Bendigo’s largest accounting and audit firm AFS & Associates has appointed four new Partners to support its growth.

The appointment of the new directors sees AFS now with 10 Partners.

Auditors Katie Dempster, Jessica Ritchie, Lachlan Tatt and Taxation Accountant Jacob Lea will join the Partnership.

The appointment builds on the firm’s growth, particularly in the audit division which will move from three Partners to six Partners. “The growth of AFS in recent years has seen us servicing clients across all of Victoria and interstate” said Kate Mannix, CEO of AFS & Associates.

The firm is also celebrating 75 years of service this year in Bendigo since its beginnings in 1946.

AFS & Associates has always been a big supporter of the region, employing over 70 local staff now and supporting local charities through donations, sponsorship and pro-bono services in excess of $300,000 each year.

AFS is also a signatory of GROW Bendigo, a program designed to support more growth and employment across our community, keeping expenditure local, engage with local schools and universities to employ and develop the next generation of leaders.

At the start of 2020 AFS completed extensive office renovations to shift to an agile working space which allowed for up to 100 staff members, preempting for future growth. Cue COVID-19. The firm have since adapted and are moving back into the new office space working with new COVID requirements and operating guidelines.

“2020 was a challenging year but we stayed true to our purpose and do what we know best by supporting our clients to unpack every Government stimulus package and help them apply for any funding they were entitled to. Each new Partner brings with them experience, skills and specialities that will enhance our firm’s capability, future direction and growth opportunities. This is truly an exciting start to our business for 2021.” said Kate Mannix, CEO of AFS & Associates.

This is a very exciting time for AFS and the business community as we plan for a strong future, providing a new generation of business leaders locally.