Corporate
A full service accounting department with a team of specialists is what every business owner needs looking after them to survive today’s complex business environment and also achieve rapid growth. This is one of the findings of David Payne, our founder, who spent almost a decade as an insolvency practitioner seeing how a lot of business owners don’t put in place the right team of people to look after the day to day cashflow of their business because they simply cannot afford it.
With a strong background in systems improvement, David Payne had a vision to set up a shared service that, through scalability, could provide multiple businesses with an accounting department at less than the cost of employing the same people in house.
Our goal is to help business owners prosper by providing high-level management (internal) accountancy and management expertise, on-call as required. We have done this by strictly focussing on two key sectors and developing niche expertise that uses best-practice methods.
We use multiple IT platforms, utilising the most appropriate applications for individual clients. For those that choose higher service levels from us, we unify all data on a single, real-time platform to provide unsurpassed reporting and management capabilities.
Owners should barely even notice the efficient and effortless running of their business finances, so they can focus on developing the enterprise into all it can be.
Our People
David Payne, CA
Chief Executive Officer
David founded The Accounting Department (formerly Book Builders) in 2008 after identifying an opportunity to provide business owners with the right people and systems for the day to day management of their businesses, thereby enabling them to succeed. As a Chartered Accountant with over 25 years accounting, finance and payroll experience including roles as the Chief Financial Officer of four successful health and labour hire companies, David not only understands business, but also knows that business owners who have the right team behind them will be successful.
Astri Boen, BCom
Accounting & Payroll Analyst
Astri joined The Accounting Department as a Payroll Officer in late April 2017. She loves to complete tasks to the best of her ability and to work hard to ensure accuracy, and produce quality work. She has always loved dealing with numbers (especially when figures balance!). When Astri is not at work you’ll find her catching up with friends, singing out loud at concerts/festivals or catching up with her favourite tv shows.
Christine Brown, Dip Acc
Payroll Consulting Manager
Christine joined The Accounting Department in August 2014 as a Payroll Officer. With her dedication to ensure all clients’ payroll is processed accurately and in a timely manner, she loves to meet with clients and assist with their enquiries. When Christine is not working you will find her riding her bike “Trudy” with her kids along the coast trying to find a great café.
Danielle Green, BCom
Accounting & Payroll Analyst
Danielle joined The Accounting Department in November 2016 as a Payroll Officer. With a love of numbers and a high ability to perform under pressure, she loves to ensure all her clients' needs are met in a timely manner. When she’s not in the office you will find her dancing at her local dance studio or relaxing by the pool with her family.
Fiona Williams, FCCA
Management Accountant
Fiona joined The Accounting Department in 2011 and she is the Financial Controller for The Accounting Department. Having run her own successful company previously, she has a deep empathy for business owners. Fiona understands how important it is to have your cash flow at its optimal level and to be confident that the financials are being looked after to allow focus to be put on developing the business.
When she’s not at work you will find Fiona crabbing in Mandurah, chasing her kids and perfecting her Aussie accent.
Jenny Huang, MCom
Accounts & Payroll Officer
Jenny joined The Accounting Department as an Accounts & Payroll Officer in November 2019. She enjoys working with her clients and feels rewarded when her endeavours meet clients’ expectations. When Jenny is off work, you will find her with her little girl, playing games, singing nursery rhymes, and telling stories.
Maureen Batres, MBA
Business Development and Administration Coordinator
Maureen joined The Accounting Department as a Business Development & Administration Coordinator in October 2018. She ensures the office’s smooth operation and promotes the company’s services. She has a passion for detail in all aspects of life and believes in continuous learning. Outside of work, she keeps busy with 2 young daughters, going to the beach, watching quiz shows, and doing crosswords.