Welcome to Focus Partners

Chartered Accountants and Financial Planners
Albury Wodonga

Welcome to Focus Partners

Chartered Accountants and Financial Planners
Albury Wodonga

Focus Partners offers professional financial planning and taxation advice, including accounting, superannuation, retirement planning and business services throughout Albury Wodonga and the surrounding NSW and Victoria region.

Welcome

Learn more about how Focus Partners can help you with your accounting and financial planning needs.
The Focus Partners Office

The Focus Partners Office

Professional Support Throughout the Area

Along with the Albury Wodonga region, we also provide services to clients in nearby cities and towns including Bright, Myrtleford, Beechworth, Corryong, Wangaratta, Rutherglen, Tallangatta, Corowa, Culcairn and many more areas.

Experts Focused on Assisting You

Our comprehensive range of high quality services are complemented by a team of dedicated specialists in the accounting and financial services sector. With years of industry experience and knowledge behind the team at Focus Partners, we aim to help and support you with your finances in a friendly, cost-effective and proficient manner.

Looking for Help With Your Finances?

Staff are happy to field any questions you may have about our services, so phone today for an appointment booking and an explanation of the potential options available to you.

OUR STAFF... OUR CLIENTS

INTEGRITY, RESPECT, TRUST, LOYALTY

Solutions for Individuals, Families and Businesses

Whether you're an individual looking to prepare your income tax return, a couple considering retirement or a business owner planning to grow your business, Focus Partners are here to help and provide you with effective solutions.

The Dean Street Bridge

Dean Street Bridge, Albury

Albury Wodona country side Albury Wodona country side

Accounting Services

Learn more about how the team at Focus Partners can provide you with Business Accounting & Taxation Services in Albury Wodonga.

Business Advisory Services

Running a business takes up a lot of precious time, so it's important to identify and use a trusted adviser to work with you through the business life cycle.

Our business advisory services can provide traditional accounting services as well as professional business advice and planning. Our advisory services are not just about taxation and lodging Activity Statements, Focus Partners can offer advice from the set-up stage of business right through to sale or retirement.

During your complimentary one hour meeting, we conduct a Needs Analysis Review on your business, where we will discuss everything from your key business concerns to your will, right through to your holiday/leisure goals. From there we assess how we can help you meet your financial goals, help you understand your financial position, and develop a package that will enable us to become your trusted adviser.

Taxation & Compliance Services

Our firm understands the burden of keeping up to date with the seemingly never ending required returns and statements. We believe we can alleviate some of the pressure these deadlines can create. Our qualified staff prepare all income tax returns, financial statements and activity statements with care and precision to ensure clients are receiving quality results and advice.

Unfortunately, compliance services are a necessary evil of running a small business. We understand this burden and believe that we can alleviate some of the stress from this aspect of your day-to-day activities. Check out the Taxation & Compliance services we offer below, or take a look at our Compliance Fee Packages.

Dairy farm at Albury Wodona Dairy farm at Albury Wodona

Financial Services

Learn how to manage your tomorrow today with a structured financial plan from the team at Focus Partners.

THE TRUSTEE FOR KESHMONT FAMILY TRUST & THE TRUSTEE FOR MFC TRUST & THE TRUSTEE FOR REDROAR FAMILY TRUST & THE TRUSTEE FOR THE PLATINUM RED TRUST [ABN 65 445 313 072], as Authorised Representative (No. 414812) of Focus Partners Financial Services Pty Ltd AFSL No. 543788

Panoramic view of Albury Panoramic view of Albury

Self Managed Superannuation Funds

The ultimate in flexibility, choice and control.

The key to achieving your dream retirement lifestyle is planning.

That's it. Planning. It's simple, and with our help, you have the power to make that time of your life whatever you want.

If you have already retired, or retirement is looming, it's time to start preparing now. By listening to you, understanding your lifestyle choices, your health options, and your overall financial position, we will plan for you to reach your and enjoy retirement with calmness and peace of mind.

There are a number of benefits when it comes to self managed super funds: greater flexibility, more investment choice, a sense of control and ownership, not to mention the freedom it offers as a retirement funding option. However, to get the most out of a SMSF and its fees, a minimum amount to invest is taken into consideration.

Focus Partners SMSF Specialist Advisers can help you with:

  • Establishing your own SMSF
  • Documenting its investment strategy
  • Administering your SMSF and providing annual financial statements
  • Ensuring your SMSF is compliant with current legislation at all times
  • Choosing appropriate investments

It's your life, your retirement, and your dream. Our exceptional level of personal service means that you can feel confident in achieving that particular lifestyle that suits only you.

You can trust that the advice you are given from our well qualified financial team will give you confidence and assurance for your future. We have advisers that are accredited SMSF Specialist Advisers with the Self Managed Super Fund Association.

This accreditation is only available to professionals who aspire to excellence in SMSFs in terms of expertise, ethical standards and compliance.

Josh Howard
#zac trinnick

Our SMSF Specialist Advisers – Josh Howard and Zac Trinnick – have demonstrated this through assessment of criteria such as experience, education, quality, practice and application.

