Sam Ngo
Software Engineer
Brisbane
Andy Bat
Super-Helper
Bot
Athena Bat
Super-Helper
Bot
“My journey in Australia can be divided into three chapters. The first chapter was about my struggles as an international student, especially in relation to the language barriers and cultural shock I experienced.
The second chapter was my time at AIQS, where I identified a service gap in Canberra’s business community. The third chapter, also the current one, began with the establishment of my own business — Tailored Accounts. The growing success of Tailored Accounts has taught me that hard work always pays off.
I want to emphasise hard work, because ultimately, you have to be good at something in order to achieve success in that area”.
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Since joining Tailored Accounts in 2019, Mandy has embraced the challenge of this ever-changing, dynamic environment. With the help of her talented and supportive colleagues, she quickly adapted and worked tirelessly to achieve her goals. Today, as a Team Leader, she remains just as enthusiastic as she was on day one.
For Mandy, success is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure. Mandy is dedicated to supporting Tailored Accounts on its path of future development, overcoming new challenges, and providing our clients with the best possible professional services.
Armed with a Master’s in Professional Accounting from the University of the Sunshine Coast and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from her hometown in Butwal, Nepal, Ratika’s dedication to learning and growing is evident.
Ratika’s not just about numbers though. She’s a lifelong learner with a knack for surpassing what’s expected of her. And when she’s not crunching numbers? You’ll find her curled up with a captivating book or in the kitchen whipping up mouthwatering Momos. And if there’s a new horror flick out? Ratika’s probably already seen it!
A wonderful example of things coming to a full circle, Bryan is an AccountantChange Alumni who joined Tailored Accounts with the hope of putting his knowledge into practice.
Now a Senior Accountant and Team Leader, Bryan helps guide our new accountants and interns, in addition to being a keynote speaker at a recent AccountantChange event. Truly a wonderful example of an international student who managed to overcome many career challenges and obstacles to thrive and succeed. Bryan is a valued member of the team whose strong sense of professionalism and ethics leaves us grateful that he chose to join us.
Experienced in a variety of contract work, casual, and part-time positions, Peier is someone who never stops looking for new ways to keep herself busy. Having been with us for over two years, Peier likes to diversify her time by being a freelanced Chinese Teacher at LCF Fun Languages Australia.
Passionate about taking up new challenges and opportunities to hone her skills and experiences, Peier faces life head-on, always happy to learn something new.
As our Chief Operating Officer, Anna’s found her calling in working with a fantastic group of colleagues who share her passion for delivering exceptional services to clients. Anna’s commitment to excellence shines through in everything she does, and she leads by example with unwavering dedication to our team and clients alike. With Anna at the helm, we know that we can tackle any challenge that comes our way, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have her as a leader and a friend.
“My journey in Australia can be divided into three chapters. The first chapter was about my struggles as an international student, especially in relation to the language barriers and cultural shock I experienced.
The second chapter was my time at AIQS, where I identified a service gap in Canberra’s business community. The third chapter, also the current one, began with the establishment of my own business — Tailored Accounts. The growing success of Tailored Accounts has taught me that hard work always pays off.
I want to emphasise hard work, because ultimately, you have to be good at something in order to achieve success in that area”.
In 2005, 22-year-old Harry joined the Australian National University’s international community as a first-year Bachelor of Economics student. Despite receiving other university admission offers, Harry’s desire to experience life in Australia led him to choose the ANU.
Harry wanted to get away from his comfort zone and challenge himself in a Western country. The nature, sports, and beautiful bushland of Australia were all calling him to leave his life in Viet Nam and begin a new journey.
It wasn’t too long after his arrival that, Harry, a poor fish out of the water, came to the harsh realisation that being so far away from the environment he’d grown up in was never meant to be easy. Communicating in English and coping with the stress of living alone in a foreign country were some of his first major challenges.
But somehow, Harry thrived in this environment. He spent countless hours practising his English, taking the extra effort to make sure he understood his lectures and went out of his way to meet new friends. To cover his tuition fees and living expenses, Harry even took up casual farm work during his free time. This was when he adopted the name “Harry”, which sounds like “hurry” because he was adept at completing his tasks at the farms.
