John Hrkac

As the Hrkac Group’s fearless leader, John takes great pride in the second family he is surrounded by and gets to engage with, every single day. After seven short years in the industry, John saw the opportunity to create a unique, transparent and innovative powerhouse. That powerhouse is the Hrkac Group today. The Hrkac Group has been breaking boundaries since 1994. Turing the Accounting industry on its head, and throwing out the ‘charge by the hour’ routines.

Starting small, John has added several different arms and divisions to the business over the years. The Hrkac Group now brings Legal, Financial Planning, and Mortgage Broking to round out the holistic firm he envisioned.

Happy helping clients and friends with the best business advice around, processing individual tax returns and managing his wonderful team, John loves nothing more than seeing new generations grow from visiting his office as kids to taking over the family business and continuing to grow success.

It’s no surprise that John’s 35 years of experience and many business achievements have led him to be a Fellow Member of the Institute of Public Accountants, and with his brain for on-the-spot problem solving and multitasking – he fancies himself at being ‘good at pretty much everything’!

Aside from being a hands-on Director, John’s biggest achievement is his beautiful wife Jacqui, and their family together. On the weekends you’ll find John playing with his two grandkids and two Cavoodles in the garden. John also loves to socialise and exercise, he’s a soccer fanatic and is the son of the founding father of North Geelong’s Soccer club – still heavily involved 50 years later.

It wouldn’t be The Hrkac Group without him!

 

Areas of Expertise

  • Business advice
  • On the spot problem solving
  • “Good at everything”

Taking charge of the Finance division at the Hrkac Group, it’s no surprise that Paul has an extensive 34 years in banking under his belt to bring our clients the best lending advice in Geelong.

Paul works closely with his team to foster long-term relationships with clients who are looking for residential or commercial mortgages, or equipment and vehicle finance. Loving nothing better than calling clients with some good news to make them one step closer to achieving their goals.

Taking great pride in his team, Paul especially loves seeing clients grow from being first homeowners to having investment portfolios. Knowing that he was able to help them on their journey of success gives him great joy!

While Paul has taken a few side steps throughout his career – owning a Jim’s Mowing franchise and passing on an Architecture degree – Paul is now Director of the Finance division at the Hrkac Group putting his honed management skills to use.

Blessed with two great kids, a wonderful wife, and two Fox Terriers to keep him busy at home. Paul enjoys a leisurely game of golf on weekends. He also plans to follow in his Grandfather’s footsteps and learn the Harmonica!

 

Areas of Expertise

  • Approachable
  • Management skills
  • Fostering long term relationships

Stephen has worked closely with John since 1994 and merged with the Hrkac Group in 2006. This brought the Financial Planning arm into the Hrkac group. With 36 years in the industry, Stephen initially began in the Insurance industry. From this, the Financial Planning sector grew to what it is today.

A very different service in the beginning, the Financial Planning of today is one that helps people identify how to achieve their goals through careful diagnosis and strategy. Stephen loves the client-facing aspect of his role. He uses his expert diagnosis skills to help solve a wide range of complex problems for our clients. As Managing Director of the Financial Planning division, Stephen has built the service to be holistic in nature so clients benefit from our Advisers understanding the whole picture before deciding on the right advice path.

A key principle, Stephen and John have built at the Hrkac Group is the family-based nature of the business. With four daughters and nine grandchildren, Stephen and his wife Shelly certainly embrace the big family energy. Remnants of their full nest, their two dogs and cat round out the family, with their daughter’s tropical parrot taking a special liking to Stephen, by choosing kindly not to bite him (and only him).

On the weekends, you’ll find Stephen frequenting his favorite Pastry Shop That Place. Playing a game of Golf or enjoying a fine wine. He may even be tending to his family’s Apple Orchard. Hoping one day to have a recording studio in his spare room, Stephen has played the guitar for 40 years and says his desire is much higher than his ability.

Feeling proud to still be relevant in this ever-evolving industry, Stephen’s rich history gives him the special ability to build wonderful connections with our clients, helping them to achieve their own success.

 

Areas of Expertise

  • Interpreting client goals
  • Walking, talking Financial Planning diagnostic
  • Technical knowledge

A true accountant at heart, Shane has been with the Hrkac Group for over 12 years. He loves nothing better than bringing out the best in each of his clients. As manager of the accounting division, as well as a Senior Chartered Accountant, Shane spends most days speaking to clients, preparing individual tax returns, and completing tax planning for businesses.

Even with his CAANZ qualifications and tax agent registration, Shane is well-known around the office as the go-to tech guy. He is always coming up with new ways to improve and streamline processes. It’s seeing his clients grow, both personally and in business that brings Shane joy. Working with SMSF clients – setting them up for a future of success.

Shane is an avid AFL Bulldogs supporter. He loves living by the beach so he can enjoy the fresh salty air with his wife, young daughter, and black lab x retriever. If he’s not out in the garden soaking up some sun, he’s watching the Supercar series and enjoying some quality family time.

 

Areas of Expertise

  • Expanding technical processes
  • Helping clients grow
  • The technology go-to guy

Working to flip the number-crunching accountant stereotype on its head, James loves nothing better than building exciting, positive client relationships. Armed with a Bachelor of Commerce, his CPA and 14 years’ experience in public practise accounting, it’s no surprise that James loves numbers. James was welcomed to the Hrkac Group team in April of 2010.

Bringing some cheeky wit to his teams’ day, James manages the accounting team. Liaising with clients, preparing tax returns, financial statements and SMSF administration documents for his diverse portfolio of clients. James’ areas of particular expertise are advising small businesses on their business structuring. This includes tax minimisation strategies and asset protection where he meets wide range of business owners. He does enjoy all the new challenges they bring!

