Meet Our Team

Ben Seeger

Ben began his career in the industry in 2005 and joined the team at HTA in 2008. He enjoys working with a variety of clients, from people that need assistance with basic financial management to high-net-worth clients that want to ensure their money is working hard for them. Ben’s biggest professional achievement is establishing HTA’s financial planning business from the ground up.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A fireman.

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Cruisy, neat.

Do you have any special skills or talents?
Quite handy on the tools, (hammer especially).

Elisha Huke

Elisha began working in the industry in 2010, moving over to HTA in 2014 where she started as a junior accountant. Her biggest professional achievement is making Partner at HTA. Elisha’s passion lies in developing her team, guiding them toward achieving their career aspirations. She takes great pride in playing a crucial role in the success of her clients.

What are your hobbies, interests, or favourite things to do?
Eating out at nice restaurants, reading, lifting weights, reading, going to the footy

What can you not live without?
My kindle, I read every single night and could not sleep without it

What is your favourite or ultimate travel destination?
Anywhere on the Mediterranean, love the food, culture & sun, would love to go on a Super Yacht one day off the coast of Italy

Tim Hale

After beginning his career in 1999, Tim went on to become one of HTA’s founding partners in 2008. He considers this his biggest professional achievement as it allows him to positively impact on so many lives, especially our wonderful clients and dynamic team. Tim’s favourite part of his job is talking! He’s thrives off helping people, listening and tactically working through problems, big and small.

What are your hobbies, interests, or favourite things to do?
My family time which seems to always involve eating, the great outdoors and many nights ended with a great glass of red. Let’s not forget the mighty magpies at the G and I love running 3 times a week.

What causes are you passionate about?
Hearing impaired because of my family history, and the big group hug. Both are amazing, very impactful causes for very different reasons.

One random fact about you
I am extremely colour blind!

Troy Townley

After beginning his first Graduate role in 1999, Troy went on to become one of HTA’s founding fathers in 2008. He considers HTA’s growth into the business it is today as his biggest professional achievement. His favourite part of his job is being able to work with clients and our team to have a positive and lasting impact for them and their families.

What can you not live without?
As corny as it sounds, my family.

What are your hobbies, interests, or favourite things to do?
Cycling (being a Beach Road MAMIL), golf, any live sport and horse racing.

What causes are you passionate about?
Mental health, physical health and a fairer go for small businesses and families.

Alex Smith

Alex started with HTA in October 2018 and has been working in the industry since 2008. His favourite part of his job is teaching others, be they Junior Accountants or clients. He enjoys watching people develop new skills and confidence as they grow into their role. His biggest professional achievement was being appointed the CFO of a health organisation at 27 years old.

Outside of work you’ll find Alex…
Paying golf, reading, movies, gaming, 4WD and camping.

What is your ultimate travel destination?
Scotland.

One random fact about you is…
I have 8 siblings.

Anthony Beauchamp

Anthony started at HTA in October 2021 and has been working in the finance industry since 2011. His favourite part of his job is exploring client goals and contributing to the process of achieving them. One of Anthony’s strengths is nurturing client relationships and solving complex problems.

What are your hobbies, interests and favourite things to do?
Family, The Hawks and all sport really, massive wine freak and a classic MAMMAL (push bike rider).

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Passionate, loyal & relaxed.

What causes are you passionate about?
Agriculture and The Hawks next flag!!!!

Arvin Ventura

Arvin joined the team at HTA in 2018. His biggest professional achievement is getting his CPA license in 2007 which marked the beginning of his career and opened many doors, leading him to where he is today. Being able to help clients achieve their goals is the most rewarding part of Arvin’s job.

Do you have any special skills or talents?
I have a passion for music and singing.

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Cheerful, optimistic and passionate.

One random fact about you.
I love sweets. When I go to a buffet, I eat more desserts than other dishes.

Aylin Kaner

Aylin joined the HTA team in 2024 as a Client Services Assistant and considers her biggest professional achievement completing her degree full time during the pandemic, while working three jobs. Her favourite part of her job is problem solving and creating streamlined processes to create a better customer experience.

Outside of work you will find Aylin…
Going to the gym, the beach, doing Pilates, reading, and paint by numbers!

What can you not live without?
English breakfast tea.

What is your favourite or ultimate travel destination?
The South of France.

Cass Jefferis

Cass has been with HTA since 2019. She feels that the most rewarding part of her job is helping our clients achieve their goals. Cass enjoys assisting with the training and development of her fellow team members, while also assisting the business improve systems and processes.

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Organised, positive, hardworking.

What causes are you passionate about?
Sustainability, always trying to be the best version of me.

What are your hobbies, interests, or favourite things to do?
Gym, trying out new restaurants, making candles.

Don Wijesuriya

Don entered the industry in 2015 and became part of the HTA team in May 2023. He regards his ability to provide exceptional service to clients as his greatest professional accomplishment. The most fulfilling aspect of his role is delivering outstanding results for his clients, particularly when it entails significant effort.

Outside of work you can find Don…
Playing Basketball and mobile games, and building/repairing things.

