James Mulhearn CA - Director As qualified Chartered Accountant and principal of the firm, James established Initiative Accounting Group in early 2003 with a view to providing a niche, specialist service for small business and personal taxation clientele. The success of the firm has been founded on delivering ongoing personalised and cost effective services which are afforded to each and every client of Initiative. James has extensive experience in all areas of Chartered Accounting, with expertise in taxation advice and planning, business structuring and development, self managed superannuation and providing general management advice to a large portfolio of diverse business clients. Qualification Master of Professional Accounting Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia Member of the National Tax & Accountants Association (NTAA) Registered Tax Agent Master of Applied Science The Person Born in the UK, raised and educated in Ipswich Qld Married with one girl and one boy Outside interests include travel, boating, watersports, and relaxing with family and friends Contact us:
	Stephanie Stephenson CA - Client Manager Stephanie has worked in public practice Chartered Accounting firms on the Sunshine Coast since 1997, including operating her own practice for two years before joining Initiative.  With extensive experience in taxation and accounting, Stephanie prides herself on providing superior personalised service to all clients with a focus on building and maintaining long term relationships.  Whilst managing a portfolio of clients mainly comprising small to medium sized businesses, Stephanie offers assistance and consultancy in all areas of business advice and taxation compliance.  Other areas of expertise include self managed superfunds, corporate and business structures, tax planning, audits and due diligence. Qualification Bachelor of Financial Administration (Accounting Major) Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia  Registered Tax Agent Commissioner for Declarations The Person Born in Brisbane and raised on the Sunshine Coast Married with two adorable children, one boy and one girl. Outside interests include spending time with family and friends, beach and travelling. Contact us:
	Kim Jay - Senior Accountant Kim has a broad range of experience including roles in management/financial accounting that spans the last 10 years.  She has previously worked in a large local respected accounting practice in the areas of taxation and superannuation.  Since joining Initiative in 2007, Kim has focused on providing superior client service to many small to medium business clients.  Kim's area of expertise includes taxation compliance, business advice, self managed superfunds, tax planning and business structuring.  Kim's continuing professional development ensures she is involved in keeping up to date with the latest taxation legislation, accounting trends and practices. Experience 4 years in taxation accounting 6 years in management / financial accounting Qualification Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting Major) with Distinction Diploma in Applied Science The Person Born in Melbourne and educated in Melbourne and Sunshine Coast Outside interests include photography, classic cars and travel Contact us:
	Gillian Holzberger - Accountant Gillian has public practice experience in personal and business taxation for individuals, trusts, companies and partnerships.  She also has first-hand experience in operating a small business, including budgeting, taxation, BAS preparation, GST and cashflow issues.  Gillian is committed to continuous learning and always seeks to look beyond compliance issues to the core business.  Gillian joined the Initiative team in July 2009. Experience 3 years public practice 10 years in own family business Qualification Bachelor of Business (Accounting) The Person Born in the UK, raised in Darwin.  Has been on the Sunshine Coast since 1994 Gained degree at University of the Sunshine Coast Married with two children Leisure time spent with family and friends, travelling, camping and ferrying children to sporting events Contact us:
	Virginia Manns - Trainee Accountant  Virginia's background as a small business operator introduced her to the complexities of business management which included dealing with the intricacies of the taxation system. This experience lead Virginia to pursue a career in taxation which built on the knowledge she had gained operating a small business. Virginia was subsequently employed by a prominent national taxation firm as a taxation consultant before joining Initiative. Virginia now enjoys working as part of our team. Experience 3 years as a taxation consultant Life experience gained from operating and owning several small businesses Qualification Currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Accounting Taxation Consultancy Course The Person Born in Western Queensland and educated in Toowoomba Married and experiencing the joys of two teenage children Interests included travel, "playing" the share market and entertaining with friends  Contact us:
	Kellie Mather - Accountant Kellie has been employed by Initiative since January 2010 as an accountant.  Her position involves a variety of activities including financial statement preparation, tax returns for individuals, trusts, partnerships and companies and assisting clients minimise tax and maximise profits.  In due time, Kellie plans on complementing her degree with the completion of the Chartered Accountants Program.  Qualification Bachelor of Business (Major in Accounting and Financial Planning) The Person Born in Cairns, raised and educated on the Sunshine Coast Interests include socialising with friends, exercising, going to the beach and relaxing with family Contact us:
	Marc van Mourik - Accountant Marc first started working in public practice in 2007 whilst completing his Bachelor of Business (Accounting/Financial Planning) and then took some time off to go travelling around Europe.  He started working at Initiative in August 2010 and his position involves a variety of roles ranging from a simple BAS to a full set of Financial Statements and Tax Returns for companies.  In time Marc plans on furthering his financial education by completing the Chartered Accountants Program. Qualification Bachelor of Business (Major in Accounting/Financial Planning) at Sunshine Coast University The Person Born and raised on the Sunshine Coast Interests included SCUBA Diving, surfing, snowboarding, four wheel driving and travelling Contact us:
	James Laing - Trainee Accountant James has been employed by Initiative since November 2008 as a trainee accountant. His busy position involves assisting both James and Stephanie with a variety of activities including Financial Statement preparation and tax returns for companies, trusts, partnerships and individuals, as well as providing general support to clients. James is currently studying a Bachelor of Business (Accounting/ Financial Planning) and hopes to complement his degree with the completion of the Chartered Accountants program and a career within the accounting industry. Qualification Currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Business (Accounting/Financial Planning) at Sunshine Coast University The Person Born in Sydney, NSW, in 1989. Raised and educated on the Sunshine Coast at Matthew Flinders Anglican College Interests included SCUBA Diving, Rugby Union, Baseball and socialising with friends Contact us:
	Janenne Darcy - Admin/Client Services Assistant/Bookkeeper  Janenne joined Initiative in June 2010 in the varied role of Bookkeeper/Client Services Assistant and Office Administration.  Her previous experience relates to administration and bookkeeping within various industries including, public accounting practices,  building and construction, manufacturing, dance and fitness and that of business owner in her own family businesses. This experience provides a good understanding of the nature of varying industries and conditions that small businesses face.  As a previous business owner, Janenne has a keen interest in small business owners knowing how to understand their books and the important decision making information a current and detailed set of books is able to provide. Experience Public accounting practices - 4 years Administrative roles within various industries Bookkeeping BAS/IAS preparation Payroll Corporate Affairs Small business - family business 11 years Qualification Currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Business (HR Major) and Certificate IV in Financial Services The Person Born and educated in NSW  Outside interests include socialising with friends, caravanning, boating, movies and home improvements. Contact us:
	Hayley McBrien - Receptionist Hayley has been employed by Initiative since September 2009 as receptionist.  Her busy position involves all reception and administration functions, as well as providing general support to clients and accounting staff.  Hayley hopes to study a Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminal Justice Double Degree in the near future and she has completed her Certificate III in Business. Qualification Currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice The Person Born in NSW, raised and educated on the Sunshine Coast Interests shopping, going to the beach and socialising with friends Contact us: