Partners for Life | Duo Magazine December 2017

Throughout her 19-year-career, some of which was spent working for publicly listed companies, Sonia noticed that the focus was more on the shareholders rather than the clients. That’s why she made the decision to establish Pace Financial.
“This has enabled me to focus on my clients and deliver the personalised service they deserve,” says Sonia, whose partner Daniel (and his firm Tait Accounting & Business Advisory) shares the same vision.
Sonia and Daniel met when they were both working at the same large accounting firm but it wasn’t until a year after Sonia started there, when they crossed paths at a social event, that sparks flew.
“Then Sonia left to commence her own business in October 2014 and, with her support and reassurance, I took the step to start Tait Accounting & Business Advisory in July this year,” Daniel says.
“Now we’re back working in the same building again at Woolcock Street in Garbutt.”
Sonia employs another financial planner, who she has mentored for over four years, at Pace Financial. They ensure they know each other’s clients in order to guarantee continuity of service and, by incorporating a different style of investments into portfolios, have seen some fantastic outcomes.
“We offer advice in the areas of retirement planning, investment portfolios, superannuation (including self-managed funds) and personal insurances,” Sonia says.
“Our direct share research is just one of the ways we add value for our clients and, recently, we’ve also had a lot of opportunity to help business owners ensure their largest asset is protected by not only offering debt protection but also ensuring assets and proceeds fall into the right hands in the most
economical way possible.”
At Tait Accounting & Business Advisory, Daniel covers all the usual areas of tax for individuals and businesses (including self-managed super funds) but his main focus is on business advisory.
“Everyone thinks of accountants when it comes to tax time, but I knew there was more I could be doing to help my clients,” Daniel says.
With business advisory, Daniel works with his clients as more of a business partner.
“I believe having a successful business involves not only measuring your profitability, but also implementing detailed processes and efficiencies. One
business I worked with were working long hours yet not achieving any profit. Despite being a business that turns over millions of dollars, they were just breaking even.
“We set our action plan and, through constant monitoring and accountability, we’ve turned the business around so they’re now seeing results for their hard work.”
Sonia and Daniel also have some mutual clients and regularly discuss scenarios where they need each other’s expert opinion.
“It results in optimal outcomes for our clients and allows us to see each other’s strengths in action,” Sonia says.
“Working and living together does test you at times, especially with a 15-month-old, a baby on the way (due early April) and a crazy dog at home… I’m incredibly lucky Daniel is so patient!”