People and Culture News November 2025

Welcome to your people and culture update.👋 Meet our newest team members, Anna Zhayvoronok, Dacia Morrall, Melodie Hempsall, Madeleine Jenkin, Mark Carey, Brooke Eather, Myles Perry, Sharnee Carroll and Erin Burgess and learn more about them as they share three interesting facts about themselves.

Plus, check out our latest blog where we chat about the Ulton Dale Carnegie Emerging Leaders Program.

We also have some current vacancies, so check out the exciting career opportunities at Ulton Careers. 🌟

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Welcome to the team...

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Anna Zhayvoronok

Client Manager,
Fraser Coast Office

Values: Family, Honesty, Accountable, Teamwork/Team Player, Commitment

What’s your favourite thing to do on the weekends?
I love spending time with my family – we often go camping or fishing.
Can you speak more than one language?
Yes, I speak Russian fluently and a bit of French.
If you could play an instrument, what would it be?

The piano – I never learned myself, but made sure my kids did, so now I get to enjoy listening to them play.

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Dacia Morrall

Senior Accountant, Brisbane Office

Values: Open, Maintaining Balance, Recognition, Customer, Credibility

What’s your biggest fear and why?
The supernatural. How can anyone say for certain that when I look down a dark, creaky hallway, in an old house, at night, that there is never going to be something sinister, just waiting for a vulnerable moment to strike? Will this fear stop me from binging horror movies? Absolutely not. Is this contributing to the issue? Next question.
What’s your most-used productivity hack?
Being neuro spicy, I sometimes find it difficult to get into the rhythm of concentrating, or find myself a bit too easily distracted with the hustle and bustle of my emails and teams messages etc. I find that putting a specific song on repeat while completing a task (whichever song is tickling my brain at that point in time), will ensure that I stay focused on that task alone. When I need to move on to the next task, I change songs and have that on repeat, etc. See step one and repeat. And repeat.
What was your favourite subject in school?
I absolutely loved English throughout all of my school years. So much so, I studied a double bachelor of Creative Writing and Accounting in University.

Melodie Hempsall

Receptionist,
Fraser Coast Office

Values: Credibility, Family, Innovative, Trust, Commitment

What’s the best concert you’ve been to?
Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
What’s the best place you’ve travelled to?
Cape York.
What is your favourite animal and why?

Snakes! I grew up with a pet snake.

Madeleine Jenkin

Client Services Officer,
Bundaberg Office

Values: Integrity, Fun, Teamwork, Family, Fairness

What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
The best book I have re-read recently is Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential. An entertaining and eye-opening read.
Do you play any sports?
Not really a sport, but I really enjoy my PT training. I am currently training to attend the Melbourne Hyrox event in December (a fitness race), with the aim to improve my time that I set with my first attempt in Brisbane earlier in the year.
What’s something you’re proud of?
Something I’m proud of, taking the leap to restart my professional career at Ulton, after some years of predominantly focusing on raising my 4 children.

Mark Carey

Senior Accountant,
Bundaberg Office

Values: Integrity, Quality, Maintaining Balance, Open, Effectiveness

What kind of music do you like?
A bit of everything, Country, Rock, Blues.
What’s your favourite thing to do on the weekends?
Getting off the beaten track camping & fishing.
If you could play an instrument, what would it be?
Drums.

Brooke Eather

Bookkeeper,
Fraser Coast Office

Values: Honesty, Accountable, Commitment, Credibility, Consistency

Do you have any pets, if so, what’s their name?
I have two dogs, Loki (Cavoodle) and Zeus (Groodle). Who both share the same birthday but a year apart.
What’s your favourite thing to do on the weekends?
My favourite weekend activity, if the weather permits, is to go jet skiing.
Do you have any vacations planned? If so, where to?
Next year I have my first cruise booked to Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

Myles Perry

Accountant,
Bundaberg Office

Values: Lifelong Learning, Passion, Credibility, Competence, Fun

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
I am a Bonsai artist/enthusiast. I have been doing it for a few years now and would love to display one of my Bonsai trees in the office at some point when they are ready.
Have you ever met anyone famous?
No, but I have a handball signed by Kevin Rudd from my high school.
Are you a sports fan? Who are your favourite teams?
I started following the NRL in recent years and have become an enthusiastic Brisbane Bronco’s supporter. Up the Bronx!

