Our Story
More than your everyday accounting firm
When Michelle McDowall began the Arabon journey, her focus was clear: to provide solid and honest advice for affordable fees, and create a place that was more than your everyday accounting firm.
Michelle’s vision for Arabon began more than 30 years ago. Since then, the practice has continued to grow and its culture has continued to thrive. The thing that has remained the same since 1986 is our care for our clients. Arabon is now a family of diverse team members and clients, many who have been welcomed to the practice via friends, family and neighbours.
A passion for our clients and our joy at seeing their achievements has led us to expand our service offering over the years, to provide all-inclusive solutions that help our clients reach their goals. The Arabon Family has diverse expertise to give you the advice you need to make confident decisions about your family, wealth, and future. From our family to yours – Welcome to the Arabon Family.
Our history
1986
Michelle McDowall founds Arabon
After the birth of her first child, Michelle leaves the ATO and starts her own accounting firm in Brisbane’s western suburbs, and soon after acquires Arabon Business Services.
1986 – 2002
Putting down roots
Arabon Business Services steadily grows over 15 years as Michelle builds a strong client base while raising her family of 7.
2002
Sherwood office established
The Arabon office at Sherwood is opened, providing a busy and energetic hub for Arabon’s growing team.
2004
Name is simplified to Arabon
Business Services is dropped from the business name, simplifying to Arabon to better reflect the diverse range of clients and services now present in the firm.
2005 – 2010
Rapid growth
A period of rapid growth commences in 2005 with the establishment of TickTax Australia, acquisition of Matrix Business Solutions, and purchase of another sole practitioner firm in the Sherwood area.
2010
Arabon becomes a multi-partner practice
After trading as a sole practitioner practice for 24 years, Arabon welcomes Caron Savian, Licia Jenkins and Jelena Hahn as new partners.
2012
Sherwood office undergoes major refurbishment
The offices at Sherwood undergo a major refurbishment to provide room to grow for years to come.
2013
Sherwood office expands
Growth surpasses all expectations, and the Arabon team expands onto the ground floor of the Sherwood facility as the team continues to expand.
2013
Arabon introduces financial services
Arabon Financial Services commences operation following the acquisition of the financial services business from Kersley Financial Services. Richard Smith becomes a partner of Arabon which is renamed to Arabon Accountants. Arabon Financial Pty Ltd is also incorporated and is issued an AFSL by ASIC.
2014
Robert McDowall becomes a partner
After returning from the UK with his wife Tanya, Michelle’s son Robert (often known as Robbie) becomes a partner, acquiring Jelena’s interest in the practice.
2015
Arabon Lending commences trade
The mortgage and lending brokerage business is separated from Arabon Financial Services into its own trading entity which is owned and managed by Richard Smith, allowing Arabon Financial Services to focus on core financial planning.
2015
Arabon Audit & Assurance is founded
Brendan Macrae joins the team after completing his tenure at the Queensland Audit Office to head up the newly formed Arabon Audit & Assurance Pty Ltd ensuring independence in our audit services and allowing Arabon Accountants to focus on non-assurance related services.
2017
Arabon Care is established
Passionate about helping families in challenging circumstances, Arabon Care is founded to assist families in navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
How we work
People often think accounting or financial planning is just about numbers, but at Arabon it’s mostly about relationships. To get the best results for our clients, the first step is listening to and understanding their wants and needs. Our method is straightforward. We believe in relationships, so we focus on getting to know you – what makes you tick, your goals and what you want for your family’s future. We work closely with you to develop a tailored long-term strategy.
01Meet & Greet
Listen to and understand your circumstances
02Strategy
Develop alternative strategies to meet your needs
03Proposal
Provide a fixed quote for your approval
04Implement
Our team gets to work and puts you chosen strategy in motion
05Results
Deliver ongoing service and support
06Follow up
Work closely with you throughout the year to monitor, review and adapt our strategy