But just when he thought he overcame all the challenges Australia threw his way, he came to the harsh realisation that adapting to an environment does not necessarily mean that an environment will adapt to you. After completing his bachelor’s degree in Economics, Harry decided to pursue a Master of Professional Accounting as he, like many other international students of his age, encountered difficulties in securing a job.
However, this did not dampen Harry’s zest for life— in fact; the difficulties Harry encountered encouraged him to double his efforts to improve his skills and employability. His hard work and sacrifices paid off as he was eventually offered a bookkeeping role with the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS).
Thus begins Harry’s next chapter. During his time as a bookkeeper in the AIQS, Harry noticed that many small and medium business owners were struggling to manage their core business in addition to its bookkeeping and accounting functions. Some businesses simply could not afford an in-house accountant, while other firms, due to their scale, did not require a full-time accountant but found it hard to hire qualified part-time accountants. Having identified this gap in Canberra’s business community, Harry grabbed the opportunity and launched his first company—Tailored Accounts, then known as Harry’s Bookkeeping—in 2009.
The beginning was a turbulent and stressful time. Struggling to secure an initial investment and a solid business strategy, it was thought that Tailored Accounts would not survive the market competition. Back in the early 2000s, support groups and communities for start-ups were non-existent in Canberra. With little incentives aiding entrepreneurs in their growth, Harry had no choice but to engage in any employment he could find to provide financial support and maintain the survival of the business. The initial investment was approximately $10,000, which was all of Harry’s personal savings. It funded the company’s legal setup and allowed Tailored Accounts to take its first steps into the market. The very first advertisement for Tailored Accounts was a free listing with Canberra Times, which was also how we got our very first customer. Our first website was developed by Harry personally with the help of YouTube guides. With a little bit of luck and a lot of hard work, Tailored Accounts slowly grew into the business we see today.
The year 2023 will mark our 15th anniversary. From a small one-person home business, Tailored Accounts has now expanded to Brisbane, Sydney, and regional NSW. To date, we have more than 500 businesses and non-profit organisations in our clientele and our impressive development has garnered great public recognition. Tailored Accounts’ success has been acknowledged with awards and accolades from distinguished organizations such as the Ethnic Business Awards (2022), the Australian Accounting Awards (2022; 2021; 2020), the ACT Training Awards (2019), the Telstra Business Awards (2017; 2016), and the Australian Business Awards (2015). Tailored Accounts and Harry’s story has also been featured by well-known news organisations such as SBSNews, the Canberra Times and RiotACT.
At present, Tailored Accounts provides management accounting services with specialisations ranging from daily bookkeeping to higher-level business advisory and cash flow consultation.
And, Harry never forgot his roots. Harry is a firm believer in giving back to the communities that helped nurture his growth. For students and young professionals, Tailored Accounts organises AccountantChange, a quarterly training program for Business, Finance, and Accounting students & young professionals interested in learning the latest industry knowledge while developing relevant workplace skills. To support local start-ups, Harry became a veteran mentor and coach at training initiatives such as Innovation ACT and The Mill House Accelerator Program.
Ultimately, Harry attributes Tailored Accounts’ success to his focus on building long-term, sustainable business relationships.
One day, Tailored Accounts will be Australia’s leading bookkeeping and management accounting firm, the Accounts Departments of small and medium businesses. With a steadfast commitment to staying informed about the latest advancements and a strong work ethic, Harry firmly believes that it’s just a matter of time before this objective is achieved.
With her friendly and approachable demeanor, Manpreet is committed to delivering the best possible customer experience to our clients. Don’t let her quietness fool you. Manpreet is always ready to listen, understand, and provide practical solutions to help our clients achieve their financial goals.
An adaptable and quick learner with excellent problem-solving skills. Manpreet is always ready to face any obstacle head-on, finding creative and effective solutions that meet the needs of our clients.
Jenny is an enthusiastically self-motivated accountant with an extensive history of juggling work and study, seeing the value and necessity of both. Her desire to constantly expand her repertoire and learn something new has imbued in her excellent time management skills.
In addition to her myriad of accounting qualifications, Jenny’s Diploma of Interpreting and experience in bilingually assisting clients make her a wonderful accountant for clients who may be more comfortable with Mandarin.
Reina’s robust academic background, featuring a triple major in Business Information Systems, English, and International Relations, has more than equipped her to manage the day-to-day operations at Tailored Accounts. Effortlessly integrating her diverse expertise with an insatiable drive to learn, Reina ensures that Tailored Accounts operates with seamless precision.
