Who we are.
Who we are
Meet our leadership team
PAUL AHEARNE.
Managing Director
With over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, Paul is responsible for the development, coordination, and implementation of strategic solutions for clients’ financial affairs, and the provision of strategic advice to achieve optimal financial objectives.
Paul holds a Master of Business Administration and Graduate Diplomas in Management and Financial Planning. He is also a Registered Tax Agent, a Member of the Institute of Public Accountants, and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
When not “chained to his desk” Paul enjoys ocean-swimming all year round; training at the gym and eating good food with a glass of red.
Brook Roberts.
Head of Mortgages - Emeritus
After a 25-year Banking career with Barclays Bank, predominantly in the UK, but with spells in New York, Frankfurt and Paris, Brook came to Sydney and opened Barclays second CBD commercial branch in 1990.
In 1993 Barclays Bank Australia was acquired by St George Bank and two years later Brook set out to broaden his experience within the Finance industry in Australia working independently as a Consultant. He joined Locumsgroup in 1997, 26 years ago, and developed its Mortgage division handing over the reins to Francis Raymond in 2016; and subsequently to Brendan Vassallo.
Brook has continued his association with Locumsgroup maintaining an ongoing relationship with many of his long-term mortgage clients and new ones which he continues to introduce, recommending the full suite of services that Locumsgroup offers.
Brook brings an extensive amount of Banking and Finance experience to the Group which can be most helpful to clients when wanting to think outside the square. Brook works predominantly from home but is available to clients, both personal and commercial at any
time.
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.
ANDREW ONISHE.
Financial Adviser
Andrew began working in the financial services industry in 2010. He previously held roles at Dimensional Fund Advisors (a US based Fund Manager) and Myer Family Company (a Wealth Management and Multi Family Office firm).
Andrew has worked in a variety of areas within accounting, taxation, financial advice and investment management, with a passion for helping clients to achieve their financial goals by implementing sound strategic advice.
Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to achieve optimal outcomes for his clients.
Andrew is a Chartered Accountant and obtained academic qualifications including a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning, and a Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting (CA).
When not assisting clients to reach their financial management objectives Andrew enjoys spending time with his young family
ANDREW CAMPBELL.
Head of Tax and Accounting
Andrew has had vast experience in Accounting, working in the industry for approximately 25 years. He has been the Head of the Tax and Accounting division at Locumsgroup for nearly 15 years. He is renowned for the high level of accuracy in his work and his ability to meet deadlines for key events. Andrew has many long term clients at Locumsgroup which truly value his professionalism, hard work and dedication.
Andrew actively participates in parenting his three young daughters which is exceptionally rewarding. He also loves entertaining, gardening and travelling!
TRENT DANG.
Senior Accountant
Trent is a senior accountant with extensive experience in taxation, accounting, compliance, and structuring. He has served clients from various sectors and helped them to achieve their business and personal financial goals.
Trent specialises in catering to the unique needs of small to midsize private entities, family groups, professionals, and high-net-worth individuals. He is highly skilled in providing creative solutions to complex problems, helping clients navigate through difficult situations with confidence.
As a dedicated accountant, Trent takes pride in delivering exceptional service to his clients, and he has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor.
In his free time, Trent enjoys leading an active lifestyle and passionate about spending quality time with his young family. Furthermore, Trent is an avid reader and constantly seeks to expand his knowledge in his field. He believes that staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and regulatory changes is crucial to providing his clients with the highest level of service.
ANDY LIU.
Senior Accountant
With over 15 years of experience in public accounting, I have developed a broad range of skills that enable me to help clients with their financial needs. I am experienced in financial reporting, SMSF auditing, tax planning, and compliance, and I am able to provide clients with customized solutions that are tailored to their specific needs. Specifically, I am specialised in small business accounting, managing self-managed super fund, capital gains tax and tax restructuring. I am always looking for ways to add value to my clients’ businesses.
Outside of work, I am a devoted dad of two young boys. Spending time with my family is a top priority for me, and I enjoy taking them out for sports activities and attending their school events. I was also a sushi chef when I was an owner of a sushi restaurant. I know the secret to make the best grilled salmon nigiris!
FLORA MAI.
Business Services & Management Accountant
Flora is a proficient management accountant and Xero Certified Advisor with an extensive background in bookkeeping and she holds a Bachelor Degree of Commerce. She consistently applies her robust accounting knowledge and analytical skills to meet the clients’ unique financial needs. Currently, she is working towards becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA).
During her leisure time, Flora enjoys cooking and baking, as well as playing golf as a caddy with her husband and son.
JENNIFER AHEARNE. .
General Manager
Jennifer has run operations for most of her career. With a passion for order and a thorough and analytical approach to her role within the organisation, she ensures that all operational aspects of the business are executed in an effective manner.
As General Manager, Jennifer’s role involves the implementation of operational structures within the organisation to ensure that client outcomes are achieved on time and on budget.
When not working Jennifer loves entertaining and is also actively involved in a range of charities. She also loves travelling and is a fitness enthusiast.
BRENDAN VASSALLO.
Mortgage Broker
Brendan is an experienced mortgage broker with a depth of knowledge of the mortgage industry gained over the past seven years. He has worked for Locumsgroup since 2019.
Brendan is known for his attention to detail, and prides himself on taking the time and care required to understand his clients’ loan requirements and establish an appropriate solution.
Brendan is a Member of the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA).
When he isn’t working, Brendan enjoys spending time with his wife (with any other activities simply being an added bonus).
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.
MICHELLE SPILLANE.
Operations – Tax and Accounting
Michelle started working in finance and banking over 20 years ago; including 8 years with St George Bank in various roles. She studied bookkeeping while her three children were young and went on to work for a local small family-owned business, doing the bookkeeping, payroll, accounts payable and & receivable.
In 2019 Michelle returned to working in the city with a firm of accountants; and joined the team at Locumsgroup in mid-2023.
When Michelle’s kids were younger weekends were filled with their sporting events; but now she spends weekends enjoying time with family and friends, cooking and long walks.
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.
