Gaertner & Associates is an accounting practice that operates an office in Lismore NSW 2480 and Ballina NSW 2478. The practice was established in August 2000 when Michael Gaertner moved to Ballina with a small team to form his own practice.
Gaertner & Associates has continued to have tremendous growth with the current partners Paul Latta and Blake Johnson becoming partners of the practice in January 2003 and January 2018 respectively. The practice continues to grow substantially and we have increased our team members to meet the needs of our clients.
The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it. You are surrounded by simple, obvious solutions that can dramatically increase your income, power, influence and success. The problem is, you just don't see them.
Our main office is situated in Ballina, however in July 2009 we opened an additional office in Lismore after acquiring Peter Nind’s practice. Gaertner & Associates also acquired the practice of Nolke De Vries in July 2015.
Gaertner & Associates also has an in-house referral with Quantum Wealth Solutions should you wish to discuss any of your Financial Planning needs. Having a plan to know where you are going and how to get there is important as well as protecting your family and your assets.
In December of 2025 the firm moved offices and changed to the new trading name "The Tax Shack".
Business consultants are the experts who advise different business companies and individuals regarding their challenges and help them to grow their revenues, improve their performance and efficiency.
Meet our friendly, fantastic team of Accountants, Financial Planners and Support Staff. They can assist you on a wide variety of topics from taxation, accounting, book keeping and business solutions to self managed super funds to full service financial planning.
Paul completed his Bachelor of Business (Major in Accounting) at Southern Cross University in 1997.
He joined Gaertner & Young later in 1997, then became partner of Gaertner & Associates in 2003.
Specialising in Business & Taxation advise, as well as the preparation of Self Managed Superannuation Fund reporting.
Paul is married to Jemima and interests include all sports and enjoys the officiating and mentoring aspects, mainly baseball, rugby league and basketball.
Blake’s accounting career commenced in February 2004. He later joined Gaertner and Associates in October 2007 where he specialised in taxation.
Blake became a partner of the firm in December 2017 after registering as a tax agent and joining the Tax Institute as an Associate Member. Blake has been living in the region since 1994 and currently resides in Lismore with his wife Rebecca and three young boys Isaac, Cooper and Hamish. Blake has many interests including golf, squash, rugby league and cricket.
Shane has obtained considerable financial planning experience since starting out in the industry in 1997 where he worked in a “self-employed” and an “employee” capacity, both within private practice as well as the banking industry.
He initially started his career in the general insurance field, however he quickly moved into the financial planning area when he realised the value that he could provide his clients with, when determining strategies that may address their whole planning needs, and not just the general insurance requirements.
As the industry is forever evolving, Shane understands the importance of keeping up with these changes, especially concerning education. At this point in time he currently holds the “Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning – Financial Services”. Shane Moodie and Quantum Wealth Solutions who are both authorised to act on behalf of Synchron.
Jordan commenced working in accounting in 2016 straight out of finishing Year 12 at Trinity Catholic College in 2015 and has been in training with Gaertner & Associates since October 2019.
He has grown up in the local area and interests include most sports such as Cricket, Soccer and Squash which he has grown up playing as well as listening to and seeing live music and spending time with friends and family.
Josh joined Gaertner & Associates (Tax Shack) in March of 2025.
He has grown up locally graduating from Lismore High School in 2024.
Josh started studying a Bachelor of Business (Major in Accounting) at Southern Cross University in 2025.
Josh’s interests include playing basketball, sports and social time with friends.
Jessica commenced work with Gaertner & Associates in July 2022 and comes with years of experience in Administration and Management. She also works alongside her husband assisting in all roles of owning a small business. Jessica is passionate about providing excellent customer service and being efficient in assisting our clients.
Jessica has grown up in the local area and her interests include having family weekend getaways, watching her two children play sports, volunteering at local sporting clubs, and spending time with family and friends.
Meg joined the Tax Shack team in July 2024 and is based in our Lismore office. With a background in business and the fitness industry, she understands the dedication it takes to keep a workplace running smoothly, with a strong focus on customer service and team support.
Locally based with her husband, Meg enjoys spending time with their five children, as well as hiking, staying active, and travelling.
Leanne commenced work with Gaertner & Associates in July 2018 and has worked in the industry locally since 2002.
She is married to Neale and they have 6 children and 8 grandchildren. Leanne’s interests include reading and sewing.
All staff at Gaertner & Associates wish you, your friends and family a safe, happy and festive Christmas and hope the New Year brings happiness and good fortune to all. We will be closed for Christmas break from 5pm on Friday 12 December 2025 to 8.30am Monday 12 January 2026.
The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it. You are surrounded by simple, obvious solutions that can dramatically increase your income, power, influence and success. The problem is, you just don’t see them.
The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it. You are surrounded by simple, obvious solutions that can dramatically increase your income, power, influence and success. The problem is, you just don’t see them.
The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it. You are surrounded by simple, obvious solutions that can dramatically increase your income, power, influence and success. The problem is, you just don’t see them.
The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it. You are surrounded by simple, obvious solutions that can dramatically increase your income, power, influence and success. The problem is, you just don’t see them.
Get a free consultation first time
02 6681 9800
Level 1, 102-110 River Street Ballina, NSW 2478
02 6621 5701
142 Molesworth Street Lismore, NSW 2480
