Our leaders

Shane Bellchambers

Co-founder & Partner

I’ve specialised in consulting, internal, external and IT audits for 35+ years. 

As founder of BellchambersBarrett and an assurance partner, I lead by example. By putting the needs of our clients and team first, I’m able to foster trust, respect and loyalty. 

I’m currenlly a committee member of ACT Cancerians and the Treasurer of the Royal Canberra Golf Club. 

Core expertise

• Internal audit
• Financial statements audit
• Regulatory audit and general assurance
• Risk management and fraud control

Qualifications & affiliations

• Registered company auditor 
• CA ANZ Fellow
• IIA Member
• Bachelor of Arts (Accounting)

Phil Sands

Partner

I have 25+ years’ experience in providing assurance and consulting services to the government and private sector in Canberra.

My work has covered internal audit, financial statement audit, risk management and governance reviews. I’ve also provided independent assurance and evaluation services to a range of high-profile government programs. 

Leveraging my collaborative approach, I enjoy building positive, sustainable relationships with my clients. 

Core expertise

• Internal audit
• CFO advisory services
• Risk management
• Governance
• Project and program reviews
• Consulting
• Fraud control

Qualifications & affiliations

• Fellow CA ANZ
• Certified Internal Auditor IIA
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Arts

Jamie Lucas

Partner

I’ve delivered consulting, business and tax and accounting services for 18+ years. 

As a trusted business advisor at BellchambersBarrett, I have a genuine passion for helping my clients succeed. 

I also pride myself on going above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcomes in every engagement. 

Core expertise

• Business and taxation advice
• Financial statements
• Tax compliance
• Mergers and acquisitions

Qualifications & affiliations

• Registered tax agent 
• CA ANZ Member
• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) 

Sean Michelle

Partner

I have more than 30 years’ experience in taxation, financial statement analysis, GST, FBT and succession planning.

As a respected tax and business advisor, I’m the professional that many individuals, businesses and government organisations turn to, time and again.

I’m also a Board member of Cricket ACT.

Core expertise

• Business & taxation advice
• Financial statements
• Tax compliance

Qualifications & affiliations

• Registered tax agent
• FCA
• Bachelor of Economics

Kathleen Buckley

Partner

I’ve been specialising in audit and consulting for nearly 20 years. My philosophy? That people are the core of what we do. 

My relationships with our clients and team are built on trust. And I’m committed to delivering what I say I will. Always. 

I pride myself on being thorough – and bringing attention to detail to every task. I like to work closely with clients to understand their business and get to the root cause of any findings or problems. 

I’ve also been involved in volunteer work. As a woman and a mum, I feel strongly about supporting the women in our community – especially those without safety, shelter or a positive support network.

Core expertise

• Internal audit
• Financial statements audit
• Regulatory audit
• Risk management
• General assurance

Qualifications & affiliations

• Registered Company Auditor
• Certified Internal Auditor
• IIA Professional Member
• CA ANZ Member
• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
• Bachelor of Arts (Political Science & Sociology)

Jamie Glenn

Partner

I have been specialising in audit and assurance for more than 16 years.

I apply a logical and collaborative approach to the work that I do. I work closely with clients to develop a deep understanding of their organisations to enable me to identify risks and develop practical solutions.

I support our community as the Treasurer of two small organisations – the Candelo Bemboka United Football Club and Microlend Sydney (which fundraises for infrastructure projects to improve the quality of living in Zimbabwe).

Core expertise

• Internal audit
• Financial statements audit
• Regulatory audit and general assurance
• Risk management & fraud control

Qualifications & affiliations

• CA ANZ Member
• IIA Associate Member
• Prince2 Practitioner
• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)

Sart Spinks

Partner

As an assurance professional with over 18 years’ experience, I consistently deliver audit and assurance services of the highest standard.

My philosophy is all about exceeding expectations.

The key? Working closely with clients to understand their situation, and tailoring solutions to their unique needs.

