Our people 2024-03-19T03:07:58+00:00

Our people

A carefully curated mix of finance professionals.

There are a range of diverse and complementary skill sets across our team – from financial management and CPA-qualified accounting professionals, to strategic financial advisors. This means we offer comprehensive coverage across all sub-sectors of the industry.

We get the nuances of the non-profit sector.

With many years’ experience serving non-profit and social enterprise clients, our team has a deep appreciation of the social, cultural and political aspects unique to the sector.

Our expertise is bang up to date. 

Purpose practitioners are current in their knowledge of sector issues impacting funding, accounting standards, available technologies and compliance. We stay at the forefront of industry developments and policy /legislative reforms – so we can help our clients be agile in an ever-changing environment.

Alex Cowell

Alex is a non-profit CFO / Financial Controller who links an organisation’s culture, programs and strategies with its finances. He is an approachable leader and strategic thinker. He’s a practitioner that intimately understands the non-profit financial management context.

Prior to establishing Purpose in 2014, Alex was the Manager of an accounting services firm that worked solely with non-profit organisations, and a long-term contracted CFO/Financial Controller for 15 for-purpose organisations. Alex has been in the NFP accounting and social enterprise development industry for >10 years and advises organisations ranging from small to large across diverse sectors including: community services; education; Aboriginal services; disability; health; the arts and housing.

CPA, Bachelor of Business, Cert IV Training and Assessment and Financial Services

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Alex Cowell

Alex is a non-profit CFO / Financial Controller who links an organisation’s culture, programs and strategies with its finances. He is an approachable leader and strategic thinker. He’s a practitioner that intimately understands the non-profit financial management context.

Prior to establishing Purpose in 2014, Alex was the Manager of an accounting services firm that worked solely with non-profit organisations, and a long-term contracted CFO/Financial Controller for 15 for-purpose organisations. Alex has been in the NFP accounting and social enterprise development industry for >10 years and advises organisations ranging from small to large across diverse sectors including: community services; education; Aboriginal services; disability; health; the arts and housing.

CPA, Bachelor of Business, Cert IV Training and Assessment and Financial Services

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Sony Bonang

Sony is a senior Financial Accountant who provides organisations with accurate and reliable accounts. He has been in accounting roles for >13 years, the last 9 years of which have been in the non-profit sector.

Sony is the go-to for payroll compliance and the application of accounting programs such as Xero and MYOB. Sony is CPA qualified, and this informs his practice, including the application of Australian Accounting Standards. Sony also has a very strong management accounting skill set, with advanced financial analysis and modelling skills.

Prior to founding Purpose (with Alex), Sony was the Accountant for the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research. Before that Sony was in practice, managing the financial accounting for 20 non-profits.

                                                     CPA, Bachelor of Accounting

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Sony Bonang

Sony is a senior Financial Accountant who provides organisations with accurate and reliable accounts. He has been in accounting roles for >13 years, the last 9 years of which have been in the non-profit sector.

Sony is the go-to for payroll compliance and the application of accounting programs such as Xero and MYOB. Sony is CPA qualified, and this informs his practice, including the application of Australian Accounting Standards. Sony also has a very strong management accounting skill set, with advanced financial analysis and modelling skills.

Prior to founding Purpose (with Alex), Sony was the Accountant for the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research. Before that Sony was in practice, managing the financial accounting for 20 non-profits.

CPA, Bachelor of Accounting

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Anna Collet

Anna is a third sector financial expert with almost two decades of experience in accounting and financial management, with much of this spent in consulting and financial leadership roles in the NFP sector in both Australia and the UK.

Anna is passionate about transforming the finance functions of charities she works with to enable organisational efficiency, growth and impact. She has worked across a large range of organisations in both the corporate and NFP sectors, from an ASX listed company and global NGOs to community centres.

Anna’s strength is distilling and conveying meaning from the numbers, in order to enable effective decision making and specialises in the design of financial systems to achieve quality management information.

CPA, CGMA, Bachelor of Accounting, Masters of International Studies

Anna Collet

Anna is a third sector financial expert with almost two decades of experience in accounting and financial management, with much of this spent in consulting and financial leadership roles in the NFP sector in both Australia and the UK.

Anna is passionate about transforming the finance functions of charities she works with to enable organisational efficiency, growth and impact. She has worked across a large range of organisations in both the corporate and NFP sectors, from an ASX listed company and global NGOs to community centres.

Anna’s strength is distilling and conveying meaning from the numbers, in order to enable effective decision making and specialises in the design of financial systems to achieve quality management information.