Have total peace of mind knowing that your existing SMSF, or the new one you want to establish, will be managed by competent and recognised professionals.

Residents of Albury Wodonga from all wakes of life can seek accounting and financial help at Focus Partners Residents of Albury Wodonga from all wakes of life can seek accounting and financial help at Focus Partners

Our Process

Our goal is to get to know you by developing a sound knowledge of your circumstances, needs and aspirations. Once we have done this we develop and provide you with your financial road map outlining personalized financial strategies to secure your financial future and peace of mind.

Life is a journey into the future

Each of us is on our own unique journey to our own unique future. Focus Partners Financial Services has found that many people are so busy and focused on day to day living that they have yet to develop a road map to their future goals, aspirations and dreams.

How does your financial future look?

Focus Partners Financial Services recognises that everyone is different with unique needs and objectives. What's more, your financial needs change as you go through different life stages. At Focus Partners Financial Services we help you make the appropriate choices regarding your financial future.

How do we achieve this?

Our goal is to get to know you by developing a sound knowledge of your circumstances, needs and aspirations. Once we have done this we develop and provide you with your financial road map outlining personalized financial strategies to secure your financial future and peace of mind. We provide regular reviews as checkpoints to make sure that your plan is on track.

Looking into your financial future can be like travelling through unfamiliar territory. With Focus Partners Financial Services you will have a financial road map to follow with clearly defined goals and deadlines.

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1: First Meeting

Discovery - get to know each other and decide if we'd like to work together. Sign Terms of Engagement letter.

ADVISER Actions

  • Research and analyse current personal situation including assets/liabilities, income, insurances, estate plan etc (contact product providers on your behalf)
  • Formulate, stress-test and optimise available strategies.
  • Determine appropriate providers for wealth creation and protection.
  • Contact product providers/accountant as necessary.
  • Get quotes from potential product providers.

CLIENT Actions

  • Send through additional information as requested.
  • Do requested "homework" to understand investment concepts.
Our Process - Step 01
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2: Strategy Meeting(s)

Discuss recommended strategies and likely outcomes.

ADVISER Actions

Continue to implement actions from Step 1 as required, plus:

  • Fine-tune and document recommendations.
  • Finalise investment portfolio to suit outcomes and risk profile.
  • Liaise with other legal/tax professionals if necessary.

CLIENT Actions

Continue to implement actions from Step 1 as required, plus:

  • Do any additional "homework" to understand recommended strategies.
Our Process - Step 02
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3: Advice Implementation Meeting

Finalise financial plan. Sign documentation to implement. Implement recommendations.

ADVISER Actions

Continue to implement actions from Step 2 as required, plus:

  • Ensure plan is implemented correctly:
    • Establish accounts/policies.
    • Co-ordinate rollovers/contributions.
    • Liaise with all product providers.
    • Purchase required investments.
    • Cancel any superseded products when replacements are finalised.
    • Schedule ongoing management of your plan.
  • Schedule ongoing management of your plan.

CLIENT Actions

Continue to implement actions from Step 2 as required, plus:

  • Complete any requested underwriting requirements.
  • Liaise with third parties as requested (e.g. employer, Centrelink).
Our Process - Step 03
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4: Implementation Review

We look at everything that has been implemented so far and ensure that it is all moving forward as expected.

Our Process - Step 04
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Commence Ongoing Service

We will schedule regular review meetings with you to ensure that your financial plan is adjusted for your circumstances as your life changes.

Our Process - Step 05
You're in good hands at Focus Partners

The Focus Partners Partnership

We'll work with you to develop a mutually beneficial long-term relationship that:

  • Helps you determine and define your personal lifestyle and financial objectives
  • Works to help you reach your personal and financial objectives
  • Both parties feel their needs and expectations are being met
  • Is based on reliability, integrity & trust
  • Provides regular communication

Peace of Mind Partnerships

Without support and guidance, the journey to your financial future can be long and aimless.

In fact most people will never reach this destination on their own. Focus Partners Financial Services invites you to join our financial peace of mind journey. Our professional team will work with you each step of the way to help you achieve your financial goals and dreams.

Take the first step on your financial journey by contacting us

SMSF masters in action at Albury Wodonga SMSF masters in action at Albury Wodonga

Pricing

We have a variety of packages to cover your business accounting and taxation needs, no matter the size and/or age of your business.

We have a variety of packages and pricing methods to cover your business accounting and taxation needs, no matter the size and/or age of your business. Please contact us for more information.
River at Albury Wodonga River at Albury Wodonga

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? Here are some of the questions and answers we get asked by clients all the time.
  • Who are Focus Partners?

    While the 'Focus Partners' name may be less than a decade old, the business has been going since the 1960s. Focus Partners is both a Chartered Accounting and a Financial Planning business under the one roof. With financial advice becoming increasingly intertwined with taxation advice, we think this offers our clients a distinct advantage over a financial advice business operating in isolation.

    Focus Partners offers a range of strategic solutions for all your financial needs. Tailored professional financial advice can help you make informed financial decisions and create long-term financial security for you and your family.

