Dmca advisory acquires Willoughbys Financial as founders plan for retirement

“We had strong growth during Covid due to a surge in compliance-related work, now it continues in advisory services,” she said. “Our revenue has increased by more than 30 per cent over the past three years.

“We are seeing continued demand for services in financial planning, as well as tax, plus specialised advice for family business entities and SMEs – including those from regional and rural areas as agribusiness grows.

“Rather than flocking to the big names, clients are really looking for a more personal approach. Post-COVID, many want to get back to real relationships with their advisers.

“Financial advisory and SME clients want the in-house integrated services we offer, but with a personal, local approach you can only provide in a smaller firm. This is where our strength lies.”

In preparation for the merger dmca hired a financial adviser, Marcus Reade-Brown, who had recently returned from a 20-year career in Melbourne, together with graduate accountant Tom Roberts.

Dmca also rejigged its leadership team with Alison Stanbridge, Ricardo Neves and Mark Gellert stepping up to associate director roles in July last year, and it will offer an employee share scheme.

Ms Tonkin said the team would increase further this year but the firm is aware of the challenges in expanding.

“Growth must be sustainable. I want to retain the values that clients come to us for. Not everyone wants, or needs, to be big.

“While many accounting and advisory firms of less than 50 people decide to merge with mid-sized national firms and, although we have clients located across Australia and internationally, we have always had a strong commitment to the local market as this is where the majority of our clients reside.”