Lead Advisory Group has been working closely with the Bendigo community since 1995. We are a team of highly experienced accountants and financial planners who are committed to helping our clients achieve their business and financial goals.
Our firm forms close partnerships with our clients, enabling us to understand your unique situation and to customise the assistance we provide. Our team members are the heart and soul of our business, and our guiding principles are integrity, respect, teamwork, achievement and innovation.
We provide a range of services, including taxation, accounting, financial planning, lending and finance, business development and self managed super funds (SMSF). Our expert team works one-on-one with clients to provide tailored financial solutions, strategy and advice.
Our code of conduct defines the values we stand for, enabling our partners, employees and consultants to embrace a shared sense of identity within Lead Advisory Group. These are the standards on which our reputation is built, and we strive to meet them at all times.
At all times we will act with honesty and integrity, and our actions will be based on sound information, trust and fairness. We will strive to uphold the highest professional standards with everything that we do, and will respect every client and team member at all times. Everyone has something to contribute to the firm.
Employees, consultants and partners will be appropriately skilled and committed to working as a team. We will behave professionally and courteously to all clients and team members. We will listen to our clients, ask questions and provide sound advice based on professional judgment.
We are committed to maintaining the highest degree of confidentiality in our dealings with potential, current and past clients both in terms of commercial confidentiality and the protection of all personal information received in the course of providing taxation, audit, share registry, financial planning and business services.
Employees, consultants and partners owe a duty of loyalty to our clients and will act professionally, honestly, diligently and to the best of their ability. We will not engage in criminal conduct or other behaviour that could harm the client's or firm's business or reputation.
Our commitment to excellence is evident in our hardworking team and our enthusiasm for the work we do. We’re a team of friendly professionals who want to help you succeed. Led by our directors Brett Andrews and Cara Hall, our team of chartered accountants and financial planners are here to help you achieve your financial goals.
Cara started her career in accounting with Lead back in 2002 in the audit team (believe it or not), and quickly changed her career path to work in her areas of interest, taxation and business services, and subsequently financial services.
Dedicated to the firm, Cara quickly became a part of her clients’ business and an integral part of the firm, becoming a partner in 2012. Cara now oversees her team in taxation and business services as well as financial planning within the firm.
Cara is an Authorised Representative of Fortnum Private Wealth Ltd ABN 54 139 889 535 AFSL 357306.
Chartered Accountant
Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
Bachelor of Computing
Diploma of Financial Planning
Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning
If anyone knows Cara, she loves working with clients, this is what keeps her coming back, challenging clients to progress their own businesses.
What can you NOT live without? Coffee.
What is your favourite TV show or movie? Forrest Gump.
Brett’s expertise is in taxation and business services, and he has been with Lead since 1997 - becoming a partner in 2006. He relates to people from all walks of life, and enjoys learning about his clients and their businesses so he can help them become more successful.
Brett believes that we should work smarter not harder! We are always able to help, whether that be helping a client through the financial consequences of a business sale, assistance with a deceased estate or guiding you through a financial windfall.
Chartered Accountant
Bachelor of Business
Brett loves playing cricket, and he is a life member of the Bendigo Cricket Club. He also enjoys watching sport on TV and having a laugh with family and friends. Brett’s ambition is to help clients achieve their goals and help them to succeed.
What do you spend your free time on? Travelling in the family campervan.
What is your favourite TV show or movie? Cricket.
Lindy is a taxation and business services chartered accountant with over 20 years’ experience and has worked for Lead Advisory after moving to Bendigo acreage in 2011. Since then she has had two girls and is currently working part-time in Brett’s team.
Lindy strives to obtain great results for her clients. She is reliable and friendly, and always happy to help with any queries, and understands the demands placed on family businesses through working in her fathers agricultural machinery business.
Bachelor of Business
Chartered Accountant
Outside of work Lindy enjoys horse-riding, yoga, gardening and spending quality time with her family. She lives by the motto “You will never be as young as you are today, Make every minute count!”
What do you do in your spare time? Gardening.
What is your favourite TV show or movie? The Notebook.
Natasha joined Lead in November 2019, with over 15 years of accounting/tax experience. She has diverse range of experience in many industries, working with primary production and corporations through to locally-owned corner stores. Natasha prides herself on working with clients to get the best results in their business, and reaching that life work balance we all strive for.
Bachelor of Business
Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA)
Natasha is a working mum of 4 kids. She loves spending her weekends with her children, and in the winter months you'll mostly likely find her freezing on the side of a soccer pitch.
What can you not live without? CHOCOLATE!
What is your favourite TV show or movie? Love any Marvel movie, especially when Thor is involved.
Nicolas joined Lead Advisory Group in 2011, after completing his Bachelor of Accounting. Since then, Nicolas has completed his Chartered Accountant Diploma in 2016, expanding his knowledge and skill set of the financial services sector.
