Team - Bonsella - Chartered Accountants Canberra

Bonsella

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Our space

Our innovative new office space is designed to be open, maximise natural light and encourage a social environment. We look after our team, so they can look after you.

We want all of our staff to not just be happy coming to work, but to be happy in the work they do – and environment plays a huge role in that. In fact, our office even won the ‘Best Commercial Fitout’ category at the 2017 MBA Awards. To us, our office isn’t just a building. It’s an extension of our values, and the physical manifestation of our commitment to provide the best possible experience to our staff and clients.

Our Team

Our people make us who we are, and we go to great lengths to ensure they’re not just comfortable, but thriving at work. We encourage healthy work/life balance, and we hold regular team bonding activities. Whether it’s lawn bowling, surf lessons, paintballing or getting involved in charitable activities like the Cancer Council’s ‘Shave for a Cure’ – we treat our staff like family.

Bernard Hardy FCA | Director

Bern is the proud founding partner of Bonsella. He brings a wealth of experience in taxation and compliance, as well as some international experience in accounting and finance. Bern has developed a passion for helping clients navigate the accounting and taxation world and loves to break down complex matters in a way that makes sense to his clients. When he’s not managing Bonsella, or embarrasing his two teenage daughters, you can find him cheering on the sidelines of rugby matches, or perfecting his swing on the golf course. He also enjoys playing his saxophone… because life is all about balance!

Dion Cannell FCA | Director

With a wealth of experience, Dion specialises in tailoring financial solutions that align with the unique needs of each client. His foresight and strategic approach set him apart, as he not only addresses current financial challenges but also anticipates and plans for the future, ensuring sustained success.

As a skilled communicator, he excels at explaining complex ideas in straightforward terms, empowering clients to make well-informed decisions with confidence. Whether you’re an individual seeking personalized financial guidance or a business navigating the complexities of finance, Dion Cannell is the trusted partner you can rely on for accuracy, understanding, and a clear path to financial success.

Aaron Coddington CA | Director

Aaron has a diverse background with a Bachelor of Sports Management (fun) and a Master of Professional Accounting (serious). He is also a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA), having earned this through rigorous training and dedication.

Aaron prides himself on his simple communication and translation of complex areas of taxation, and business advisory. In his work, he lives by the Dr. Seuss quote – “So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s A Great Balancing Act.” Understanding that balance is the key to a good life and good business.

When he’s not working, Aaron spends time with his family of 5 and loves sport, particularly AFL, basketball, and golf.

Rebecca Gorman CA | Associate

Rebecca embarked on her journey in the accounting industry in 2008 and she swiftly ascended the professional ladder, obtaining her Chartered Accountancy in 2015. Currently, Rebecca focuses on delivering tailored taxation and accounting solutions for small to medium enterprises. Beyond traditional roles, she embodies a proactive stance and is dedicated to directing her clients towards achieving success in business, personal goals and ambitions in life.

In addition to being a trusted business advisor, Rebecca is a wife and mother of twin daughters. She also enjoys watching sport and is particularly passionate about the Manly Sea Eagles.

Amy Donoghoe CA | Associate

Amy graduated in her Bachelor of Accounting in 2015 and honed her skills to perfection working in the field whilst studying. By 2019, she had also proudly earned her Chartered Accountancy certification.

Amy has been supporting small businesses with financial responsibilities, software implementation, and compliance matters, taking satisfaction in simplifying intricate procedures and ensuring seamless operations from the start.

When not crunching numbers, Amy enjoys shooting hoops on the netball court, spending time with family and reluctantly indulging in all manner of sports spectating with her partner, a dedicated sports enthusiast.

James Donnellan CA | Associate

James is a qualified CA with experience working in multiple global firms before joining Bonsella in 2022. James is dedicated to helping his clients navigate the complexities of their financial landscapes, ensuring they are well-informed and supported every step of the way. His extensive experience spans various industries, including property, construction, primary production, and industry bodies.

When he’s not at work, James enjoys spending time with his wife, Ash, hitting the golf course, or enduring the ups and downs of Rabbitohs and Carlton games.

Naomi Evans CA | Associate

Hailing from the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Naomi completed her Master of Professional Accounting in 2018 before joining the Bonsella team in 2020 after relocating to Canberra. Naomi is a qualified CA focused on providing tailored tax and accounting solutions for small and medium businesses. She supports her clients in day-to-day operations, including software implementation, payroll processing, and compliance matters, while also offering targeted advice on complex taxation issues. Naomi’s commitment to excellence and attention to detail consistently yield positive outcomes for her clients.

Events

After a busy year including moving to our new Barton offices, the Bonsella team had a wonderful evening celebrating the end of the financial year at the Ottoman. EOFY is a great time to relax and take a breath before we start the new financial year!

Our 2026 Bonsella retreat was held at Mollymook on the South Coast. We participated in a dolphin watching cruise, wine tasting and dinner at Cupitts Estate; a serene morning 12 person canoe experience on the Narrawallee Inlet, a picnic, bush walk and a fabulous 1970’s themed dinner complete with music, costumes and dancing in the spirit of the 1970’s to wrap up our 2026 retreat!

