Meet Riz
I’ve been in the accounting industry close to 10 years, and I’ve been at Inspire for 7 of those years. I started as a junior accountant in a small team where I’ve been able to quickly progress to leading a team as an Associate Partner. I have the privilege of mentoring our talented accountants to deliver exceptional service all whilst having a bit of fun along the way.
What I’m truly passionate about is bringing new perspective and possibilities for clients by presenting new opportunities of what they can do in their business. Unpacking and solving complex problems that make my clients ‘bury their head in the sand’ is my specialty. I love to get things organised and provide clear, concise strategies to achieve my clients financial goals.
Outside of Inspire
I am a husband to my wife Fiona and a dad to our firstborn son August.
I enjoy some good stand up comedy, from Trevor Noah to the controversial Jimmy Carr – humour is healthy. On the occasional weekend getaway, you can count on finding me with a fishing rod and beer in hand. I am most at peace when on the water.
How did you get interested in accounting?
Funnily enough, in school I was quite average in accounting class but found that I had a knack for problem solving. I’ve found my talents in navigating problems unconventionally and approaching problems from outside the box has become second nature to me. Solving problems is the most integral part of being a world-class accountant, naturally it felt like a perfect fit to me.
What is your favourite thing about working at inspire?
I can wholeheartedly say that the culture at Inspire is my favourite thing about working here. We have such a tight-knit team and we support each other both personally and professionally. I know everyones got my back and that we can always count on one another. It’s amazing.
What is one of the biggest impacts you’ve made?
The biggest impact I’ve made in my career is revolutionising Inspire’s processes and employee development. Resultantly, I’ve been able to garner the untapped potential of people’s abilities and talents which ultimately allowed the firm to flourish.The influence and impact I’ve put forth transcends any accolade or sales milestone of mine.
What are some podcasts you recommend?
Hamish and Andy (comedy) and casefile (true crime)
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
My sustainable development goals of choice are 4 and 5. I personally feel that quality education and gender equality are the cornerstones for sustained quality of life.
Tax Agent ID & Badge
Meet Austin
When I first joined Inspire I was a Junior Accountant under Team Riz and was recently promoted to a Senior Accountant. Currently I look after 25 of my own clients which has been a rewarding experience so far. My main goal is to work efficiently and help our team achieve our goals, while helping my clients achieve theirs at the same time.
Transitioning from my previous firm to Inspire has been an eye-opening experience. Preparing and laying the groundwork has been a valuable learning experience, requiring a shift in mindset from simply completing tasks to reviewing processes and taking a broader perspective. It’s all about more than just being compliant.
Ultimately, my focus isn’t on the numbers but on the satisfaction I feel when a client is pleased with our service.
Outside of Inspire
I have always been captivated by wildlife, and running has been my cherished pastime for as long as I can remember. Whenever I get the chance, I make it a priority to hit the trails four times a week. There’s nothing quite like immersing myself in nature and observing the antics of sugar gliders and birds during my solitary moments. It keeps me grounded and centred.
Travelling is another thrilling adventure that I thoroughly enjoy. I was fortunate enough to spend an exchange semester in Paris for eight months, where I indulged my passion for wines while pursuing my university studies. Afterward, I lived in Bristol, United Kingdom for two and a half years, during which I embarked on extensive travels throughout Europe for 10 months, and even ventured to India, where I stayed for several months and explored Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. It was a significant milestone for me, as I was able to pursue my academic goals while simultaneously traversing the globe.
What is your favourite thing about working at Inspire?
Undoubtedly, it’s the culture at Inspire that stands out the most. There’s a sense of unity and openness that breaks down barriers between individuals, allowing for vulnerability and approachability. People genuinely care for each other, and I appreciate the honesty and accountability that is encouraged throughout the organisation.
How did you get interested in accounting?
To be completely honest, I discovered my love for accounting when I earned the top rank in high school. I decided to pursue a degree in accounting, but initially, I didn’t end up working at an accounting firm. It wasn’t until I reassessed my goals and realigned myself with my passion that I realised what I truly wanted to do. For years, I searched for an industry that would allow me to add value to clients and grow within the accounting field. That’s when I discovered Inspire, and it was a perfect fit.
What is one of the biggest impacts you’ve made?
Working closely with Riz and the rest of my team has been a pleasure. As a senior accountant, my goal is to support my fellow senior accountants like Reggie and Riz by assisting with their day-to-day tasks and giving them more capacity to focus on larger projects. I joined Inspire during tax planning season and was impressed to see how they bring their best effort and expertise during that critical time.