CPA, CGMA, Bachelor of Accounting, Masters of International Studies

Nina Trofimova

Nina is an accomplished CFO / Head of Finance, with over 15 years’ experience in the NFP sector. She has a deep understanding of industry-specific issues, including legislation, funding and reforms. She specialises in driving business process efficiencies, leading financial strategy, and implementing new systems to meet business objectives.

Nina is a for-purpose person, deeply committed to making a difference. Her expertise has been recognised with the status of Fellow of CPA Australia (FCPA), and she is also CA qualified. Prior to joining Purpose, Nina managed Finance Functions for large non-profit organisations within the arts, culture and environmental sectors.

Nina held the position of Chair to CPA Australia’s Not For Profit Committee for over five years, acting in an advisory capacity to the CPA NSW Divisional Council. She was also a Committee member of the CPA Australia Discussion Group ‘Women In Business’.

                                                     FCPA, CA, Bachelor of Accounting (Hons); Master of Commerce in Accounting with Commercial Law; MICDA

Nina Trofimova

Nina is an accomplished CFO / Head of Finance, with over 15 years’ experience in the NFP sector. She has a deep understanding of industry-specific issues, including legislation, funding and reforms. She specialises in driving business process efficiencies, leading financial strategy, and implementing new systems to meet business objectives.

Nina is a for-purpose person, deeply committed to making a difference. Her expertise has been recognised with the status of Fellow of CPA Australia (FCPA), and she is also CA qualified. Prior to joining Purpose, Nina managed Finance Functions for large non-profit organisations within the arts, culture and environmental sectors.

Nina held the position of Chair to CPA Australia’s Not For Profit Committee for over five years, acting in an advisory capacity to the CPA NSW Divisional Council. She was also a Committee member of the CPA Australia Discussion Group ‘Women In Business’.

FCPA, CA, Bachelor of Accounting (Hons); Master of Commerce in Accounting with Commercial Law; MICDA

Ning Gong

Ning is a CPA-qualified senior practitioner, with over 15 years’ experience in accounting for the non-profit sector. She has a deep understanding of the complexities of the sector; its unique legislative and compliance requirements; as well as NFP funding arrangements.

Ning works closely with senior management and executive stakeholders, to advise and guide financial decision-making at a strategic level.

Prior to joining Purpose, Ning’s experience was in public accounting, working with non-profit clients within the childcare, education, technology and community sectors. Her many years in the sector have given Ning high-level skills and expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and management reporting functions. She is also a Xero Certified Advisor and registered BAS agent.

                                                     CPA, Master of Professional Accounting

Ning Gong

Ning is a CPA-qualified senior practitioner, with over 15 years’ experience in accounting for the non-profit sector. She has a deep understanding of the complexities of the sector; its unique legislative and compliance requirements; as well as NFP funding arrangements.

Ning works closely with senior management and executive stakeholders, to advise and guide financial decision-making at a strategic level.

Prior to joining Purpose, Ning’s experience was in public accounting, working with non-profit clients within the childcare, education, technology and community sectors. Her many years in the sector have given Ning high-level skills and expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and management reporting functions. She is also a Xero Certified Advisor and registered BAS agent.

CPA, Master of Professional Accounting

Ricardo Medeiros

Ricardo has been with Purpose since early 2017. With a background in financial processing and analysis, he leads projects to implement new finance systems across a range of non-profit organisations. He also delivers systems training across large management groups.

Ricardo is the Outsourced Financial Controller to a portfolio of organisations across a range of industry subsectors, from homelessness, health and the arts. He is driven by service quality, with a key focus on innovation and the use of new technologies to increase efficiencies in financial management

Ricardo has a background in financial processing and analysis, and going further back, he worked in a non-profit consulting company in Brazil, providing support to micro-businesses. He loves to keep fit, and has completed several long haul bicycle trips, some across continents raising money for various charities.

                                                      Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship, Cert IV Project Management

Ricardo Medeiros

Ricardo has been with Purpose since early 2017. With a background in financial processing and analysis, he leads projects to implement new finance systems across a range of non-profit organisations. He also delivers systems training across large management groups.

Ricardo is the Outsourced Financial Controller to a portfolio of organisations across a range of industry subsectors, from homelessness, health and the arts. He is driven by service quality, with a key focus on innovation and the use of new technologies to increase efficiencies in financial management

Ricardo has a background in financial processing and analysis, and going further back, he worked in a non-profit consulting company in Brazil, providing support to micro-businesses. He loves to keep fit, and has completed several long haul bicycle trips, some across continents raising money for various charities.

Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship, Cert IV Project Management

Makiko Hayamizu

Maki is a values-driven senior accountant who has established her career on a diverse base of experience.

Starting out in Japan, Maki worked with large, listed companies in a fast-paced accounting practice environment.

Driven by a desire to reduce the wealth gap and increase social equality, Maki made the move to the start-up space in Australia, supporting young commercial organisations coming out of UNSW’s innovation hub. In coming to Purpose, she has continued along that values pathway to now work with organisation’s dedicated to social outcomes.

Maki has lectured in accounting at the University of Technology Sydney. She is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a Xero advisor.

                                                      CA; M. Professional Acc; Micro-Master (Data Economics & Development Policy); Xero advisor

Makiko Hayamizu

Maki is a values-driven senior accountant who has established her career on a diverse base of experience.

Starting out in Japan, Maki worked with large, listed companies in a fast-paced accounting practice environment.

Driven by a desire to reduce the wealth gap and increase social equality, Maki made the move to the start-up space in Australia, supporting young commercial organisations coming out of UNSW’s innovation hub. In coming to Purpose, she has continued along that values pathway to now work with organisation’s dedicated to social outcomes.

Maki has lectured in accounting at the University of Technology Sydney. She is also a qualified Chartered Accountant and a Xero advisor.

CA; M. Professional Acc; Micro-Master (Data Economics & Development Policy); Xero advisor

Tina Froget

Tina is an experienced Finance Manager, who has been leading the Finance Functions of community service organisations since 2011. She manages the full range of financial activities, including financial strategy and advisory; executive reporting; budgeting; audit/compliance; and accounting functions.

Tina has a strong focus on interpreting financial results, spotting trends, and supporting NFPs to develop strong and compliant financial management practices.

Before moving into Finance Manager roles, Tina trained as an auditor. Her 5 years in auditing included supporting a range of NFP clients, which gives depth to her understanding of compliance and regulatory matters.

                                                    (CPA, M. Management)

Tina Froget

Tina is an experienced Finance Manager, who has been leading the Finance Functions of community service organisations since 2011. She manages the full range of financial activities, including financial strategy and advisory; executive reporting; budgeting; audit/compliance; and accounting functions.

Tina has a strong focus on interpreting financial results, spotting trends, and supporting NFPs to develop strong and compliant financial management practices.

Before moving into Finance Manager roles, Tina trained as an auditor. Her 5 years in auditing included supporting a range of NFP clients, which gives depth to her understanding of compliance and regulatory matters.

(CPA, M. Management)

Mai Nguyen

Mai is a CPA qualified Accountant, with a broad range of expertise in financial and management accounting, including budgeting, forecasting, analysis, and compliance.

She has over 5 years’ experience in financial and management accounting roles with non-profits, working across the fundraising, aged care and social services sectors, with experience across SME’s and large organisations.

Mai has strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and she is focussed on strengthening financial practices and improving efficiencies for her clients.

                                                     CPA; Dip Acc; M. Business (Int’l Marketing); M. Science (Financial Mgt); Xero advisor

Mai Nguyen

Mai is a CPA qualified Accountant, with a broad range of expertise in financial and management accounting, including budgeting, forecasting, analysis, and compliance.

She has over 5 years’ experience in financial and management accounting roles with non-profits, working across the fundraising, aged care and social services sectors, with experience across SME’s and large organisations.

Mai has strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and she is focussed on strengthening financial practices and improving efficiencies for her clients.

CPA; Dip Acc; M. Business (Int’l Marketing); M. Science (Financial Mgt); Xero advisor

 Lily Fok

Lily is a CPA-qualified Accountant with a work history in tax, auditing and compliance. She has more than 10 years’ experience across financial and management accounting functions, including budgeting, forecasting, and analysis.

In addition to these functions, Lily supports the Purpose team with senior bookkeeping and complex payroll transactions.

She has worked with a diverse set of clients in the past, both in practice environments and private sector organisations. Having spent the last 5 years working with non-profits, Lily has a strong focus on improving efficiencies for her clients, and helping them to move towards industry best practice approaches.

                                                     CPA, Bachelor of Accounting, Advanced Diploma of Accounting

Lily Fok

Lily is a CPA-qualified Accountant with a work history in tax, auditing and compliance. She has more than 10 years’ experience across financial and management accounting functions, including budgeting, forecasting, and analysis.

In addition to these functions, Lily supports the Purpose team with senior bookkeeping and complex payroll transactions.

She has worked with a diverse set of clients in the past, both in practice environments and private sector organisations. Having spent the last 5 years working with non-profits, Lily has a strong focus on improving efficiencies for her clients, and helping them to move towards industry best practice approaches.