  • How much does it cost to get financial advice?

    The cost varies from client to client, depending on the complexity of the advice required. The initial meeting with one of our advisers is free of charge. At that point we will gather relevant information about your current situation, and then we will look to see what strategies we can employ to help you achieve your objectives.

    Initial cost
    Focus Partners provides excellent advice in the form of written Statements of Advice (SOAs). The fee for preparing a SOA will generally be between $1,650 and $3,300, depending on the scope and complexity of the advice. The cost will be fully disclosed to you prior to any expense being incurred, and in most cases the expense can be paid from your superannuation.

    Ongoing cost
    Our ongoing cost of advice is 0.88% per annum of your investment balance, and this may be less if the appropriate strategy for you involves a Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF). The ongoing cost of advice with a SMSF is a flat dollar fee, which varies depending on the complexity of the fund and the level of service that you require.

    Transactions: buying and selling on the Stock Exchange
    Focus Partners outsources the trading function to Lonsec Limited. The charge we have negotiated with Lonsec is 0.44% with a minimum cost of $44. This is paid 100% to Lonsec, with Focus Partners receiving NIL. If you are not a financial planning client with an ongoing service relationship with us, Focus Partners will charge an additional amount of up to 0.66% with a minimum of $66.

    Personal Risk Insurance
    We will take great care to identify and recommend insurance that provides the best value for money for our clients. In line with industry practice, Focus Partners receives a commission on insurance placed through us.

    Please note that while the commissions are payable based on the premium you pay, the commissions do not form part of your premium and are not an additional fee to you. The level of commission payable to Focus Parnters will be fully disclosed at the time of recommendation.

  • What do Focus Partners do?

    Investing
    Whether you are trying to save on a regular basis, or you have a lump sum you want to invest in an effective and tax efficient manner, you need to address some very important issues. Factors to consider include your time horizon and your cash flow requirements.

    You will also need to understand a little about 'risk', which is your capacity to tolerate fluctuations in the value of the funds you have invested. This will require an assessment of your financial ability to take risk and your attitude towards risk. Consideration of both will help determine the choice of investments and the asset classes that are selected to make up your investment portfolio.

    In simplistic terms, a bank account generally provides high capital stability but no potential growth on funds invested or saved. On the other hand, equities or shares fluctuate in value, but provide high potential growth. By discussing your goals, objectives, and concerns, Focus Partners can help you to identify the asset mix and choice of fund managers to satisfy your requirements.

    Retirement Planning
    Focus Partners has the capacity to identify if you are on target to achieve your planned retirement goals. By identifying your objectives and considering the progress you have made to date, we can clearly demonstrate if there is likely to be a shortfall or surplus. If we identify a shortfall, we can then set about providing a solution to help you achieve your objectives.

    Superannuation
    Superannuation is often of great concern to many and can be confusing as rules often change. This is something we understand more than anyone else. The question we get asked most often is: "Just how much super will I need to enjoy a comfortable retirement?"

    Asking a few simple but pertinent questions is all we need to enable us to prepare an indication of your requirements at retirement. With the use of a computer program, Focus Partners can determine if your current financial situation is on target or if some minor or major adjustments are required.

    We will provide specific solutions to each of the following concerns:

    • How much Super you will need at retirement?
    • Should you use a Retail Fund or a Master Trust?
    • When is it practical to consider running your own Self-Managed Fund?
    • How can you gain more control over the investments selected?
    • How much can and should you contribute?

    Insurance
    Personal Insurance should form a very important part of your overall financial security and strategy. It is strongly recommended that every client should have their personal insurance reviewed and updated on a regular basis to ensure they and their families are adequately covered. In many cases, the insurance can be paid for from your superannuation.

    Life Insurance: Death Cover is vital to anyone with family or dependant children, especially when there is debt involved. If the income earner dies, the family and dependants will need sufficient capital to invest, so that they can continue to live in a manner to which they are accustomed.

    Disability Insurance and Trauma Cover: This form of insurance is recommended for everyone, even the single person with no responsibilities. This insurance would provide for the payment of a capital sum on the diagnosis of certain specified events such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, etc., or in the event that you become permanently unable to work due to illness or injury.

    You can imagine the load it would take off your mind to know you had a substantial amount of money due to you, if you were diagnosed with some debilitating disease which was going to require very expensive hospitalisation or medication.

    Income Protection and Business Expense Insurance: Income Protection will provide the insured with an ongoing monthly income in the event of an illness or accident which results in the inability to work. There is a wide range of options for this type of cover and the amount of payments, the waiting period and the term of the cover, are all specified by the client at the time of application.

    Centrelink
    Centrelink can be confusing, and the source of frustration for many retirees. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be that way. Focus Partners can assist with all your Social Security and DVA concerns.

    If you are about to apply for a pension or are currently receiving a part pension, we can also help to arrange your financial affairs to maximise your Centrelink or DVA entitlement. We can also assist in the completion and lodgement of all relevant documentation, making the task a simple and straight forward process.

