Staff Profile

	Debbie Whiting I’m a country girl from Northam – I grew up in a hybrid life of small country town and life on a farm. It was free and open and wonderful and I never considered how a simple life would leave me well equipped to deal with Corporate Australia. I became a chartered accountant back in 1983 and have been involved with financial planning since 1987. What’s more, I initially specialised in superannuation – in the early 1980s I ran the Super division of Ernst and Young. This breadth of experience gave me the perfect foundation on which to establish Utopia in 2003, creating a unique business model around my dual accounting and financial planning skills. The name Utopia was inspired by my wonderful days as a University Undergrad at St Thomas More College. Thomas More, the “Man for all seasons," has been my inspiration – he showed ultimate courage, intellect and integrity under the most pressured of situations and ultimately died for his convictions. Today, we face different challenges, but strength, intellect and courage are still key attributes required for success and I try to make them my mantra. The Utopia model seeks to set a target and, using a lot of skill, help a client achieve their financial goal based on astute investments achieving sustainable returns through the cycles of the market. When I am not passionately striving to help clients reach their financial Utopia, I am a mother of three (I've nearly finished TEE for a third and final time) and I play hockey. My nickname is Seagull because I like to hover around the goals and steal a sneaky goal when the opposition is not looking. Our team's motto is that age and treachery beats youth and enthusiasm.
	Nancy Liu I’ve been with Utopia since day one, joining as a Certified Practising Accountant with a Masters in Professional Accounting, not to mention a degree in Agricultural Science. I manage a portfolio of clients, providing taxation and business advisory services to small and medium-sized businesses in a diverse range of industries – I have clients in the legal, medical, veterinary, wine, construction, retail and property sectors. I’m married to Heping and I have two children. When I’m not at work, I enjoy an active lifestyle – I’m a member of Fitness First and have a regular exercise program. I also enjoy reading, cooking, playing tennis, badminton and table tennis.
	Paul Holly I’ve been in the financial services industry for the past 18 years, initially in accounting, before moving into financial planning over 9 years ago. Since I joined Utopia, I’ve truly come to appreciate the power of combining tax and financial planning strategies. I love what we do because I feel like my knowledge actually helps people – it’s really fulfilling to help clients make the right financial life choices. Outside work, I enjoy spending time with my family, training and competing in triathlons, as well as surfing, AFL, watching movies and socialising with friends.
	Adam Binks I’ve been with Utopia Financial Services since its inception in November 2003, originally joining the firm as a Graduate Accountant and subsequently qualifying as a CA in July 2006. In June 2007, following continued growth of the firm, I took on a new role overseeing the administration of the firm. I basically lead our Administration team, managing a remit that encompasses internal accounting, human resources, IT and practice management. Outside work, I’m a devoted husband and father to two teenage children, providing the obligatory taxi service and support to the kid’s many sporting activities. I enjoy travelling and intend to take the family on a big road trip across the country this Christmas. When I have any spare time left, I (attempt to) keep fit, play guitar with friends and watch TV music quiz and sci-fi shows.
	Clive Ross After closing a Taxpayer Advocacy company where I was a Director, I joined Utopia in August 2007. Prior to that I was employed by the Australian Taxation Office at executive level for about 11 years – I’ve raised issues, made submissions and given evidence at Federal Government Senate enquiries into taxation, as well as to the Inspector General of Taxation, which have resulted in improvements for taxpayers such as reducing the time it takes for the ATO to amend tax returns and reduced penalty rates. Since joining Utopia, I’ve applied my tax knowledge to both accounting and financial planning issues and structures. I love being able to help clients by finding financial solutions. Away from work, I enjoy travelling, property development or renovation and motor cars.
	Adrian Kong I joined Utopia as a Graduate Accountant, after securing a Masters in Accounting and Bachelor degree in Commerce (Finance & Marketing) from Curtin University. I work in the Tax & Superannuation department – I get a real kick out of using my knowledge and organisational skills to help clients achieve their financial goals. I’m a real current affairs and financial news buff, but I’m just as passionate about my other outside interest – sports and books.
	Daniel Carnaby I’m currently studying to become a Chartered Accountant and I’ve been with Utopia since July 2007. Whilst at Curtin University I spent 12 months restoring a 1975 Celica – including a minor upgrade to a 2T-G engine and sports suspension. Nowadays, when I’m not at work, I’m often doing some form of renovation to my house. My other interests include cycling, cooking and electrical equipment.
	Monie Ahdieh Making full use of my Diploma of Accounting and Administration from TAFE, I’ve worked in the administration of superannuation funds since 1998. I joined the team at Utopia in February 2008 and I love my work – I have a great passion for what we do here at Utopia because we always put our clients first. Outside my career, I like to listen to music and take daily walks. I also love gardening and visiting my three wonderful children.
