Who we are.
Who we are
We are a multi-service multi-discipline firm specialising in accounting, financial advice, wealth management, and mortgage services.
In-house expertise across multiple disciplines enables our specialists to ensure that you receive a complete range of services meet your needs and your expectations.
Our expert team is dedicated to delivering the best possible financial outcomes, tailored specifically to your needs.
With a strong focus on order, clutter-free organisation, wealth management expertise, and client success, we help guide you toward achieving and maintaining financial independence.
By integrating our range services, we provide you with complete visibility and line-of-sight of your income and expenses, tax-planning, assets, and liabilities, ensuring that as a result of access to clear, precise information, each step in your journey aligns seamlessly with your tax planning and wealth management strategies.
Meet our leadership team
PAUL AHEARNE.
Managing Director
With over 30 years of experience in financial services, Paul leads the development, coordination, and execution of strategic solutions to help clients achieve their financial goals.
His expertise spans across tax planning, wealth management, and business advisory, ensuring the development and implementation of tailored strategies that drive long-term success.
Paul holds the following academic qualifications: a Master of Business Administration a Graduate Diploma in Management and a Diploma of Financial Planning. He is a Registered Tax Agent, a Member of the Institute of Public Accountants, and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Beyond the boardroom, Paul is a keen ocean swimmer—braving the waves year-round. He also enjoys staying active at the gym and unwinding with friends and family with great food and a well-paired glass of red wine.
CHARLENE NG.
Client Services Officer
Charlene has gained eight years of experience in the banking industry, specifically in the Treasury field. As a Sales Trader, she specialised in various markets such as foreign exchange, fixed income and money market. She handled a range of clients from retail investors and non-profit organisations to financial institutions and top corporations.
As a Client Services Officer for Locumsgroup, Charlene is responsible in providing effective and efficient support to the financial management team. She assists in the management of the team’s workflow, client applications and implementation of their investments, and other administrative duties. She also assists in the preparation of key documents and reports for clients such as Statements of Advice, annual reports, and portfolio reviews.
She is currently pursuing her Master of Applied Finance at Macquarie University. She loves eating good food, chilling at the beach, and watching Netflix.
TRENT DANG.
Financial Adviser and Senior Accountant
Trent is a highly experienced financial adviser and senior accountant with a strong track record in taxation, accounting, compliance, and business structuring. He has worked with clients across diverse industries, helping them achieve both their business and personal financial goals.
Specializing in small to mid-sized private entities, family groups, professionals, and high-net-worth individuals, Trent is highly regarded for his ability to provide innovative solutions to complex financial challenges. His strategic approach ensures clients can navigate difficult situations with confidence and clarity.
Trent holds the following academic qualifications: a Bachelor of Business Administration, Certified Practicing Accountant (“CPA”), a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning, and a Graduate Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management.
As a dedicated accountant and financial adviser, Trent takes pride in delivering exceptional service and has earned a reputation as a trusted and insightful advisor. He is committed to staying ahead of industry trends and regulatory changes, continuously expanding his knowledge to provide clients with the highest level of expertise.
Outside of work, Trent leads an active lifestyle and cherishes time with his young family. An avid reader, he is passionate about lifelong learning and professional growth.
BRENDAN VASSALLO.
Mortgage Broker
With over ten years of experience in the mortgage industry, Brendan has built a strong reputation for his in-depth knowledge and his dedication to providing tailored borrowing solutions for his clients.
He has been with Locumsgroup since 2019, offering expert advice and guidance to help clients navigate the detailed mortgage process.
Brendan is known for his meticulous attention to detail, taking the time to truly understand his clients’ unique borrowing needs, and for crafting the best possible loan solutions.
Brendan holds the following academic qualifications:
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Cert IV Fin & Mortgage Broking
- Diploma of Finance & Mortgage Broking Management
Brendan is also a Member of the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (“MFAA”).
Outside of work, Brendan enjoys quality time with his wife—valuing these moments above all else, with other activities being a welcome bonus.
ANDREW CAMPBELL.
Head of Tax and Accounting
With over 25 years of experience in accounting, Andrew brings extensive expertise and precision to Locumsgroup Private Accounting Services.
