GRAHAM GARDNER
PARTNER
- Member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
- Bachelor of Commerce (professional accounting) – Macquarie University
- Xero Certified Advisor
Graham heads up the Newcastle office and with over a decade of experience in the accounting, reporting, and tax environment, he has the tools and business acumen to help clients in more ways than one and will always relish the opportunity to take on new challenges that will benefit clients.
Enjoying face to face catch ups with his clients, Graham will spend and invest time in his clients to understand what they truly value in order to be the best adviser he can be!
JAMES TYNANÂ
PARTNER
- Member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
- Bachelor of Accounting – Charles Sturt University
- Xero Certified Advisor
James brings over a decade of experience to the team, specialising in taxation and business services for self-employed individuals, small businesses, and sophisticated property investors managing complex ownership structures.
James is upbeat, friendly and approachable, with a genuine passion for building strong, collaborative relationships with his clients. He takes the time to thoroughly understand the ins and outs of your business or investment portfolio so he can provide the most effective and tailored support possible.
CHLOE BELLÂ
MANAGER / SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
- Bachelor of Accounting & Finance – Newcastle University
- Xero Certified Advisor
Chloe joined the Eagle team in 2021 after making the switch from commercial accounting.
Chloe is passionate about taking the stress out of tax for clients and will take the time to understand you and your business to better assist in achieving your goals, whether that be in business or personally.
ROBERT HEMBROW
MANAGER / SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
- Member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
- Bachelor of Accounting at Flinders University
- Xero Certified Advisor
Robert joined the Eagle Newcastle Team in 2025 and brings with him over ten years of experience in the industry. He is a third generation accountant and studied at Accounting at Flinders University before completing his Certificate in Chartered Accounting at a firm in Adelaide.
He enjoys working with small businesses and SMSF’s and finds the best way to help clients minimize their tax is through proper planning.
He is friendly and outgoing and loves a good tax debate around the office.
TOM BROWN
MANAGER / SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
- Chartered Accountant Australia and New Zealand
- Bachelor of Commerce through the University of Newcastle
- Xero Certified Advisor
Tom began his career as an Accountant in 2020, gaining experience in supporting individuals and businesses across a range of taxation and business matters. He completed his Bachelor of Commerce through the University of Newcastle and recently completed the Chartered Accountant course through CAANZ.
Tom is committed to providing clear, practical guidance tailored to each client’s circumstances. Tom also values building strong, collaborative relationships and looks forward to working with clients to help them navigate financial and regulatory requirements with confidence and clarity.
SAMUEL KUBITZKY
MANAGER / SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
- Associate of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
- Bachelor of Business and Commerce through the University of Newcastle
- Xero Certified Advisor
At Eagle Financial Sam specialises in tax compliance, planning, and advisory services for individuals, small businesses and sophisticated property investors. He works with his clients to craft tailored strategies to ensure full ATO compliance while simultaneously optimising structures and supporting overall business and personal goals.
Sam started as an accountant in August 2021 and after graduating with a Bachelor Commerce is currently working towards his Chartered Accountant qualification, set to finish in 2027.
Clients value his clear, jargon-free explanations, proactive insights, and practical guidance that make tax straightforward and effective.
JIM SHEPHERD
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT / CLIENT MANAGER
-
- Member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
- Bachelor of Accounting – Charles Sturt University
Jim originally entered the accounting profession to help his parents with their business and quickly discovered a passion for working with clients. After gaining experience with several AFR Top 100 firms and spending time in regional New South Wales, he eventually made the move to Newcastle.
Jim’s favourite part of the job is building trusted relationships and helping clients through life’s important milestones, from buying a first home to planning for retirement. Outside of work, he coaches a women’s rugby team, enjoys a round of golf and spends plenty of time catering to the demands of his retired greyhound.
KENNY CHONG
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT / CLIENT MANAGER
- Member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
- Bachelor of Business – James Cook University
- Certificate IV Finance and Mortgage Broking
Kenny completed a Bachelor of Business in 2017 and has since built extensive experience across public practice, taxation and corporate finance roles. His career has taken him from regional Queensland to Sydney and eventually Newcastle, where he and his wife settled in 2022.