Although he regards completing his CPA and playing a part in growing the Hrkac Group as his biggest achievements, James must admit becoming a dad for the first time in 2021 is certainly the biggest highlight he can think of to date.

Whilst most dating profiles would list long walks on the beach with his dogs, outside the office, James is more of a cat person! In addition, with wife Sarah, son August and black cat Rosie, James loves spending time with his family. However, he also enjoys eating cheese and drinking red wine. As a sport lover at heart, he’s a big supporter of the almighty Gunners football club (Arsenal). Whilst he’s not great at golf, he certainly enjoys solving the world’s problems over a beer with his mates at the local pub after a game.

 

Areas of Expertise

  • Easy going nature
  • Small Business entities and business advisory
  • GST compliance
  • SMSF tax administration

One of the originals, Kim was part of the first Hrkac Group team back in 1994. Now with over 36 years of experience as an Accountant, Kim is one of the pillars of the Hrkac Group’s Accounting division.

She very much enjoys working in the great team environment John has fostered.

Kim works with business clients, taking care of their tax returns and financial statements, helping them to plan their tax minimisation strategies so they get the best out of their returns.

With three adult children, two grandkids, and a border collie, Kim’s weekends are full of action. She enjoys going to the beach and watching live theatre shows.

One of her greatest achievements (apart from raising three wonderful kids) is completing a full marathon. So keeping her fitness levels up is certainly a passion!

 

Areas of Expertise

  • Tax minimisation strategies
  • Business Financials
  • Preparing Financial Statements

Well known for being able to multitask like a pro, Kylie is really great at keeping everything under control for the Senior Accounting team. Clients have the benefit of Kylie’s extensive background preparation work. Meaning, their tax returns and BAS processing go as smoothly as possible.

With her love for numbers from a young age, it’s no surprise that Kylie pursued a career in Accounting.

She joined the Hrkac Group team in early 2017. She particularly loves working because of its small-knit family feel in a larger team environment.

In her spare time, Kylie is kept busy with her two young kids, enjoying time exploring new places and spending time outdoors – she’s also re-discovering her love for scrapbooking and puzzles, combining the two pastimes and creating her own puzzles to enjoy!

 

Areas of Expertise

  • Good with Numbers
  • Can multitask like a pro
  • Working with clients

Nick is an accountant at the Hrkac Group, starting his role in June of 2024. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Financial Planning, and is currently studying to become a Chartered Accountant. With 5 years of experience in the field, Nick’s main duties include preparing tax returns, financial statements and BASs, engaging in tax planning to strategically optimise financial and tax outcomes, and assisting clients in achieving their financial obligations and goals. He also provides business insights, aids in account reconciliation, and supports business startups.

Nick loves his client-centric role, helping clients achieve the best possible results. His interest in numbers and understanding the financial operations of various businesses motivated him to join this industry. He finds joy in assisting the success of small businesses and appreciates their contribution to the economy and local communities.

Working at the Hrkac Group, Nick enjoys the friendly and supportive staff, the positive environment, inclusive culture, and great client relationships.

Outside of work, Nick loves the beach, the snow, and spending time with his dogs, Dani (a golden retriever) and Dexter (a Groodle). He enjoys spending time with his friends, traveling, outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and 4WD, as well as playing golf.

Areas of Expertise

  • Tax Returns & Financial Statements
  • Tax Planning & Minimisation
  • Efficient Problem Solver
  • Jack of All Trades

Marko is our Self-Managed Super Funds superstar, working with clients throughout the life of their SMSF journey. Clients also have the benefit of Marko’s groundwork skills over the past 3 years, in preparing financial statements for EOFY lodgement.

Straight out of high school, Marko jumped into a Bachelor of Commerce and landed at the Hrkac Group not long after graduating. Loving nothing better than his 5-minute drive to work, Marko loves the relaxed and friendly atmosphere here.

On the weekends, you’ll find Marko watching all the sporting events he can find, firing up the BBQ, or spending time at the beach with his dogs George & Marli.

 

Areas of Expertise

  • SMSFs
  • Financial Statement preparation
  • Consistently delivering outcomes

Nidhi joined The Hrkac Group in May 2024, bringing over 12 years of experience and a strong academic background including a Bachelor of Commerce, CA (India), Master of Professional Accounting and CPA.

She has a genuine passion for working with numbers, describing it as solving a puzzle. Nidhi enjoys analysing data, spotting patterns and making the figures balance. She turns complex financial information into practical insights that support better business decisions.

Outside the office, Nidhi enjoys quality time with her husband and getting outdoors, whether that’s a weekend walk, visiting local markets or exploring new cafes.

Areas of Expertise

  • Preparing individual and business tax returns
  • Strategic tax planning and compliance

Keyoor became part of the Hrkac Group in November 2023 as an Accountant and Bookkeeper. With nearly five years of experience, he offers a wide range of professional services, including payroll, bank reconciliation, and the preparation of tax returns and business activity statements.

A true foodie with a love for sweets, no meal is complete for Keyoor without dessert. On weekends, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son, playing cricket, or diving into a documentary about tigers.

Emma joined The Hrkac Group in February 2025, bringing with her valuable accounting experience after completing a Bachelor of Commerce, where she was recognised on the Dean’s List for her academic achievements. Emma enjoys working with numbers and takes pride in helping businesses identify effective strategies to support their success.

Outside of work, Emma is a passionate Richmond Tigers supporter and enjoys staying active with Pilates and yoga. She also plays the ukulele and hopes to learn guitar in the future.

 

Areas of Expertise

  • Preparation of individual and business tax returns
  • BAS and GST compliance
  • Business advisory support