INTHEBLACK July 2022 - Magazine - Page 19
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D A N E Z E E M A N C PA
CPA Australia's
Reconciliation
Action Plan
G E N E N E W I L S O N C PA
MEET THE
EXPERTS
DIRECTOR
ZEEMAN ACCOUNTING
P R I N C I PA L A D V I S E R
FINESSE FINANCIAL ADVISERS
Finance professionals have an obligation to offer support
to First Nations communities as an Australia-wide
conversation takes place about our history and its impacts.
Most First Nations community members haven’t enjoyed
the same financial independence and stability as the
broader population, so it is important to understand
that financial literacy is not a given.
Finance professionals can pass on knowledge that will
have a tangible impact on day-to-day lives, such as
budgeting, understanding credit and investing. We can
contribute to community-led organisations in advisory
or mentoring roles to create opportunities for the next
generation of First Nations leaders and professionals.
A significant challenge is for First Nations-owned
businesses to obtain support. There are various
organisations and programs, but assisting a client to
access appropriate support in their location is challenging.
With additional resources and coordination, there could
be many more successful businesses providing financial
independence and employment in communities.
There is a lot of goodwill in the broader Australian
community, but we sometimes don’t know how to make
a difference. It may be as simple as volunteering,
supporting a First Nations business or attending a
community event.
Self-determination is a key to improving outcomes in
communities where other approaches have failed. Each
community knows best its unique needs and how to
move forward.
All businesses can play a part through procurement
and employment strategies, but they need to be
genuine in their dealings with communities. There is
room for more ambition from organisations with
Reconciliation Action Plans.
Generally, there is a lack of education around
money in the Indigenous community, some
stemming from the complexity of finance.
My recommendation is to simplify finance
and partner with the community to build
tools and resources.
Vast social change will take time, perhaps
generations, and communities want partners,
financial support, education and advice to
move ahead.
In my practice, I have put giving to Indigenous
communities at the core of what we do, so that
each time a client onboards or renews, we
provide digital skills and computer training to the
Aboriginal community and children in need. We
hope this will lead to generational change and
more job opportunities for people to work from
where they are. We give back through the social
enterprise B1G1.
Client satisfaction is based on how they feel
when interacting with you and your practice. It’s
my belief that many people look at clients from
the perspective of an iceberg. You see only what’s
above the surface, and this leaves 90 per cent
hidden from view. When you seek to break down
your own bias to your clients’ situation and look
through a lens without judgement, you’ll
understand that it’s not where you’ve come from,
it’s where you can go if opportunities present
themselves and you’re brave enough to accept
the challenge. People on both sides of the
equation have fears and insecurities, so be kind.
_
Financial literacy is not a given. Finance professionals
can pass on knowledge that will have a tangible
impact on day-to-day lives, such as budgeting,
understanding credit and investing.
_
When you seek to break down your own bias to
your clients’ situation and look through a lens
without judgement, you’ll understand that it’s
not where you’ve come from, it’s where you
can go if opportunities present themselves and
you’re brave enough to accept the challenge.
People on both sides of the equation have fears
and insecurities, so be kind.
NIKKETAH CUNEO CPA
Nikketah Cuneo CPA holds
a bachelor of business
in accounting, and is the
payables and receivables
manager at Energy
Queensland. She has more
than 15 years’ experience
in the industry, with
previous roles in corporate
taxation and commercial
analysis. Aside from her
professional career, Cuneo
is involved as a volunteer in
Scouts Australia, holding both
National and Asia-Pacific
Region roles, and is currently
a member of the World
Organisation of the Scout
Movement Audit Committee.
DANE ZEEMAN CPA
Dane Zeeman CPA is a
Kamilaroi man and founder
of Zeeman Accounting, which
has operated offices in Coffs
Harbour and Toowoomba
since 2011. He provides
services in taxation and
business advisory, with an
emphasis on small businesses
and community organisations.
GENENE WILSON CPA
Genene Wilson CPA is
the principal adviser at
Finesse Financial Advisers
in western Sydney. She is
passionate about supporting
generational change, giving
back to the community and
providing opportunities for
young people.
intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au July 2022 19