MenuClose
In 2021 Maxim Accounting & Business Advisors (MABA) and Forsythes Business Advisors (FBA) merged to create this boutique team of strategic accountants, business advisors and financial analysts, with a wide professional network.
FBA’s reputation for delivering exemplary accounting and business advice is supported by its 70 year legacy. Kellie Wright became a director in 2010 & Warwick Turnbull was appointed in 2012.
MABA was founded in 1997 by Chris Sneddon and Steve Roxby. Strong relationships were quickly formed to establish a client service philosophy that has been tried and tested for more than 25 years. Damien Cameron, Cassandra Sharp and Scott Brooks were promoted as partners in 2017.
Together, the now seven Directors boast a combined experience of 180 years in providing accounting and business advisory expertise.
Our business has been, and continues to be, built on relationships. Our philosophy is to always be committed to understanding the owners and families behind the businesses, to build trust, ask hard questions, listen, challenge, provide feedback and, most importantly, to truly care.
Over time it became evident that the achievements of this servicing philosophy for business clients, should translate equally as well into the realm of providing strategic personal financial advice. After all, behind every business lies its people, and ultimately our business clients do what they do, primarily, to achieve the lifestyle they desire for themselves and their families.
From that realisation, Maxim Private Clients was born; the financial planning division of the Maxim Advisors group, separate for no other reason than the complexity of operating its own Australian Financial Services Licence. Scott Norrish, a former MABA director, and Matt Haggarty are the directors of Maxim Private Clients.
Our clients enjoy the unique experience of having a team of experts working together, with them, sharing ideas and collaborating, rather than competing with each other, and ultimately ensuring that our client’s best interests are at the heart of everything we do.
Our philosophy is simple. By taking the time to understand our clients – both professionally and personally – by building relationships, by asking hard questions, by giving honest feedback and by challenging them – we can help them achieve their goals and live the life they want.
In our first meeting with you, we always start by looking at the big picture and ask the same three questions: Where are you now? Where do you want to be? How will you get there? Your answers and perspective are what help us help you more effectively.
We’ve learnt that trust and respect can’t be built on false pleasantries, or a free coffee every time you come in for a visit. We’ve found it comes from telling it like it is and staying by your side through all the ups and downs.
We believe every client is different and every problem needs a unique solution. That’s why our focus isn’t just on giving you a more impressive bottom line, but by finding insights and creating strategies to further grow your wealth and future-proof your success.
Sometimes we like to think of ourselves as business-to-business connectors. Through our extensive referral network and our connections to the business community, we can connect businesses with mutual interests together. Just another way we can help you grow your business.
When it comes to what’s happening out there in the business and finance world, we’ve always got our finger on the pulse. To keep you in the know, we hold regular workshops and seminars on how to improve your business, personal wealth and grow your knowledge.
|
Warwick Turnbull
Director - Advisory
|
Warwick is a highly skilled accountant and business advisor who partners with clients across a wide range of industries. Warwick leaves no stone unturned when he is looking for the best way forward for his client. It is this passion for getting the best outcomes possible that clients appreciate.
He backs this up with an easy going, friendly and calm manner, making it easy for him to connect with others and provide them real clarity on important growth and profit strategies.
A family man, Warwick is chief taxi driver to kids sporting events on weekends and in his spare time he engages in his passion for mountain bike riding.
|
Chris Sneddon
Director - Advisory
|
As the son of a Chartered Accountant and entrepreneur, you could say numbers are in Chris’ blood.
A co-founding partner of Maxim, Chris is known as the guy that gets things done. If there’s a problem, he’ll solve it. If there is a cause, he’ll champion it. And the more complex a business problem, the deeper Chris digs to find the right solution.
Chris’ strategies have helped grow businesses of all sizes across a number of industries including commercial and residential property markets, hospitality and professional service providers.
When he’s not solving problems for clients, Chris can be found pulling the strings for a number of local organisations.
|
Steve Roxby
Director - Advisory
|
Never afraid to ask the tough questions, sports fan, yoga convert and fellow co-founder Steve combines strategy with out-of-the square creative thinking to help clients get the results they want.
While it was a love of numbers and problem solving that kicked off his career, it’s Steve’s strong connection with people and ability to be seen as a true partner that has kept him in business for over 20 years. His knowledge, experience and down-to-earth nature helps clients shape their success.
|
Kellie Wright
CEO - Advisory
|
Kellie has been a high performing Chartered accountant and business advisor for over 20 years. She has a real knack at making technical information simple for her clients and her ‘can do’ attitude helps her clients move forward in a timely way.
Her industry experience is wide and includes wholesale and distribution, professional services, manufacturing, mining services, accommodation and hospitality, retail and medical.
