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
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
Sony Bonang
Sony is a 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
Sony Bonang
Sony is a 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
Anna Collet
Anna is a third sector financial expert with over a decade of experience in accounting and financial management, and is qualified in both accounting and international studies. Anna specialises in financial systems, data analysis and management reporting. She has implemented large-scale global projects to transform the finance functions of two environmental NGOs based in the UK.
Anna’s earlier employment with Matrix on Board saw her managing the finance functions for many clients and consulting on a wide variety of projects from financial policy writing to system implementation.
CPA, CGMA, Bachelor of Accounting, Masters of International Studies
Anna Collet
Anna is a third sector financial expert with over a decade of experience in accounting and financial management, and is qualified in both accounting and international studies. Anna specialises in financial systems, data analysis and management reporting. She has implemented large-scale global projects to transform the finance functions of two environmental NGOs based in the UK.
Anna’s earlier employment with Matrix on Board saw her managing the finance functions for many clients and consulting on a wide variety of projects from financial policy writing to system implementation.
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 currently holds the position of Chair to CPA Australia’s Not For Profit Committee, acting in an advisory capacity to the CPA NSW Divisional Council. She is 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
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 currently holds the position of Chair to CPA Australia’s Not For Profit Committee, acting in an advisory capacity to the CPA NSW Divisional Council. She is 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
Ning Gong
Ning is a CPA qualified Senior Accountant, with over 10 years’ experience in the non-profit sector. Prior to joining Purpose, Ning’s experience was in public accounting, working with non-profit clients within the childcare, education, technology and community sectors.
Ning is a Xero Certified Advisor and a payroll specialist. She is also a registered BAS agent.
Her expertise spans budget preparation, financial reporting and all facets of the bookkeeping process.
Ning Gong
Ning is a CPA qualified Senior Accountant, with over 10 years’ experience in the non-profit sector. Prior to joining Purpose, Ning’s experience was in public accounting, working with non-profit clients within the childcare, education, technology and community sectors.
Ning is a Xero Certified Advisor and a payroll specialist. She is also a registered BAS agent.
Her expertise also spans budget preparation, financial reporting and all facets of the bookkeeping process.
Ricardo Medeiros
Ricardo has been with Purpose since early 2017. With a background in financial processing and analysis, he has led numerous projects to implement new finance systems across a range of non-profit organisations.
Ricardo is driven by service quality, with a key focus on innovation and the use of new technologies to increase efficiencies in financial management. He collaborates with senior business stakeholders, technical suppliers and finance teams, to design and deliver high value solutions. He also delivers systems training across large management groups.
Ricardo previously 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. Always keen to further develop his skills and expertise, Ricardo is currently completing his CPA studies.
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 has led numerous projects to implement new finance systems across a range of non-profit organisations.
Ricardo is driven by service quality, with a key focus on innovation and the use of new technologies to increase efficiencies in financial management. He collaborates with senior business stakeholders, technical suppliers and finance teams, to design and deliver high value solutions. He also delivers systems training across large management groups.
Ricardo previously 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. Always keen to further develop his skills and expertise, Ricardo is currently completing his CPA studies.
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 also 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
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 diverse 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.
Accustomed to operating in high-pace environments, Mai is well-practiced in delivering high-quality outputs, to tight deadlines. Mai is motivated to continually advance her professional skills and she has a life-long learning attitude.
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 diverse 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.
Accustomed to operating in high-pace environments, Mai is well-practiced in delivering high-quality outputs, to tight deadlines.
Mai is motivated to continually advance her professional skills and she has a life-long learning attitude.
CPA; Dip Acc; M. Business (Int’l Marketing); M. Science (Financial Mgt); Xero advisor
Lily Fok
Lily is an Accountant who specialises in tax, auditing and compliance. As well as these functions, Lily supports the Purpose team across a range of accounting areas including bookkeeping, payroll, and budgeting. She has worked with a diverse set of clients in the past, both in practice environments and private sector organisations.
Lily is a hard working, self-motivated problem solver, who loves to learn new things. In this vein, Lily is currently completing her CPA studies.
Bachelor of Accounting, Advanced Diploma of Accounting
Lily Fok
Lily is an Accountant who specialises in tax, auditing and compliance. As well as these functions, Lily supports the Purpose team across a range of accounting areas including bookkeeping, payroll, and budgeting. She has worked with a diverse set of clients in the past, both in practice environments and private sector organisations.
Lily is a hard working, self-motivated problem solver, who loves to learn new things. In this vein, Lily is currently completing her CPA studies.
Bachelor of Accounting, Advanced Diploma of Accounting
Joanna Bednarska
Joanna is a highly effective 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. As a super-organised person, Joanna actively pursues the most efficient solution and is always looking for ways to streamline accounting practices for her clients.
Bachelor of Accounting; Advanced Diploma of Accounting
Joanna Bednarska
Joanna is a highly effective 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. As a super-organised person, Joanna actively pursues the most efficient solution and is always looking for ways to streamline accounting practices for her clients.
Bachelor of Accounting; Advanced Diploma of Accounting
Rachel Larner
Rachel has extensive experience in finance and administration roles, including 8 years working in the financial planning industry.
Her introduction to the world of not-for-profits came through joining the committee of her children’s community pre-kinder in 2019. Seeking work that would have a positive environmental and social impact, Rachel joined Landcare Tasmania as Finance and Administration Manager in 2020, a role which she maintains alongside her work with Purpose.
Rachel is currently completing Foundation subjects to prepare for CPA studies.
Bachelor of Business; Diploma of Financial Planning
Rachel Larner
Rachel has extensive experience in finance and administration roles, including 8 years working in the financial planning industry.
Her introduction to the world of not-for-profits came through joining the committee of her children’s community pre-kinder in 2019. Seeking work that would have a positive environmental and social impact, Rachel joined Landcare Tasmania as Finance and Administration Manager in 2020, a role which she maintains alongside her work with Purpose.
Rachel is currently completing Foundation subjects to prepare for CPA studies.
Bachelor of Business; Diploma of Financial Planning
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