B. Bus (Accounting), CPA

Tim is a qualified Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) and commenced his Public Accounting career with the firm as an undergraduate in 2007, as part of the Industry Based Learning (IBL) program offered by Swinburne University. Tim has developed sound technical skills in the areas of Taxation and Management Accounting and gained valuable experience in providing business advice to clients in various industries including specialised manufacturing, earthmoving and heavy machinery services, building & construction and trades, boutique retail businesses, professional services, and property development.

Tim is also a mentor to our junior and intermediate team members and became a director in March 2023.

In his spare time, Tim enjoys following a variety of sports (being a long-suffering fan of the Essendon Bombers), playing bass guitar as a creative outlet, listening to music that’s ‘a bit out there’ and, in what is surely a sign of his fading youth, getting out in the garden.

Abi Senn

Director — B. Comm. (Accounting & Finance), CA

Abi is a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) with over 14 years’ experience in Public Practice. She joined the firm in August 2009, having already had 2 years of work experience in a previous Accounting practice. Abi has extensive experience in providing management accounting, taxation, and business advice to clients in various industries, including food manufacturing, waste services, wholesale and distribution, retail businesses, engineering services, specialised manufacturing, professional services, and investors. Over the years, Abi has built a great rapport with her clients and is passionate about aiding them in their quest for success.

Abi is also a mentor to our junior and intermediate team members became a director in March 2023.

Abi enjoys the constant chaos and adventure that comes with having an active family life, together with her husband and two children. She loves to travel and is a bit of a food enthusiast. She also enjoys reading and going to the cinema.

Nick Zhang

Accountant - B. Sc. M. App. Comm., CPA

Nick is a qualified Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) with over 12 years’ experience in Public Practice.

Nick joined the firm in March 2011, having already had 2 years of work experience in a previous Accounting practice. Nick has both a computer science and business accounting background, and strong technical skills in superannuation and taxation. He is also Xero certified and has a sound knowledge in various accounting and software systems including industry specific software such as Tencia, Pronto and SAP. Nick has extensive experience in providing business services and advice to small to medium sized businesses in industries such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical services, wholesale and distribution, and property developers and investors. He has a thirst for accounting that simply cannot be quenched.

Nick is the senior team member involved in our Superannuation division, assisting clients with the processing and preparation of financial accounts for Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs).

In the rare moments away from his desk, Nick devotes time to his young family and enjoys fine tuning his golf swing. He also enjoys watching soccer (having retired from the sport), collecting Lego sets, and spends time restoring vintage technological equipment over a glass of quality brandy.

Amy Hamada

Accountant - B. Bus. (Accounting), CPA

Amy is a qualified Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) with more than 10 years’ experience in public practice.

Having joined our firm in 2010 as an industry based learning (IBL) student from Swinburne University, Amy works closely with clients in various industries including building and construction, software and IT, professional services and manufacturing. Amy is also one of our Xero certified members and assists clients with the implementation of cloud accounting, payroll systems and software training.

Outside of Blackburn Lazer, Amy is an exercise fanatic, enjoying both online classes and experiencing the great outdoors with her young family. Amy likes to relax and unwind after the working week by doing jigsaw puzzles (paired with a good glass of wine) and listening to music.

Justin Cook

Accountant - B. Comm. (Hons), CA

Justin is a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) and prior to joining the firm in September 2015, had working experience in chartered accounting firms for a few years providing accounting and taxation services for small and medium sized business clients.

Justin is involved in a wide range of business clients including food manufacturing, wholesale and distribution, boutique retail businesses, IT consultancy and the building & construction industry.

Jack Dang

Accountant - B. Bus. (Accounting), CPA

Jack had been working in Public Practice for 2 years prior to joining the firm in January 2019. He has been involved in providing business services to small to medium sized businesses.

Jack is also part of our Superannuation team, which assists clients with the processing and preparation of financial accounts for Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs). Jack is also a member of the CPA.