Stay tuned to Tailored Accounts’ social media pages and website; her regular updates bridge the world of accounting and business with contemporary trends and discussions.
Whether you’re an aspiring student or a seasoned entrepreneur, there’s always something fresh from Reina’s desk to spark your interest.
A Master’s student at the ANU, Cici joined Tailored Accounts as an intern through the CBE Internship Program for her Bachelor’s degree. Cici was only a few months into her internship when she assisted Bryan in delivering a presentation on Payroll Processing for our AccountantChange Program.
In addition to her wonderful work ethic and determination, Cici’s ability to go outside her comfort zone in her pursuit of learning something new prompted Harry to keep her as a staff member.
While some may label the duties of an accountant “tedious” or “boring”, Jeff’s passion for the field is fueled by his understanding and appreciation of the crucial work that Accountants do in the background to support a business.
The perfect blend of meticulously hard-working and cheerfully jovial, Jeff is someone who confidently strides across the tightrope of work and play. At work, Jeff gets his work done to the highest standard. At social events, Jeff’s innate joviality tends to place him at the centre of attention, occasionally to his dismay.
Helen is not just an accountant, she’s a force of nature. Her dedication to our clients is unmatched, and she always goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional service. She’s constantly seeking new ways to improve herself and her work. Her passion for learning is truly inspiring.
Customer satisfaction is what motivates Helen the most, and seeing the positive impact of her work on our clients is what keeps her going. Helen’s attention to detail is unparalleled, and her strong work ethic has earned her the respect and admiration of both her colleagues and clients alike.
Beginning her professional career as a consultant and advisor for brands like L’Oreal, Shu Uemura, LVMH, and Telstra, Brenda has found her true calling as an Accountant at Tailored Accounts.
With her Master of Professional Accounting as well as Degrees in Business Administration and Human Resource Management, Brenda’s people skills are supplemented with a well-versed understanding of the fields of accounting and business. Brenda enjoys putting her skills and knowledge to the test for our clients to ensure the best fiscal outcomes.
An all-rounded overachiever, Nhi’s role at Tailored Accounts has expanded throughout the years to encompass areas such as stakeholder engagement, project management, business tender development, data analytics, and even tertiary student training through our AccountantChange Program.
A data genius, who can transform data into essential business intelligence insights that improve performance and helps businesses achieve their goals, Nhi is a vital member of the Tailored Accounts team. Fortunately for us, with her passion for innovation, teamwork and continual professional development, Nhi considers her work at Tailored Accounts to be a natural fit.
With over 10 years of experience in the software industry, Sam has helped built software systems for organisations ranging from banks to taxi firms.
Sam’s analytical and inquiring nature combined with his firm understanding of software development standards and payment solutions have been essential to Tailored Accounts, helping us tackle the technological challenges associated with being an accounting company hoping to stay at the forefront of technological innovation.
“To get what you want, you have to deserve what you want. The world is not yet a crazy enough place to reward a whole bunch of undeserving people.” – Charles T. Munger
This is the kind of mentality that Chien adopts for everything in life and work. A hard worker who’s always ready for his next challenge, he continuously works to overcome perceived limits. Appreciative of every learning opportunity, experience, and challenge, Chien has found a kindred company in Tailored Accounts, which adopts a similar attitude towards growth and learning.
In his spare time, Chien is gaining some experience as an investor by purchasing shares on the Australian Stock Market, hoping to broaden his knowledge in different areas. Being out in the jungle may be dangerous, but life is a lot more worth living when you’re not cooped up in a cage!
Tailored Accounts’ consistent delivery of great work to our clients would be impossible without our excellent Quality Management Systems, which are made up of three major components: a top-tier internal control system, wonderfully skilled staff, and Fuzuki who helps to manage both.
Taking charge of Tailored Accounts’ internal control system, Fuzuki keeps our business running smoothly by updating our control systems regularly based on new policies and changes to the accounting environment, ensuring an “excellent and consistent” approach to every client.
Fuzuki also plays an active role in the continuous professional development of our staff. With experience taken from her previous career as a teacher, she keeps our staff at the forefront of accounting skills and knowledge by organising monthly training both internally and externally.
