Managing Director
Marcel Filip CPA, BBus(Hons), PGDipAcc.
Marcel heads up the Tax Focus team, leading by example through his commitment to helping customers unravel the Taxation labyrinth. His qualifications include CPA, a Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting at Sydney University, majoring in Corporate Law and Taxation Law, and a Bachelor of Business, passing with Honours. He is also a Xero Certified Trainer.
Marcel also has invaluable hands-on experience in Business and Operations Management in the Hospitality, Retail and Education industries.
Having been in business for his whole career, Marcel understands the challenges of running a business inside-out. He knows that business owners want help in three key areas: to pay less tax, reduce costs, and improve their business performance and cash flow. He knows the complexities of Australian Taxation and how it confuses and frustrates business owners. This along with the demands on their time to keep their business running, causes many business owners to delay, avoid or even completely disregard meeting their taxation obligations or implementing effective systems.
Marcel has the skills and the talent to address all the challenges and needs a business and its owner has. This blends beautifully with the very core role he plays as an Accountant as well as a Tax Specialist. He also enjoys working with people and the best reward for him is when he can help his clients to solve their problems and achieve their goals.
Throughout his career, Marcel has saved SME’s and major corporations from collapse by implementing efficient systems that enabled them to better understand their financial circumstances. Marcel achieved this by implementing strategies such as restructuring inefficient operations, applying cost-saving strategies and providing solutions and ideas tailored to the specific organisations. With the ability to keep their finances on track, the future of these businesses was turned from disaster to success.
His passion for creating solutions for businesses is demonstrated in the structure of Tax Focus. Clients are given direct contact with the business partners; the team gains deeper insights into clients’ businesses by visiting their premises around Australia; and the team builds strong relationships with clients through regular contact via phone and email. The whole team focusses on providing excellent service.
Marcel strives to find the best tax-minimising solutions for every client so they are freed to become more proactive and effective in building their business success.
As a father of a lovely boy, Marcel enjoys spending lots of time with his son and watching him grow. His other interests include sailing and swimming in the ocean. He describes watching beautiful sunsets as some of the best moments he has experienced. Dancing is another interest close to his heart and he is accomplished dancer. Marcel also states that he could not live without music, with Jazz being his favourite musical style.
Lydia GU,
CPA, MCom (Accounting with Commercial Law), BEcon
A qualified CPA, Lydia gained a Masters of Commerce degree at the University of Sydney. During her studies, she was recognised by Beta Gamma Sigma, an international honour society for collegiate schools of business, for her scholastic achievements.
Lydia’s experience in all facets of accounting functions comes from working within corporate organisations including a top Australian accounting firm, a major Training College with four campuses in NSW and Victoria, a well-established property group incorporating five different entities and a major player in the building and construction industry.
Applying her excellent communication skills, strong analytical talents, strategic thinking, high organizational abilities, and attention to detail, Lydia assists clients to plan, manage and achieve their financial goals. She excels at creating effective Tax strategies for individuals and SME’s, as well as strategic reporting, SMSF and bookkeeping.
Lydia is highly proficient in enterprise accounting software such as Arrow, Chameleon, MYOB, Xero, QuickBooks and Sage Handisoft. Her proficiency with technology incorporates ERP for School such as SchoolWorks and eBecas; and the property management and trust system, REST. She is also a Xero Certified Advisor.
Clients benefit from Lydia’s technical and accounting expertise and enjoy building a close working relationship with this dynamic member of our team.
She is a devoted mother of one son and loves spending quality time with him and her husband. She gives her all to ensure her son has a wonderful childhood and will experience the best education possible. Travelling is also something Lydia appreciates along with dancing and fashion.