    If you require assistance, please contact our office and book an appointment. For those retirees that have mobility problems, a home visit may be possible.

  • What is Focus Partners' investment philosophy?

    Focus Partners utilise the resources and investment knowledge of Lonsec Limited, one of Australia's top research houses. Using the guidance and recommendations of Lonsec, Focus Partners will construct a portfolio which is reflective of the level of diversity and sophistication that can be achieved with the financial assets available for investment. Where possible, we try to use direct investments (such as ASX listed Australian shares) in order to keep management fees to a minimum. Where direct investing is not economical or practical, we will utilise the skills of fund managers who are 'Recommended' or 'Highly Recommended' by Lonsec. Where direct investing is possible, we rely largely on the 'model portfolios' of Lonsec, which have a proven and long term track record of strong performance in excess of the relevant market benchmarks.

  • When is a Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) appropriate?

    SMSFs are the fastest growing part of the superannuation market, but they are not for everyone. SMSF's offer an unparalleled level of flexibility and diversity of investment opportunities, but with great power comes great responsibility. Being a member, and therefore a trustee, of a SMSF requires you to be actively involved in the management and compliance of your super fund, and there are severe penalties for those who do not take their responsibilities seriously. Focus Partners will work with you to ensure you remain on track with your obligations, but it is important to remember that it is the responsibility of the trustee to ensure the fund remains compliant with superannuation rules.

    A SMSF's fee structure differs from a standard retail or industry fund, and this is another area where SMSF's can be worth consideration. While a standard fund tends to charge fees on a largely percentage basis, meaning you pay more as your funds grow, a SMSF tends to have more 'fixed dollar' fee structures. As a general rule, if the combined superannuation balances of yourself and your partner is less than around $250,000, it is likely that a SMSF is not going to be economical from a fee perspective. As your funds increases over and above this level, the balance can shift towards a SMSF being economical. If you have a super balance of over $500,000, it is advisable to compare a SMSF to your current arrangements to see if it is something that will save you money (assuming you are prepared to take an active role in your super going forward).

    Focus Partners are specialists in SMSF and we would welcome the opportunity to discuss your suitability and compare your options.

Outback Australian road at Albury Wodonga Outback Australian road at Albury Wodonga

Our Team

Learn more about the team members that keep the wheels turning at Focus Partners.
The team at Focus Partners Albury Wodonga

Our Accounting Team

Elin Collins

Principal, Chartered Accountant

Fleur Curry

Principal, Chartered Accountant, SMSF Specialist

Sarah Shelley

Senior Accountant, Chartered Accountant

Ben Porta

Senior Accountant

Melinda Bramwell

Accountant

Deidre Lampe

Accountant

Trish Trevaskis

Accountant

Allison Walsh

Accountant

Bradley Arnold

Accountant

Rinelda Van Den Berg

Accountant

Kellie Chivell

Bookkeeper

Suzie Whittaker

Bookkeeper

Taya Zanardo

Client Services Coordinator

Our Financial Planning Team

Josh Howard

Principal, Financial Adviser

Zac Trinnick

Principal, Chartered Financial Analyst

Kim Hulland

Financial Planning Support

Chris Miller

Paraplanner

Our Support Team

Jenna Donders

Office Admin Support

Larissa Brown

Receptionist

Sharryn Verity

Receptionist

The dry outback of Albury Wodona The dry outback of Albury Wodona

Latest Accounting & Financial Planning News

Read the latest from the Focus Partners news desk in both the Accounting and Financial Planning sectors.

Accounting News

Small businesses may ‘collapse under strain of payday super’, IPA warns

Small businesses may ‘collapse under strain of payday super’, IPA warns

Existing issues within the SG system must be rectified before the government proceeds with the new changes, the IPA says.

Read More

ATO’s hands tied with scrapping on-hold debts, expert says

ATO’s hands tied with scrapping on-hold debts, expert says

The Tax Office lacks power under current laws to do anything about the wildly unpopular scheme despite plans to review its approach, according to a UNSW professor.

Read More

What Drives Your Business Growth and Profits?

What Drives Your Business Growth and Profits?

Every business owner wants to grow their business and their profits. 

Read More

Australian Taxation Office (ATO) shifting to firmer debt collection activity

Australian Taxation Office (ATO) shifting to firmer debt collection activity

The ATO has flagged a return to more aggressive debt collection actions after seeing a trend of profitable businesses that have the capacity to pay their tax debts but are actively choosing not to do so.

Read More

Why employee v contractor comes down to fine print

Why employee v contractor comes down to fine print

The task of worker classification has been a long-running point of contention but the Commissioner’s response to recent court cases suggests a written contract is king.

Read More

Sharing economy reporting regime for platform operators

Sharing economy reporting regime for platform operators

Individuals participating in the sharing economy should be aware that transactions for supplying taxi travel/ride sourcing and short-term accommodation are now required to be reported under the sharing economy reporting regime (SERR).

Read More

Financial Planning News

Illegal access nets $637 million

Illegal access nets $637 million

The ATO has found $637 million of superannuation savings has left the system due to illegal early access carried out through SMSFs.

