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

Taking charge of the Legal team, Paul joined The Hrkac Group in 2022. Paul has been working in the field for over 10 years. He comes with a Bachelor of Law/Arts and Advanced Diplomate in Legal Practice and Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.

Paul is appreciated by our clients for his ability to use innovative and creative thinking to solve client matters in a timely manner. He works with companies across various industries, providing tailored and practical solutions to help them achieve their personal and business objectives.

Outside the office, Paul is involved in multiple clubs and organisations. Organisations include the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club, Law Institute of Victoria, and Geelong Law Association.

At home, Paul and his wife are the proud parents of two girls and a boy. The weekends consist of watching the kids play basketball, netball, or swimming.  Paul’s favourite weekend activities include hiking, watching the local footy in the BFNL on the weekends with his friends and Boxing & H.I.I.T training, not to brag but Paul is currently undefeated in professional boxing sitting at 0 – 4.

 

Areas of Expertise

  • Fostering Long-Term Relationships
  • Estate Planning
  • Conveyancing
  • Property Law

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

Cuong brings along 16 years of experience to his role as Senior Financial Planner at the Hrkac Group, assisting clients to make informed decisions about their financials, so they can better achieve their future goals.

Cuong’s ability to interact with and guide clients through complex topics simply, empowers clients to make better financial decisions. Since joining the Hrkac Group, Cuong admires the collaboration within the organisation and aims to uphold our values of being outcome-driven and knowledgeable. In the hopes, he can help to achieve the best outcomes for all clients by providing exceptional services.

This professional outlook is only one piece of the puzzle that landed Cuong as one of the top 14 Advisers (out of 500 nationally) chosen to attend a Financial Planning study tour in Shanghai, China in 2014.

Outside of work, Cuong is a keen Tennis and Badminton player, versing friends when they dare. Cuong also loves spending time with his young family. His wife Thao and daughters Meagan, Evelyn, and Amelia. He loves taking everyone out for a day of exploration on the weekends.

Cuong is very proud to be at a point in his life where he can look back at all of his accomplishments and be blessed to be where he is. “Life is short, live life, be happy, and appreciate what you have!”

 

Areas of Expertise

  • Superannuation and Pension
  • Centrelink
  • Investments
  • Personal Insurance

As Practice Manager of the Financial Planning division, Taylah is well known around the office as an allrounder for all things planning! Taylah manages workflows and staff, implements processes, and formulates client strategies on a daily basis.

After eight years at the Hrkac Group, Taylah enjoys working in the wholesome family environment we have fostered. It is no surprise that her bubbly personality translates well into building client relationships. Taylah loves putting her problem-solving and critical thinking to the test and finds it rewarding to assist clients to be in a better financial position.

Outside the office, Taylah enjoys exploring the great outdoors! You will find Taylah, her husband Ry, son Percy and daughter Edith bushwalking, riding bikes, and camping on their weekends.

 

Areas of Expertise

  • Financial planning allrounder
  • Process & project management
  • Strategic development & paraplanning

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

Meg has been a valued member of the Hrkac Group since October 2022 after being recommended for the role by a close friend. Although new to the role and always eager to learn new things, Meg joined our team as our Receptionist.

Her strong communication skills and ability to connect with others effortlessly make her an asset in her position. When reaching the Hrkac Group offices, you will be warmly welcomed by Meg, who will then help direct all clients to the appropriate departments.

She finds fulfillment in assisting others, even with minor tasks, and values the supportive and collaborative atmosphere at Hrkac Group that promotes a sense of community.

Meg holds a Beauty Therapy Diploma, a certification in Lymphatic Drainage, and is currently pursuing studies in Nutrition.

Beyond the office, Meg is dedicated to vocal lessons, leading to landing her first music gig, which she has said is her proudest achievement! Megs weekends are dedicated to spending quality time with her loved ones, and as a passionate student, she embraces her self-proclaimed “nerd” status.

 

Areas of Expertise

  • Communication
  • People Skills

Upon joining the Hrkac Group as an Accountant in August 2023, Kathryn brings 14 years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in commerce to the team. She is currently pursuing her CPA certification.

Interestingly, Kathryn’s career transitioned from being a qualified hairdresser to finding her passion in accounting through the music industry. With a focus on finance roles within the music industry, she excels in simplifying intricate financial concepts for business owners and has taught accounting for 18 months. Kathryn takes pride in mentoring students who have ventured into the accounting field, considering it one of her major accomplishments.

Outside of work, Kathryn enjoys spending weekends with her partner Jesse, his two children, and their greyhound, Lentil. They enjoy activities like surfing, hiking, camping, and attending live music events.

At the Hrkac Group, Kathryn values the diverse tasks she tackles daily and appreciates the supportive team environment where assistance is always available.

Areas of Expertise

  • Management Accounting – Budgets and Forecasts
  • Excel Spreadsheets
  • Payroll Compliance