Our Team
Meet our friendly, fantastic team of Accountants, Financial Planners and Support Staff. They can assist you on a wide variety of topics from taxation, accounting, book keeping and business solutions to self managed super funds to full service financial planning.
Paul Latta - Partner
Paul completed his Bachelor of Business (Major in Accounting) at Southern Cross University in 1997.
He began his accounting career in October 1997, joining the then, Gaertner & Young.
He has been a partner of Gaertner & Associates since 2003.
Specialises in Business & Taxation advise, as well as the statutory preparation of Financial Statements and Taxation (including Self Managed Superannuation Funds)
Paul is married to Jemima and his interests include Rugby League and Baseball.
Blake Johnson - Partner
Blake's accounting career commenced in February 2004. He later joined Gaertner and Associates in October 2007 where he specialised in taxation.
Blake became a partner of the firm in December 2017 after registering as a tax agent and joining the Tax Institute as an Associate Member.
Blake has been living in the region since 1994 and currently resides in Lismore with his wife Rebecca and three young boys Isaac, Cooper and Hamish. Blake has many interests including golf, squash, rugby league and cricket.
Shane Moodie Adv Dip Fs (FP) - Financial Planner
Shane has obtained considerable financial planning experience since starting out in the industry in 1997 where he worked in a “self-employed” and an “employee” capacity, both within private practice as well as the banking industry.
He initially started his career in the general insurance field, however he quickly moved into the financial planning area when he realised the value that he could provide his clients with, when determining strategies that may address their whole planning needs, and not just the general insurance requirements.
As the industry is forever evolving, Shane understands the importance of keeping up with these changes, especially concerning education. At this point in time he currently holds the “Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning – Financial Services”. Shane Moodie and Quantum Wealth Solutions who are both authorised to act on behalf of Synchron.
Leanne Wooldridge - Accountant
Leanne commenced work with Gaertner & Associates in July 2018 and has worked in the industry locally since 2002.
She is married to Neale and they have 6 children and 8 grandchildren. Leanne’s interests include reading and sewing.
Jordan Salkeld - Trainee Accountant
Jordan commenced working in accounting in 2016 straight out of finishing Year 12 at Trinity Catholic College in 2015 and has been in training with Gaertner & Associates since October 2019.
He has grown up in the local area and interests include most sports such as Cricket, Soccer and Squash which he has grown up playing as well as listening to and seeing live music and spending time with friends and family.
Amy - Office Manager
Amy commenced work with Gaertner & Associates in July 2020 and comes with years of experience in Administration, Finance, Human Resources, Travel and Business.
Amy is originally from Canberra but moved to the area in January 2015. Amy loves to travel. When not planning her next trip or travelling she enjoys reading, running, cycling, going to the movies and catching up with friends and family.
Julie - Quantum Wealth Solutions Receptionist
Julie joined Quantum Wealth Solutions and Gaertner and Associates in June 2021. She has years of experience in finance and management having owned various businesses in the local area.
In her spare time Julie loves to travel and get out 4WD'ing and camping with her sons.
Jessica - Admin and Receptionist
Jessica commenced work with Gaertner & Associates in July 2022 and comes with years of experience in Administration and Management. She also works alongside her husband assisting in all roles of owning a small business. Jessica is passionate about providing excellent customer service and being efficient in assisting our clients.
Jessica has grown up in the local area and her interests include having family weekend getaways, watching her two children play sports, volunteering at local sporting clubs, and spending time with family and friends.
Sue
Carmen- Receptionist
Carmen commenced work with Gaertner & Associates in 2021 after a background in Retail Management, Natural Medicine & Administration.
Carmen & her son have always lived in the Northern Rivers area & enjoy the laid back lifestyle the region has to offer. Her interests include health & nutrition, cooking, spending time with family & friends, gardening & being outdoors.
Colleen McNall - Personal Assistant – Quantum Wealth Solutions
Colleen commenced in May 2020 and comes with years of experience in Business, Administration and Financial Services.
As part of furthering her education she has gained her Certificate IV in Business and Certificate IV in Financial Services.
Colleen and her family have always lived in the Northern Rivers area. Her interests and hobbies include keeping fit and healthy through Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts and everything outdoors.
Beth Maloney - Receptionist
Beth commenced work with Gaertner and Associates in July 2019 and has completed Certificate III in Business Administration at TAFE.
She grew up in the local area and enjoys spending time with her husband Craig and son Corey, cooking and travelling when possible.