One of our founding directors, Geoff Walker initially entered accounting in the footsteps of his accountant father. But he’s stayed in the sector for 50-plus years because of the great satisfaction he gains from helping people.

Early in Geoff’s career, every part of the accounting and audit process was manual – from filling out ledgers to writing up primary books of account. He embraced technology after the 1970s, first learning punch-card based auditing programs at London University and a range of transformative systems since. “Technology is just magic. We can do things so much more efficiently than even five years ago,” he enthuses. Geoff worked at several firms later incorporated into EY, before founding one of the respected firms that has since become WLM.

Matching his quietly competent personal style is a deep commitment to order and systems, from ensuring that lodgements are met well ahead of deadline, to instilling a culture of mentorship that ensures all team members feel valued and productive. Geoff is an active 4WD enthusiast, outback camper and devoted grandparent.

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Laura Menschik’s time as a financial planner spans three decades, hundreds of clients and, in some instances, several generations. Throughout, she’s developed the increasingly staunch belief that independent, goals-focused financial advice is the surest way to a successful outcome.

Laura’s role as a founding director of WLM dates back to the late 1990s, when she and Geoff Walker had offices in the same Sydney CBD building and cross-referred numerous clients. Their similar approach to helping clients across all facets of their finances – business and personal, accounting and finance – led to the formation of WLM and still underpins the company’s philosophy.

Laura has a longtime professional association with the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA), of which she was made a Fellow in 2008. She is a regular commentator in the financial media and a Life Governor of the Benevolent Society of NSW. She’s fond of a good pinot noir and enjoying the simple things in life, especially time with family and friends.

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There’s never a dull moment in the world of accounting and finance, whether it’s market shocks or changing governments – and that volatility will always be exciting to this director. Amanda Rogers has earned an impressive number of qualifications over the years, training first as an accountant and CPA before completing a high-scoring MBA, which won her a prestigious Zonta award.

However, it’s the warm team dynamic and rewarding client work that Amanda values most at WLM. “We all help each other out, and have a culturally diverse workforce and an open-door management policy. It’s a place where people can thrive,” she says. Her work at WLM has included guiding numerous startups to growth, growth structures for medical professionals and medical practices, international branch accounting, business valuations and much more.

When not at work, Amanda supports the University of Technology Sydney’s MBA Women’s Network and is on the board of directors for Coast Community Connections, a registered charity delivering high quality services to young people, families, people with a disability and older people on the NSW Central Coast. She is active with her teenage children and their far-ranging mountain-biking or cheerleading ventures. She’s also a keen property investor, always on the lookout for her next purchase.

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Matt has been a financial planner since 1992, prompted to do so after observing some poor financial decisions made by people within his wider circles. He was determined to learn and not make such mistakes. “They would be much better off if not for those decisions,” he observes. “It doesn’t have to be that hard.”

An innate problem-solver and ‘financial architect’, Matt has been instrumental in developing the goals-based financial planning and investment approach we use here at WLM.

He is known for his refreshing frankness, whether it’s demystifying finance to clients, or pushing the team to find better ways of doing things. Through his exploration of individual motivations and decisions, he’s improved the financial outcomes for hundreds of clients in his two-plus decades as a founding director of WLM.

Outside of the office, Matt loves spending time with his family, who all have a thirst for adventure – climbing the Himalayas, skiing the back bowls or walking the Serengeti. He has also set up a not-for-profit initiative that educates other financial advisors on giving the best advice. “The industry is changing, and there are some incredible opportunities allowing us to achieve great things for our clients,” he says.

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Sean’s training as a Certified Financial Planner may have begun before he was out of school shorts. From a young age, he was observing how finances affected people’s lives and lifestyles, and after completing years and years of studies, including a Bachelor of Economics and Finance, found he could make a real difference for people.

Sean hasn’t stopped helping people since, working in various financial advisory roles and becoming a director at WLM Financial in 2008. He has long upheld the signature WLM Financial approach, of combining analytical diligence with a genuine effort to understand client problems. “I hate seeing people having to make rushed financial decisions – the results usually aren’t great. So I spend a lot of time with people, getting them to think ahead, so that we can plan, prepare and pounce when the time’s right,” he explains.

He’s also known for his steady stream of dad-jokes and intense fitness regime, which includes group-training, golf and kid-wrangling.

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Stephen ran a successful financial planning practice for almost 15 years before joining WLM Financial, drawn by its warm team culture, operational efficiencies and innovative investment solutions. “I love my job because I get to meet new people every day. There is no greater satisfaction than working with a client and seeing their dreams come true. No two days are the same,” he says.

WLM’s goals-based approach resonates with Stephen’s own beliefs around client care, which involve customised strategies and clear communication, ultimately coaching clients to financial freedom. He is keenly aware of how often most people’s situations change, driving the need to review each client’s financial position regularly to ensure they’re getting the most out of their resources.

Like his fellow directors, Stephen is a great driver of innovation at WLM and the efficiencies that new technology bring about – for planners and clients alike.

A self-confessed AFL tragic (West Coast Eagles, for the record), Stephen also loves a good political thriller and is devoted to his family.

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Growing up as one of six competitive boys in country Victoria and Canberra, Dan McGrath always knew that financial soundness and personal freedom went hand-in-hand. He was quick to get on the career ladder after studying commerce and accounting, with stints in London and Edinburgh working for KPMG, then at Walter Turnbull (now part of PwC) in Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney for 10 years before setting up his own practice.

In 2012, the team-minded Dan – a former first-grade rugby and AFL player – joined WLM Financial, where he is a director and instrumental lead in the accounting practice. Dan echoes the WLM philosophy of embracing new financial technology, and encouraging a long-term holistic mindset in clients. “For business owners, an accountant is often their only support in financial decision-making. That’s why we believe that accounting and finances should be planned as a whole,” Dan explains.

Outside of work, Dan is a keen AFL and rugby fan, weekend golfer and enjoys listening to podcasts when he can get a quiet moment from his two children. He’s known for his easygoing manner and quick, dry humour.

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