Nick Blignaut
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
Narelle brings a wealth of experience and diverse expertise to her role. She holds a Certificate IV and a Diploma in Finance and Mortgage Broking, along with a Diploma in Financial Services. With a remarkable 20-year background in property investing and home improvements, Narelle has a deep understanding of the real estate market. Her professional journey includes previous roles in home and motor insurance claims, as well as procurement, demonstrating her versatility and breadth of knowledge.
One of Narelle’s most fulfilling achievements is her ability to assist and guide others into home ownership or investment properties. This aspect of her career has provided her with immense satisfaction over the years. Prior to her current pursuits, Narelle had a distinguished career in the public service, including seven years in the Defence Force, where she served with active duty in the Kuwait/Iraq region as part of a ship’s medical team and as a chef.
After high school, Narelle trained as a chef, a skill she continues to enjoy. She is a married mother of three and describes herself as a self-confessed chocoholic, humorously offering a “dessert removal service.” Narelle has a passion for traveling overseas, experiencing different cultures, foods, and market shopping. She also loves spending time with her border collie and poodle, dining out, and catching up with friends.
Areas of Expertise
- Finance
- Financial Services
- Mortgage Broking
Simone is appreciated around the office for her in-depth knowledge of the multitude of lending partners on offer to our clients. Her expertise lies in understanding what position clients are in to take the leap into taking out a mortgage and preparing them for what lies ahead.
With over 20 years’ experience and background in the banking world, Simone really enjoys being able to create a positive experience for all lending clients she works with. Liaising with clients and researching the different lending options are a daily task for Simone. The support she receives from the lending team is what makes her enjoy working for the Hrkac Group, which she has been part of for the last 12 years.
Keeping herself active, Simone enjoys regularly playing tennis. She also enjoys keeping her skills up at both snow and water skiing depending on the season. Simone loves going home to her husband, two adult(ish) kids, and two energetic Kelpies. On weekends, Simone also loves going out and spending time with friends.
Areas of Expertise
- In-depth knowledge of lenders
- Understanding lending process
- Client relationships
- Home Loan planning
Joining the Hrkac Group in mid-2018, Kayla started as an Administration Assistant and has recently moved into the role of Client Relationship Manager for all divisions of the company. Working closely with the senior management team, Kayla is the friendly face that greets clients and the smooth voice that answers the phones.
Loving a good chinwag with our clients, Kayla is across the ins and outs of the Hrkac Group and has a good handle on what clients need and when. Originally starting her working life as a qualified Chef and Barista, Kayla decided that office hours were much more appealing!
Outside of work, Kayla loves (most things) sport, following the Boston Celtics NBA team, the Western Bulldogs AFL team, and Nick Kyrios in the Tennis, and is now suffering through watching the Soccer at her partner’s request!
Areas of Expertise
- Client liaison
- Schedule management
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
One of the originals, Lisa has been part of the Hrkac Group family for the past 20 years and is currently assigned the mission of being John’s Personal Assistant. Comfortable completing Tax Returns, BAS, Company and Trust setups, and transferring refunds – Lisa is happiest connecting with clients through compassion, support, playful humour, and helping spread the good vibes around the office.
After raising 3 beautiful children, Lisa now relishes her new role of being Grandma and loves to spend time entertaining family and friends, especially feeding them her home-cooked delectable delights.
Travelling is also on the agenda after having caught the travel bug on a 6-week jaunt through Europe during which she explored her Dutch heritage. Lisa is always the first one up on the dance floor and usually the last to leave. Music is one of her passions and you will more than often find her either at a live gig or dabbling in the craft of songwriting.
Areas of Expertise
- Multitasking pro
- Customer relationships
- Brightening your day with a smile
Victoria joined the Hrkac Group in October 2023, bringing with her a Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. She has two years of experience in the legal profession.
Victoria specializes in Wills and Deceased Estates, Family Law, Migration Law, and client relationship management. She is passionate about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives during what can be a challenging and emotional time, offering guidance and support as individuals plan for their future.
In her free time, Victoria enjoys reading, watching her favourite series, and spending time with family and friends.
Areas of Expertise
- Wills and Deceased Estates
- Family Law
- Migration Law
Tamika joined the Hrkac Group in July 2022 as part of the financial planning team. Tamika has worked in the financial planning industry for 10 years.
Tamika has completed her Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning & Advanced Diploma in Paraplanning. Tamika spends her days completing client’s annual reviews, financial modelling and writing advice documents. Tamika enjoys helping clients meet their financial goals.
Tamika adores her family of three beautiful girls, her partner and their golden Labrador Precious. On the weekends you will most likely find her reading a good book, cake decorating, taking her girls to dance classes, going for a hike or enjoying a Dungeons and Dragons session with friends.
Jack joined the team at the Hrkac Group in March 2024 taking on the role of a Legal Clerk. He is nearing the completion of his Associate’s Degree in Legal Practice (Paralegal) at RMIT, marking the beginning of his professional journey in the legal field. Despite having no prior experience, Jack’s primary role is supporting Paul and Victoria with legal matters while he trains to manage conveyancing cases independently.
Assisting clients through legal challenges is where Jack finds fulfillment, drawing him to the industry. The ever-changing tasks and daily challenges keep him motivated and engaged. Being a part of the welcoming and supportive team at the Hrkac Group adds to his enjoyment and passion for the industry.
In his position, Jack is involved with the preparation of legal documents, coordinating settlements, and managing property transactions all of which complement his skills and are executed with proficiency.
Beyond his professional life, Jack stays active by hitting the gym and enjoys fishing. He is a passionate supporter of Essendon in the AFL and the Maroons in the State of Origin, showcasing his love for sports.
Areas of Expertise
- Preparation of legal documents
- Settlement coordination
- Property transactions
Mara is a results driven accountant who enjoys going behind the scenes of individuals and business’ to produce strategies and guidance to help her clients achieve their goal.
With a Bachelor of Business, Accounting & Financial Planning, this- quick learner assists in tax returns of all types.
Outside of work you can find Mara camping, catching up with friends, and renovating her house with the company of her two cats Tony and Gomez, her dog Bozo, and her partner Michael.