Sharnee Carroll

Superannuation Manager,
Bundaberg Office

Values: Maintaining Balance, Quality, Trust, Family, Consistancy

What is your favourite animal and why?
My beagle Coco, she is a joy to be around and always puts a smile on my face.
Are you a coffee or tea person, and what is your favourite order?
I am a tea snob, so only English Breakfast for me.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
All through school, I wanted to be a stockbroker! I even did work experience in high school and planned all my school subjects around this.

Erin Burgess

Superannuation Accountant,
Bundaberg Office

Values: Family, Integrity, Trust, Consistency, Commitment

Are you a morning person or a night owl, and why?
My family rise at the crack of dawn, making me a morning person because come 8pm I am thinking about bed.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a child I wanted to be a doctor, but my Essential Tremor rendered that an impossible dream. I have since discovered there are many ways to help others.
What’s your favourite thing to do on the weekends?
My favourite thing to do of a weekend is to travel to Gympie to see my family, I particularly enjoy watching my daughter play with her cousin.

To all our new starters, we hope you settle in nicely and wish you every success in your new role. If you’re an “old hand” and see these new faces around the office, introduce yourself and make them feel at home.

Movers and Shakers!

Recent Position changes:

Alannah King | Bookkeeper | Bookkeeping, Bundaberg

Faith Harwood | Accounts Officer | Finance (Corporate Services), Bundaberg

Congratulations to everyone on your recent role changes! It’s great to see your hard work and dedication recognised. Wishing you all the best as you settle into your new positions over the next few months and continue kicking goals.

Ulton’s Emerging Leaders Program: Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

Ulton recently hosted its second annual Emerging Leaders Program, held over two impactful days on 27–28 October 2025 at the beautiful Bargara Surf Life Saving Club. Facilitated by the ever-inspiring Anne-Marie, the program brought together a dynamic group of leaders for an immersive experience focused on growth, collaboration, and leadership excellence.

On Monday evening, the Emerging Leaders, Anne-Marie, Partners, COO, and People & Culture Manager enjoyed a relaxing dinner and drinks at the Bargara Sandhills Sports Club, to celebrate the first day of the program and set the tone for day 2 of learning.

Our Cohort

We were thrilled to welcome back returning participants: Stacey Harrison, Saba Siddiqui, Renee Cullen, Amber Mizzi, Anita Pollock, Natasha Cook, Connor Silcox, Nathan Short, Kelvin Pimm, Jacqui Selby, Adam Bargenquast, Chris Napper, Casey Wagner, Amanda Soley, Louise Atkinson.

And introduce new members: Kate Napper, Ben Flanders, Lakisha Cheng, Marianne Oducayen, Nadeem Hoosen, Bronson Aukaha.

Learnings

The program explored a wide range of topics designed to challenge thinking and build practical leadership skills, including:

Understanding communication styles through DISC profiles

Public speaking and building confidence

Genuine appreciation – how to give and receive it effectively

Active listening – asking deeper questions to truly understand

Characteristics of leadership effectiveness

Leading with integrity and achieving results through others

Enhancing leadership competence and self-awareness (including the Johari Window)

Communicating with authenticity and managing inner voices

Dale Carnegie values and their application in modern leadership

Reflections from the program

People & Culture Manager, Hannah Murchie, who attended both afternoons, shared:
“It was inspiring to see our Emerging Leaders fully engage with the sessions and take time to reflect on their role already as leaders and mentors and the influence they have at Ulton. My hope is that each participant leaves with one or two practical habit changes—small actions they can implement every day. These steps will help shape an even brighter future for Ulton.”

Participants also expressed their enthusiasm through anonymous feedback:

“I really enjoyed the training. It took me out of my comfort zone at times. It has given me the tools to become a better leader in my organisation. It was a great two days full of laughter and fun.”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you … I loved all of the training! I can’t say how amazing this has been for me. Anne-Marie is always extremely knowledgeable and puts the material into real-time relatable situations! It’s evident that she knows the impact inside out and brings awareness to our next level of growth. Can’t wait until our next course – thank you again.”