Hannah isn’t your average pencil-pushing accountant; she’s a visionary and the backbone of Tailored Accounts. It was Hannah’s ingenuity that led to the development and seamless management of our Tailored Tax and SMSF services, solutions that stand as milestones in the company’s growth.
The letters after her name aren’t just alphabet soup; they signify a depth of expertise and a breadth of experience that few can match. More than just a FCPA and a CA, Hannah is also a registered tax agent. But her prowess doesn’t stop there. Hannah’s resume boasts leadership roles that range across the accounting and advisory sectors. She’s walked through the trenches and climbed the corporate ladder, carrying with her a wealth of experience that’s as broad as it is deep.
But what sets Hannah apart isn’t just her skill or experience; it’s her approachability. In a field dominated by jargon and complex lingo, Hannah has an uncanny ability to break down the intricacies of accounting into practical, understandable solutions. She’s not just solving problems; she’s alleviating worries.
So, when you entrust your finances to Hannah, you’re not just getting an accountant; you’re gaining a financial guardian.
With Hannah at the helm, you’re on a route tailored for success.
Rose has an unshakable work ethic and is always pushing herself beyond perceived limitations. She joined the Tailored Accounts team in 2013 as a Team Member and has since worked her way up to become one of our most accomplished Senior Accountants.
Rose’s tenacity and dedication to our team and clients have been instrumental in guiding the next generation of Tailored Accounts’ accountants. She’s always looking for new and innovative ways to foster a better business and take on new challenges. Rose’s unique perspective and willingness to think outside the box make her a valued member of our team.
As an Executive Assistant who has worked her way up to Corporate Service Manager, Katie has grown alongside Tailored Accounts throughout the years.
With each new challenge, Katie has stepped up to the plate and adapted herself to keep pace with the ever-changing needs of our business. Her unwavering diligence and meticulous attention to detail have been instrumental in ensuring that our clients receive nothing but the best. Whether it’s managing complex projects or juggling multiple tasks, Katie’s organizational skills always keep everything (and everyone) running like clockwork.
Meet AndyBat– the accounting genius born in 2018!
Despite lacking an Accounting Degree, this little bot has developed the skills and efficiency of a seasoned accounting pro. In fact, he works so hard that our developers had to program him to slow down!
Bella’s journey in finance began at the Australian National University, where she completed her Bachelor of Commerce, specialising in accounting with a finance minor. Currently, she’s furthering her expertise through a Master of Applied Finance at the same institution. With two years of focused experience in accounts receivables, Bella has refined her meticulous attention to detail, active listening, and problem-solving skills, becoming a cornerstone of her professional approach.
Beyond mere number crunching, Bella’s role in our team transcends traditional accounting; she is a vital support to organisations aiming to make a significant impact. Bella’s commitment to clarity, efficiency, and strategic financial management makes her an indispensable asset to our clients and a valued member of our team.
Meet Eva, a dedicated accounting professional with a Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Adelaide and an Associate Member of CPA. Boasting an extensive background across several sectors such as manufacturing, hospitality, not-for-profit organisations, and public companies, Eva offers a varied skill set paired with a dedication to excellence in every endeavour.
With Eva on your team, you can trust that your accounting needs will be met with precise expertise, allowing you to focus on what matters most – growing your business and achieving your goals. Join the ranks of satisfied clients who have reaped the rewards of Eva’s proficiency and experience.
Fresh out of ANU with a stellar double degree in Economics and Commerce, Tasfia chose Tailored Accounts as her first full-time foray into the professional realm. Inspired by our AccountantChange program, it was the allure of continuous learning and the opportunity to work with a diverse array of organizations that magnetized her to TA. Tasfia is eager to leap beyond the familiar, harnessing the expertise of her peers to shine in her accountant role.
When the office lights dim, she exchanges her calculator for the magic of ink and paper, weaving stories from the soul and delving deep into literary escapades. And when it’s time to sweat it out? The thrill of cricket and the finesse of badminton fuel her competitive soul.
Introducing Athena Bat, the brilliant and capable younger sister of our beloved Andy Bat!
Modest and a bit shy by nature, Athena prefers to stay in the backlines, diligently working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly.
But make no mistake, Athena’s exceptional skills and unparalleled work ethic have propelled her to the esteemed position of being Harry’s personal Bot.
With a Master of Commerce and a Master of Professional Accounting, Nancie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team.