Core expertise

• Internal audit
• Financial statements audit
• Regulatory audit and general assurance
• Risk management and fraud control

Qualifications & affiliations

• Registered Company Auditor
• CA ANZ Member
• IIA Associate Member
• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Management)

Vicki Sofatzis

Partner

I am a finance professional with over 30 years of experience in business consulting, accounting, and taxation services.

I focus on advice regarding strategies for improvement and succession planning, assisting clients in protecting their wealth and transferring it to the next generation.

My aim is to deliver the highest standard of advice and service to our clients while sustaining a strong working relationship with them and our people.

I am currently the Treasurer of the Hellenic Club of Canberra.

Core expertise

• Business and taxation advice
• Financial statements
• Tax compliance
• Succession planning
• Family constitutions
• Estate planning

Qualifications & affiliations

• CA ANZ Member
• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
• Registered tax agent

Aaron Froud

Partner

I have 20+ years’ experience in business, tax, and accounting engagements. Throughout this time, I have delivered in partnership with my clients to achieve results. I strongly believe in working shoulder-to-shoulder with clients.

I am currently a Board Member of YMCA Austalia and the Googong Hogs Australian Football Club.

Core expertise

• Business and taxation advice
• Self-managed super funds
• Tax compliance
• Financial statement preparation
• Business sales and acquisitions

Qualifications & affiliations

• CA ANZ Fellow
• Registered tax agent
• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance)
• Bachelor of Economics

Russell Livermore

Partner

I’ve been specialising in internal audit, external audit and risk management for over 20 years.

My career has seen me undertake a variety of internal audit, risk management and independent advice assignments across the Commonwealth and ACT Government – as well as external audit for the private sector.

I’ve provided a broad range of internal audit services, including developing risk-based Strategic Internal Audit Plans, delivering internal audit projects and liaising with key stakeholders such as Chief Audit Executives and Audit and Risk Committees.

I have supported and delivered strategic and operational risk assessments, review of risk management frameworks, fraud and corruption risk assessments and control plans for many Government departments and agencies.

Additional independent assurance skills and expertise developed through recent years have included development of controls and assurance maps and integrity frameworks across a range of organisations to support and strengthen governance arrangements.

Core expertise

• Internal audits
• Risk management
• Fraud and corruption control
• Governance and internal controls
• Assurance mapping
• Integrity frameworks
• Financial statements audits
• Regulatory audit and general assurance
• Independent assurance advice

Qualifications & affiliations

• IIA Associate Member
• Affliate CAANZ
• Bachelor of Commerce – Accounting
• Certificate IV in Government – Fraud Control

Miranda Garnett

Partner

I specialise in strategy, organisational transformation and operating model design—helping organisations reimagine structures, optimise processes, and embed new ways of working. My focus is on aligning strategy, culture, and behaviours so that organisations can achieve greater efficiency, sustainability, and long-term impact.

With over 20 years of experience across management consulting, executive leadership, and assurance, I bring a depth of expertise that spans both strategic design and hands-on implementation.

I work with government, private, and for-purpose organisations to:

• > Redesign operating models to strengthen alignment between people, systems, and strategy.
• > Optimise business structures and processes for improved efficiency and financial sustainability.
• > Shape culture, behaviours, and ways of working that embed collaboration, accountability, and performance.
• > Guide major transformation programs, including mergers and restructures.
• > Deliver strategic planning frameworks that translate ambition into measurable outcomes.

Alongside my professional advisory work, I also lead with purpose. As CEO of the Ricky Stuart Foundation, I head a team dedicated to creating a more inclusive and accepting Australia for people with autism. This reflects my personal commitment to delivering values-driven outcomes that support diversity, inclusion, and equal access to education, employment, and community life.

Core expertise

• Organisational transformation
• Strategy and strategic advice
• Operating model design
• Culture, behaviours, and ways of working
• Change management

Qualifications & affiliations

• CA ANZ Member
• Bachelor of Commerce

Brandon Brown

Partner

I’ve worked in internal audit and risk advisory roles for 25+ years, including as the Chief Internal Auditor of the ATO. 