Nicolas deals with a lot of different clients across a range of industries, but has become the 'go-to' guy for construction and hospitality queries within the firm. We’d definitely recommend anyone within these industries get in touch with Nicolas for a chat.
Bachelor of Accounting
Chartered Accountant
Nicolas is hard working, yet easy going and enjoys football, tennis, cricket and basketball. Nicolas aspires to one day work overseas and to own his own business. He’s learned a few things in this role, one being “Don’t take share advice from clients!”
What can you NOT live without? Zambreros.
Where do you spend your spare time? On the couch (sleeping).
Rachel joined the Lead Advisory taxation and business service team in June 2017, after working as a graduate in Melbourne. Prior to this, she completed her Bachelor of Accounting. Currently a part of Brett’s team, she has in a diverse range of responsibilities including BAS and income tax returns as well as the preparation of financial statements.
She believes that the best way to improve her accounting skills is to always be up for new challenges. Rachel completed her Chartered Accountant Diploma in 2020.
Bachelor of Accounting
Chartered Accountant
Inspired by the words of Theodore Roosevelt, Rachel lives by the motto “Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground”.
What can you NOT live without? Phone/internet.
What do you spend your free time on? Spending time visiting family and friends.
What is your favourite TV show or movie? Brooklyn Nine Nine
Anesu joined Lead advisory in 2022 after gaining his experience working in various accounting firms in Melbourne. He has a wealth of experience gained over 10 years working within Business advisory roles and tax compliance roles.
His experience has taught him that each client is unique,and it is important to understand the challenges they face and goals they desire to achieve. Anesu believes having this insight is key when working with clients to achieve the best result.
Chartered Accountant
Bachelor of Commerce (Professional Accounting)
Anesu enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as watching and playing soccer in his free time.
PlayStation! Some people meditate but I save the world, win the Champions League and more, all from the comfort of my home.
Family, friends, PlayStation and sport
Jessica joined Lead Advisory in May 2023 and is a part Taxation and Business Services. Jessica has a diverse range of experience in helping to prepare Financial Statements, BAS, and Tax Returns. Jessica also has experience using the accounting software Xero and is looking to start her Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification in 2024.
Jessica is a friendly and hard-working member of the team,and she hopes to continue building her knowledge portfolio so she can bestassist colleagues and clients.
Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
She enjoys spending time with her partner and family. She adores animals and is looking forward to getting a dog of her own in the near future. Jessica is a passionate Carlton Football Club supporter and is also a supporter of the Boston Celtics in the NBA. Jessica chose to study Accounting at University after completing Accounting and Economics units in VCE.
Watching/attending Musicals and going to music events
Grey’s Anatomy
Ice-cream
Katie joined Lead Advisory group in 2023, bringing with her vast and varied experience from working in Melbourne since completing her Commerce Degree in 2005.
Katie has provided exceptional service for clients in varied industries and from large organisations to small. Katie most enjoys working with small business entities (any industry) and initial business set ups, as these are the areas, she feels her approachable personality can best assist clients to feel supported, whilst teaching them to streamline their accounting/software/tax requirements.
Bachelor of Commerce (Majoring in Accounting, Finance and Financial Planning)
Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA)
Advanced Taxation (Institute of Taxation)
Katie is a proud mum of 2 children, she loves nature, camping, and spending time with loved ones.Her more prominent interests are natural alternatives, fitness and health.
My family, friends and Coffee.
Chasing the children around or squeezing in a in a workout.
Lachlan joined the Lead Advisory Group team in 2022 as an intern whilst completing his final semester of his Bachelor of Business(Accounting). Since then he has graduated and begun working towards his Chartered Accountant Diploma. He is currently in Cara Hall’s tax team, predominantly preparing financial statements, BAS, and tax returns, as well as assisting clients in any way possible.
Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
In Lachlan’s spare time he enjoys playing volleyball for the phantoms,coaching the Bendigo Academy of Sport’s Volleyball squad, going to church and spending time with family and friends.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople
After commencing her accounting studies, Tayla joined Lead Group in 2023 following 5 years in the tourism industry. Tayla is excited to complete her Diploma in Accounting and broaden her knowledge in Financial Services.
Tayla primarily prepares financial statements and tax returns for our clients with her “can do” attitude. She is eager to expand her experience into assembling activity statements and building further relationships with clients.
Cert IV Accounting & Bookkeeping.
Areas of expertise include Microsoft, Xero and Customer service.
“Do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life.”
Outside of the office I enjoy spending time outdoors,watching various sports and practising Pilates.
Impossible to select one, my top three TV shows are: McLeod’s Daughters, Gossip girl and Suits.
Loralee joined the Lead Advisory Group team in 2011 as a bookkeeper, providing a range of services to our many clients. Loralee is proactive, patient, personable, adaptable and trustworthy, making her very good at her job.
