Our Team

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Matthew White - Managing Director

Matthew founded the firm in June 1997. He has a degree in Accountancy from the University of South Australia and was accepted into the Honours program but declined to commence his career. In 1995 Matthew completed his Chartered Accountancy qualification with Certificates of Merit in Taxation and Ethics (top 5% in Australia).

Matthew is also an Associate of the Taxation Institute of Australia, a Registered Tax Agent with the ATO, an Accredited MFAA mortgage/finance consultant, a Member of the Finconnect group and an accredited Self Managed Super Fund Advisor.

He has over 17 years experience as an accountant, business and tax advisor and over 6 years experience as a registered mortgage broker.

As Business Initiatives has grown, Matthew has shifted his focus to a client advisory role and excels in the areas of tax planning and minimisation, business and residential financing, establishment and administration of self managed superannuation funds, business valuations, business purchases and sales, business analysis, cash flow budgeting and KPIs, business planning, coaching and review, systems development, business startup and capital raising, succession and estate planning, business benchmarking.

Matthew enjoys tennis, golf, wakeboarding, running, gym, collecting and restoring classic cars, travel and the noble pursuit of wine tasting and appreciation.

Favourite Quote: "I don't want to be a member of any club that will accept me as a member." Groucho Marx

Troy Calliss - Senior Accountant / Manager

Troy joined Business Initiatives in June 2009 and has over 9 year's experience in private practice. A country boy at heart, Troy moved from the Eyre Peninsula to the big lights of Adelaide in 2004. Troy has worked for large 2nd Tier accounting firms but prefers the personal touch of the smaller practice. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Accounting and then aims to commence further studies to become a Chartered Accountant.

Troy has worked in the areas of accounting, taxation and superannuation. He has a keen interest in the area of Self Managed Funds (SMSF’s) including establishment, ongoing administration and conversion to pension phase. Troy enjoys working closely with clients to assist in their everyday accounting needs.

His other interests include Jogging, Tennis, Golf, Fishing and anything outdoors.

Favourite Quote: “What goes around comes around.”

Kerrie White - Office Manager

Kerrie joined Business Initiatives in March 2008 as Office Manager/Client Liaison. Her role varies from day to day with the main duties including management of client workflow, liaising with clients, network administration, marketing and co-ordinating functions and events.

Prior to joining the team, Kerrie worked in varying roles including Councillor Support Officer with the Adelaide City Council, Functions Manager with Viva Function Centre and Night Train, Project Management roles within Government and a 2 year working holiday in London and Scotland.

Her interests include cooking, travelling, water ski-ing and enjoying good food, wine and time with family and friends.

Favourite Quote: "I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food!!"

Cheryl West - Accountant / Bookkeeper

Cheryl has extensive experience in the accountancy and finance fields. Over an interesting career, she has gained proficiency in accounting, taxation, ASIC and computer systems whilst working with such companies as Elders Trustee, Baker Hydraulics and various Chartered Accounting firms.

Cheryl started with Business Initiatives in April 2005, and was initially engaged to cover reception, ASIC and undertake the administration of Wisdom Creek Wines. Her experience and efficiency caused her to be promoted to her current position where she is responsible for accounting/bookkeeping and BAS preparation for all clients who require this service. She also is the firm’s main liaison with various government departments including Centrelink and PIRSA.

Cheryl is happily married with two beautiful daughters. Her interests are gardening, sewing, craft and caravanning.

Favourite Quote: “Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.” Janet Lane

Asad Ansari - Accountant

Asad joined the firm in May 2008. He was born in Pakistan and in 2003 migrated to Australia to pursue his education with the University of South Australia. Asad has a Degree in Commerce & Finance which he completed in 2006.

Since graduating, Asad has been working in public practice specialising in accounting, taxation and audit work.

Asad has commenced the CPA program which he intends to finish by the end of 2010. He is also doing an MBA at the University of Adelaide. His long term goals are to be a Certified Practicing Accountant providing clients with valuable advice on how to achieve the best outcome in regards to taxation. He is also interested in financial and superannuation planning.

His other interests include exercising, body building, listening to old classical music and instrumentals.

Favourite Quote: “A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend. A successful woman is one who can find such a man.”

Kirsty Newman - Accountant

Kirsty joined Business Initiatives as an Accountant in March 2010 and has over 5 year's experience in the accounting industry.