Kenny’s favourite part of accounting is building strong relationships with clients and colleagues. He particularly enjoys working with people who are eager to learn, collaborate and achieve their goals together, helping them navigate important financial and business decisions along the way.
Outside of work, Kenny enjoys keeping active and spending time outdoors. Having completed several half marathons and his first triathlon, he’s always up for a challenge. When he’s not exercising, you’ll often find him gaming with friends or enjoying Newcastle life with his wife and family.
RINNI AU
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
- Member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
- Bachelor of Commerce – University of Newcastle
- Xero Certified Advisor
After moving to Australia in 2010, Rinni completed a Bachelor of Commerce and became a Chartered Accountant in 2023. With experience across both public practice and corporate accounting, including a strong background in Self-Managed Super Funds, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the Eagle team. Being fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, and able to read and write both Traditional and Simplified Chinese, allows Rinni to connect with and support clients from a variety of backgrounds.
Rinni enjoys helping clients make accounting feel less overwhelming and values building relationships with people from a wide range of industries and backgrounds. Outside of work, she is a busy mum of two who loves travelling, discovering new cafés and spending time with her family.
JAMES NATUKOKONA
ACCOUNTANT
- Xero Certified Advisor
James joined the Eagle team in August 2024 while completing a Bachelor of Commerce/Science at UNSW. He values developing a strong understanding of each client’s unique circumstances and is committed to expanding his technical knowledge to deliver practical, well-considered outcomes.
James is approachable, detail-oriented, and enjoys working through both straightforward and complex client problems. He has a particular interest in cryptocurrency and enjoys supporting clients working in health and fitness-related industries.
MADDY FENNING
ACCOUNTANT
- Associate of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
- Bachelor of Business and Commerce through the University of Newcastle
- Xero Certified Advisor
Maddy joined the Eagle Team in March 2024 and completed a Bachelor of Business and Commerce through the University of Newcastle in 2025. She is currently completing the Chartered Accountants Program through CAANZ.
Since starting her accounting career at Eagle, Maddy has gained hands-on experience supporting a diverse range of clients including individuals and small businesses with various tax structures. She is eager to continue expanding her accounting knowledge and technical expertise to assist clients in navigating the complexities of the Australian taxation system.
JESSICA ROSSI
ACCOUNTANT
- Bachelor of Accounting – Western Sydney University
Jessica joined the accounting profession after completing a Bachelor of Accounting at Western Sydney University, majoring in Financial Planning and Taxation. In her role at Eagle Financial, she enjoys building relationships with clients, helping them achieve their goals through thoughtful planning and staying up to date with changes across the profession.
Outside of work, Jessica is mum to two boys, making life busy, active and full of sport. When she’s not supporting her family from the sidelines, you’ll find her at the gym enjoying some well earned time for herself.
TOM MOWATT
ACCOUNTANT
- Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Newcastle
- Xero Certified Advisor
Tom joined Eagle Financial in June 2025 and began his accounting career in November 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Newcastle and is currently working toward commencing his Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification.
He is highly motivated to continue learning and enjoys working with clients across a diverse range of industries, embracing new challenges to further grow his knowledge and professional expertise.
HARRY DICKENSON
JUNIOR ACCOUNTANT
Although accounting runs in the family, Harry didn’t begin his accounting journey until 2025. Before joining the profession, he gained experience in engineering while also spending several years working across pubs, cafés, fine dining venues and cocktail bars.
Currently studying a Bachelor of Business and Commerce, majoring in Human Resources and Accounting, Harry developed a strong interest in business and consultancy following an opportunity to study in Hong Kong. He particularly enjoys supporting hospitality clients and helping business owners navigate the numbers so they can focus on what they do best.
JAMES GAPPS
JUNIOR ACCOUNTANT
- Xero Certified Professional
After completing his carpentry apprenticeship and becoming a qualified tradesman in 2024, James decided to pursue a new challenge and began studying a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Finance and Accounting. Inspired by his father’s background in accounting and financial planning, he quickly developed a passion for the profession.
James enjoys that no two days are the same at Eagle and thrives on the opportunity to learn new skills and tackle new challenges. From building houses to building a career in accounting, he brings the same dedication, curiosity and hands-on approach to everything he does.
