OHM Chartered Accountants: Crafting Financial Futures for Melbourne’s Ambitious Enterprises

In the bustling heart of Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs, where the leafy charm of Malvern meets the pulse of Australia’s dynamic business scene, stands a firm that has quietly become a cornerstone for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). OHM Chartered Accountants, nestled at 77 Station Street, has been more than just a number-cruncher for nearly five decades. Established in 1976, this boutique practice has evolved into a trusted ally for business owners navigating the complexities of growth, compliance, and prosperity. As we mark the firm’s 49th year in 2025, OHM continues to embody a philosophy rooted in collaboration, insight, and unwavering client commitment—a beacon for those seeking not just accounting services, but genuine strategic partnership.

A Legacy Built on Relationships

The story of OHM begins in the post-bicentenary haze of 1976, a time when Australia’s economy was gearing up for the reforms that would propel it into a global powerhouse. Founded by visionary accountants who recognised the need for personalised advice in an increasingly regulated world, OHM quickly carved out a niche serving diverse industries. From primary producers tilling Victorian soils to manufacturers forging supply chains and retailers adapting to e-commerce booms, the firm’s early clients spanned professions, construction, transport, property, and beyond. Today, with over 40 years of collective wisdom distilled into its operations, OHM serves complex family groups, individual entrepreneurs, and ambitious SMEs, all while fostering long-term relationships that often span generations.

What sets OHM apart from the faceless corporate giants? It’s the firm’s unyielding focus on the human element. “We don’t just prepare returns; we prepare futures,” explains Director Scott Goodwin, whose expertise in tax advisory has guided countless clients through labyrinthine legislation. This ethos is woven into the fabric of OHM’s operations, where every engagement begins with listening—truly understanding a client’s business model, aspirations, and pain points. In an era of rapid digital transformation and economic flux, such as the lingering ripples of post-pandemic recovery and evolving superannuation rules, OHM’s proactive stance ensures clients stay ahead, turning potential pitfalls into profitable opportunities.

Services Tailored for Tomorrow’s Success

At the core of OHM’s offerings is a suite of services designed to demystify finance and empower decision-making. Their accounting and compliance arm streamlines everything from BAS lodgements to annual financial statements, alleviating the administrative burden so owners can focus on innovation. But OHM goes further, delving into business advisory where data-driven insights illuminate paths to expansion—whether scaling operations or entering new markets.

Tax advisory forms another pillar, with specialists like Goodwin dissecting core issues to optimise liabilities and uncover deductions often overlooked. For those eyeing retirement, OHM’s superannuation and wealth generation programmes, managed by the adept Julie Ewinger, blend actuarial precision with personalised planning. Corporate advisory, led by figures such as George Casson and Justin Porch, provides pragmatic structuring for mergers, acquisitions, and succession planning, ensuring businesses not only survive but thrive.

Complementing these are specialised arms: bookkeeping for seamless day-to-day operations and financial planning through OHM Financial Services, a collaborative venture with Partners Wealth Group. This integration of chartered accounting prowess with holistic wealth strategies underscores OHM’s commitment to comprehensive care. As one client testimonial aptly puts it: “OHM are an extremely professional firm and are always thinking outside the square to find solutions for their clients. I have worked on a number of complex matters with them and have been impressed by their depth of knowledge and practical approach.” Such praise echoes across reviews, with Director Justin Porch earning particular acclaim for his “diligent, professional and efficient tax advice.”

The Team: Expertise Meets Empathy

Behind OHM’s success is a team of seasoned professionals who bring a blend of technical acumen and approachable demeanour. Directors Scott Goodwin, Linda Aydin, George Casson, and Justin Porch form the leadership core, each with decades of specialised experience. Aydin oversees business services with a keen eye for operational efficiency, while Casson’s advisory role has been instrumental in steering firms through economic headwinds.

Supporting them is a cadre of dedicated managers and accountants, including Practice Manager Sarah Terkuile, who ensures the firm’s collaborative culture hums smoothly; Superannuation Manager Julie Ewinger, a retirement planning virtuoso; and Business Services Managers Shanela Jayatillake and Justin Milford, alongside rising star Bailey Sexton. This ensemble operates in a supportive environment that rewards performance and nurtures passion, attracting talent who view clients as partners, not transactions. “Our collaborative culture means no siloed advice,” notes Porch. “Clients benefit from cross-disciplinary input, with seniors always on hand.”

OHM’s investment in its people extends to ongoing professional development, ensuring they remain at the forefront of changes like the 2025 tax threshold adjustments or AI-driven auditing tools. This forward-thinking approach not only safeguards compliance but unlocks commercial advantages, from enhanced financial controls to elevated business valuations.

Empowering SMEs in a Changing Landscape

In Malvern’s vibrant ecosystem—home to innovative startups and established enterprises—OHM positions itself as the SME specialist. The firm’s boutique scale allows for bespoke solutions without the bureaucracy of larger outfits, making it ideal for family-run operations or scaling tech ventures. Amid Australia’s evolving regulatory environment, including tightened anti-avoidance measures and sustainability reporting mandates, OHM’s clients report tangible gains: reduced tax exposures, optimised cash flows, and strategic pivots that boost profitability.

Consider a typical trajectory: A construction firm, bogged down by fragmented records, engages OHM for bookkeeping and advisory. Within months, streamlined processes reveal cost savings, paving the way for expansion. Or a professional services group leveraging tax strategies to fund superannuation boosts, securing legacies for the next generation. These narratives, drawn from OHM’s broad industry footprint, illustrate a firm that doesn’t just react—it anticipates.

As Director Linda Aydin reflects, “In business, change is the only constant. Our role is to provide the clarity and confidence to embrace it.” This client-centric mantra has cemented OHM’s reputation as a firm where trust is earned through results, not rhetoric.

Looking Ahead: A Firm Rooted in Resilience

As OHM Chartered Accountants approaches its golden anniversary, its gaze remains firmly on the horizon. With Melbourne’s economy poised for green energy booms and digital accelerations, the firm is enhancing its tech integrations—think cloud-based Xero partnerships for real-time insights—and expanding financial planning reach. Yet, at its heart, OHM remains true to its 1976 origins: a Malvern-based powerhouse dedicated to realising potential.

For business owners seeking a partner in prosperity, OHM offers more than expertise—it delivers empowerment. Whether you’re a fledgling entrepreneur or a seasoned operator, their doors (and inboxes) are open.

Contact OHM Chartered Accountants: 77 Station Street, Malvern, Victoria 3144, Australia PO Box 428, Malvern, Victoria 3144, Australia Telephone: (03) 9500 0911 Email: info@ohm.com.au Website: www.ohm.com.au LinkedIn: OHM Chartered Accountants