Our people

Shane Bellchambers

Co-founder & Partner

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

Co-founder & Partner

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

Partner

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

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

Deborah Poulton

Partner

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

Partner

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

Partner

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

Partner

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)

Aaron Froud

Partner

I have over 20 years professional experience across 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 & Taxation advice
• Accounting Standards advice
• Tax compliance
• Financial Statement Preparation

Qualifications & affiliations

• Fellow CA ANZ
• Registered Tax Agent
• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance)
• Bachelor of Economics