Read More

Trustee decisions are at their own discretion: expert

Trustee decisions are at their own discretion: expert

A trustee doesn’t need to show reasons why they made a decision, they will only need to show they followed a proper decision-making process, says a specialist legal adviser.  

Read More

Regular reviews and safekeeping of documents vital: expert

Regular reviews and safekeeping of documents vital: expert

Keeping track of all documents relating to an SMSF trust deed is important if an estate planning issue arises, says an industry expert.

Read More

Latest stats back up research into SMSF longevity and returns: educator

Latest stats back up research into SMSF longevity and returns: educator

There was a dramatic decrease in the number of SMSF wind-ups from 2018 to 2023, indicating that the SMSF sector is outperforming APRA funds in both returns and customer satisfaction, says a leading educator.

Read More

Investment and economic outlook, February 2024

Investment and economic outlook, February 2024

Region-by-region economic outlook and latest forecasts for investment returns.

Read More

Planning financially for a career break

Planning financially for a career break

A pause in super contributions can have long-lasting effects. Here's how to plan ahead for super breaks.

Read More

Farm land in country New South Wales Farm land in country New South Wales

Tools & Resources

Create a FREE account and login to our Financial Tools client area, or enjoy the links to FREE tools and calculators supplied by MoneySmart.
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Contact Us

We'd love to get in touch and we welcome any enquiry that you may have.

Get in Touch

Focus Partners welcome your enquiry. To book an appointment or simply ask us a question, fill in your details and we'll be in touch soon!

Email

Our Office

  • 550 Smollett Street, Albury NSW 2640
  • (02) 6021 3399
  • (02) 6021 8539
  • 8:30AM to 5:00PM

CFO Program

Our SME Research confirms small business owners want professional advice on how they can grow profits and improve cash flows.

95%* of business owners believe there are exciting opportunities to grow their business, however 72%* don’t have a growth and improvement plan in place.

To help small business owners grow their sales, improve their performance and build a successful business we offer a unique CFO Program which includes:

The goal of our CFO Program is to give small business owners the confidence to make changes in their business to not only survive but thrive.

By regularly meeting we will:

  1. Ensure you are accountable for implementing these changes; and
  2. Act as your sounding board so you can make fully informed financial decisions.

We charge small business owners a fixed monthly fee for our CFO Program to spread the cost of this service over a 12 month period.

Click here to request a meeting with one of our CFO Program specialists.

*2016/17 SME Research Report.

Business Valuation

8 in 10 business owners want to value and benchmark their business*

Why? Many business owners regard their business as their “Superannuation”. That is, they are expecting the proceeds of the sale of their business to fund their next business venture or retirement.

Unfortunately, most business owners believe their business is worth more than what it actually is. As a result, many are not only disappointed when their business fails meet their price expectation but they also have a shortfall of funds to support their retirement.

At Focus Partners, we are passionate about advising private and family business owners on how to grow the value of their business to achieve financial independence and security. We offer a range of specialised business valuation services including:

We provide cost effective, best of breed business valuation services as we have access to:

We will charge you a professional services fee depending on your engagement with us.

Click here to request a meeting with one of our Business Valuation specialists.

*2016/17 SME Research Report.

Succession Planning

Succession planning is the #2 business concern of SMEs. The statistics below illustrate why it is a high level of concern*:

We believe the reason why there is a lack of action is most business owners don’t fully understand what succession planning is and where to go for advice and support.

We specialise in business succession planning. This is more than selling your business, reviewing your insurance and/or preparing a financial or retirement plan. We have a proven 5 step succession planning service that allows business owners to smoothly transition both ownership and management succession of their business, on their terms, price and timeline.

Our Succession Planning Service features:

  1. Understanding yours and your successor/s needs and aspirations;
  2. Providing an independent business valuation and then establishing value improvement targets;
  3. Preparing a formal family and business succession plan;
  4. Obtaining expert advice (if needed);
  5. Providing training to your successors and ongoing support to ensure your succession plan goals and objectives are implemented.

The objective of our Succession Planning Service is to give you piece of mind knowing you are in control of your future business and family succession.

We charge a fixed fee for each stage of our Succession Planning Service so you don’t incur costs for services that are not required.

Click here to request a meeting with one of our Succession Planning specialists.

*2016/17 SME Research Report.

Board of Advice Program

As the business grows, owners of private and family businesses seek out specialist advice on:

In order to provide support to private and family businesses we offer a unique strategic Board of Advice Program service.

Our Board of Advice Program features:

The objective of our Board of Advice Program is to provide an independent sounding board so enabling you to make informed decisions on how you can strategically grow and transition the value of your business.

We charge a fixed monthly fee for our Board of Advice Program to spread the cost of this service over a 12 month period.

Click here to request a meeting with one of our Board of Advice Program specialists.

