Our people

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 also use my skills to deliver pro bono audits for several charities. I’m currently 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)

James Barrett

Co-founder & Partner

I have 30+ years of professional service skills and experience encompassing internal audit, financial statements audit, risk management, fraud control and governance. 

As a trusted adviser and business leader, I’m responsible for achieving optimal outcomes for our clients. This involves working collaboratively and using my specialist knowledge and expertise to deliver timely practical solutions. 

In addition to my leadership and mentoring responsibilities at BellchambersBarrett, I’ve held volunteer roles in various not-for-profit organisations – including as a Board Member and coach. 

Core expertise

• Internal audit
• Fraud control
• Financial statements audit
• Financial management
• Probity advise and procurement
• Risk management and governance

Qualifications & affiliations

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

Jamie Lucas

Partner

I’ve delivered consulting, business and tax and accounting services for 17+ 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 17+ 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 and general assurance
• Risk management
• Consulting

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 15 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 17 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 Canberra and the Googong Hogs Australian Football Club.

Core expertise

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

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 assignments across the Commonwealth and ACT Government – as well as the private sector.

I’ve provided a broad range of internal audit and risk management services, including developing risk-based Strategic Audit Plans, delivering internal audit projects, conducting risk assessments, developing risk management plans and liaising with key stakeholders such as chief audit executives and audit committees.

Using a risk-based approach in my audit methodology, I ensure all my internal audit engagements conform to IPPF standards.

Core expertise

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

Qualifications & affiliations

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

Miranda Garnett

Partner

I’m passionate about delivering outcomes that are values-driven, support diversity and inclusion, and provide equal access to education, employment and community. 

I’m committed to delivering funding and service models that deliver sustainable outcomes and result in significant social impact.

I have an extensive background in management consultancy, disability, and community inclusion program delivery with expertise as a Chartered Accountant.

I’m also the CEO of the Ricky Stuart Foundation, where I lead a team committed to creating an inclusive and accepting Australia for people with autism.

Core expertise

• Operating model design
• Merger analysis and assistance
• Organisational transformation
• Change management
• Strategic planning
• Business performance frameworks
• Management consulting
• Risk 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

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
• Financial statements audit
• Fraud control
• Risk management
• Governance
• Program review and related assurance services
• Consulting

Qualifications & affiliations

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

Tim Bennett

Partner

I specialise in business transformation, technology consulting, and program delivery, working with organisations to design and implement strategies that drive operational efficiency, digital modernisation, and long-term business success.

With a background in digital and technology strategy, data governance, and change management, I have led large-scale transformation programs across both public and private sectors. My expertise includes strategic business and system design, enterprise service modernisation, ERP implementation, and business case development, ensuring organisations can navigate complex change with confidence.

I’m passionate about helping my clients embed sustainable improvements that align with their strategic priorities, leveraging technology, data, and process optimisation to enhance decision-making and service delivery.

I have also held multi board positions, and am currently an elected director on Water Polo ACT Board. 

Core expertise

• Strategy and technology-enabled transformation
• Operating model design and service optimisation
• Program and project management
• Change management and stakeholder engagement
• Data-driven decision-making and governance
• Business process optimisation

Qualifications & affiliations

• Bachelor of Science (Extended Major in Psychology)
• Bachelor of Business (Economics & Human Resources)
• PRINCE2 & Agile Certified
• PMI Professional in Business Analysis

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, financial statements and family office services as well assisting families with 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
• 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
• Financial statements
• Tax compliance
• Succession planning
• Estate planning

Qualifications & affiliations

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