ATS BUNDY PTY LTD

Geoffrey Levis & Co

In 1974 Geoffrey Levis left his position as a tax manager with a Brisbane international accounting firm and bought a portfolio of accounting and tax clients from Childers solicitors Butler & Ker (now Kingston & Stanton). One office in Childers, visiting Biggenden & servicing clients in Yandina.

In December 1976 John Shorten left his position as an audit manager with the same international accounting firm and joins Geoff in equal partnership to open an office in Bundaberg, also visiting Maryborough.

Childers office included Geoff with one accountant, two bookkeepers and a receptionist. Through to 1986 staff numbers remained reasonably constant, with Stephen Parcell employed in 1986.

Bundaberg office opened on the second floor of what was then known as the Suncorp Building at 142 Bourbong Street. We occupied three small rooms comprising the reception/waiting area an interview room/office for John and a very small filing room. The space had previously formed part of the file storage area for a legal firm on the third floor.

Bundaberg started with John and a 17-year-old receptionist, Vicki, her first job. The office grew progressively with the addition of the balance of the solicitors’ storage area, the neighbouring office and then some additional space until it occupied about half of the second floor. The staff numbers increased with additional accountants including Toolah Olsen, Peter Thompson, Helen Cook and a few short-term staff. In May 1988 John convinces Geoff to close the books to new clients. 

Approach to client service

Geoff and John had come from working in Brisbane and dealing with the needs of large commercial clients. Both of them were keen to meet the needs of small business and individual clients. Their moves to a rural practice and servicing clients within the connected districts met their personal interests in client service.

Their former partner in charge from the Brisbane office had a saying to explain his approach to client service:

“If a client asks you a question, even if it is unrelated to accounting or tax, you should always provide an answer. They want your opinion. If they didn’t want your opinion, they wouldn’t ask. You should give them an answer.”  

He gave an example of a question that may be unusual but an advisor with a committed interest in a client’s affairs could offer relevant advice – should the family have another child.

This approach aligned with and supported the approach that Geoff and John took in advising clients. It also resulted in the firm rejecting many requests to act as agents for financiers, banks, insurance companies and financial planners. This allowed the firm’s accountants to take an independent view. That view was solely based on knowledge of the client and the client’s needs.

Staff training

Keeping up to date with the fast-changing accounting and taxation rules was and remains important. In 1977 the local branch of the Australian Society of Accountants (now CPA Australia) was active in organizing training courses for local members. John became secretary of the branch and organized presentation of many courses by visiting specialists.

Internal staff training was just as important for the firm’s accountants. the professional staff had regular fortnightly sessions, with each accountant having rostered responsibility to research and present on a range of relevant topics.

VISION

Our vision is to be a highly respected professional firm where we build strong and lasting relationships with our clients by providing quality services which are personalised, reliable and value driven. Clients are confident they are being cared for by a trusted firm that enjoys working with them and will offer comprehensive business and taxation related services to assist with the fast-changing challenges of the business and economic world.

To continue to grow our quality client base while providing a working environment where staff members can grow and succeed.

MISSION

To provide exceptional accounting and taxation services in a timely and efficient manner while maintaining the highest levels of integrity and professionalism. To meet the current and future needs of our clients and help them to cultivate long-term success. To respect our staff and those we serve as professionals and individuals. To safeguard trust and loyalty between staff members, partners, and the firm’s clients. To provide a dynamic, open environment that encourages creative thinking, innovative ideas, and challenges staff to meet their optimal levels of success.

To create a harmonious balance between work and family life and add value to the community.