One random fact about you is…
I love to go on long interesting drives. I will always drive over being a passenger!

What causes are you passionate about?
Animal welfare – particularly stray dogs feeding programs in Sri Lanka

Dylan Smith

Dylan Began his journey at HTA in 2022 as a graduate accountant. His biggest achievement is finishing university full time throughout the struggles and troubles of COVID. Dylan’s favourite part of his job is being able to work as part of a team and to problem solve.

What is your favourite or ultimate travel destination?

I would love to be able to travel to Iceland in the future

What are your hobbies, interests and favourite things to do?

Basketball, AFL and eating out at restaurants

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Food truck chef

Eina Tapnio

Eina joined HTA in the first quarter of 2024, having begun her career in the same field in 2021. Throughout her more than three years in the industry, her greatest professional accomplishment has been seeing clients succeed and supporting them through both highs and lows. Receiving gratitude from clients for her efforts has touched her heart and become her favorite aspect of her work.

Outside of work you can find Eina… 
Listening to podcasts while doing my own stuff.

What can you not live without?
Liptint care and sunscreen.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a child, I wanted to be Wonder Woman.

Emily Fullick

Emily began her journey with HTA in 2024 as a Client Services Coordinator. Her proudest professional achievement is starting her previous position at an entry level and becoming a team supervisor within 18 months. What she enjoys most about her job is working in a team where she can bounce ideas off others and problem solve together.

Outside of work you will find Emily…
Reading, going to the Fitzroy Gardens and camping at Wilsons Promontory.

What can you not live without?
Lip balm. Can never leave the house without it and always have it stocked up in multiple bags and places.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Work in the Performing Arts.

Grelyd Itliong

Grelyd has been working in the industry for 24 years and began her jour. Grelyd loves working along side her colleagues while doing finalization of Financial Statements. Her biggest achievements are receiving certificates of recognition for a accounting role when working overseas in Dubai.

What are your hobbies, interests, or favourite things to do?

Watching movies, spending time with family, travelling and eating

Do you have any special skills or talents?

Teamwork skills, adaptability, flexibility, cross cultural sensitivity

What is your favourite or ultimate travel destination?

Australia, Europe, USA

Heruni Bibile

In 2023, Heruni began her journey at HTA as a Graduate Accountant. She considers leading her own administration team as her most significant professional milestone. The most fulfilling aspect of her role is engaging with clients and fostering meaningful relationships.

Outside of work you can find Heruni…
Going to the movies or shopping!

One random fact about you is…
I’ve competed in two pageants, one of them during Covid.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be an astronaut.

Jamie Gazelle

Jamie began his HTA career in 2020. The most rewarding part of his job is assisting clients achieve their financial and personal goals.

What are your hobbies, interests, or favourite things to do?
Soccer, Golf and Wakeboarding.

What can you not live without?
Lasagne.

What causes are you passionate about?
Saving wildlife and preserving our planet.

Jefferson Torres

Jeff joined the HTA team in 2023 with over 11 years of experience in the mortgage industry behind him. Jeff’s favourite part of his job is working with brokers to help clients achieve their dream of homeownership and find opportunities to save money through mortgage refinancing.

Outside of work you can find Jeff…
Computer gaming with friends and night outs

What can Jeff not live without?
Pizza

What is your favourite or ultimate travel destination?
Japan

Jes Butterfield

Jes started with HTA in 2019 after finishing her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Design and Business. She considers her overall knowledge and day-to-day understanding of HTA’s operations her biggest professional achievement. Jes’s favourite part of her job is assisting with training and development of the Client Services Team, as well as leading HTA’s marketing strategy which allows her to be creative.

Outside of work you can find Jes…
Camping, snowboarding, and watching trash reality TV.

One random fact about you is…
I used to play the French Horn.

What can you not live without?
My silk pillowcase.

Julie Ramke-Meyer

Julie joined the HTA team in October 2011 as the firm’s first graduate accountant, fresh from completing her Bachelor of Accounting at La Trobe University in July 2011. Since then, she has made significant strides, with her proudest achievement being the founding of HTA Queensland. Julie’s passion lies in guiding clients to success; she finds fulfillment in assisting others and witnessing their accomplishments firsthand.

Outside of work you will find Julie…
Going to the gym, my alarm goes off at 4:25am every day. Spending time with my family. Trying new restaurants.

One random fact about you is…
I have been treasurer of the Lungitude Foundation since its inception in 2016, following my stepsisters double-lung transplant. It is a charity that improves survival rates & outcomes for lung transplant recipients and their carers.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A chef! I have always had a passion to cook.

Kaye Pecson

Kaye Joined HTA in 2022 as Client Services Assistant. She is interested in being able to create, facilitate and design training programs to various positions that would make a positive impact in the organization particularly in Hospitality Industry. Kaye says there are so many marvellous things about working with HTA. Her favourite probably would be the opportunity to work alongside with my colleagues that shares the same vision and awesome organisational culture that allows growth and development.