What are some books you recommend?
I highly recommend the book ‘DUNE’ by Frank Herbert, which is the second instalment in the DUNE Saga Collections and has also been adapted into a movie with a desert planet setting. If you are a fan of Star Wars, you will definitely appreciate this book. Despite not being a big fan of sci-fi, I found the political aspects of the story to be fascinating.
Another great read is ‘One-Straw Revolution’ by Masanobu Fukuoka, which delves into the field of agriculture and the methodology of natural farming. It provides valuable insights on sustainable farming practices.
Finally, I suggest reading ‘A Wild Sheep Chase’ by Haruki Murakami, which is a unique blend of mythology and mystery. The story is captivating and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
Of all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the one that resonates with me the most is Sustainable Cities and Communities. The term ‘community’ carries a lot of weight, as it represents the potential for significant change and impact. Creating sustainable cities and communities is not just important from an environmental standpoint, but also from a social support perspective. By achieving this goal, we can create a solid foundation for addressing other SDGs as well.
Meet Reggie
I’ve been with Inspire for 6 years and it has been an extraordinary experience. I honestly can’t see myself working somewhere else because the atmosphere is so unique. My work colleagues are the closest thing I have to family in terms of mindset as well as how you’re allowed to be yourself and you’re able to express yourself without limitation.
I have a number of friends that are business owners and I can see how much they struggle sometimes. Internally, I can feel super close to business owners, I feel empathetic for them in terms of how difficult it can be to not have someone there to support you and I understand how daunting it can be to have that wavering uncertainty above your head. This is a huge motivator for me to make a meaningful difference in others’ livelihoods.
Outside of Inspire
You can find me dancing salsa 6 days a week as I am an instructor and a member of a Salsa Performance Group. I picked up Salsa because It has a strong connection with Latin-American culture and I grew up listening to my dad playing salsa music. For me, it’s a way of staying connected to my family and my heritage.
You can also find me doing countless activities; I indulge in books, going to the movies and playing a variety of sports, my favourite being futsal.
Lately, I love to try my hand at playing musical instruments; Latin-American instruments to be precise. I enjoy playing the conga and bongo drums, and I’m currently learning how to play the saxophone – whenever I have the time to.
How did you get interested in accounting?
I studied accounting when I was in high school and learnt the basics. Accounting came quite easily to me – I got good grades as a student and never really struggled. I asked my mum for her opinion and she suggested accounting to me for my choice of tertiary study, and here I am today.
What is your favourite thing about working at inspire?
The culture and the people I work with. Ben is amazing, probably the best boss I’ve ever had. I also like that we are very proactive and stay up to date with technology, systems, and we’re always open to change. It’s a great environment that facilitates fast learning and we all support each other with each other’s growth. You never feel alone at any point as there’s always someone who’s eager to offer their hand.
What is one of the biggest impacts you’ve made?
I had a major contribution in the systems that we’ve adopted here at Inspire. Our main systems that we use has a huge influence on our productivity and being able to be more efficient, have more control, and a better overview of what we have in our hands. My impact, I feel, had a direct correlation with Inspire’s output as well as rate of growth.
What are some books or movies you recommend?
I’m currently enjoying a book called ‘Sapiens’ by Yuval Noah Harari. I’d also recommend ‘The Shadow of the Wind’ by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. A must watch Netflix series I’ve recently binged is “Black Mirror”.
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
I’d have to choose climate action and quality education. Earth is home and we only have 1, so we shouldn’t take it for granted. Given the statistics, it’s something that we need to take immediate action towards. As for quality education, knowledge is the most important resource that a human being can have with enough knowledge, comes freedom.
Meet Bradley
I’ve been at Inspire for 5 months now working as a Junior Accountant for Team Riz.
Looking back at my journey so far, I must admit that I initially entered with limited experience. While I had about a year and a half of accounting experience, it was primarily gained at a boutique firm, which provided me with only a minimal understanding of the broader scope. However, since then, I have been thrown into various challenging situations, and I’ve embraced the opportunity to learn and grow. It has been an amazing experience to absorb knowledge across different aspects of the field.
What truly stands out to me is the incredible people I have the privilege of working with. It’s a perfect blend of supportive colleagues who are genuinely kind and always ready to lend a hand, fostering a positive and uplifting environment.
Additionally, the clients I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with have been nothing short of amazing. Each meeting has been an opportunity to engage with individuals who truly grasp the value of the services we offer, which further reinforces the rewarding nature of my work. The combination of exceptional colleagues and appreciative clients creates a fulfilling professional experience.
