Darren Lea - Managing Partner

Darren is a founding Partner of SUMMIT Accountants | Business Advisors and has a background in company turnarounds and management of professional services firms. His extensive knowledge and skills in his chosen areas have been proven by an impressive employment history. Darren was the General Manager at two of Melbourne's most prestigious and progressive law firms before becoming the State Manager of Lawpoint. Under Darren's direction, Lawpoint enjoyed significant growth during the pre-dot com era. Darren subsequently acquired the BHL Legal Software and married it to a standalone bookkeeping business. The result was a market leading, all-encompassing solution for small/medium legal practices. In 2001, Darren was hired by Neil Gamble, CEO of Solution 6 (now MYOB) as the State Manager Victoria/Tasmania. Darren’s role was to turn around the fortunes of the branch after the merger with Xlon/CeeData. In the ensuing 4 years, the Victoria/Tasmania regions became the top-performing branch in Australia. A former Partner at an inner-suburban accounting firm, Darren's expertise encompasses business planning and management; establishment and monitoring of business benchmarks; company turnarounds; goal setting; facilitation of business valuations/sales and computer systems implementations.

Matthew Swannie - Partner

Matthew is a founding Partner of SUMMIT Accountants | Business Advisors and has a background in taxation, management and compliance accounting. Matthew combines this knowledge with broad sales and business management experience. He is a Registered Tax Agent and is PS146 Compliant (Managed Investments). Matthew earned a Bachelor of Business in Accounting from RMIT and has lectured in remuneration strategy at The University of Melbourne. Matthew spent four of his nine years at a leading Australian law firm as Financial Controller before moving into account management at a boutique financial services firm. Matthew spends the majority of his time undertaking business valuations for various purposes and advising both Australian and overseas-based entities on domestic and international taxation and other corporate structural matters. Matthew's professional expertise covers the areas of accounting compliance management; company secretarial functions; facilitating business plans; business coaching and mentoring; business valuations and due diligence reviews; business funding and development of sales and marketing strategies.

Janine Brumhead - Director Compliance Services

A highly competent and dynamic accounting professional, Janine is our Director of Compliance Services, responsible for not only the provision of strategic tax and general business advisory services to our clients but also the timely and accurate preparation of their annual financial statements and associated tax returns.

Janine obtained her Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) qualification from RMIT and is a CPA who has in excess of 13 years experience in the public accounting, business services and private client advisory disciplines. Janine has also attained the Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning) qualification and is PS 146 compliant. During this time, Janine has also directly managed a team of professional accountants delivering high quality customer service to clients. Janine is passionate about integrating her financial planning skills to that of her broader knowledge.

Janine has particular expertise in the area of Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSF's) and as a result of her broad experience, is extremely well placed to advise all SME clients and high net worth individuals on not only their strategic positions going forward, but also the day-to-day management of their ongoing accounting affairs.

Marcia Smith - Accountant

Marcia obatined her Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) qualification from Charles Sturt Univeristy and is currently pursuing her CPA accreditation. Marcia brings extensive experience to SUMMIT, gained working closely with small to medium sized businesses. Marcia is intimately involved in the preparation of client's financial statements and income tax returns, including client superannuation funds. Marcia brings vibrant energy and great work-ethic to SUMMIT as well as a willingness to learn and assist others.

Ron Paine - Consultant

Ron Paine is an experienced Accountant who prides himself on getting to the issues at hand by understanding our clients’ requirements.  With in excess of 35 years public practice experience, Ron is well placed to advise Small/Medium Enterprises and individuals in his specialist areas of taxation and corporate strategy. 

Involved in running a burgeoning small business himself, Ron employs his technical expertise together with his ‘real world’ experience to secure great outcomes for our clients.
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