The Bonsella Christmas party in 2025 was held at the Leyla Bar. We had some drinks and did secret santa in the office on Friday 19th December, before heading to the Leyla Bar for our official party, dressed in our Christmas themed attire. A fabulous celebration for the year end and the last day of work for 2025!

The Bonsella team celebrated yet another financial year coming to an end with a lovely dinner and plenty of cocktails at Oh No! restaurant in Manuka. We also took the opportunity to farewell Tom Simmonds from our team. He is leaving us after 10 years to spend more time with his family and we wish him all the best and thank him for everything over the last decade.

Our 2025 Bonsella retreat was held in the Southern Highlands. We stayed in Bowral and participated in a survivor challenge, a farm experience at Scribbly Farm, some laser clay shooting, a hike and a grape to glass winemaking challenge. With teams mixing up for all activities, competition and stakes were high. We had a wonderful time bonding as a group, with a few comments from activity organisers that we didn’t seem like accountants and were far more fun than they were expecting!

The 2024 Bonsella Christmas party was held at the Agostini’s at East Hotel. We had some drinks and did secret santa in the office on Friday 20th December, before heading to our official party, dressed in Christmas themed attire. A lovely way to celebrate the end of the year and the last day of work for 2024!

On the 28th June, the Bonsella team finished work early and headed to the Hijinx Hotel to battle it out in a number of challenge rooms, followed by mini golf at Holey Moley. A super fun way to celebrate the end of another busy financial year.

Our 2024 retreat was held on the NSW South Coast, where we enjoyed some robust competition during our team games and kayaking. We spend two nights at the Murramarang beachfront holiday resort in cabins by the sea. We enjoyed playing cornhole and relaxing while cooking a BBQ on the first night and a hosted trivia and games night on the second night. We also all came home with some treasures made during a hosted clay experience at the resort.

The Bonsella Christmas party in 2023 was held at the Kingston Hotel. We had some drinks and did secret santa in the office on Friday 22nd December, before heading to the Kingo for our official party, dressed in Christmas themed attire. A lovely way to celebrate the end of the year and the last day of work for 2023!

The 2023 Bonsella retreat was a BIG one! We all headed to Hamilton Island for 4 days. We spent our time on the island participating in a number of activities including a Golf Cart Buggy Rally, a day snorkelling and exploring around Whitehaven beach, mini golf, go karting, beach olympics and some lovely dinners and plenty of cocktails! The weather was perfect and it was an amazing few days relaxing, unwinding and bonding as a team.

The 2022 Bonsella Christmas party was held at the Alby in Woden. Our theme was “red and green” and the Grinch squad took out the best dressed prize.. headed up by Jackie. After our secret santa present opening in the office, we spent the rest of the evening playing games (indoor bowling, pool etc), eating and drinking and relaxing at the venue before enjoying our extended Christmas break.

Having not had a Bonsella retreat for a few years (thanks to COVID), it was wonderful finally getting to enjoy a few days away together. The team travelled to Sydney for a couple of days where we participated in an ‘Amazing Race’, some great dinners, a boat cruise, a dumpling and cocktail making class… and finally returning to Canberra tired, hungover and bonded as a team!

The Bonsella team celebrated our Christmas party with a ‘sparkly Christmas’ themed dinner at Queenies in Kingston. It was a great night, and we were lucky to manage a full contingent before Omicron caught up with most people during the Christmas break in one way or another.

Our annual EOFY dinner is always a fun night and a good way to say goodbye to a financial year and the successes/losses of the year before coming back to re-focus on another year. This year, the team celebrated at Fenway House in Woden.

We were lucky to be able to celebrate the end of 2020 with a staff Christmas party. It was a fun night with everybody getting into the “festive” dress theme. We all enjoyed the opportunity to relax and bid farewell to what was an interesting, tough, busy and stressful year for our staff and clients. For a group of accountants, the team at Bonsella certainly know how to party!

After a busy year and a crazy few months leading up to the end of financial year (thanks to COVID-19), the Bonsella team were able to enjoy a celebratory dinner at Lanterne Rooms to relax and unwind! Our EOFY dinner is always a great night to help celebrate our staff and the successful end to a busy financial year…before we wake up the next day and do it all again for the next financial year!

Bushfires and COVID-19 unfortunately put a 2020 retreat out of the question. But we instead enjoyed a Friday participating in barefoot bowls, followed by a long and leisurely lunch at the Piallago Estate

The team enjoyed lawn games by the lake and a beautiful picnic dinner catered by “Schmicnics”. The weather was kind, with Canberra turning on a beautiful, calm and balmy summer afternoon/evening.

The Bonsella team enjoyed two nights “glamping” at Cuppacumbalong and the Tharwa Valley Forge, just outside Canberra. We spent our timw participating in team building activities including treasure/activity hunts, pizza making, painting and topped it off by all contributing to the creation of a metal sculpture that we now proudly display in the office.

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