Outside of Inspire
I have a great passion for learning Japanese, and I take pride in that. My journey with the Japanese language started during my school days, and more recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Japan for a two-week period. In anticipation of the trip, I dedicated myself to refreshing and solidifying my knowledge acquired in school. Since then, I have been actively applying myself to further improve my Japanese skills. My ultimate goal is to return to Japan in a couple of years and have the ability to engage in meaningful conversations with native speakers.
Other interests revolve around going to the gym and maintaining a strong focus on health and fitness. Engaging in various forms of exercise, whether it be vigorous workouts or simply taking walks with my beloved dog, it brings me joy as I cherish every moment with my fur-baby.
Additionally, I also have a love for gaming, often accompanied by lively conversations with my friends on Discord and other enjoyable activities in that realm.
How did you get interested in accounting?
After completing my school education, I was certain that I wanted to work with numbers, which led me to pursue studies in engineering initially. However, I soon realised that engineering wasn’t the right fit for me; it didn’t align with my interests and aspirations. With a strong desire to enter the business world, I recognized that working with money and gaining a deep understanding of its impact made the most sense to me. Money plays a pivotal role in society, driving various aspects of our lives. Consequently, my interest in accounting was piqued, and I decided to pursue it as a career path. Since making that decision, I have found tremendous satisfaction in my job, and I can’t imagine forcing myself to continue down a path that wouldn’t have allowed me to excel.
What is your favourite thing about working at inspire?
Similar to my previous response, I find the people aspect to be a significant source of satisfaction. Transitioning from a small firm to a larger one, I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by a multitude of incredible individuals, which has created an awesome atmosphere within the office.
Moreover, the collaboration extends beyond physical interactions, as the online community, including the dedicated CSC team and the supportive back-office team, contributes immensely to our collective success. Witnessing the seamless coordination and teamwork among everyone is truly inspiring and makes our work environment truly exceptional.
What is one of the biggest impacts you’ve made?
One of the most significant impacts I’ve made was during the 2022 financial year. It involved a Finalization project where my colleague Eddie and I collaborated closely to create a worksheet that resulted in saving our client approximately $60,000 in taxes. Witnessing the client’s response was truly rewarding. Not only were they elated by the substantial tax savings, but also by their responsible approach towards the money. Instead of impulsive spending it, the client expressed plans to invest and utilise the funds wisely. Knowing that our work had a positive and lasting effect on their financial well-being was incredibly fulfilling. It stands as one of the proudest accomplishments in my professional journey thus far.
What are some podcasts you recommend?
I thoroughly enjoy listening to podcasts, and there are a few that have captured my interest. One of my favourites is Ben’s podcast, Young Family Small Business Podcast, which actually played a part in my decision to pursue a position at Inspire. After listening to it, I was impressed by his expertise and felt a strong connection to the content.
Additionally, “Stuff You Should Know” is another podcast I greatly appreciate. It covers a wide range of topics, allowing me to absorb a wealth of knowledge in a short span of time. It’s fascinating to learn about various subjects from this podcast. On a lighter note, I also indulge in humorous podcasts like “Hamish and Andy.” Their entertaining content never fails to bring a smile to my face. So, those are a few podcasts I enjoy, each catering to different interests and moods.
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
Climate Action – For me, the most significant and pressing cause would undoubtedly be climate action. It serves as the focal point around which everything revolves. The notion of making our world more sustainable and prioritising conscientiousness in every aspect of life, particularly within major corporations, holds paramount importance to me. Climate action stands as the primary driver of my passions and advocacy.
No Poverty – Another cause that deeply resonates with me is the eradication of poverty. It holds significant importance, and I recently came across a thought-provoking podcast episode that explored the concept of wealthier nations alleviating the debts of smaller countries. This notion directly connects to the issue of poverty. The idea of redistributing wealth to ensure that children in Africa, for instance, do not go hungry unnecessarily is something I strongly believe in. Climate action and the fight against poverty are interconnected, as addressing climate change can contribute to reducing poverty levels. I find these two causes to be inherently linked and believe that they require more dedicated
Meet Stuart
I relocated from the Sunshine Coast at the beginning of 2024 to work at Inspire as an Undergraduate Accountant, working in Team Riz. I’m constantly in awe of the level of productivity and quality that comes from working with such a collaborative team.
Outside of Inspire
Outside of work (and when I’m not studying) I spend as much as time as I can with my family. My son, Thomas, keeps me on my toes and provides Jess and I with constant laughter and smiles. Some hobbies also include going to live gigs/concerts and seeing heavy metal bands play, as well as painting miniature models.