Income Tax

Income Tax: Focus Partners is a registered tax agent. Our accounting staff have many years of experience preparing all types of income tax returns. Taxation is an area that is constantly changing. It’s important to plan well and stay one step ahead of the changes. Our tax planning service means that prior to the end of the year we’ll review how your business is faring, which could be the difference between paying the optimal, legal amount of tax, or paying more than necessary.

Capital Gains Tax: Allow us to show you how, with careful planning and timing, you can minimise your capital gains tax.

Fringe Benefits Tax: Compliance for FBT is also generally a nightmare for small business as it is a widely misunderstood tax. Allow us to assist in preparing your FBT returns to ensure you only pay what you have to.

Annual Accounting

Goods & Services Tax: Our team can assist you to with the preparation and lodgement of your Business Activity Statements (BAS), Instalment Activity Statements (IAS) and PAYG Instalments. Of course if you prefer to prepare your own Activity Statements we are always happy to review and lodge on your behalf, which gives you peace of mind and often time extensions to pay any Activity Statement debt.

ASIC Returns: We act as the Registered Office for most clients and ensure all Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC) forms and paperwork are prepared and lodged on time. Most ASIC forms have lodgement deadlines with significant penalties if lodged or paid late.

Financial Reports: We will prepare financial reports, including a Profit/Loss Statement, Balance Sheet and supporting explanatory notes. We apply high professional standards to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information disclosed in these reports.

Entity Structuring

Choosing or reviewing the legal entity through which you run your business affects many things including income tax, succession planning and Capital Gains Tax.

We can advise which structure to use in various situations and create the best legal structure for your individual needs. This is vitally important to get right from day one when you commence your business. But don’t panic, we can also do a health check on your existing legal structure to ensure you are not exposing your personal assets or paying too much tax, and advise you of your options moving forward. In most cases, new clients are amazed just how exposed their assets have been or how some careful amendments to their legal structure can reduce the amount of tax they are paying.

Software Packages

We are authorised providers of Xero, MYOB, Reckon, QuickBooks, BankLink and other various accounting software options. Whatever your preferred software, we are able to work with you. We won’t push you to change software packages if you are comfortable where you are.

We can assist with installation, ongoing training, processing and production of reports to ensure you are getting the most from your accounting software.

Getting Ahead

As a successful business person, you have complex needs and you require assured, innovative advice to set foundations for the future. Structuring a financial plan now to ensure long-term benefits is crucial.

Focus Partners Financial Services provide holistic advice to cover all aspects of your financial wellness, from investing to taxation strategies to superannuation and insurance advice. We pride ourselves on using only the products that are in your best interests and we will tailor a bespoke plan for you to most effectively achieve your financial objectives.

The key to our success is your success.

Investment Portfolio Management: We'll create an investment strategy designed to help manage your portfolio in a tax-effective manner.

Salary Packaging and Tax Planning: We offer strategic advice around salary packaging, while helping our clients to build strategies that increase the benefits of legal tax saving.

Wealth Accumulation and Planning: We'll create a strategy based on your needs and objectives to ensure smooth sailing throughout the various phases of life.

Personal Insurance: We help with various income and wealth protection strategies for individuals and businesses to look after you in case of an unexpected event.

Succession and Estate Planning: With careful, strategic planning, we'll ensure that you effectively and efficiently utilise your assets to secure the financial well-being of your family, and the outcomes you desire.

Building for Retirement

You are at the peak of your professional life. You have carved your niche in the world and are looking to expand upon what you've worked so hard to create. The right advice is key.

A wide and diverse portfolio of assets and investments requires insightful, strategic advice to ensure that the wealth that you have accumulated is working for you and continuing to grow.

Focus Partners Financial Services understand that our clients' needs are unique and that ‘off the shelf' solutions won't cut it. We work closely with our clients to devise and implement a plan to best address their unique requirements, goals and risk appetite.

Borrowing to Invest: Having worked selflessly to fund school fees and reduce your home loan, you now have significant equity in the home and savings in the bank, but retirement is on the horizon.

Accelerating wealth may now be a priority and a conservative, yet effective borrowing strategy may be right for you. Focus Partners Financial Services can identify this need and implement the strategy to ensure your retirement goals are met.

Self Managed Super Funds: As specialists in the design and management of SMSF strategies, we are able to expertly administer all aspects of such funds, from establishment and investment strategy to associated complex reporting requirements. We will do it all on your behalf.

Succession and Estate Planning: With careful, strategic planning, we'll ensure that you effectively and efficiently utilise your assets to secure the financial well-being of your family, and the outcomes you desire.

Enjoying Retirement

The long hours, the late nights, the labouring towards your goals have brought you here. It's time to reap the rewards, and enjoy those things your sacrifices have made possible.

Safeguarding that which you have worked so hard to create is paramount. Stable, low-risk advice will ensure that your assets and the needs of you and your loved ones are secure.

Focus Partners Financial Services provide peace of mind by taking care of your retirement nest egg, allowing you to enjoy the lifestyle you have created for yourself, free from financial stress.

Investment Selection and Wealth Protection: Tailoring the appropriate investment strategy from the outset is paramount. We work in partnership with you to create a plan, which ensures your unique needs are met. Our advisers will develop a well-diversified portfolio to meet your income and growth objective over time.

