Mara Prusac

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.

Maria joined the Hrkac Group in January 2025 as an accountant, bringing with her over 11 years of experience and a Master of Professional Accounting. Known for her attention to detail and commitment to client success, Maria provides tailored support to help clients achieve the best outcomes in all areas of accounting and taxation.

Accounting runs in Maria’s family—both her parents and siblings are accountants. Growing up surrounded by the profession, she was naturally inspired to follow the same path.

Among her greatest achievements, Maria proudly earned her Master’s degree while balancing the demands of work and family life, all while building a decade of experience in public practice.

Outside of work, Maria enjoys the outdoors—spending her weekends cycling or exploring walking trails along the river. She also loves day trips around Victoria, always with a coffee in hand.

 

Reef joined the Hrkac Group in June 2025 as an Accountant, bringing with him over three years of experience in the accounting industry. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting and Financial Planning.

Reef was drawn to the profession by his passion for helping clients grow their businesses. He has developed strong expertise in working with small business entities, Capital Gains Tax, and GST compliance.

Outside of work, Reef enjoys walking his dog Leo, watching footy, and cheering on the Essendon Football Club. He also loves spending his weekends catching up with friends and relaxing.

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

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

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

Bernadette (Bernie) joined the Hrkac Group as a Client Services Officer in September 2023. With a rich background in financial services, Bernie previously ran a successful financial planning business alongside her husband, Barry.

Outside of work, you’ll often find Bernie enjoying the local wineries or tending to her garden. She’s also taken up mosaic classes, crafting beautiful bird figures to add to her outdoor space.

Keeping up with the ever-changing world of technology is one of Bernie’s ongoing goals, but luckily her two tech-savvy kids, Nicholas and Stephenie, are always there to lend a hand when needed.

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.

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

Jess joined our team in November 2025, bringing with her more than 20 years of experience in retail management. As the friendly face at reception, Jess is passionate about creating a welcoming environment for every client and enjoys helping people with their needs from the moment they walk through the door.

Known for her warm and approachable nature, Jess takes pride in building strong relationships with clients and ensuring they have a positive experience with our team.

Outside of work, Jess enjoys spending quality time with her husband, and three children. Whether she’s cheering from the sidelines at her children’s sporting activities or indulging in a little retail therapy.