CPA, Bachelor of Accounting, Advanced Diploma of Accounting

Caroline Kim

Caroline is a CPA qualified Accountant, with over 10 years’ experience supporting organisations with their management accounting, financial reporting and business advisory needs. She has spent a number of years in practice environments, and is well accustomed to servicing a diverse set of clients, across a range of sectors.

With experience in Financial Controller positions, Caroline has strong skills in financial analysis, and the communication of financial results to management teams and senior stakeholders. Her prior experience has also provided her with an excellent skillset in budgeting and forecasting.

Master of Accounting, CPA Extension; Contract & Consumer Law – Tax Agent Registration; CTA2

Caroline Kim

Caroline is a CPA qualified Accountant, with over 10 years’ experience supporting organisations with their management accounting, financial reporting and business advisory needs. She has spent a number of years in practice environments, and is well accustomed to servicing a diverse set of clients, across a range of sectors.

With experience in Financial Controller positions, Caroline has strong skills in financial analysis, and the communication of financial results to management teams and senior stakeholders. Her prior experience has also provided her with an excellent skillset in budgeting and forecasting.

Master of Accounting, CPA Extension; Contract & Consumer Law – Tax Agent Registration; CTA2

Joanna Bednarska

Joanna is a highly effective Senior Bookkeeper, with over 10 years’ experience. Her expertise spans budget preparation, financial reporting, and all facets of the bookkeeping and payroll process.

Joanna has worked across a range of industries, with a significant portion of her career in the NFP world including with community legal and international aid organisations. She has experience supporting a broad range of stakeholders, from senior executives to operational staff. Joanna is an Associate member of both the Institute of Public Accountants and CPA, as well as a BAS Agent.

With a sharp eye for detail, she is focussed on technical accuracy and compliance and is always looking for ways to streamline accounting practices for her clients. Joanna is an associate member of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). She is expecting to complete a Graduate Certificate of Public Accounting in mid-2024.

                                                     Bachelor of Accounting; Advanced Diploma of Accounting

Joanna Bednarska

Joanna is a highly effective Senior Bookkeeper, with over 10 years’ experience. Her expertise spans budget preparation, financial reporting, and all facets of the bookkeeping and payroll process.

Joanna has worked across a range of industries, with a significant portion of her career in the NFP world including with community legal and international aid organisations. She has experience supporting a broad range of stakeholders, from senior executives to operational staff. Joanna is an Associate member of both the Institute of Public Accountants and CPA, as well as a BAS Agent.

With a sharp eye for detail, she is focussed on technical accuracy and compliance and is always looking for ways to streamline accounting practices for her clients. Joanna is an associate member of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). She is expecting to complete a Graduate Certificate of Public Accounting in mid-2024.

Bachelor of Accounting; Advanced Diploma of Accounting

Irene Schuele

Irene has broad experience across a range of bookkeeping and accounting functions. Her expertise extends from bookkeeping (payroll, AP & AR) through to month-end accounting functions, as well as financial reporting for Boards and senior executives.

Irene has senior bookkeeping skills and a passion for the non-profit sector. Her prior experience includes roles in green energy and community organisations. She has also worked in finance and management within the hospitality industry, which has given her a unique focus on client service.

Alongside core bookkeeping and accounts work, Irene has implemented process improvements for organisations, including accounting systems transitions. She is proficient with Xero, as well as Dext Prepare, SAP and other accounting add-on software.

                                                     M. Professional Accounting; P.M. Political Science; U.M. (Hons) Politics & European Studies

Irene Schuele

Irene has broad experience across a range of bookkeeping and accounting functions. Her expertise extends from bookkeeping (payroll, AP & AR) through to month-end accounting functions, as well as financial reporting for Boards and senior executives.

Irene has senior bookkeeping skills and a passion for the non-profit sector. Her prior experience includes roles in green energy and community organisations. She has also worked in finance and management within the hospitality industry, which has given her a unique focus on client service.

Alongside core bookkeeping and accounts work, Irene has implemented process improvements for organisations, including accounting systems transitions. She is proficient with Xero, as well as Dext Prepare, SAP and other accounting add-on software.

M. Professional Accounting; P.M. Political Science; U.M. (Hons) Politics & European Studies

Caroline Crawford

Caroline is a Senior Bookkeeper, with more than 20 years’ experience working with a variety of small and large businesses. In addition to being a bookkeeping specialist, she also has experience across a range of wider accounting functions, including monthly reports, budgeting and cashflow reports.

