Meet your Trusted Advisers!

Leadership team

Victoria Studley

Managing Principal

Victoria is an integral part of Unite Advisory, currently serving as Managing Principal and leads the team with a focus on delivering knowledgeable, passionate and genuine service. With a career in accounting and business advisory, spanning over two decades, she combines extensive experience with her passion for helping clients achieve their business and personal goals.

Victoria has been a qualified accountant since 1998 and joined Unite Advisory in 2013. Prior to joining Unite Advisory, Victoria was Head of Tax for an accountancy business in the UK.  She has complemented her international qualifications with the completion of Australian Tax and Corporation Law, together with completion of the Chartered Accountants (CA) module, achieving top 5% in her final capstone exam.  She is a registered Tax Agent.

Outside of work, Victoria enjoys spending time at the beach with her family and two dogs and occasionally playing netball.

Hilary Acheson

Financial Planning Principal

Hilary has been an integral part of our team since 2004 and currently serves as the Principal of the Financial Planning division at Unite Advisory. She is committed to delivering well-informed, personalised, and honest service. With over two decades of experience in the Financial Services industry and providing tailored financial advice since 2015, Hilary brings extensive knowledge and expertise to her role. She takes pride in helping clients navigate the complexities of financial markets through highly customised advice. Hilary is known for enhancing her clients’ financial well-being and empowering them to take control of their financial future.

Hilary has a Master in Financial Planning (MFP) through the University of Western Sydney (UWS) and specialist accreditations in SMSFs, aged care, defined benefits and margin lending. She is an Authorised Representative of Count Financial Ltd.

Outside of work, Hilary enjoys spending time with her family, being engrossed in books and having fun travelling.

Supported By

Mary Anne van Gend

Operations Manager

Mary Anne van Gend brings over 15 years of experience in management accounting and joined Unite Advisory in 2020. A Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), she graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. She combines her expertise with passion for optimising business processes and back-office functions.

Mary Anne specialises in driving operational excellence through the effective implementation and use of accounting software, ensuring streamlined workflows and improved efficiency.

Outside of her work, she enjoys spending her free time gardening and participating in an amateur theatre group.

Accounting team

Veronica Bruce

Operations and Accounting Consultant

Veronica joined Unite Advisory in 2021 with the merger of Bentley Brett & Vincent and is based in our Coffs Harbour office. With a career in Public Practice spanning back to 1985, she brings a wealth of experience in taxation and financial services. Known for her analytical mindset and ability to understand her clients’ unique needs, Veronica excels at interpreting and applying tax law effectively. Her commitment to building long-lasting client relationships is at the core of her approach.

She holds a Master in Tax and Financial Planning (MTax) from the University of NSW (UNSW), a Bachelor of Accounting from Southern Cross University (SCU), and a Diploma of Financial Services (Finsia). Veronica is a Fellow of Certified Practising Accountants (FCPA), a Registered Tax Agent, and a Justice of the Peace (JP).

Outside of work, Veronica enjoys traveling, exploring new places and cultures, and spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Matthew Shelley

Associate Principal, Senior Accountant

Matthew joined Unite Advisory in 2025, heading up the Macksville office. With a career spanning more than 25 years, he has actively worked in both the corporate and Public Practice sectors. His career includes roles at PWC and other top 100 accounting firms before returning to the Mid North Coast to continue his work in Public Practice. He is a Chartered Accountant (CA) with a Bachelor of Business from Monash University.

Matthew has extensive expertise working with a diverse range of clients, including companies, trusts, partnerships, individuals, and SMSFs. He specialises in providing compliance services and advice on tax-effective planning strategies, structuring, and capital gains. His experience spans industries such as pharmacies, medical practices, real estate, retail, construction, and primary production.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys fishing, playing golf, and exploring the outdoors. A coffee lover, he can often be found enjoying his daily brew at one of the coast’s many great cafés.

Briony Inman

Senior Accountant

Briony holds a bachelor’s degree in financial administration from the University of New England and is a Certified Practising Accountant. Since starting her career in public practice in 1999, she has specialised in providing accounting and taxation services for companies, trusts, partnerships, and individuals.

Deborah Playford

Senior Accountant

Based in our Port Macquarie office, Deborah joined Unite Advisory in 2014, bringing with her a solid foundation in Public Practice. She holds close to 14 years of experience. Her experience and dedication allow her to deliver a tailored approach to tax and accounting services, providing specialised solutions for businesses, not-for-profits, and individuals across various entities, including companies, trusts, partnerships, and sole traders.