Loralee has been bookkeeping since 2004, and has worked with MYOB, Quickbooks, Reckon, Xero, Attache as well as variety of 3rd party apps. Loralee puts this experience to good use assisting small businesses with their accounts and administration.
While not in the office, Loralee unwinds by spending time with her family, gardening, cooking and camping.
Liz was welcomed into the Lead Advisory team in 2016 and is currently providing bookkeeping services to clients whilst aspiring to be an Accountant and currently studying her Bachelor of Accounting and consistently pursuing her knowledge. Liz has a passion for balancing the books, bringing high level organisation, attention to detail,dedication, and expertise to the team. In this role, Liz promptly assists small businesses in reaching their financial commitments including preparation of Payroll, Creditors, BAS, Superannuation liabilities and also assisting small businesses by preparing financial management reports. Alongside her current role, Liz is also the project manager of lead compliance protection service.
Certificate IV inAccounting & Bookkeeping.
Bachelor of Accounting(Currently undertaking)
Liz enjoys spending time with her family and is always exploring new places. Her favourite places to visit are Miami and New York to see friends and family. Fitness keeps Liz active and focused for her busy role at work.
What can you NOT live without? Chocolate.
What do you do in your spare time? Go to the gym and spend time with family. Summertime I love being out on the water on the Jetski and being out on the boat. Wintertime I enjoy snowboarding or skiing down the mountains.
Brooklyn initially joined the Lead Advisory Team in early2022 as Brett and Cara’s Personal Assistant, and has now moved into her new role as a Bookkeeper in 2023. She is currently completing her Cert IV in Bookkeeping and Accounting.
Brooklyn currently assists in preparing Activity Statements,Monthly & Quarterly Superannuation Liabilities, Payroll and Creditors. She looks forward to expanding her skills and knowledge in accounting in the future.
Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (currently completing)
In her spare time Brooklyn enjoys spending time with family and friends, going out for dinner, completing creative projects and watching TV shows on Netflix.
My dog Alfie
Animal Kingdom
Breeanna joined the Lead Financial team early 2018 after relocating from the Gold Coast. She has a passion for empowering clients to make confident financial decisions and for formulating strategies that assist them to build wealth in order to meet their personal goals and objectives.
Breeanna is a three time recipient of the FAAA (formerly FPA) Women in Finance and Economics Scholarship, a Chartered Retirement Planning CounsellorTM (CRPC®), and will eventually find the time to complete the final subject of her Master’s in Financial Planning.
Breeanna is an Authorised Representative of Fortnum Private Wealth Ltd.
ABN 54 139 889 535 AFSL 357306.
Master of Financial Planning (currently completing)
Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning
Accredited Listed Product Adviser Program
Chartered Retirement Planning CounsellorTM (CRPC®)
QLD Real Estate Salesperson licence
Bachelor of Psychological Science
Breeanna lives by the motto: Patience is a profitable virtue.
Breeanna is happiest belting out a tune in the car, on adventures big and small with her family, or chasing a royal flush on the poker tables.
Cameron joined the Lead Financial team in September 2020 after spending nearly 8 years working in the financial services industry, and bringing with him a wealth of administration experience from other roles.
Cameron completes all manner of financial administration tasks including preparing advice documents, answering client queries, helping clients pay invoices and implementing financial advice, amongst other things.
Diploma of Financial Planning
Outside of work, you can find Cameron umpiring local football (during the winter), in constant training for the next stair climbing challenge (Stadium Stomp or Eureka Climb), going on a relaxing walk or bike ride, or practising some form of meditation.
What can you not live without?
I cannot live without the support of my wonderful family and friends.
On a more material level, I cannot live without my phone and wireless earbuds – they are an absolute necessity to allow me to listen to my favourite musical playlists when I’m exercising.
What is your favourite TV show or movie?
The Simpsons – I find there are very few situations in life that cannot be related back to The Simpsons in some way.
What is your favourite football team?
Western Bulldogs.
Angela joined Lead Advisory Group in March 2023 as part of the Lead Financial team and has over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. She is passionate about working efficiently and effectively to ensure the most positive experience for our clients and her team.
Bachelor of Law – in progress
Certificate IV in Business Law
First Aid Certificate
Microsoft Excel nerd
In her spare time, she enjoys good food, good music, and good company – quality time with friends and family,day trips to Melbourne, the beach or the family farm, and adventures with her dog Raphy.
Jo joined Lead Advisory Group in 2015, initially as part of the audit team. She now finds herself co-managing the SMSF team, an area she has a special interest in. Jo relishes the opportunity to build relationships and deliver a friendly and positive experience for all of our SMSF clients.