	Chou En Tan Having graduated from UWA with an honours degree in Finance, I joined Utopia as a Graduate Tax Accountant. I was really drawn to the great career model on offer, as well as the company’s mission, which matches well with my own passions – the unpredictable financial world and making people happy.
	Joanne Sim I’ve been with Utopia since July 2007. I have a degree in Commerce from the University of Western Australia, with majors in Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting and Corporate Finance. Currently, I’m enrolled in the CPA Program. My hobbies include travelling, playing piano, yoga and swimming.
	Maryam Vagh Prior to joining Utopia in 2007 as a Para Planner, I graduated from Curtin in 2005 with a Bachelor of Accounting and Financial Planning, before working for one of WA’s major financial institutions where I gained valuable experience in a similar role to my current one. I’m now RG146 compliant and I’m continuing to further my studies in financial planning by working towards becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). In my spare time I enjoy playing basketball, painting and supporting both the Wallabies and Springboks in the rugby.
	Kane Jiang After graduated in 2003 as a Bachelor of Agribusiness, I started out as an internal Account/Audit Assistant at a prominent golf course in Jakarta. I then extended my experience as an Internal Audit Assistant, working for a major ostrich exporter in Zimbabwe. Upon my return to Perth in 2007, I worked in a sales and administration position for an electronic distributor, before I joined Utopia in 2008 as a Corporate Maintenance Officer. I’m now furthering my education, studying for a Masters in Applied Finance and RG146 compliance. My goal is to become an expert financial advisor. Naturally, I take particular interest in wealth creation and I always wonder why the universe had to randomly create wealth in the form of Prince Charles. When I’m not pondering the universe, I enjoy playing sports and going to the beach. I also love making music and can often be heard singing to the most important woman in my life – my mum.
	Sharlin Tan I became part of the Utopia family in 2005. I have a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance) from Curtin University of Technology, as well as both First and Second level Bookkeeping qualifications from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In March 2008, I successfully completed my final Chartered Accountant paper, so I’m now a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia too.
	Christina Liu I joined Utopia after graduating from Curtin University of Technology in December 2006 with a degree in Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Information Systems. I love the accounting world and I’m growing to feel just as passionate about the field of taxation too. In fact, I aim to complete the Chartered Accountant Program soon. My motto is: Life is a constant learning process.
	Enien Teo After graduating from Curtin with an Accounting degree, I dabbled in Marketing by doing a postgraduate diploma. The Marketing diploma hasn’t improved my selling skills, but the accounting degree has come in handy. I started out working as a bookkeeper for a local cruise company, all the while never going on any of their available cruises. I then went on to work in government at the Department of Sport and Recreation. Then when the pace got too slow for me, I decided to join Utopia and it hasn’t been slow since. Early in 2008, I went on maternity leave to have my daughter Ava, and she has been keeping me rather busy on top of working part time with Utopia at the moment. Outside of my work life, I enjoy spending time with my family and catching up with friends. I also enjoy exercising, cooking and baking. Oh… and sleeping, but that is a dream for another day.
	Christine Lim I’m a Malaysian-born accountant with a passion for tax. I’ve got a degree in Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Finance, and I’m currently enrolled in CA program. I enjoy swimming and eating out with friends, as well as walking when the weather is cool and fresh.
	Rui Gao I started with Utopia Financial Services in 2007, with a strong professional interest in taxation backed up with experience in pharmaceuticals, marketing and commercial sales. My determined and energetic nature keeps me on the go as I pursue professional goals, as well as interests in real estate, Asian cuisine, Chinese astrology and herbal medicine.
	Viva Megahwati Armed with my Bachelor of Commerce from Curtin University, I joined Utopia in July 2008 as an Accountant. Right now, I’m furthering my professional education through the Chartered Accountants Program. When I’m not working or studying, I enjoy reading, swimming and listening to music, and I live by the motto “Positive attitude. It changes everything.
	Kerry Pilcher Over the last 40 years I’ve been a book keeper and assistant accountant in London, Melbourne and more recently Perth. When I moved to WA, I helped my husband in his business for 22 years, but then I decided to take the challenge of leaving our family business environment. That’s when I joined Utopia. The transition was difficult at first, but I was soon enjoying my work here. In my spare time I assist and enjoy fellowship with the Rotary Club of Scarborough. I also make morning tea for the local church every Sunday and love playing hockey twice a week.
	Jaimee Kent I joined Utopia in June 2008 as Administration Assistant, bringing with me a Certificate 4 in Financial Services and almost two years’ experience in administration management for a boutique financial broking firm. Today, I’m Debbie Whiting’s Personal Assistant, a challenge I relish as it gives me lots of scope to broaden my experience, which will help me fulfil my ultimate goal – an executive role. I have a range of interests outside work – I love cooking, socialising with friends and travelling.