My passion lies in assurance, risk and governance – particularly in the public sector. Why? Because internal audit plays a vital role in supporting organisations in achieving their purpose. And for the public sector, this means delivering critical services and programs to our communities. 

I’ve also provided outsourced and co-sourced internal audit services – and designed and implemented assurance frameworks for large Commonwealth programs.

Above all, I enjoy spending time on the ground with my clients, building relationships and sharing insights. 

Core expertise

• Internal audit
• ICT audit
• Risk management, control and compliance
• Governance
• Public sector performance reporting
• Operational auditing and performance improvement

Qualifications & affiliations

• Certified Internal Auditor
• Chartered Accountant
• Member Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand
• Professional Member Institute of Internal Auditors
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Economics
• Bachelor of Laws
• Cert IV Government Fraud Control – Investigations

Tim Bennett

Partner

I work with senior leaders and organisations to deliver business and technology change, bringing structure to complex problems through strategy, design, and delivery.

Specialising in transformation, technology consulting, and program leadership, I support clients to modernise services, improve operations, and realise long-term value. My experience spans public and private sectors, with a focus on operating model design, digital strategy, solution design and implementation, data governance, and change management.

I’ve led major initiatives including, whole-of-government service design, ERP upgrades, secure network transformations, and enterprise service reforms, always aligning strategic intent with delivery capability.

I’ve held multiple board positions and currently serve as an elected director on the Water Polo ACT Board.

Core expertise

• Technology-enabled transformation
• Operating model and service design
• Digital and data strategy
• Program and portfolio leadership
• ERP and secure network modernisation
• Change and benefits management
• Business case development

Qualifications & affiliations

• Bachelor of Science ( Psychology – Extended Major)
• Bachelor of Business (Economics & Human Resources)
• Affiliate Member, Chartered Accountants ANZ
• PMI Professional in Business Analysis
• Program management & Agile certified

Kate Ahern

Partner

I have more than 20 years’ experience in working with high net wealth families across generations in protecting and growing their wealth, as well as partnering with private businesses in defining and achieving success. My work has covered taxation advisory and compliance, business advisory and family office services as well assisting families with business sales, succession and intergenerational wealth transfer.

I pride myself in having a high attention to detail, being deadline focused and delivering on promises, and I love working together with clients for the long term. For me it’s about providing clients with peace of mind that their affairs are in order and that they are maximising opportunities and mitigating risk.

I also volunteer my time across several not-for-profit organisations across the education, sports and arts industries.

Core expertise

• Taxation and business advisory
• Tax compliance
• Financial statements
• Succession planning
• Family office services

Qualifications & affiliations

• CA ANZ member
• Registered Tax Agent
• The Tax Institute member
• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
• Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)

Don Di Placido

Associate

I’m a chartered accountant with over 35 years’ experience.

Before co-founding Accrue in 1988, I spent nine years with the Australian Taxation Office – working in assessments, investigations and appeals.

Today, I specialise in corporate structuring, mergers and acquisitions, superannuation, succession planning, and business advice.

I deal with businesses across a range of sectors, including building and construction, property development, manufacturing, professional services, and retail.

Core expertise

• Business and taxation advice
• Financial statements
• Tax compliance
• Mergers and acquisitions / Business structures
• Succession planning
• Estate planning

Qualifications & affiliations

• CA ANZ Member
• Bachelor of Economics

Mark De Bortoli

Associate

I’ve been a chartered accountant for 35+ years.

Throughout this time, I’ve provided specialised taxation advice to businesses across a wide variety of transactions – including income tax, capital gains tax, fringe benefits tax and various state imposts.

I have strong knowledge and experience in many sectors, including medical, professional services, R&D, building and construction, and property development.

My lifelong passion is learning about businesses and what makes them successful. I love working with clients to manage their business growth, structure their affairs and protect their assets.

Core expertise

• Business and taxation advice
• Structuring financial affairs
• Financial statements
• Tax compliance
• Succession planning
• Estate planning

Qualifications & affiliations

• CA ANZ Fellow
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Laws