Deborah is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), a Registered Tax Agent, and a Justice of the Peace (JP). She holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting, from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ). Her commitment to personalised service and practical solutions makes her a trusted adviser to her clients.

Guy Middlebrook

Senior Accountant

Based in our Port Macquarie office, Guy joined Unite Advisory in 2013 following the merger with Advantage Accounting. With over 20 years of experience in Public Practice, he brings extensive expertise in taxation and accounting across a wide range of industries and entities. Guy is passionate about helping business owners meet their compliance goals and optimise their financial outcomes.

Guy graduated from Southern Cross University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Economics and Accounting. He became a Certified Practising Accountant in 2002.

He holds specialist accreditation in business valuations, with a strong focus on the financial aspects of businesses. Known for his proactive approach, relationship-building skills, and dedication, Guy has earned a reputation as a trusted adviser among his clients.

Outside of work Guy enjoys playing tennis and spending time at the beach with his grand kids.

Petina Malley

Senior Accountant

Based in the Coffs Harbour office, Petina joined Unite Advisory in 2021 following the merger with Bentley Brett & Vincent (BBV). With over three decades of experience in Public Practice, she first joined BBV in 2004 after serving as a partner in a boutique Chartered Accounting firm in Sydney. She has consistently delivered positive outcomes for her clients, particularly in navigating complex taxation matters.

Petina works closely with medical practitioners, with a strong focus on pharmacists, and brings in-depth knowledge of taxation and business challenges within the construction industry. She also has extensive experience across key taxation areas, including individuals, partnerships, companies, trusts, superannuation, and SMSFs.

Outside of work, Petina enjoys playing golf, applying the same focus and determination she brings to her clients.

Matthew Bailey

Senior Accountant

Based in the Coffs Harbour office, Matthew joined Unite Advisory in 2019 following the merger with Kerry Albert & Co. A Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), he holds a Bachelor of Financial Administration with an Accounting Major from the University of New England (UNE). As a proud local, Matthew completed his schooling and tertiary education in Coffs Harbour.

With a strong background in accounting and taxation, Matthew brings extensive experience across various industries and entity groups. His hands-on, service-oriented approach ensures clients receive practical, jargon-free advice tailored to their needs. Known for his expertise, responsiveness, and ability to simplify complex matters, Matthew provides clients with peace of mind and effective solutions.

He takes a practical, involved approach to taxation compliance and advisory services, which consistently earns the appreciation of his clients.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys watching and playing sports and spending quality time with his family.

Craig Miles

SMSF Manager

Based in the Macksville office, Craig joined Unite Advisory in 2005, bringing a unique combination of technical and financial expertise to the team. He holds a Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of New England (UNE) and a Diploma of Financial Planning (DipFP).

As the head of the SMSF team, Craig oversees the seamless administration of clients’ SMSF tax compliance. He works closely with independent auditors to ensure timely and accurate completion of audits while strictly adhering to tax laws and regulations.

With a strong interest in electronic services, Craig implements innovative software tools to streamline processes, boost productivity, and enhance client services.

Outside of work, Craig enjoys practicing karate.

Michelle Geddes

Senior Accountant

Based in the Coffs Harbour office, Michelle Geddes has been in the accounting and taxation industry since 1995. After earning her qualifications, she worked as a senior management accountant for a large multinational firm in the UK before returning to Australia in 1998 to pursue a career in Public Practice.

Michelle is dedicated to delivering expert guidance across all aspects of tax compliance for various entities. Her deep understanding of the medical and dental sectors enables her to provide tailored advice and specialised compliance solutions for professionals in these fields.

She holds Chartered Accountant (CA) status, is a CA SMSF Specialist, and has a Master in Taxation from the University of NSW (UNSW). Michelle is also an accredited Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) with the Taxation Institute of Australia.

Balancing work and life, she enjoys horse riding and bushwalking with her dogs.

Charlene Kellett

Accountant

Charlene joined the firm in 2022. She holds a Diploma of International Business and a Bachelor of Business Administration.

She supports the firm’s accountants with tasks such as preparing Business Activity Statements and providing taxation services for individuals, sole traders, and partnerships.