Jack is an aquarium enthusiast, values spending time with his family and friends and loves discovering new food experiences while refining his culinary skills at home. Jack balances home and work life by dedicating time to raising his young family.

Melanie Harradine

Accountant - B. Bus. (Accounting), CPA

Melanie is a qualified Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) with more than 15 years of experience in Public Practice.

Melanie has been with our firm since July 2001, where she started as an undergraduate as part of the Industry Based Learning (IBL) program offered by Swinburne University. Melanie has extensive experience in providing accounting, tax and business advice to businesses in various industries including building & construction, engineering services, specialised manufacturing, wholesale & distribution and professional services.

In 2009, Melanie left the firm to focus on her young family and assist in her husband’s construction business. In August 2019, Melanie returned to the firm and is currently working part-time with us as a valuable member of the business services team.

In her spare time, Mel is a busy mother of two young daughters and has a passion for anything health and fitness, including teaching group classes at her local gym.

Joel Donker

Accountant – B. Bus. (Accounting), CA

Joel commenced his Industry Based Learning (IBL) experience with the firm in November 2018 and had continued working in the firm on a part-time basis while he finished his Bachelor Degree in November 2020. Joel began working full-time at Blackburn Lazer and completed the Chartered Accountant (CA) program at the end of 2022.

Outside of work Joel can be spotted chasing the footy on a back flank in the Eastern Football League. He is an enthusiast in all things sport being a vocal Hawks supporter, and enjoys analysing NBA statistics and fine-tuning his AFL SuperCoach team each season.

Lucas Grierson

Accountant – B. Bus. (Accounting)

Lucas joined us at the beginning of 2021 after completing his studies at Swinburne University of Technology, gaining a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting. He is currently completing the Chartered Accountant (CA) Program.

In his spare time Lucas enjoys spending time with family and friends and also watching any sports he can. Although he is getting old (so he says), he still manages to play football and cricket on the weekend.

Jodie Elms

PA / Senior Administration

Jodie joined Blackburn Lazer in 2002 firstly as our receptionist and has since been the backbone of our admin support crew for almost 20 years. With an interest in business early in her career, Jodie completed an advanced diploma in accounting giving her valuable insight into the needs of our clients and firm. Jodie provides a broad range of assistance to our clients, including corporate secretarial services, and is an experienced and valued member of the team.

Shannon Maes

PA / Senior Administration

Shannon is a long-standing member of Blackburn Lazer, joining in 2009. She prides herself on meeting the needs of our clients efficiently and effectively while providing a high-quality standard of service. Her meticulous and hard-working nature provides valued support to both staff and partners, together with an invaluable understanding of our client base.

Shannon diverse role includes providing partner level PA support, liaising with the ATO, Corporate Secretarial and ASIC compliance tasks, coordinating our SMSF team, along with administration duties. She is involved with development of internal policies and procedures to ensure work performed is of the highest quality.

Outside the office, Shannon calls the Yarra Valley home, loves supporting local businesses, exploring the great outdoors with friends, and enjoys walks with her husband and two dogs. She often plays host to family gatherings and is an obsessive over-caterer.

Jacqui Banks

Assistant Accountant

Jacqui has been with the firm since 2013 and during this time she has completed a Traineeship program, Certificate 3 in Business Administration and subsequently a Diploma in Accounting, alongside her full-time role. She has developed a wealth of knowledge in administration, accounts receivable, and is our ‘go to girl’ for anything excel and much more.

With a kind and friendly nature, Jacqui assists clients promptly and is often sought out by our staff for training, from her field of knowledge in IT/Software systems and advanced Excel knowledge. With 8 years’ experience in administration and an interest in the business craft, Jacqui recently expanded her role and is now an important member of our accounting team.

Outside of work, you might find Jacqui taking her dogs for a walk, rocking out at a gig, winning prizes at an arcade, donating blood or trying out new hobbies. She also values spending time with her friends and family. Jacqui brings her bubbly and professional personality to our team and prides herself on building a great rapport with our clients.