XAVIER BORG
JUNIOR ACCOUNTANT
- Bachelor of Business – Newcastle University
- Xero Certified Professional
After moving to Newcastle to pursue his studies, Xavier completed his Accounting degree at the University of Newcastle in 2026. During his studies, he gained valuable experience through internships with financial institutions, which reinforced his passion for helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals.
Xavier enjoys working closely with clients to make accounting feel less complex, providing practical solutions and helping them gain confidence in their financial decisions. Before joining Eagle, he worked in telecommunications, where he developed strong communication and customer service skills. Outside of work, Xavier enjoys long distance running, staying active and making the most of Newcastle’s lifestyle with family and friends.
PATRICK ROBERTSON
JUNIOR ACCOUNTANT
- Xero Certified Advisor
Patrick joined the Eagle team in 2026 while undertaking a Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at the University of Newcastle and has built experience across both professional services and commercial accounting environments while studying. In his role as Junior Accountant at Eagle Financial, he enjoys the attention to detail that accounting requires, staying on top of changes in tax legislation and supporting clients to achieve their specific goals.
When he’s not working or studying, Patrick enjoys keeping active through running and soccer. He competes in one of Newcastle’s premier soccer competitions and is always focused on developing his skills and pushing himself to improve.
WENDY BYRNE
BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER
- Certificate IV Training and Assessment
- Certificate IV Work Health and Safety
With more than 30 years of experience across business development, events, business management, team leadership and project management, Wendy brings extensive operational expertise to Eagle Financial.
Joining Eagle in 2026, Wendy works closely with the Executive team to improve systems, streamline processes and support business growth. She also leads a range of projects across the business, helping turn ideas into action and supporting new opportunities as they emerge. Known for her practical, people-focused approach, Wendy thrives on bringing structure, organisation and calm to even the busiest days.
Outside of work, you’ll find Wendy enjoying live music, enjoying the Hunter Valley’s food and wine scene, or planning her next travel adventure.
CLIENT SERVICES
BRONWEN SYNNOTTÂ Â
CLIENT SERVICES
Growing up in a family with an accounting background, it was inevitable I was drawn to the profession. Over the years, working in admin and customer services, I have developed a sound knowledge of tax and corporate compliance requirements. I look forward to assisting Eagle Financial clients with all their administration needs.
BROOKE BETHELL
CLIENT SERVICES
Brooke joined the Eagle Financial team in January 2018. With over a decades experience in Administration in Accounting firms, Brooke has gained the knowledge of the ins and outs of the ATO, ASIC and many more government departments. Brooke has become very efficient at managing busy operations and prides herseld in her organisational skills. Brooke loves dealing with people on a day to day basis and is dedicated to providing excellent customer service skills.
DANI JAMIESON
CLIENT SERVICES
Dani joined the Eagle team in January 2018 after taking some time off to start a family. She comes from a background in hospitality and customer service and is currently working towards a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Human Relations. Dani loves communicating with people, and is committed to providing a high level of customer service to our clients.
JOAN SANTOSÂ
CLIENT SERVICES
LAILANI NOVENARIOÂ
CLIENT SERVICES
Lailani is based in the Philippines, and she joined the Eagle Financial team on September 2023. She has over ten years of experience working in the hectic world of financial institutions and is well-versed in organizational and administrative abilities. As she embarks on this new chapter with the team, Lai is thrilled about the prospects of further personal and professional growth. She firmly believes in the power of collaboration and continuous growth. Her goal is to contribute to the team’s efforts in delivering excellent customer service and to play an integral role in enhancing the overall client experience.
MACY OCAYÂ
CLIENT SERVICES
MICHELLE COHENÂ
CLIENT SERVICES
Born and bred on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Michelle previously worked in childcare, then after having 3 children of her own, decided on a career change. On weekends, Michelle will be at one of the many sporting fields in the local area playing various sports, of which Softball is her passion.
SARAH FORSTERÂ
CLIENT SERVICES
Sarah is returning to the workforce after spending a few years at home with her young family. Sarah had previously spent nine years in early childhood and is wrapped to work in a new industry, learning new skills from the Eagle Financial team. With strong organisational skills and an eye for detail, Sarah hopes to expand on her past experience in administration and customer service, as the next phase in her career.
SHEENA LAYUGÂ
CLIENT SERVICES
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