Partners
The partners are highly experienced professionals with proven track records.Graeme Stewart - CA
Graeme's expertise is in the areas of business management and planning, financial advice, external, internal and probity auditing, valuations, acquisition due diligences and taxation planning. He has experience in dealing with clients from a wide range of industries including hospitality and gaming, real estate agents, supermarket operators, property development, motor vehicle dealerships, manufacturers, water & waste water providers, retailers and wholesalers.
Graeme holds board positions on Bendigo Health Care Group and Girton Grammar School Ltd.
Prior to joining AFS in 1988, he was an audit and business services manager at Price Waterhouse Coopers.
Graeme is an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Registered Tax Agent, Registered Company Auditor and Member of the Institute of Company Directors, with over 30 years experience.
g.stewart@afsbendigo.com.au
Paul Vlaeminck - CA
Paul has had over 20 years experience in all areas of public accounting, with expertise in the areas of business valuations, tax planning, taxation structures, Goods and Services Tax (GST), direct and indirect taxes and client business development. Prior to commencing work at AFS Paul had 5 years experience at a Melbourne based public accounting firm. Paul's experience has been gained by working within different industries including real estate, transport and training, property development with emphasis on surveyors and engineers, financial planners, supermarkets and general retailers and wholesalers.
Over the years Paul has being involved, and negotiated on, numerous client business sales and acquisitions.
Paul is an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a Registered Tax Agent.
paulv@afsbendigo.com.au
David Hutchings - FCA
David has 25 years experience in public practice and before joining AFS & Associates he was a Senior Manager with Ernst & Young in London and Melbourne.David is currently an independent member and Chairman of the audit committee for Swan Hill Rural City Council. He is one of Bendigo & Adelaide Bank Limited's approved panel for conducting and preparing feasibility reports into potential branches for its Community Bank program. Since August 1998, David has assisted approximately 150 communities in various stages of their work to introduce a Community Bank to their town or suburb and is the auditor for many (listed) public companies.
He is a member of the CFA's Regional Planning Finance and Business Planning sub committee that makes recommendations on administrative services delivery, HR policy and practice, customer service standards and other relevant corporate issues for the region. David oversees (and actively works with) clients including DSE, City of Ballarat, Wimmera and North Central Catchment Management Authorities, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited and Birchip Cropping Group.
David is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, a Registered Company Auditor and a Registered Liquidator. He is also an active volunteer with Lockwood and Bendigo Brigades CFA.
d.hutchings@afsbendigo.com.au
Paul Byrne - FPNA, Affiliate ICAA
Paul is a Fellow of the National Institute of Accountants and the National Tax & Accountants' Association. He is also a member of CPA Australia and an Affiliate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.A Registered Tax Agent, Paul has over 20 years experience in taxation and business planning for a wide range of individuals and small business clients, including hospitality industry, hotels and motels, tradespeople and building construction industry.
Paul has extensive experience in the not for profit sector and Incorporated Associations particularly in the areas of adult learning and sporting clubs, as well as Legacy Welfare Patriotic Funds, in accounting, reporting and GST advice.
Paul is an active member of many local organisations including Continuing Education Bendigo and the Bendigo Football Netball League.
p.byrne@afsbendigo.com.au
Adrian Downing - CPA, Affiliate ICAA
Adrian is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) and Registered Company Auditor and has over 10 years experience in the provision of audit and assurance services.Adrian's key clients have covered the following sectors: government, retail, manufacturing, transportation, gaming, not for profit and health.
Adrian's experience in the provision of audit and assurance services includes external audit, internal audit, corporate governance, legislative compliance, risk management, probity, due diligence, acquittals, computer risk management and international financial reporting standards.
Before joining AFS in 2006, Adrian was a manager at the Victorian Auditor General's Office where he worked in the education, industry, innovation and regional development, treasury and finance and whole of government sectors.
a.downing@afsbendigo.com.au