Our Hunter Valley-based Team

Balanced Beans was founded by two passionate accounts specialists who love numbers and like nothing better than mulling over spreadsheets, balancing books and talking tax!

Throw in a bit of payroll action and we’re in business heaven.

Hi there.

We’re Brodie White and Karen Burgess. Great mates with a shared passion for helping small businesses succeed.

We started Balanced Beans a professional Accountancy and Bookkeeping Practice helping startups and SMEs with their financial needs.

Our business is the culmination of our lifelong involvement in small and family businesses. Our extensive experience and insights into the financial aspects of running a business set us apart from your average bookkeepers.

With the help of Bookkeeper Nikki Mell and Accountant Tracey Iuliano, Balanced Beans helps businesses grow and thrive.

We know that balancing the books, managing payroll, and making sure you are doing the right thing by the Tax Office is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it is ours!

So, let our team take care of the ‘boring bits’ while you concentrate on building your business.

We offer a complimentary discovery call to identify your needs and determine how we can best support you.

Director | Chartered Accountant | Tax Agent | Xero Certified Advisor

Brodie White B.Com CA MBA

B.Com Chartered Accountant, MBA

For financial success it is critical to engage an advisor who is passionate about your financial well being stop one that is fully committed to and understands your business.

With over 20 years experience as a business accountant and advisor, Brodie combines extensive knowledge and practical expertise to help clients navigate the complexities of accounting and taxation. A Chartered Accountant and MBA graduate, Brodie specialises in providing tailored strategies that drive success and growth for businesses of all sizes.

In 2023 Brodie was awarded the Hunter Region Businesswoman of the Year in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the business community. Brodie is passionate about contributing to the community and volunteers on many committees including the Dungog District Chamber of Commerce, the Maitland Business Chamber and Maitland Against Domestic Abuse.

Brodie is renowned for her proven ability to grow your business and can assist businesses at any stage, from establishment to growth, in preparation for sale or winding down. Clients appreciate Brodie’s approachable demeanour and her no nonsense solutions that deliver results. Her client portfolio includes privately owned small businesses from NDIS, allied health, trades persons, personal services, and many others.

Throughout her career, Brodie has been instrumental to the success of hundreds of clients and is determined to see your business thrive. By working with Brodie you’re not just getting guidance, you’re gaining a trusted business partner who is genuinely invested in your success.

Director | BAS Agent | Bookkeeper | Xero Certified Advisor

Karen Burgess

Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping

Dedicated to providing hassle-free bookkeeping solutions for small business owners through a personalised, client-focussed approach.

With over 25 years of experience in privately-owned enterprises, Karen brings a wealth of experience to small businesses. Her guidance helps clients stay organised, compliant, and on top of their financial obligations. Actively pursuing professional growth, Karen is a member of the Australian Bookkeepers Network and the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, ensuring her clients receive knowledgeable support.

Clients consistently praise Karen for her personable and reliable approach. Known for her dedication to their success, she customises her services to align with the specific needs of each business and is appreciated for her meticulous attention to detail and proactive communication.

Beyond her professional role, Karen has previously served as the treasurer for her local Rugby League club and continues to actively contribute to her community by proudly supporting various fundraising initiatives, including the Black Dog Institute’s “One Foot Forward‘ walk for mental health and Wingz for Kids through the “Never Late Fe-Mail” postie bike ride.

Karen has extensive experience working with small and family owned businesses, particularly in the NDIS, tradespersons and personal services, where her industry knowledge is highly valued. Committed to your financial well-being, Karen provides a personalised service that feels like family, enabling you to manage your finances with ease and remain compliant without hassle, making her an invaluable partner and achieving financial peace of mind.

Practice Manager

Kirsten Smith

Kirsten is the first point of contact with Balanced Beans as well as the go-to for client enquiries.

As Practice Manager she overseas the administration and marketing function including onboarding clients, recruitment, business development and operations. This makes her a perfect go to for any questions or assistance you may need to make sure you get the best service.

With a rich background in customer service and sales, Kirsten boasts over two decades in retail management then moved into the financial services sector, working in client services and sales within the financial planning and mortgage world.

Kirsten loves working on business growth and networking along with a nerdy passion for cyber security.

When she is not busy helping client’s and the team, you can find Kirsten enjoying quality time with her family, savouring a good cup of coffee, and navigating her love-hate journey with Pilates.

Bookkeeper

Nikki Mell

Nikki is our Bookkeeper extraordinare and a great addition to the Balanced Beans team. She helps manage a portfolio of clients with their day-to-day bookkeeping needs and loves helping business owners keep their books in shape.

She has over 10 years’ experience in bookkeeping across a wide range of industries from working with large mining companies through to helping small business owners and sole traders.

Nikki’s qualifications, expertise and love for numbers means she is the perfect person to balance your books and make sure everything lines up the way it should at the end of each business day.

She has a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, is a Certified Xero Advisor and is certified in Xero Payroll.

In her spare time her passion is her family and running her own small business in the food industry. She is also a very proud mum and ‘Kiki’ to her grandbaby.

Accountant

Tracey Iuliano

Tracey is our accounting genius specialising in financial accounts and tax returns. She assists Brodie to look after the accounting needs of our clients.

Tracey brings over 20 years of experience in both public and private accounting to her role at Balanced Beans.

Holding a degree in commerce from Newcastle University, Tracey is also a Certified Xero Advisor with additional certification in Xero Payroll.

In addition to her extensive accounting expertise, Tracey has a deep passion for animals. She works part-time as a Veterinary Nurse and has experience as a wildlife rehabilitator.

Outside of work, she enjoys staying active through soccer in the winter and water skiing in the summer, while also cherishing quality time with her son.