What is your favourite thing about working at Inspire?
The diversity and the work ethic of everyone on the team. It is truly amazing to see such a well-structured, collaborative, and fun accounting firm reshaping the industry and what it means to be an Accountant for business across Australia. Plus great coffee!
How did you get interested in accounting?
Some of my previous roles before working at Inspire gave me exposure to some of the most important elements of running a small business. From working as a residential and commercial loan processor, where I obtained my Cert IV in Mortgage Broking and helped self-employed clients obtain finance to purchase their first home, to debt management and negotiation with the ATO. These roles kickstarted my passion for helping small-business and I look forward to learning a lot more in the years to come so I can deliver great outcomes for Inspire clients.
What are some books you recommend?
Matthew Reilly novels are essential in reading, specifically anything from the Jack West or Scarecrow series of books. There are several interesting episodes on the Tax Talks podcast for those interested in the nitty-gritty of taxation law. Finally, if you have any Star Wars questions, I think of myself as a walking encyclopedia.
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
I wholeheartedly believe that the path forward for humanity, and our planet, lies with the power of innovation and technological advancement. The evolution of our energy systems in conjunction with the implementation of sustainable production methods worldwide, as well as the responsible allocation of resources, can ensure a world with fewer inequalities
How did you get interested in accounting?
My interest in accounting runs in the family—my mum taught it, and a couple of my cousins are accountants. They’ve always emphasised how practical and beneficial the field is. I believe accounting is one of the most valuable branches of commerce to pursue.
What is your favourite thing about working at inspire?
Most of the positives come from the social side of things. The team is super friendly and incredibly helpful. There’s no impatience here; everyone is ready and eager to lend a hand, making it easy to ask for help.
Then there’s the work itself, which is surprisingly engaging. I used to think accounting was all about sitting at a desk all day, but it’s not like that at all. I’m constantly chatting with coworkers about different scenarios. It totally breaks the stereotype of accountants being stuck at their desks.
Why did you join Inspire?
I knew Pat and Eddie who are undergraduates at Inspire before coming in, and I was also keen on joining a boutique accounting firm instead of a large one. I felt a smaller firm would offer better training and a more personalised experience. In a tight-knit group, the training is more hands-on, and there’s a lot more oversight.
In a big firm, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd, but here, everyone stands out. Pat and Eddie always spoke highly of the team and how much they’ve learned over the past year. That played a big part in my decision to join this firm.
What have you learned so far working at Inspire?
I didn’t have much practical experience before coming here. Sure, I’d worked with Excel and similar systems a lot, but never in a real-world setting. My grasp of accounting principles was pretty basic, but it’s grown a lot since I started.
Overall, my knowledge of accounting has definitely improved. I’ve studied basic financial and management accounting at uni, but applying those concepts in real life is a whole different ball game.
The difference between what you learn at university and what you do in the real world is pretty striking. Sometimes, you learn more on the job than in the classroom. For instance, risk management in finance is taught in theory, but its importance really hits home when you’re applying it to real situations, like trading with your own money or working with clients.
Experiencing these concepts firsthand really brings their significance to life.
Fun fact about you that we don’t know
I played a lot of hockey growing up, especially since I’m from Mackay. I spent a lot of time on the field, and I even played for Brisbane.
What are some books you recommend?
The book is called Desert and the Sea by Michael Scott Moore. It’s about a journalist who went to Somalia to report on piracy and ended up being taken hostage by Somali pirates for two years before he was finally released.
I was watching a podcast with Michael Scott Moore, and he mentioned something wild. During his captivity, the pirates were watching a movie about them and his captivity, while he was still held hostage with them. They were watching it right next to him while he was there.
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
The first thing that struck me was the emphasis on “Good Health and Well-being.”
In high school, I studied emerging diseases in regions like Africa. Many of these illnesses have simple treatments in Western countries, where diseases like malaria are easily managed or cured.
We’re fortunate in Western countries to have access to treatments that we often take for granted. Meanwhile, in other parts of the world, people are suffering and dying from conditions that could be easily treated elsewhere. It’s heartbreaking that children are dying from preventable diseases in places where these issues could be resolved.
I remember studying malaria in geography, especially in West African nations, and seeing how dire the situation is there. Even simple issues like cataracts, which are easily treated in countries with good healthcare systems like Australia, can be devastating elsewhere.
Free eye checks and health services are standard here, but in many other countries, people can’t afford such treatments. It’s really unfair that diseases with straightforward solutions remain major problems in other parts of the world.
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