What are your hobbies, interests, or favourite things to do?
I am fond of reading management books and binge watching The Young Sheldon, The Big Bang theory and Hawaii five-o.

One random fact about you.
I do not believe in luck. Anything that asks for success always requires preparation. Prepare like there is no tomorrow!

What causes are you passionate about?
Total Quality Management.

Keila Camille Tapaoan

Keila began her journey with HTA in 2019 and has been working in the accounting industry for almost 10 years. For her, the most rewarding part of her job is knowing that she is able to help her colleagues and clients through her role and experience.

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Dedicated, hardworking and meticulous.

What are your hobbies, interests, or favourite things to do?
Travelling and trying food from other places and countries.

One random fact about you.
I am afraid of creatures in the shape of worms, from centipedes to snakes.

Laura Lucas

Laura became a part of the HTA team in 2023. She considers her greatest professional achievement to be organizing and executing interstate conferences and events. Her favourite aspect of her job is building and nurturing personal client relationships while also enhancing the internal company culture and morale.

Outside of work you can find Laura…
Dancing, watching psychological thriller movies, attending metal/rock concerts and enjoying hearty food and drinks with my close friends.

One random fact about you is…
I used to be a florist.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An artist or a veterinarian.

Lucy Malligan

Lucy joined the HTA Team in 2022. Her favourite part of her job is working alongside and learning from her great colleagues. Lucy’s biggest professional achievement was completing her bachelor’s degree whilst working full time.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A pastry chef.

What causes are you passionate about?
Sustainability and animal rights.

What is your favourite travel destination?
Florence, Italy – gelato and delicious pasta galore!

Luke Ring

Luke began his journey with HTA in 2024 as a Senior Accountant. He considers landing this job as his biggest professional achievement. The most rewarding part of his job is building strong relationships with clients and colleagues.

Outside of work you can find Luke…
Workout at the gym and exploring nature

One random fact about Luke is…
I love to play Tennis and keep up to date with professional rankings and tournament results.

What can you not live without?
My family, I have three older sisters and four nieces and nephews.

Melanie Fanor

Melanie started with HTA in 2022 and has been working in the industry since 2014. Finishing her CPA has been her biggest professional achievement. Melanie’s favourite part of her job is interacting with clients and building great professional relationships.

What are your hobbies, interests, or favourite things to do?
Reading, pilates and going to brunch with friends.

What is your favourite or ultimate travel destination?
I have not been yet, but Iceland.

One random fact about you
I speak French.

Melissa Kuhnd

Melissa began her journey with HTA in 2014. Her favourite thing about her job is knowing people enjoy coming to work and seeing the passion they have for the work they do. She loves seeing the team evolve and achieving goals they never thought possible.

Outside of work you will find Melissa…
Spending time with my family, dancing, going to wineries, seeing the joy in her daughters face when she experiences something for the first time.

What is your ultimate travel destination?
I’d love to visit the Northern Territory.

One random fact about you is…
I eat the top part of the snickers first, then the nougat.

Michael Dance

Michael has been with HTA since 2019 and has been working in the industry since 2014. As a Manager, he is responsible for dealing with the day to day needs of clients and assisting his fellow accountants. Michael finds fulfillment in helping clients achieve both their personal and professional goals, which he considers the highlight of his role.

Outside of work you will find Michael…
Playing golf and tennis, and going to the footy.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Carpenter or tennis player.

What is your ultimate travel destination?
Majorca and Iceland.

Rachel Singam

Rachel joined the team at HTA in 2018 and considers moving into a management role to be her biggest professional achievement. Her favourite part of her job is working with such an amazing team each day. As Operations Manager, problem-solving and overseeing projects to improve the overall business and client experience are key elements of her role.

Outside of work you will find Rachel…
Going for walks, swimming, CrossFit, playing board games and reading.

What is your ultimate travel destination?
Anywhere tropical!

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A marine biologist.

Recelyn Licarzo

Recelyn began working in a private manufacturing company located in Mariveles, Bataan in 2018. she joined the HTA team in 2022. Her biggest achievement is starting her own accounting career in the private manufacturing company. After 6 Months she was promoted to finance and head of accounting i the company. She considers this a great achievement as in a short span of time she was able to have greater opportunities of learning in a higher position. Recelyn loves working at HTA as it enables her to continuously learn to enhance her skills and expand her knowledge which she can also share with her colleagues.

What are your hobbies, interests, or favourite things to do?

My hobbies are watching YouTube vlogs, K-drama series, Netflix movies and series.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was a child, I wanted to be a doctor or a teacher.

What is your favourite or ultimate travel destination?

I want to go to Paris and Switzerland.

Shaun Scullin

Shaun started as a Graduate Accountant with HTA in 2023 and considers securing this position his greatest professional achievement. The most rewarding aspect of his role is being able to help others.

Outside of work you can find Shaun…
Enjoying sport, having nights out with my mates and watching movies

One random fact about you is…
Everyone always has a difference answer when guessing my accent, even I don’t know what it is at this point

Do you have any special skills or talents?
I can spin a basketball on my finger and change fingers as its spinning

Shirley Dai