Prior to joining Purpose, Caroline worked in the hospitality industry, managing complex, large volume bookkeeping functions. She also spent 8 years as the Head of Bookkeeping at a Xero Gold Partner company, with a large client base, including NFP organisations. She has experience managing teams of bookkeepers, both in Sydney and overseas.

Caroline is a registered BAS Agent, with Xero and Payroll Certification. She has worked extensively with bookkeeping and HR software, including Receipt Bank / Dext; KeyPay; Employment Hero and other Cloud based systems.

                                                   B. Bus. & Hospitality; Dip. Acc.; Cert. IV Bookkeeping

Caroline Crawford

Caroline is a Senior Bookkeeper, with more than 20 years’ experience working with a variety of small and large businesses. In addition to being a bookkeeping specialist, she also has experience across a range of wider accounting functions, including monthly reports, budgeting and cashflow reports.

Prior to joining Purpose, Caroline worked in the hospitality industry, managing complex, large volume bookkeeping functions. She also spent 8 years as the Head of Bookkeeping at a Xero Gold Partner company, with a large client base, including NFP organisations. She has experience managing teams of bookkeepers, both in Sydney and overseas.

Caroline’s extensive experience has finely tuned her skills in managing multiple tasks in parallel; meeting tight deadlines; and working effectively in high-pressure environments.

Caroline is a registered BAS Agent, with Xero and Payroll Certification. She has worked extensively with bookkeeping and HR software, including Receipt Bank / Dext; KeyPay; Employment Hero and other Cloud based systems.

B. Bus. & Hospitality; Dip. Acc.; Cert. IV Bookkeeping

Yani Ginting

Yani has over 20 years’ accounting experience, with 15 of those supporting not-for-profit organisations. She has developed strong skills across the full range of accounting functions, from month-end, through to financial reporting, budgeting and all facets of the bookkeeping process.

Yani has worked directly for NFP organisations within the aged care and community legal sub-sectors. She has also served a diverse set of NFP clients from within accounting practice environments. This varied experience has given her specialist sector expertise, including a deep understanding of the regulatory environment; compliance requirements; and the auditing process within the sector.

CPA; B. Economics (Acc.); Adv. Dip Acc

Yani Ginting

Irene has broad experience across a range of bookkeeping and accounting functions. Her expertise extends from bookkeeping (payroll, AP & AR) through to month-end accounting functions, as well as financial reporting for Boards and senior executives.

Irene has senior bookkeeping skills and a passion for the non-profit sector. Her prior experience includes roles in green energy and community organisations. She has also worked in finance and management within the hospitality industry, which has given her a unique focus on client service.

Alongside core bookkeeping and accounts work, Irene has implemented process improvements for organisations, including accounting systems transitions. She is proficient with Xero, as well as Dext Prepare, SAP and other accounting add-on software.

M. Professional Accounting; P.M. Political Science; U.M. (Hons) Politics & European Studies

Noralie de Luna

Noralie is a CPA-qualified Accountant, with over 15 years’ experience across Government and private sectors. Having expertise in both practice and corporate accounting, she is adept at managing multiple portfolios in parallel, for international as well as Australian clients.

Her skillset spans the full range of accounting functions, from management reporting, taxation, audit, budgeting, forecasting, and bookkeeping. She also has significant experience delivering management advisory services for startups, and small to medium enterprises

CPA; B. Science, Acc.

Noralie de Luna

Noralie is a CPA-qualified Accountant, with over 15 years’ experience across Government and private sectors. Having expertise in both practice and corporate accounting, she is adept at managing multiple portfolios in parallel, for international as well as Australian clients.

Her skillset spans the full range of accounting functions, from management reporting, taxation, audit, budgeting, forecasting, and bookkeeping. She also has significant experience delivering management advisory services for startups, and small to medium enterprises

CPA; B. Science, Acc.

 Bridget Collet

Bridget is a motivated communications professional, with a track record in delivering innovative communications and stakeholder management solutions.

With over 10 years’ experience in the public sector, she has designed and implemented large-scale communications activities to support Government transformation projects in both Australia and the UK.

Bridget has worked with a wide range of stakeholders, including representative bodies and advocacy groups, across the employment, workplace relations, and justice sectors.

Bachelor of Arts

Bridget Collet

Bridget is a motivated communications professional, with a track record in delivering innovative communications and stakeholder management solutions.

With over 10 years’ experience in the public sector, she has designed and implemented large-scale communications activities to support Government transformation projects in both Australia and the UK. Bridget has worked with a wide range of stakeholders, including representative bodies and advocacy groups, across the employment, workplace relations, and justice sectors.

Bachelor of Arts