A strategic thinker grounded in practical application, genuine care and interest defines Melanie. Approachable and available, Melanie’s interest in clients is authentic and her philosophy grounded. Driven to understand how things work, uncover reasons leading to decision-making, enhance internal processes and up-skill capabilities, Melanie’s insatiable appetite for knowledge and improvement sees her apply herself to the best of her ability with one goal in mind: help clients realise their goals.

Melanie commands technical skills and capabilities concerning overseeing all matters related to the preparation and delivery of financial statements and income tax returns, translating tax acts and their practical application, as requested assignments, business development, and technology and subsequent reporting functions. As an Associate Director, she is tasked with refining organisational values, strengthening strategic pursuits, identifying lead interests, maximising return on investment initiatives, driving service line cross-pollination, talent identification and development, and creating an efficient and effective working environment.      

Truthful and honest, Melanie doesn’t skirt around issues preferring to rip off the band-aid and administer necessary care. If you’re looking for an advisor who relishes the challenge of fitting your commercial jigsaw together, Melanie is that professional.

Lisa has nearly a decade of experience of external auditing and accounting experience specialising in clients in the not-for profit sector.

Karina has over 14 years’ experience, during which time she has worked with clients across multiple industries in both the Audit and Business Advisory divisions. During her time at Nexia Karina has dedicated herself to her clients and ensures they receive professional yet personalised service that meets all their needs in a timely manner.

Karina is known for her proactive and hands on approach and for providing her clients a diverse range of accounting, taxation, and other business services for family owned, corporate business, and subsidiaries of international companies. She focuses on building relationships with all her clients and ensures she provides efficient and effective advice to assist them with their goals.

She is known by her clients for providing a detailed and insightful service that allows them to meet all their goals. As a leader, Karina believes that building trust and confidence in the people she works with is the path to building a successful team that is able to help clients to the best of their ability.

Katie focuses on providing expert advice on all employment taxation matters as well as payroll and HR matters that can have tax implications on an organisation’s policies and procedures.

Katie’s investment in her clients allows her to get to the heart of their needs and use strategy and logic to determine the best outcome for their individual situation. A structured and organised leader, Katie believes it is important to build strong relationships with her clients and approaches every new opportunity with a high level of enthusiasm.

A strategic and proactive leader, Katie is passionate about creating an inspiring environment for her staff to perform to the best of their ability. She believes it is important to enrich her team by encouraging their ongoing personal and professional development. Due to her strong and resilient leadership, her team are able to successfully ensure their clients are receiving a high level of personalised service.

Katie is a tenacious and driven individual who gains a great deal of satisfaction from showing endurance and willpower across every aspect of her life.

With a real passion for mentoring businesses, Aaron prides himself on providing clear, practical advice drawn from his own experiences as a business owner.

Aaron has particular expertise in working with businesses to increase profitability, drive efficiencies, and realise potential. Aaron has worked with corporates, national franchises and a variety of businesses operating across a wide range of sectors throughout New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Germany and the UK.

Aaron also chairs the advisory board of Cultivate Christchurch, a social enterprise that brings together urban farming, youth development and community participation.

Outside of work, Aaron and his wife are kept busy with their two young sons and two dachshund dogs – both of which require frequent but not very long walks! He enjoys keeping active, and networking on the golf course with the aim of dropping his handicap back to single digits.

Darren has worked in the Audit and Assurance industry for over 13 years, including 10 years of experience working in South Africa. This is where Darren began his career and at his time of resignation, he had progressed to a Director role.

Darren has and continues to work with a broad spectrum of clients including family businesses, manufacturers and not-for-profit organisations. His experience has allowed him to build a great depth of specialised knowledge and strong market insight.

Darren is committed to maintaining close client relationships through his open and approachable demeanour. He is always working to exceed his client’s expectations through developing a genuine understanding of their needs. With a keen sense of humour and willingness to go the extra mile, he is always able to meet the needs of his clients.

Brian started as a management accountant in the government sector, and then moved to the corporate sector. His career spans over 30 years in a range of industries and covers a wide range of business areas; including: operations; finance; management accounting; compliance and risk; business analysis; dealing with regulators; client management; Financial Systems; Business Management IT Systems; as well as policy and procedure development and implementation.

Prior to joining Nexia, Brian was general manager of a listed finance company for 10 years. During this time, Brian oversaw and participated in numerous projects during the business development.

These projects included:

• System implementations
• Compliance reviews
• Business analysis and process mapping
• Business process re-engineering
• Implementation and training of a companywide operations / procedures manual
• Business cases for funding from external financiers
• Involved in the due diligence process for M&A advisory

Michael joined the team in 2014 and has over a decade of experience as a superannuation accountant. He is skilled in all aspects of self-managed superannuation compliance and administration. 

Michael is an authorised representative (No. 001243883) of Akambo Pty Ltd t/as Accountants Private Advice AFSL 322056.