Somehow Kellie finds the time to engage in a range of outside activities including surf life saving and hockey as well as spending time with the three men in her life; her husband and two sons.
|
Damien Cameron
Director - Advisory
|
One of the Maxim’s integral team players for over 12 years, Damien’s business experience includes bachelor degrees in marketing and commerce, chartered accountancy and almost 20 years helping people sort out their finances.
In July 2021, Damien became a Director of Maxim.
Damien has a strong passion for developing solid relationships, which he puts into effect both in the office and with his clients. He’s also a huge sports fan and a keen supporter of the Newcastle Knights, so much so that you’ll see him at every home game.
|
Cassandra Sharp
Director - Advisory
|
Cass has a wealth of experience in the accounting, tax and superannuation sectors. Her ‘can do’ attitude enables her to work well alongside clients to help them grow their businesses. What does she enjoy most? Problem solving and getting results.
In July 2021, Cass became a Director of Maxim.
Cass values relationship building and currently holds the position of President for the Hunter Business Women’s Network. In her spare time, she’s a keen netball player, and likes good food, fine wine and watching the tennis.
|
Scott Brooks
Director - Advisory
|
With over 20 years’ experience in the business, not only is Scott a skilled number cruncher and advisor, he’s also a real people person. What does he get his biggest kick out of? Getting to know his clients and seeing them enjoy the benefits of their success.
In July 2021, Scott became a Director of Maxim.
Having worked overseas in both the US and UK for big international firms, Scott is happy to be back living in Newcastle. As well as getting involved in local community and charity work, his free time is taken up with sport and relaxing with his family and dog.
|
Scott Norrish
CEO - Planning
|
Scott’s been in the accounting and financial services game since 1999 and has seen what works and what doesn’t. He understands the importance of listening to clients, and uses these insights to deliver the best strategic yet personalised advice.
Describing himself as a mentor, thought provoker and reality checker, Scott takes time to understand what you want to hear but also tells you what you need to hear. Outside of work, he’s a family man who enjoys golf and all things sport – go the Knights!
|
Matt Haggarty
Director - Planning
|
Newcastle-born Matt has over 20 years’ experience in financial services and investment management. He specialises in finding solutions for people serious about growing and protecting their business and assets while creating a balanced lifestyle.
Previously, Matt has lived and worked in Sydney, Perth and Brisbane. In his free time he loves being outdoors, whether it’s surfing, motorbiking or camping with his family and friends. He’s always looking for the next adventure and to get the most out of life.
We see ourselves as being like a business partner to our clients.
We’re not scared to ask the tough questions and we’ll push the boundaries of what’s possible to help them build their business and reach their goals. Like any good partner, we also stick with our clients through all the ups and downs, and we grow as they grow.
Our clients are diverse and come in all shapes and sizes. One thing they all share however, is an open mind to new ideas and a drive to always be better. They respect what we do and share our values of honesty and trust.
Here's what some of our clients have said about us over the years.
The Maxim team know compliance and make it easy for a small business owner to focus on what we do best, and they take the stress away from all the BAS, FBT, Tax, ASIC and the list goes on…
Hunter Recruitment Group has a proud history of understanding people and building quality relationships around staffing. We undoubtedly recruited the best accountant in the region to support our business and family.
Scott Brooks and team have been providing both business advice and taxation services to our companies (personal included) for over ten years. During that time, they’ve provided consistently responsive attendance to our changing needs and worked with our company during tougher times to help ensure our business goes from strength to strength. The support from Maxim has definitely contributed to the success story of our company today. I personally wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Maxim Advisors to any size business.
We consider Maxim Advisors and particularly Scott Brooks an integral part of our farming operation.
We value his advice and enjoy the partnership we have developed over the seven years that we have been clients.
It has been very satisfying working with Scott and the Maxim team and appreciate their depth of knowledge relating to all aspects of our business.
Maxim aren't your typical advisor....they are a great mentor. You talk about business training and coaching, it's great to read it in theory, but Maxim fills the gap in how you apply it in everyday life. Maxim have been instrumental in supporting me both professionally and personally.
As a long term client of Maxim, I have always been impressed at the high levels of service provided by their team. They are certainly a stand out in the Advisory sector.
Robinson Property don't see Maxim as an accounting firm, we see them as a corporate advisor to our business...we work with Maxim to strengthen and improve our business in the medium to long term.
All the latest updates and insights in industry, market, economy, business and finance.
Financial Planning advice offered by Maxim Private Clients Pty Limited ABN 47 611 614 398 as trustee for Maxim Private Clients Unit Trust ABN 58 661 565 636 Australian Financial Services Licence Number 511 972
Accounting and Business advice offered by Formax Advisors Pty Limited trading as Maxim Business Advisors - Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
