25 Jun Celebrating the careers of Don Di Placido and Peter Roberson
After decades of dedication to their clients, colleagues and the profession, Don Di Placido and Peter Roberson have concluded their careers. And they do so with well-earned pride.
Together, they represent more than 75 years of experience in tax and accounting. They have also shaped a significant chapter in the story of both Accrue and BellchambersBarrett.
Don Di Placido: Building something that lasts
Don co-founded Accrue in 1988 and spent 35 years building and leading the firm.
After eight years with the ATO – where his interest in tax first took hold – he moved into advising small and medium-sized businesses. His specialisations included structuring, mergers and acquisitions, superannuation and succession planning.
Reflecting on his own career, Don says, ‘I made it to the finish line and can look back proudly knowing that I accomplished what I set out to achieve.
‘It’s also gratifying to know I played a role in influencing the careers of many young accountants over the years. And of course, being able to help a range of clients not just with their tax matters, but by being their sounding board and advising on their businesses and even family matters.’
He adds that building Accrue was a journey that shaped him professionally and personally. And he’s grateful for those who helped him along the way, particularly his long-standing business partner, Mark De Bortoli.
When asked what he’ll miss most, Don says: ‘The interaction with my colleagues and the contact with clients. Believe it or not, I’ll also miss doing daily timesheets and Kylie’s regular reminders!’
His advice to younger professionals?
‘As much as you think you know, there is a lot more you don’t know. There’s no shortcut to success, and it starts with gaining as much knowledge as possible, putting in the effort and building relationships during your career.’
In retirement, Don’s looking forward to more travel, more time to focus on fitness. And, as he puts it, ‘transitioning that white golf ball from the tee box into the pin with the least number of strokes.’
Peter Roberson: Steady advice through decades of change
Peter’s career began in the early 1980s – long before GST and well before digital systems became central to the profession.
Across four decades, he guided clients through major tax reforms with a steady and practical approach.
Reflecting on his retirement, Peter shares, ‘It’s the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one. It has been an interesting and rewarding career, but it’s time to move on.’
His experience includes more than 12 years with a Big 4 firm and over 20 years as a partner in a medium-sized practice. He later joined Accrue as an Associate before transitioning to BellchambersBarrett following the merger.
Peter focused on tax and business advisory services for small and medium-sized businesses and high-net-worth individuals – primarily medical practitioners and allied health professionals.
But beyond technical expertise, what mattered most to Peter was the people around him.
‘I have genuinely enjoyed working with the team. Being around younger people makes me feel younger – and that’s something I will certainly miss.’
His willingness to mentor, share experience and deliver a well-timed dad joke has left a lasting mark on colleagues and clients alike.
Retirement now brings a move to the Sunshine Coast with his wife Bronwyn. Peter is looking forward to more kayaking and more time with family, including his granddaughter.
Foundations for the future
Both Don and Peter have been trusted advisers through business growth, succession planning and significant life decisions. They have built enduring client relationships and helped shape the careers of many within our firm.
We thank Don and Peter for their leadership and contribution to our profession and our firm. And we’re pleased that they had the confidence in BellchambersBarrett to continue to assist and service their clients.
We wish them every success – on the golf course, on the water and in their well-earned next chapter!