As the Head of the Tax and Accounting division at Locumsgroup for nearly 20 years, Andrew is known for his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to meeting critical deadlines.
Andrew has extensive experience in professional tax and accountancy, specialising in business and personal taxation, structuring and superannuation. He regularly advises across a range of industries and clients.
Andrew’s long-standing clients appreciate his professionalism, dedication, and ability to deliver tailored accounting solutions.
Beyond the office, Andrew is a devoted father to his three young daughters, finding immense joy in parenting. He also enjoys entertaining, gardening, and exploring new destinations through travel.
Sida Tan.
Senior Accountant
With over 14 years of experience in public practice accounting firms, Sida specialises in managing small business entities, high net worth individual clients, and SMSF Tax affairs.
With extensive experience in tax accounting, financial accounts preparation, and SMSF auditing, Sida is in the final stages of the auditor approval process with ASIC.
Sida has a strong track record in helping business clients and individuals navigate through complex financial and taxation compliance arrangements. This is achieved while optimising personal, corporate, and trust related tax strategies. Compliance with changes in taxation law involves frequent and ongoing attention.
Sida has obtained academic qualifications including, a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Law, and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance.
Sida is also a Chartered Accountant.
Outside of office hours, Sida spends time with her two pet dogs, and is dedicated to training and competing in a series of Marathons and Ultra-Marathons.
ANDY LIU.
Senior Accountant
With nearly 20 years’ experience in public accounting, Andy brings a wealth of expertise in financial reporting, SMSF auditing, tax planning, and compliance. Specializing in business accounting, self-managed super funds, capital gains tax, and tax restructuring, Andy is dedicated to delivering tailored financial solutions that add real value to his clients.
His strategic approach and deep industry knowledge help businesses navigate complex financial landscapes with confidence.
Andy holds a Master of Commerce and is a Member of Institute of Public Accountants.
Outside of work, Andy is a devoted father to two young boys, prioritizing family time through sports activities and school events. A former sushi restaurant owner, he also has a hidden talent—crafting the perfect grilled salmon nigiri!
JENNIFER AHEARNE. .
General Manager
With a career dedicated to operational excellence, Jennifer brings a structured, analytical, and results-driven approach to her role as General Manager.
Passionate about creating efficiency and order, she ensures that all aspects of the business run smoothly, delivering seamless client outcomes—on time and within budget.
Jennifer plays a key role in developing and implementing the operational framework that drives the company’s success. Her leadership fosters a culture of precision and accountability, ensuring that both clients and team members benefit from well-executed processes.
Outside of work, Jennifer loves entertaining and is actively involved in various charitable initiatives. A keen traveller and fitness enthusiast, she embraces a dynamic and well-balanced lifestyle.
FLORA MAI.
Business Services & Management Accountant
Flora is a skilled management accountant and Xero Certified Advisor with a strong background in business accounting, financial modelling and financial analysis.
Holding a Bachelor of Commerce, Flora leverages her expertise to provide tailored financial solutions that meet the unique needs of her clients.
Committed to continuous professional growth, she is currently working towards achieving membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountant (CA).
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for problem-solving, Flora ensures accuracy and efficiency in financial management, helping a range of businesses optimise their financial performance.
Outside of work, Flora enjoys cooking and baking, as well as spending quality time with her husband and son—often joining them on the golf course as a caddy!
MICHELLE SPILLANE.
Operations – Tax and Accounting
Michelle has over 20 years’ experience in finance and banking, including eight years with St George Bank, where she held various roles.
During her time raising three children, she pursued bookkeeping studies and worked for a family-owned business, handling accounting tasks that included bookkeeping, payroll management, and accounts payable/receivable.
In 2019, Michelle returned to city-based work at an accounting firm in the CBD before joining the Locumsgroup team in mid-2023. Michelle’s diverse experience enables her to provide valuable support in the operations team of the Tax and Accounting division.
Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending weekends with her family and friends. She loves cooking, taking long walks, and cherishing the moments with loved ones.
Brook Roberts.
Head of Mortgages - Emeritus
With a distinguished 25-year career at Barclays Bank—spanning the UK, New York, Frankfurt, and Paris—Brook arrived in Sydney in 1990 to establish Barclays’ second CBD commercial branch.
Following Barclays Bank Australia’s acquisition by St. George Bank in 1993, Brook transitioned into independent consultancy, expanding his expertise in the Australian financial sector. In 1997, he joined Locumsgroup, where he built and led the Mortgage division before passing the leadership to Francis Raymond in 2016 and later to Brendan Vassallo.
Today, Brook remains a valued member of Locumsgroup, maintaining strong relationships with long-term clients and introducing new clients to the firm’s comprehensive financial services. His vast banking and finance experience allows him to offer clients insightful, strategic solutions—often thinking beyond conventional approaches.
While he primarily works from home, Brook is readily available to assist personal and commercial clients whenever needed.
Dr Steve Garth.
Independent Investment Committee Member
Steve is the Principal of Principia Investment Consultants and an independent member of the Locumsgroup Investment Committee.
Steve’s role is to provide academic rigour, support and insight to our Investment Committee around areas such as asset allocation, implementation and the evaluation of alternative investment strategies.
For nearly two decades, Steve played a key role in helping grow the Australian arm of global asset manager Dimensional Fund Advisors. During his career he managed Australian and global equity portfolios, managed the Asia Pacific trading team and oversaw the introduction of direct market access trading. For last 10 years he specialised in managing the firm’s fixed interest strategies.
Before joining Dimensional in 2001, Steve was on the faculty of the University of New South Wales. His teaching and research interests were in optical fibre technology and quantitative finance.
Qualifications & Accreditations
- PhD in Applied Mathematics
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics
- Bachelor of Arts with majors in History and Politics
- Masters of Applied Finance (MAppFin)
- Graduate Diploma in Business Administration
Professional Membership
- Australian Institute of Company Directors.
OUR MISSION.
We empower our clients to make smart decisions with their money. We are a sounding board of knowledge and experience.
WHAT WE DO.
We manage all of our clients financial needs – at every stage of their journey.
SOLUTIONS ORIENTATED.
Our clients’ success is our success! We are dedicated to providing a personalised approach to our clients financial situation. No matter how complex we will find a strategic solution that aligns with our clients desires.
WE HAVE OVER 70 YEARS EXPERIENCE!
Locumsgroup was established in 1952 in London to provide services to Australian Medical and Dental Practitioners with their business and financial affairs while they were overseas.
History
1952
At the outset, the business was established to provide business services to doctors and dentists in Sydney, many of whom had graduated under the free university education made available for returned servicemen and women returning from World War II.
1966
A London office was opened in South Kensington to provide practice management and financial services to Australian doctors and dentists working in the UK.
1991
We extended our charter beyond our traditional client base. We now offer a full range of financial services to our broad client base, while still maintaining the exacting service standards that established the business all those years ago.
1995
Locumsgroup launched the extremely successful Money In Practice magazine. A publication with an audited circulation of 36,000 medical and dental practitioners, the magazine was a 160 page full colour journal that focused on the business end of medical practitioners.
1998
Locumsgroup sold Money in Practice to Australian Provisional News where it continued to be published for a number of years.
2004
Locumsgroup was granted an Australian Financial Services Licence
2006
Locumsgroup become a Registered Tax Agent
2011
Locumsgroup was granted an Australian Credit Licence.
2017
After over 20 years located in Loftus Street near Circular Quay, Locumsgroup moved to Spring Street near Australia Square.
2020
During COVID-19 Locumsgroup’s office remained open but with reduced staff as they worked from home. However it was “business as usual” and our clients remain our priority (with social distancing!).
2021
Locumsgroup Private Accounting Services Pty Limited became a Xero Practice and all our business clients use this remarkable and game changing platform in the management of their business accounting.
2023
The introduction of flexible work practices during the global Covid-19 pandemic changed the way business is conducted.
No longer “chained to your desk” and attending face-to-face meetings. Now distance is not an obstacle and you can contact our staff using available technology from the comfort of your home or office with members of our staff who may be working from our offices or working from home.
This free flow of information without the added burden of travel is effective and time efficient. You choose which suits you best.
