Our people

Shane Bellchambers

I’ve specialised in consulting, internal, external and IT audits for 30 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 – and I was an Audit Committee member on the Australian National Committee for UN Women from 2014 to 2018.

Core expertise

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

Qualifications & affiliations

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

James Barrett

I have extensive professional services skills and experience in consulting, internal and external audit over 25+ years.  This has been established through my reputation for delivering responsive, high-quality services across public and private sectors.

As a trusted adviser and business leader, I am responsible for consistently achieving optimal outcomes for all our clients.  This involves working collaboratively with them – and using my specialist knowledge and expertise to deliver practical solutions.

In addition to my leadership responsibility at BellchambersBarrett, I’ve held volunteer roles in not-for-profit organisations – including as a Board Member at the Ainslie Football Club and coach a junior AFL team.

Core expertise

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

Qualifications & affiliations

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

Jamie Lucas

I’ve delivered consulting, business and tax and accounting services for more than 12 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 & taxation advice
• Financial statements
• Tax compliance
• Mergers & acquisitions

Qualifications & affiliations

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

Sean Michelle

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

Deborah Poulton

I have 40+ years’ experience in business and taxation services – and I’m the founder of Deborah Poulton & Associates, a boutique tax advisory firm. In 2016, we merged with BellchambersBarrett.

As a leader in my field, I’ve always focused on delivering personalised services to my clients, some of whom have been with me since I started in 1980.

I contribute to the community in a number of ways. I’m an active participant in the Catholic Dioceses of Canberra and Goulburn – and serve on the Catholic Development Fund Board and St Thomas the Apostle Kambah finance and fete committees.

What’s more, I help at state and national levels as a member of the Kairos Prison Ministry Australia Board and State Council. For the past 15 years, I’ve also been the Treasurer of The Women’s Electoral Lobby.

Core expertise

• Business & taxation advice
• Financial statements
• Tax compliance
• Deceased estates
• Estate planning

Qualifications & affiliations

• Registered tax agent
• FCA
• Bachelor of Economics (Accounting)

Jamie Glenn

I’ve been in consulting, audit and risk management for more than 10 years.

I apply a logical and collaborative approach to the work I do. By working closely with clients – and developing an understanding of their organisations – I’m able to identify risks and develop practical solutions.

I support our community as the Treasurer of Candelo Bemboka United Football Club.

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 (Management)

Sart Spinks

As an assurance professional with over 12 years’ experience, I consistently deliver consulting and audit 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 & fraud control

Qualifications & affiliations

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

Vicki Sofatzis

I am a finance professional with over 25 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.

Core Expertise

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

Qualifications & affiliations

• CA ANZ Member
• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)

Pradnya Sood

I’m a specialist in SMSFs, with over 12 years’ experience in the field.

At BellchambersBarrett, I manage SMSF compliance and taxation for our clients. I’m the Sub-Authorised Representative (ASIC No. 00435307) of Bellchambers Barrett Financial Services Pty Ltd | ABN 11 157 681 359 is the Corporate Authorised Representative (ASIC No. 01264367) of GPS Wealth Ltd | ABN 17 005 482 726 | Australian Financial Services Licence number 254544.  This means I have a limited licence to perform SMSF advisory services.

Clients often describe me as a smart, friendly person. They appreciate my sound advice – which is always aligned with the latest financial and legal legislation.

Core expertise

• SMSF establishment, strategies, management & settlement
• Contribution strategies
• Pension strategies
• Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA) advice
• Transfer balance cap reporting

Qualifications & affiliations

• Registered SMSF auditor
• CPA Member
• SMSF Association (SMSF Specialist Advisor)
• Master of Professional Accounting
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Diploma of Financial Planning

Megan Pearson

I’m a taxation and business services specialist with over 20 years’ experience.

I help clients stay compliant with the ATO. I also offer tax advice and ongoing support, from setting up a business to optimising MYOB and Xero.

As part of the leadership team at BellchambersBarrett, I also strive to empower our staff at every opportunity.

Core expertise

• Business & taxation advice
• Financial statements
• Tax compliance

Qualifications & affiliations

• Registered tax agent
• CA ANZ Member
• Bachelor of Commerce

Fiona Hempstead

I have more than 20 years’ experience in business advisory, taxation and accounting. I’m also an expert in Xero.

Combining my rich expertise and business intuition, I focus on delivering tailored services – and pragmatic solutions.

My roles in the community include Registrar and Financial Officer for Katz Netball Club. I’m also a member of the Parent Committee for the Snowsports Team at St Clare’s College.

Core expertise

• Business & taxation advice
• Financial statements
• Outsourced CFO
• Tax compliance
• Xero (accounting systems) services

Qualifications & affiliations

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

Rinda Scott

I have over 20 years’ experience in business services and taxation and accounting.

When I approach client problems, I focus on making my solutions timely and practical. I also make sure that all my recommendations are based on a sound understanding of their needs.

In addition to my role at BellchambersBarrett, I’m the Chairperson of the Canberra City Uniting Church Council.

Core expertise

• Business & taxation advice
• Financial statements
• Tax compliance

Qualifications & affiliations

• ICAEW Fellow
• Bachelor of Arts (Accounting – honours)

Kathleen Buckley

I bring BellchambersBarrett more than 12 years’ experience in consulting, internal and financial statement audit.

As a principal in the firm, I offer reliable assurance solutions and ensure the quality of our audit services. What’s more, every recommendation I make is founded on a thorough understanding of my clients’ needs.

I’m also proud to be Treasurer of Karinya House. It’s my own special way of giving back to the community.

Core expertise

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

Qualifications & affiliations

• CA ANZ Member
• IIA Member
• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
• Bachelor of Arts (Political Science & Sociology)

Donna McShane

I’m an assurance specialist with more than 20 years’ experience in consulting and audit.

Every day I blend my rich technical expertise in financial statements and audits of all types with a reliable, friendly service.

It’s the only way to develop practical solutions – and professional relationships that last.

Core expertise

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

Qualifications & affiliations

• CPA Member
• Certified Internal Auditor
• IIA Member
• Master of Business Administration (Corporate Governance)

Rebecca Fitzpatrick

I’m dedicated to delivering practical solutions and an exceptional level of service.

Drawing from 20+ years in financial control, accounting, taxation and other business services, I help my clients achieve all their strategic goals.

As a community-minded professional, I’m the Board Treasurer and Team Manager for Belconnen Cats Junior Football Club. I’m also a member of the Parent Committee at Giralang Primary School.

Core expertise

• Business & taxation advice
• Financial statements
• Tax compliance
• Internal tax audit
• CFO services

Qualifications & affiliations

• CPA Member
• Bachelor of Business (Accounting & International Business Management)

Rus Livermore

My clients and colleagues describe me as an outcomes focused team player.

In my role, I focus on developing pragmatic strategies to increase our clients’ opportunities. I do this through detailed testing and analysis – and by applying my 17+ years’ experience in audit, financial services and risk management.

Outside of the firm, I’m proud to be the Treasurer for Bruce Ridge Early Childcare Centre (BRECC).

Core expertise

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

Qualifications & affiliations

• IIA Member
• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
• Certificate IV in Government (Fraud Control)