She made the move from New Zealand to Adelaide early 2010, to experience a lifestyle change and join other NZers who have made the move. She is currently in the process of completing a Diploma in Business.

Her interests include cooking, motorsport which she has been involved in for 7 years as a driver and navigator, spending quality time with her family and friends and reading a good book. She would also like to travel the world one day.

Favourite Quote "Most people learn by observation, and there are a few who learn by experimentation. And then there are those who actually TOUCH the fire to see if it's really hot."

Lulu Pang - Accountant

Lulu joined Business Initiatives in 2007 after emigrating from China in 2003. Lulu has completed a Degree in Commerce at Flinders University with double majors in Accounting and Finance.

Currently she is studying the CPA program to continue the development of her career. Lulu enjoys accounting and taxation law and helping clients reduce their tax.

Her greatest dream is travelling all over the wonderful world.

Favourite Quote: “Lots of people are afraid of heights. Not me. I am afraid of width.” Stephen Wright

Kelly Liu - Accountant

Kelly joined Business Initiatives in July 2010. She completed a degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Adelaide in 2009. After graduating, Kelly has been working in public practice and started her Chartered Accountant Program. Her long term goal is to become a qualified Chartered Accountant to help clients solve their tax problems. She has also been doing a Certified Financial Analyst program.

The is a soccer fan, and also interested in basketball and swimming. Her dream is to go to a FIFA World Cup Final and cheer up for her favourite team, Argentina.

Favourite Quote: “As far we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being." Carl Jung

Kerry L'Estrange - Bookkeeper

Kerry began working for Business Initiatives as a receptionist/office assistant in February 2008. After completing a Bachelor of Education in 2006, Kerry headed overseas for a working holiday in the UK. Upon her return she developed an interest in accounting and has since studied bookkeeping and MYOB accounting at TAFE.

Kerry has now moved into a bookkeeping role, and is responsible for BAS preparation. Her other responsibilities include the management of ASIC functions for companies, the establishment of new entities and MYOB training for clients.

Outside of work, Kerry enjoys reading, travel, spending time with family and friends and attempting home renovations with her husband.

Favourite Quote: “Life is too important to be taken seriously” Oscar Wilde

Gurpreet Kaur - Accountant / Bookkeeper

Gurpreet starting working with Business Initiatives in October 2010 as a Finance Assistant and has now moved into a new position of Accounting and Bookkeeping.

Gurpreet completed a degree in Bachelor of Commerce in 2009 and is currently studying Masters of Accounting (advance) at Flinders University which she intends to finish by the end of 2012.

Gurpreet was born in New Zealand and raised in South Australia.  She is a country girl by heart, having lived in Renmark for most her childhood.  After completing year 12, she moved to Adelaide to study at university.

Her hobbies include going to the movies, travelling, shopping, spending time with family and relaxation time.

Favourite Quote: "..all is well!" 

Laura Glenne - Loans Division Finance Officer
 

Laura has been working with Business Initiatives since January 2009. Laura started out working in reception, and has since moved into a finance role.

She has a passion for portrait photography, art and drawing. Apart from the mandatory socialising with friends, Laura loves listening to music and has combined this interest with learning dance for the past 8 years.

Favourite Quote: “One life, one chance”

Courtney Potts - Receptionist

Courtney started working for Business Initiatives in June 2011 as our receptionist. Previously she was working part time as a waitress in Birkenhead whilst studying.

Courtney completed year 12 at St Mary's College in 2010 and in 2011 went to Port Adelaide TAFE where she completed her certificate III in Business Administration.

She has a passion for netball and has been playying since the age of six. She enjoys sports, going to the beach in summer, cooking (although she still has much to learn). she is a skilled shopper and values time spend with her family, boyfriend and friends.

Favourite Quote: “Life is ours, We live it our way” Metallica (Nothing Else Matters)

Caitlin Bergamasco - Receptionist

Caitlin started working for Business Initiatives in August 2011 as our receptionist. She was a Jeweller previously and worked part-time in this role.

Caitlin has completed year 12 at King's Baptist Grammar School in 2009; and continued her studies in 2010 achieving Certificate III Business Adminstration through Maxima and host company Eynesbury College.

She has a great enthusiasm about helping others even if it means putting herself out. She is very family orientated and looks forward to her Aunt's banquets (mostly dessert for all those who know her!!) She also values time with her closest friends from school and people she's met over the years.

Favourite Quote: “.You'll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut” Dr. Seuss