Dee Woolnough

Accountant

Based in the Coffs Harbour office, Dee joined Unite Advisory in 2016. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting with Distinction from RMIT.

Dee supports small businesses and individuals with their accounting needs and works closely with the firm’s Senior Accountants on financial statements, income tax returns, and business activity statements across a variety of industries, including not-for-profits.

Known for her calm and patient approach, Dee assists clients with software support. As a Xero Certified professional with extensive knowledge of MYOB and other accounting tools, she helps clients optimise their accounting processes and adds valuable insight to their financial management.

Outside of work, Dee enjoys crafting and spending time by the beach with her family.

Tracey Hanson

Accountant

Based in the Coffs Harbour office, Tracey has been working in Public Practice since 1998 and joined Unite Advisory through the merger with Bentley Brett & Vincent (BBV). She specialises in preparing financial statements, income tax returns, and business activity statements for companies, trusts, partnerships, and individuals across a variety of industries.

With unmatched attention to detail and a meticulous approach, Tracey provides valuable support to clients, particularly with their accounting and software needs. Her proficiency in a range of bookkeeping software packages further enhances her ability to deliver effective and efficient solutions.

Tracey holds a Bachelor of Financial Administration from the University of New England (UNE).

Outside of work, she enjoys listening to music, finding it a great way to relax and recharge.

Supported By

Financial planning team

Grant Homes

Certified Financial Planner

Grant joined Unite Advisory in 2016, bringing a solid background in finance and accounting.

He graduated from Newcastle University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and has since earned a Diploma in Financial Services, a Diploma in Finance and Mortgage Broking Management and an Advanced Diploma in Accounting.

He is a Certified Financial Planner through FAAA (Financial Advice Association Australia) and a Credit Representative of the Australian Finance Group (AFG). Outside of work, he enjoys running, playing golf, fishing with his kids, and following football. 

Steven Cork

Certified Financial Planner

Steven Cork is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and member of the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA). Holding a Master of Commerce with majors in Economics, Finance, and Financial Planning, he is dedicated to helping clients develop robust strategies for achieving their personal and financial goals.

With over a decade of experience in the fast-paced financial industry, Steven has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor. He takes a holistic approach to financial planning, guiding clients through key life stages such as career changes, marriage, home ownership, parenthood, and retirement.

Steven’s work has been recognized by the FAAA receiving Unite Advisory FAAA Professional Practice designation. This designation recognises leading Financial Planning businesses in Australia through the demonstration of high ethical standards and commitment to the CFP® certification.

Lisa-Maree Grono

Financial Adviser

Lisa-Maree Grono is an Authorised Representative of Count Financial with two decades of experience in financial advisory services. She began her journey in 1998, gaining extensive experience in funds management with Australian and international banks. Midway through her career, she moved country and returned to university to further her studies, becoming a qualified financial advisor.

Lisa-Maree holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning) from the University of New England and a Diploma of Financial Markets from Kaplan Professional. Her expertise includes retirement planning, wealth building in pre-retirement, mid-career investing and general investment advice. She also holds specialist accreditation to advise on Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSF).

When not at work, she enjoys relaxing at the beach and spending quality time with family and friends.

Supported By

Lending team

Catherine Moss

Lending Manager

Catherine Moss is an Authorised Credit Representative of Australian Finance Group Ltd (Australian Credit License 389087) and a long-standing MFAA Credit Adviser (Member 48596). She has been in Public Practice since 1986, and joined Unite Advisory with the merger of Kerry Albert in 2019. She is a Finance and Mortgage Broker with over 15 years of experience and holds a Diploma of Financial Services and a Diploma of Financial Planning from Deakin University.

Catherine has been helping clients secure finance for residential and commercial property purchases, refinancing, and business-related needs such as motor vehicles and equipment. She specialises in all areas of finance, including Commercial, Business, SMSF lending and personal loans.

When not at work, she loves reading books.

Grant Homes

Loan Specialist

Grant is a seasoned financial planner with over 18 years of experience. Grant joined Unite Advisory in 2016, bringing a strong background in finance and a wealth of expertise.

He is an Authorised Credit Representative (Credit Number 563597) of Australian Finance Group Ltd (Australian Credit Licence 389087) and a proud member of the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA, Member Number 625674).

Grant holds a Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management and is a current Certified Financial Planner through the FAAA (Financial Advice Association Australia).

Outside of work, he enjoys running, playing golf, and fishing with his kids.

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