Retirement Planning Advice: Building flexibility into your retirement strategy is crucial to ensuring that it can and will adapt to your changing lifestyle.

Succession and Estate Planning: With careful, strategic planning, we'll ensure that you effectively and efficiently utilise your assets to secure the financial well-being of your family, and the outcomes you desire.

Elin Collins

Elin Collins

Principal, Chartered Accountant

Elin joined the business in 2005, having started in the industry in 2002. She completed her Bachelor of Business degree at Charles Sturt University and is a Chartered Accountant. She has a young daughter (Sienna). Being a Carlton supporter, she is usually hanging out for cricket season to start each year!

Fleur Curry

Fleur Curry

Principal, Chartered Accountant, SMSF Specialist

Fleur Curry was proudly born and raised in Albury and attended Albury High School. She joined the firm in 2004 as a Graduate after studying Accounting and Marketing at Charles Sturt University here in Albury. Fleur completed the Chartered Accountants Program in 2008, and in 2017 completed a Graduate Certificate in Taxation (incorporating Superannuation) through the University of New South Wales. Fleur has a keen interest in Self-Managed Superannuation, and is also a Justice of the Peace. She provides a valuable service in the areas of business services, superannuation, tax and accounting, and assists clients with computerised accounting systems.

Fleur and her husband Matt have a son Angus, and a daughter Philippa (Pip). She has a strong community background volunteering with a number of local organisations, and enjoys spending time with friends and family, and the odd long weekend away, be it taking a spin in her Mini Cooper or the taking the caravan to one of our local premier tourist destinations.

Sarah Shelley

Sarah Shelley

Chartered Accountant

Sarah has been with Focus Partners since early 2013. She grew up in Howlong and studied at Charles Sturt University in Thurgoona, graduating with a Bachelor of Business (Accounting). Sarah completed the Chartered Accountants Program in 2015 and has been Justice of the Peace since 2016. She is a passionate football fan. On the weekends she follows her beloved Howlong and St Kilda Football Clubs and hangs out with her Dachshund Leni.

Trish Trevaskis

Trish Trevaskis

Accountant

Trish joined the firm in 1994 while completing her Bachelor of Business (Accounting) at Charles Sturt University. After graduating with Honours in 1998, Trish worked in general taxation accounting, but for the past 10 years has focussed on looking after the interests of our many Self-Managed Super Fund clients. When not in the office Trish enjoys hiking and cycling, both locally and overseas, and spending time with her two young grandsons.

Melinda Bramwell

Melinda Bramwell

Accountant

Melinda joined Focus Partners in 2008, straight after completing her Bachelor of Business at Charles Sturt University. In addition to her role in administering Self Managed Superannuation Funds, Melinda performs valuable taxation services for a number of clients.

Deidre Lampe

Deidre Lampe

Accountant

Deidre is our longest serving member of the team, having joined the business in 1983. She jokes that she has endured more office management, rules and functionality changes and job descriptions than the block contestants.

She is married with two adult children, with her weekends being taken up enjoying her "awesome" grandchildren, gardening, renovating, camping and enjoying the odd wine.

Ben Porta

Ben Porta

Accountant

Ben has lived his whole life in the Albury/Wodonga region. Ben’s educational background was Lavington East Primary School, Murray High School and on to Charles Sturt University where he gained a bachelor of business (accounting). He worked for 11 years with Findex in both Business services and the SMSF teams before moving to Focus Partners in November 2018 to concentrate on building and maintaining strong relationships with clients in the Region. Ben’s strengths are integrity, proactiveness, innovation and communication with a primary focus in tax compliance.

Ben tries to keep fit while raising his two children Imogen and Max. He is a Collingwood supporter and played soccer for 15 years at Albury Hotspurs and Melrose soccer clubs.

Allison Walsh

Allison Walsh

Accountant

Allison started her journey in accounting in 2007 in the area of SMSF Compliance with a local firm here in Albury. After an 8 year taste of coastal living on the Sunshine Coast, family drew Allison back to Albury, and found her home at Focus Partners in 2020. Still with a passion for SMSFs, Allison has also been a valuable addition to our Tax Compliance team and now has the best of both worlds. She enjoys building strong relationships with her clients, and is always willing to take your call.

Allison loves the family atmosphere at Focus Partners, with two children of her own, Daniel and Grace. She also likes to dabble in the music scene on the weekends with her own duo and band entertaining in the local area.

Bradley Arnold

Bradley Arnold

Accountant

Brad is one of the more recent member to join the team. Growing up locally in Wooragee, Brad left the farm to complete his Bachelor of Accounting (Information Systems) at Charles Sturt University. Studying online while working full time, he started out in hospitality before moving into customer service at the airport, graduating in July of 2020. After completing the CA Achiever Internship and working at a local firm for 18 months Brad has joined Focus Partners to work closer with clients in the community, helping them achieve their business and financial goals.

Brad is an avid reader and a bit of a travel bug, although he tends to spend his weekend time cooking up a storm with friends.