Carla MacDonald

Receptionist

Carla joined us in May 2022 and is our Receptionist a.k.a. ‘Director of First Impressions’. With support and training from our senior administrators, Carla is enjoying getting to know our clients, learning lots about the industry, and a bright attitude and organisational skills to our team.

Outside of work, Carla is passionate about country life, camping and her care for animals. She likes to unwind and relax, generally talking peoples ears off, reading books, or quad/motor biking with family and neighbours.

Chloe Richards

Administration Support

Chloe joined us in January 2020 and has since successfully completed her Traineeship program with a Certificate 3 in Business Administration. With support and training from our senior administrators, Chloe is enjoying getting to know our clients, learning lots about the industry and you’ll also find her on the phones as back up to our receptionist, Katrina.

With her love of being outdoors, she enjoys camping and 4WD trips away with friends and her fur baby, a Kelpie named Spud. Chloe also enjoys breakfast outings, where you can guarantee eggs benedict will be ordered, every time. She has a passion for animals and one day hopes to have a hobby farm.

Sue Giblin

Administration

Sue has over 30 years administrative experience in the accounting industry and joined our firm in October 2021.

Combined with her naturally friendly and helpful demeanour she has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry and is a welcomed addition to our admin support team.

Secure File Transfer

Secure File Transfer is a facility that allows the safe and secure exchange of confidential files or documents between you and us.

Email is very convenient in our business world, there is no doubting that. However email messages and attachments can be intercepted by third parties, putting your privacy and identity at risk if used to send confidential files or documents. Secure File Transfer eliminates this risk.

Login to Secure File Transfer below, or contact us if you require a username and password.

General Calculators

Please enjoy the links to these free tools supplied by MoneySmart - a great resource for general financial information. Please get in touch if you would like discuss further regarding your personal and business financial goals.

Managing my money

Borrowing and credit

Mortgage calculator
Mortgage switching calculator
Personal loan calculator
(also suitable for car loans)

Partnering for Success

Management Accountants and Business Advisers

About Us

We work with you in determining future strategies that will bring success

Our Services

Accounting & Taxation

Business Advice & Management Reporting

Cloud Solutions

Corporate Secretarial

Self-Managed Superannuation Funds

You work hard to create wealth so your assets should be protected

Our Team

Eric Dunn

Director

Philip Hii

Director

Accountants

Timothy Betts

Accountant

Abi Senn

Accountant

Nick Zhang

Accountant

Amy Hamada

Accountant

Melanie Harradine

Accountant

Jack Dang

Accountant

Joel Donker

Graduate Accountant

Lucas Grierson

Graduate Accountant

Jacqui Banks

Administration & Assistant Accountant

Administration and Client Support

Jodie Elms

PA / Senior Administration

Shannon Maes

PA / Senior Administration

Sue Giblin

Administration

Katrina Margaritis

Receptionist

Chloe Richards

Administration

We ensure your accounting and tax compliance is lodged on time

Latest Industry News

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The assault on professional services

ATO’s debts on hold campaign prompts new IGTO guidance

Warning on SMSF asset valuations

How much is my business worth?

Budget 2024-25

Non-compete clauses and worker restraints under review

A comprehensive collection of small business benchmarks

The 2025 Financial Year tax & super changes you need to know!

Underperforming employees: When can you terminate?

A comprehensive list of guides to industry specific tax deductions.

‘Renewed concerns’ about economy sees consumer sentiment dip: Westpac

We are passionate about helping business owners reach their full potential

Tools & Resources

Secure File Transfer

General Calculators

Ready to better your business? Contact our office to book your no-obligation, FREE initial consultation.

Contact Us

Get in Touch

Our Office

Postal Address

Accounting & Taxation

Business Advice & Management Reporting

Management Accounting Advice & Guidance

Cloud Accounting Solutions

Corporate Secretarial

Self Managed Superannuation Funds

Eric Dunn

Philip Hii

Timothy Betts

Abi Senn