Jo completed her Diploma of Accounting in 2020 and is currently studying her Bachelor of Business (Accounting) at LaTrobe University in Bendigo. Jo is always looking to increase her knowledge base, and believes age is never a barrier in achieving anything you set your mind to.
Diploma of Accounting
Bachelor of Business (Accounting) currently studying
In her spare time, Jo loves spending time with her family, watching TV, sport and movies, reading, and cooking. Jo also claims to be highly clairvoyant, but is yet to crack the Powerball or proclaim when North Melbourne will win a premiership.
What can you NOT live without? Family, my golden retriever Jax, good food, friends, wine and music.
What do you do in your spare time? Study, but squeezes in a daily walk with Jax, usually watching the sun rise - her favourite part of the day.
Olivia joined Lead in 2013, through the summer internship program run by La Trobe University Bendigo. Olivia’s ambitious nature has led her to number of different roles within our firm including; Auditor, SMSF Administrator, Financial Planner and now SMSF Manager and Partner Liaison, attending to the coordination of our firm.
With over 7 years-experience, Olivia enjoys building relationships with all of her clients and assisting staff with all their needs.
Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
Diploma of Financial Planning
In Olivia’s spare time she enjoys playing netball for White Hills and spending her weekends with family and friends.
What can you NOT live without? Coffee, Bailey (Groodle) and Wine.
What is your favourite TV show or movie? Any Marvel Movie
.webp)
Allan joined Lead Advisory Group in March 2019. He has over 19 years’ experience in banking and lending,across both consumer and business banking, with a demonstrated history of working in the finance industry.
He is a dedicated finance professional who is skilled in portfolio management, risk management, customer service, banking, lending, and credit analysis. He’s been a valuable addition to the team, and brings a wealth of knowledge to the role.
Diploma of Finance & Mortgage Broking Management
Certificate IV in Finance& Mortgage Broking
Certificate III and IV in Financial Services
Bachelor of Business -Tourism & Hospitality
Allan lives and works by the mantra: “Be humble. Be hungry. And always be the hardest worker in the room.”
He’s a mental health advocate, is involved with several not-for-profit groups, and enjoys giving back to the community.
What can you NOT live without? Caffeine, and the outdoors.
What do you spend your free time on? Family time, motorbike riding, camping, exploring, and getting out into nature!
Jaime joined Lead Advisory Group in May 2021 as part of the Lead Lending team, she has a passion for finding the right finance solutions for each client. Jaime is proactive, patient, and personable, which combined with over 10 years experience in the finance industry across consumer and commercial lending, credit analysis and loan portfolio management gives you the comfort of dealing with a qualified finance professional.
Diploma of Finance & Mortgage Broking Management
Certificate IV in Finance & Mortgage Broking
SME Lending
Asset & Equipment finance
In her spare time Jaime enjoys spending time with her family, being dragged around Kennington by her dog Arlo, reading and drinking wine with friends.
What can you NOT live without? Coffee & red wine
What do you spend your free time on? Chasing Arlo around the dog park while he makes friends
Joined the Lead advisory group in 2023 with the focus and enthusiasm for learning new skills and assisting our Community Banks and Shareholders to achieve their objectives.
In her spare time, you will find Emily in the kitchen baking or playing board games with friends and family.
Jess joined the Lead Advisory Services team in early 2018 as a part time administration assistant. She has learnt numerous new skills and enjoys her time here, building strong relationships with her helpful and knowledgeable co-workers.
Previously Jess worked for over a decade in the automotive industry in the sales and service departments. Outside of work she helps her husband with their company and chases her three boys around parks, bike tracks and sporting fields across Bendigo.
What can you NOT live without? Chocolate.
What do you do in your spare time? Spend time with my kids outside.
Katie joined the Lead Advisory team in August 2023, taking on the big task of manning the reception desk. Katie is a dedicated team member who always offers a big smile to all of our clients as they walk in the door,making them feel welcome.
Since joining our all-important administration team, Katie has continued to build her skills further to ensure that she provides an outstanding service to our clients.
My dogs, the beach, strawberry daiquiris & pasta
Walking my dogs and spending time with friends and family,going on holidays.
Shania joined Lead Advisory Group in November 2023 as a full-time administrative assistant working mostly in reception and being a friendly face to clients as they come in.
Shania previously worked as a legal assistant in property for 2 years and completed a Certificate III in Legal Services.
Certificate III in Legal Services.
Paperback books, Coffee, Cocktails and my car
Reading a good book, playing with my dogs Moose (Bull Arab Cross) and Zeke (German Shepard) and attempting to make cocktails for friends and family.
The Fast and Furious movies, The Longest Ride and Little Red Riding Hood (with Amanda Seyfried).
I am very Tech Savvy in Outlook, Excel and Microsoft Word and other computer programs (honestly, I just wing it and hope for the best)and that I am always happy to help out.