Angela Luci

Angela Luci

Bookkeeper

Angela has returned to her hometown of Albury after spending some 17 years in Melbourne. During the 17 years in Melbourne Angela worked in the corporate sector for several large companies as a project manager gaining a broad experience in the financial side of business. Angela returned to Albury in 2007 to raise her two beautiful daughters feeling it was a better place to raise children than the city. She has spent that time working as the finance manager for Springdale Heights Tavern until they sold the business in 2021.

Kellie Chivell

Kellie Chivell

Bookkeeper

Kellie has been with Focus Partners since March 2019 assisting in administration, before offering full bookkeeping services to our clients. Kellie has been a bookkeeper for the past 4 years after spending many years in the Real Estate industry as a property manager.

Kellie grew up on a broadacre cropping and livestock farm in the Mallee before moving with her family to Burrumbuttock in 2003 where her family set up their cropping and livestock farm. Outside of work Kellie is a mum with a young son who loves farming, motorbikes and cricket and she follows her passion for horses competing in low level local competitions.

Taya Zanardo

Taya Zanardo

Client Services Coordinator

Taya joined Focus Partners in May 2008. She spent 13 years as our Receptionist and has now moved into role of Client Services Coordinator.

She is engaged and they have a daughter (Amelia) and a dog (Tito). They are very excited to have moved into their first home.

On weekends Taya and her family love to go for drives (when there are no silly restrictions) and visit family and friends. Amelia and Taya also love to be the cheer squad for her partner’s motorbike racing.

Josh Howard

Josh Howard

Principal

Josh is a Financial Planner who specialises in Self Managed Superannuation Funds and retirement strategies. Originally from Albury he joined Focus Partners in 2009, having worked in the financial services industry in Melbourne since 2007. He holds an Advanced Diploma in Financial Services and is a SMSF Specialist Advisor, as well as being a Justice of the Peace. He gains great comfort and satisfactions from knowing he is helping his clients to achieve their financial goals.

Josh Howard is an Authorised Representative (Number 344042) of Focus Partners Financial Services Pty Ltd ABN 28 661 965 582 AFSL 543 788

Zac Trinnick

Zac Trinnick

Principal, Chartered Financial Analyst

Zac grew up in Albury before heading North to complete a double degree in Commerce and Economics at the Australian National University in Canberra. He then went on to spend twelve years working in funds management and investment banking in Sydney, where he obtained the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. As an investment specialist, he is one of a handful of financial advisors nationally to hold the CFA qualification. He is also a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and is a Justice of the Peace.

In Sydney he met his future wife, an Albury girl, and in 2012 they moved back to start family life on the border. He likes to spend weekends outdoors with his family and watching replays of Richmond grand finals.

Zac Trinnick is an Authorised Representative (Number 423058) of Focus Partners Financial Services Pty Ltd ABN 28 661 965 582 AFSL 543 788

Kim Hulland

Kim Hulland

Financial Planning Support

Kim is originally from Sale in East Gippsland and made the move to Albury in 2006, which is when she began working in the financial planning industry. Kim started working at Focus Partners in 2015 and her role is to provide support to the financial planning team. Kim has three beautiful children Madison, Charli & Jed and is passionate about all things related to food and believes in living a healthy and well balanced lifestyle.

Shannon Knight

Shannon Knight

Financial Planning Support

Shannon has been working in financial planning since 1998 and started with Focus Partners in early 2007. She has a Diploma in Office Administration from Wodonga Tafe, and her role is to provide support to the financial planning team. She is married and has two daughters, Indi and Lily. She supports Hawthorn in the AFL and enjoys spending her weekends with friends and family.

Chris Miller

Chris Miller

Paraplanner

Chris grew up in Albury/Wodonga and started working in Financial Planning in 2014. He provides support to the advisers, dealing with technical and compliance rules, as well as writing our financial plans.

Chris has been married for 10 years and has three children Jazz (11), Lyric (9) & Aria (6), and when he is not in the office, he writes and releases his own music, and you may see him around town playing at your local venue.

Larissa Brown

Larissa Brown

Receptionist

Larissa moved to Albury in 2016 with her husband Trent, from Port Douglas in Far North Queensland. She was married in 2020 and welcomed the birth of her son Seth in 2017.

She is an avid Richmond supporter, and in her spare time she likes to spend time with her family and 3 dogs (Minx, Pepper & Pogo)

Jenna Donders

Jenna Donders

Office Admin Support

Jenna has been married since 2017. She lives in Culcairn with her stepdaughter and a petting zoo full of animals.

She runs on coffee, she bakes, does a lot of craft, and restores furniture in her free time.

rinelda-vandenberg

Rinelda Van Den Berg

coming soon

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Suzie Whittaker

coming soon

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Sharryn Verity

coming soon

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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 to discuss any questions that you may have as a result of using these calculators.

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Our Office

  • 550 Smollett Street, Albury NSW 2640
  • (02) 6021 3399
  • (02) 6021 8539
  • 8:30AM to 5:00PM