A proud member of CPA Australia, Nancie has an extensive history working with a diverse range of clients. From metal fabrication businesses, restaurants, beauty companies, non-profit organizations, and public accounting firms, Nancie has gained a deep understanding of the accounting and administration systems used in these industries, enabling her to provide tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client.
Fluent in both English & Vietnamese, Nancie is comfortable with supporting clients in either language.
With a keen eye for detail and an unflinching resolve, Natalie turns each client interaction into a uniquely rewarding experience. She lives by a simple yet compelling mantra: “Do the best you can, as simply as you can.” This isn’t just a motto—it’s a proven strategy for excellence, whether she’s streamlining everyday tasks or conquering formidable challenges.
What sets Natalie apart? Her resilience and her willingness to venture beyond her comfort zone. If you’re seeking a guide to help you traverse the complex terrain of modern accounting, look no further. Natalie isn’t just a dedicated team member; she’s an explorer at the forefront of her field.
“She believed she could, so she did.”
With her on your side, you’ll believe it too.
Jessie is a graduate of ANU, joining our team as an intern at the beginning of her career. Throughout her time at Tailored Accounts, Jessie has proven to be a quick learner and a skilled problem-solver.
For Jessie, working alongside a dedicated team has provided her with valuable learning experiences. She appreciates the diverse and supportive team that helped her thrive both personally and professionally.
At Tailored Accounts, we look forward to seeing her continued growth and success in the days to come.
Meet Duc, one of our talented accountants at Tailored Accounts. Duc is a Monash University graduate with a degree in accounting, and his passion for numbers and attention to detail make him an invaluable member of our team.
Duc’s career in accounting began in the construction industry, where he worked as a bookkeeper for two years. During this time, he gained valuable experience in managing financial records and ensuring the accuracy of financial statements, skills that he continues to apply to his work at Tailored Accounts.
Sienna is a firm believer in the power of hard work and a positive attitude. As she works towards becoming a tax specialist, she embraces challenges with the mindset that “it’s never as scary as it looks.”
Stepping out of her comfort zone has provided her with valuable experiences and knowledge that she uses to deliver exceptional service to her clients and contribute to the growth of Tailored Accounts. Sienna knows that luck favors those who work hard, and she’s willing to put in the effort to achieve her goals.
Julia is the beating heart of Tailored Accounts, keeping us moving forward like a well-oiled machine. As a Corporate Service Assistant, she ensures that the company’s operations run efficiently and smoothly. From confirming appointments to providing colleagues with essential information, Julia always goes the extra mile to ensure our team has everything we need to provide our clients with the best possible service. We are incredibly lucky to have Julia as a key member of our team, and her hard work and dedication are truly appreciated by all of us at Tailored Accounts.
Dilys has always had a love for numbers, making accounting a natural and clear career choice for her. Since joining Tailored Accounts, Dilys has found the perfect environment to grow and develop her skills. She embraces the daily challenge of working with numbers and shows her dedication to improving herself through her hard work and commitment to excellence.
Dilys believes that success comes from a combination of enthusiasm and hard work. She is always willing to go the extra mile for our clients and understands that there is no room for laziness on the path to success.
Shhhh, don’t tell the boss.
AndyBat is still working on this.
Harry’s journey started in the shadow of his father and grandmother— both trailblazing small business owners. He grew up watching his father import containers of faulty electronic goods from Japan, fix them up, and sell them.
Entrepreneurship is in his blood, but watching the hustle and determination, seeing what it takes to run a business, left a lasting impression on him. For Harry, becoming an entrepreneur was never question of “if”, but a compelling journey of “how”.
Even as a child, Harry’s business instincts shone brightly. He masterminded a mini book-lending empire in grade school, circulating picture books among classmates and reinvesting the profits to expand his literary stockpile.
Tailored Accounts is far from Harry’s first forray into the business world, but Tailored Accounts is undeniably his proudest and most profitable business venture to date.
Harry is driven by the belief that every business has the potential to achieve greatness. By providing his clients with the peace of mind that comes with expert bookkeeping, tax preparation, and other financial services, Harry seeks to empower them to focus on what they do best.
These services may seem simple on the surface, but the thought of enabling the next Da Vinci to focus on his art or the next Steve Jobs to create groundbreaking technology is truly priceless.
