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 8 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 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
Meet Avie
Avie joined Inspire in September 2024 as our Client Service Coordinator (CSC) here at Inspire, and she’s been making a difference since day one. In this role, Avie supports both clients and internal teams, taking care of ad-hoc tasks, managing backlogs, and assisting with client communications and onboarding/offboarding.
Outside of Inspire
When she’s not at work, Avie’s world revolves around her 4-year-old son. Most evenings, she’s at home looking after him, cooking dinner, and getting through the usual household chores. Weekends and holidays are spent visiting family back in her hometown of Bataan, where beach trips with her parents are a favourite family activity.
How did you get interested in client services?
Avie’s journey began at university, she was offered a 50% scholarship in the accounting program. After graduating, she found herself working in client service roles, which eventually led her to the virtual assistant/CSC position she now enjoys at Inspire.
What do you love about Inspire?
Avie really appreciates the culture and environment at Inspire. She loves that there’s no micromanagement and that she can talk to anyone on the team—leaders included. The openness and lack of hierarchy make the place feel collaborative and genuinely supportive. She’s also drawn to Inspire’s values around work-life balance and family, as they align closely with her own priorities.
Why did you join Inspire?
Joining Inspire was a leap of faith for Avie, as it’s her first Australian client after previously working with a New Zealand-based accounting firm. She’s grateful Inspire took a chance on her and has been pleasantly surprised by the positive team dynamic and culture.
What have you learned so far working at Inspire?
Avie’s has been quick to pick up new terms and insights related to accounting and tax. This learning experience has expanded her skill set, adding value to her client-facing role.
Fun fact about you that we don’t know
Avie grew up in the beautiful island of Palawan, Philippines, surrounded by the ocean and rice fields. In her childhood, she learned practical skills like fishing and planting rice, which she looks back on fondly.
What are some books/podcasts you recommend?
Book Recommendation: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.
She calls it “life-changing,” especially for its impact on her approach to personal finance and money management.
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
Quality Education
Avie chose Quality Education as a Sustainable Development Goal that truly resonates with her. Growing up, her grandmother always stressed that education was the key to overcoming poverty. Avie is a big believer in quality education as the foundation for responsible money management and financial stability. She’s encouraged by the growing number of scholarships and free tuition options in the Philippines, which create more opportunities for people. Avie wants her 4-year-old son to have access to quality education too, as she sees it as a pathway to a brighter future. She’s confident that by focusing on education, we can create lasting change in reducing poverty.
No Poverty
Avie sees a close link between quality education and breaking the poverty cycle. Having come from a less financially stable background, she understands the challenges firsthand. She believes that with the right education, people can acquire the skills to manage finances effectively and unlock new opportunities. To Avie, education is a tool that empowers people to break out of poverty and improve their economic circumstances for good.
Meet Liane
Liane joined the Inspire team in 2024 as a Client Services Coordinator with Team Riz, and she’s already made a great impact. She’s been managing a range of tasks—everything from onboarding and PAYG processing to document management and even a few calls with the ATO. Her experience here so far has been incredibly positive, and she’s expressed how much she values the structure and support within our team. What’s been most fulfilling for Liane is the chance to learn and contribute meaningfully, even as a newer member. As she gets more comfortable with our processes, she’s looking forward to taking on even more responsibilities.
Outside of Inspire
When Liane’s not at work, she’s all about spending quality time with her family. On the weekends, you can find her visiting her in-laws or heading over to her parents’ place, which is just a short distance from her own home. Liane loves being able to be so close to her extended family – it’s a real blessing, she says, to have that support system nearby. She especially enjoys taking her 3-year-old daughter to the park or the mall, watching her little one run around and play. Family is everything to Liane.
Outside of family time, Liane has a few other passions. She’s been an active member of her church choir since she was a kid, and she still loves singing with the group. Liane’s also quite the cook, drawing on her Pampanga roots to whip up all sorts of delicious Filipino dishes. It’s clear that when Liane’s not busy at Inspire, she’s cherishing quality time with her loved ones and indulging in her creative hobbies.
How did you get interested in Client Services?
Lianne began her career with a degree in accounting, working as an accountant for a global fast-food chain. Yet, her heart was truly in teaching. During college, she spent her summers volunteering as a kindergarten teacher, and this led her to a fulfilling seven-year journey as a university professor, teaching management and accounting.
Although she loved teaching, the financial rewards didn’t quite match her needs. When a friend suggested a virtual assistant role, Liane saw it as a new opportunity to blend her skills in admin work with her accounting background. She took on the role, discovering a knack for the process-oriented nature of client services, and quickly moved into her position as Client Services Coordinator at Inspire.
What do you love about Inspire?
Why did you join inspire?
Liane was drawn to this role at Inspire for a few key reasons. First, her interview with Ben left a lasting positive impression. The connection she felt with the team was immediate and energising. Liane’s background with another Australian accounting firm gave her the perfect foundation for the virtual setup here, so the transition felt natural. Most importantly, the tasks and responsibilities of the Client Services Coordinator role matched her skillset perfectly—she felt ready to hit the ground running. When the offer came through quickly, it was a no-brainer. She was thrilled to join the Inspire team and put her diverse experience to work.
Fun fact
Liane has been an active member of her church choir since childhood and still loves performing with the group to this day. Music has always been a passion of hers, and she finds great fulfilment in using her vocal abilities to uplift her community through song.
Her singing skills aren’t limited to the church, either. She also enjoys cooking up a storm in the kitchen, drawing on her Pampanga roots to create all sorts of delicious Filipino dishes. Liane takes great pride in her culinary skills and loves sharing her creations with family and friends. Whether it’s belting out hymns or whipping up a mean sisig, Liane’s hidden talents showcase her diverse interests and abilities beyond her professional life.
Favourite Show
Liane is a big fan of the long-running Law & Order franchise, as well as medical dramas like Grey’s Anatomy and The Good Doctor. She finds these types of shows captivating, as they delve into the complexities of the legal system and human nature.
Which Sustainable Development Goal(s) do you choose and why?
When discussing the Sustainable Development Goals, Liane was particularly drawn to the goal of “Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.” This resonates deeply with her, as she has witnessed firsthand the issues of inequality and lack of justice in the Philippines. Liane shared her concern for underprivileged individuals in her country who often face unfair treatment, even in critical areas like healthcare. She feels that those with wealth and power can exploit the system, while the less fortunate are left without support.
Liane believes that building strong, trustworthy institutions and ensuring equal access to justice are crucial steps toward creating a more just and peaceful society. She sees this as an area in need of significant improvement in the Philippines, where the privileged sometimes evade accountability. Liane hopes that by focusing on this Sustainable Development Goal, real progress can be made to empower marginalised individuals and provide them with the same rights and protections as those with resources.
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