About Us
Geelong Financial Planners
Delivering Accounting, Taxation & SMSF Expertise
Our team of Geelong financial planners is a longstanding, proactive & forward-thinking practice providing accounting & taxation services to small & medium enterprises, as well as individuals. We also offer comprehensive financial planning advice, with a strong focus on self-managed superannuation. Our practice is made up of seven dedicated professionals, including Certified Practising Accountants & financial planners.
Based in the Geelong area, we have been servicing our clients since 1985 & are dedicated to helping you reach your long-term financial goals.
Meet the Team
The People Behind Our Financial Planning, Advisory & Accounting Services
Darren Cole
Director, CPA, AFP
Darren commenced his employment at what was then Harold Cole Accountants in August 2000. Since then, he has completed his Bachelor of Commerce, CPA studies, is an Associate member of the Financial Planning Association and is a licensed financial adviser. After many years sharing his time between tax and financial advice, Darren now focuses solely on providing financial advice to our clients with a particular interest in helping clients transition into retirement.
Brendan Cole
Director, CPA
Brendan began his career at HJC in 2007. Having excelled during his early years at HJC, Brendan became one of the firm’s partners in 2013. Brendan’s expert skills and knowledge within the accounting industry allows him to provide his clients with the detailed information and advice needed to succeed. His down to earth nature is displayed in his ability to build strong long lasting relationships with his clients.
Vicki Allitt
Senior Accountant, CPA
Vicki has been with HJC Accountants since 1999 where she completed her university degree and CPA. Vicki uses her extensive experience and knowledge across a large variety of business and individual tax and accounting issues to ensure clients get the best advice and service every time. Vicki’s clients will attest to her great depth of knowledge and her warm personality.
Henry Green
Senior Accountant, CPA
Since joining HJC in 2017, Henry completed his CPA designation to advance his studies and technical skills. Henry has continued with his growth and now holds a public practice certificate leading to his now ownership position within the firm. With substantial experience working alongside directors, he is dedicated to guiding a diverse clientele with sound tax advice, aiming to build long-standing relationships for a promising future.
Michael Capomolla
Accountant, CPA
Michael joined HJC seeking new challenges after working for over a decade in customer service and retail management. During his time with HJC, Michael completed his further studies and CPA designation, equipping him with the expertise needed for demanding tasks in public practice. Michael prioritises client relationships, leveraging his strong customer service and attention to detail. As a CPA, he delivers top-notch service and advice across tax and accounting.
Clint Vanderpol
Accountant, CPA
Clint commenced with HJC with extensive technical expertise from his time with a prominent Geelong-based business services provider. His cloud accounting and ATO systems proficiency from this experience has become instrumental in his client engagements upon joining our team. After completing his university studies, Clint went a step further and earned his CPA designation, a testament to his commitment to professional growth. With this solid foundation and practical experience, Clint works closely with clients to navigate a wide range of tax scenarios, offering clear, confident advice that makes complex matters feel simple.
James Thomson
Financial Adviser
James Thomson is one of our licenced financial advisers and started out here in November 2020. James completed his Bachelor’s degree in Financial Planning in 2019 and has been working in the profession for four years as an accredited SMSF association specialist.
Ben Ralston
Financial Adviser
Originally from Wangaratta, Ben moved to Geelong in 2016 to study a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Planning. Ben graduated in 2019 and has worked for 5 years with one of the major banks and 1 year with another Financial Planning practice before joining our team in June 2022. He is a professional financial adviser and is now a licenced financial adviser.
Karyn Richards
Business Service Coordinator
For over a decade, Karyn has steered our Business Services team, which is dedicated to continual improvement and enhancing interactions for us and our clients. Well-known amongst our small to medium-business client base, Karyn expertly navigates them through each BAS season and any other compliance issue they may have with ease, thanks to her extensive technical expertise. While continuing to lead her team, Karyn now also supervises Brendan’s adherence to deadlines, ensures swift and thorough client communication, and manages our new client onboarding process.
Allison Morgan
Business Service Assistant
A valued member of our Business Services team, Allison gained many new friends during the challenging times of Covid, securing grants and subsidies like jobkeeper and state government assistance. Her support to those in business continues as she remains a key point of contact for clients, guiding them through BAS compliance, payroll tax, superannuation, and client identification. Allison’s commitment to meeting deadlines ensures our exceptional track record in lodgement performance continues.
Latest News
Downsizer Contributions Explained by Your Retirement Financial Adviser
How a Business Accountant in Geelong Helps Tradies Avoid Common Accounting Errors
Preparing for 2025: Key Accounting and Financial Planning Updates