Looking Ahead

The Emerging Leaders Program continues to be a cornerstone of Ulton’s commitment to developing future leaders. With such passion and engagement from this year’s cohort, we’re excited to see the ripple effect of these learnings across our teams and clients.

Looking back and looking forward

As we close out 2025, it’s a great time to reflect on the incredible progress we’ve made in People & Culture and share what’s ahead for the coming year. This year has been full of initiatives that strengthened our team, enhanced our culture, and supported Ulton’s vision for growth.

2025: A year of growth and engagement

Ulton Career Launchpad and Vacation Programs
We delivered multiple vacation programs, creating pathways for Year 12 students into trainee accountant roles while supporting their university studies. These programs reinforced our commitment to developing future talent and building strong school partnerships. We are excited to have Jade Galt join us as a Trainee from our Vacation Program in 2026 and continue to see Olivia Warmington grow in her second year as a trainee.

Employee Value Proposition (EVP) & Benefits
Our EVP Project led to our Benefits launch in July with eight new benefits—including wellness allowance, flexible public holidays and increased study leave – here at Ulton you're more than just a number.

Performance Project
We partnered with People Co. consultants to redesign PDP processes and integrate performance measures. Manager and Partner workshops are currently laying the foundation for a more robust performance framework aligned with Ulton’s strategic goals with the project continuing in 2026.

People & Culture Strategy
Our 2025–2027 People and Culture Strategy set a strong direction for attracting, developing, and retaining talent, building cohesive leadership teams, and embedding recognition and wellbeing initiatives.

Leadership Development
We delivered Dale Carnegie training for managers in April and hosted the second annual Emerging Leaders Program in October. Over two days, participants explored communication styles, leadership effectiveness, and authentic engagement—receiving outstanding feedback.

Annual Dinner & Recognition
Celebrating success remained a priority, with our Annual Dinner and Partner Monthly Recognition Program reinforcing Ulton’s values and achievements.

Community Engagement
Through initiatives like ECOMAN and the Cashy program, we continued to support education and financial literacy in local schools, strengthening our community connections.

2026: A milestone year ahead

Our focus will be on growth, engagement, and excellence, with key initiatives including:

Recruitment: Attracting top talent to support our expanding services and client base.

360-Degree Feedback for Partners: Driving leadership development.

Team Matrix Reviews: Ensuring clarity in roles and responsibilities across the firm.

Performance Project: Embedding performance measures.
Recognition: Continuing to celebrate achievements and foster a culture of appreciation.

2026 will be a year of transformation and celebration. Together, we’ll honour Ulton’s legacy while building a future of innovation, collaboration, and success.

Hannah Murchie | People & Culture Manager

Wanted: Awesome people

We’re currently looking for talented, skilled and enthusiastic people to become part of the next chapter in Ulton’s success in the following roles:

Senior Accountant | Business Services | Bundaberg, Brisbane
Intermediate Accountant | Superannuation | Bundaberg
Senior Tax Advisor | Tax | Bundaberg, Brisbane

Remember, internal applications are most welcome.

If you are interested personally or have an excellent recommendation, please contact me, Hannah, at hmurchie@ulton.net

And don’t forget to check our Team Handbook for more information about our Team Member Referral Bonus policy. You may be eligible for a $7,500 bonus.

To share a specific job advertisement, go to:
1. https://ulton.elmotalent.com.au/careers/careers/jobs
2. Scroll to our vacancies (bottom of page)
3. Click on the job you wish to share
4. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the Facebook or LinkedIn share buttons (see picture below)

For the complete list of career opportunities, go to: https://ulton.elmotalent.com.au/careers/careers/jobs

Advisory

Business Services

Forensic Accounting & Audit

Superannuation

Administration Services

Ulton ranks 51st on the Financial Review Top 100 Accounting Firms List 2025

Written by Ulton Team

28 Nov 2025

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