Meet The AFM Family
Bianca Marotti
Bianca is a Teams Assistant with a finance background. She’s a dedicated ‘basketball mum’ to her daughter, actively coaching and supporting her in district basketball. At home, she loves spending time with her French bulldog, Mickey Moose, and two cats, Theodore and Duchess (SHE’S ALSO A HUGE DISNEY FAN). Bianca’s interests include good wine, Foo Fighters, live music, and supporting the Glenelg footy club. She also loves going on holidays!
Chelsea Focarelli
Chelsea is John’s Personal Assistant and AFM Receptionist. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Chelsea is a bit of a thrill-seeker, always looking for activities that push her out of her comfort zone. On weekends, she loves exploring and trying new food experiences.
Claudia Carbone
Claudia started her journey with AFM during her university studies and has been with AFM since 2020.
She has started her working career young from starting with AFM Bookkeeping to now Accounting.
Claudia enjoys spending time with her family and friends and has a keen passion for travelling and exploring new things!
Craig Mason
Meet Craig, a seasoned professional with 23 years of experience in the tax industry, holding a prestigious qualification from the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). Beyond his impressive professional background, Craig finds fulfillment in his roles outside of the office. He’s a dedicated family man, happily married with three grown children.
Craig’s devotion extends to his community, where he actively contributes to his church’s worship team. He has a keen eye for photography, a passion for collecting vinyl records, and an avid interest in Australian Rules Football, with a strong allegiance to both the Crows in the AFL and Glenelg in the SANFL.
Eloisia D’Ambrosio
Eloisia, affectionately known as ‘Elo’ is our marketing coordinator. With a dual background in marketing and fashion, she seamlessly blends creativity and strategic thinking. Specialising in content creation and social media management for small to medium-sized businesses, Eloisia is always ahead of industry trends.
When not jet-setting, Eloisia enjoys whipping up delicious dishes, showcasing killer dance moves, and snuggling with her fur babies.
Enver Mirascija
Joining us in 2021, Enver has over 11 years of experience in accounting and the taxation field. He takes pride in finding the best solution for all his clients and strives to work to the best of his ability. Outside of work, Enver loves to spend time with family and friends, travelling, listening to music and cooking up a storm!
Erin Johns
Erin started her AFM journey in 2019 and enjoys learning new skills and is always ready to take on a challenge. Outside of work, she spends most of her time at calisthenics and has been involved for more than 26 years now, and also loves to spend her free time travelling or spending time with family and friends.
Hisayuki (Hizza) Suizu
Introducing Hisayuki (Hizza) Suizu, a dedicated member of the CPA with over a decade of invaluable experience in the industry. His expertise and commitment shine through in every endeavor. Beyond the numbers, Hizza has a penchant for savoring fine red wines and finds solace in the tranquility of bushwalking and the scenic charm of country drives during his well-deserved days off.
Isaac Goldie
Isaac is a Junior Accountant currently completing his Bachelor of Banking and Finance. He is passionate about accounting because it allows him to solve problems using numbers. Outside of work and study, Isaac stays active with hobbies like running and hiking. He’s also a dedicated Crows fan and loves spending time with his cat, Astra.
Jacky Yen
Jacky is a driven individual, currently working as a paraplanner for AFM Wealth Strategy. He has recently completed his Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning) at UniSA, setting the stage for his ambition to become a Financial Adviser. Outside of work, Jacky’s interests lie in cars, fitness, and exploring new restaurants and places during weekends, showcasing a well-rounded and adventurous spirit.
Jess Alisauskas
I am a provisional Chartered Accountant and have been working in public practice for just over 2 years. I love accounting because you get to help people tackle life and the numbers that go with it. In my spare time I love travelling/exploring, gardening, soccer, animals, music, knee boarding and movies. In addition to a taxation background, I have a passion for sustainability and helping businesses achieve their sustainability goals.
John Zerella
Founder, Managing Director – Since starting AFM Services back in 1995, John’s passion for achieving excellence, contagious ambition and strong family values extends throughout the team. A true entrepreneur, his ability to understand a business and provide tailored solutions-based accounting advice is matchless.
Joseph Mavrikakis
Joseph decided that Accountancy was his career choice after doing work experience at an accounting firm in Year 12. After joining AFM in 2020 and graduating shortly after, Joseph is extremely excited to learn from AFM’s experienced accountants. On weekends, you’ll find Joseph playing and watching football and and has a keen interest in Formula One.
Kateryna Parfilova
Kateryna hails from Ukraine, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in economics. She recently joined AFM in a TA position and is loving the experience. Kateryna is known for her positive and enthusiastic attitude, always ready to take on new challenges. Outside of work, she’s a dedicated mother to two girls and enjoys indulging in crafts and painting.
Lia Guerriero
Bookkeeper – Obtaining a Commerce degree, Lia loves a good challenge and thrives off learning new things. She loves discussing shopping trends and exchanging good banter with her work friends. On the weekends, you will find her at one of her sisters’ houses gossiping and playing with her nephews and nieces as she is a cool aunty. In addition, she enjoys completing Sudokus and prides herself on going out with friends.
Marshneil Rae
Marsh is a bookkeeper at AFM Services with a wealth of experience, holding a Masters in Accountancy from UniSA. With 15 years in bookkeeping and administration, Marsh thrives on challenges and eagerly takes on new tasks. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and sharing meals with family and friends, showcasing a sociable and adventurous spirit.
Matthew Glaister
Meet Matthew, a seasoned Certified Practicing Accountant with a dynamic career spanning across international territories in the internal commodity industry, predominantly in operations. His expertise is finely honed through years of diverse roles and experiences.
Outside the office, Matthew’s heart lies in the realm of sports, particularly soccer, and he’s known to embrace a wide array of athletic pursuits. An avid fisherman, he finds solace by the beach in the tranquil surroundings of Normanville.
One might say that Matthew has a soft spot for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis, which adds an interesting note to his vibrant personality. Whether it’s crunching numbers or casting a line, Matthew brings a well-rounded passion to everything he does.
Michael Scaife
Michael takes great pleasure in assisting clients achieve their financial goals having helped many purchase their dream homes or the perfect vehicle or just restructuring their business finance. He says there’s ‘Never a boring day’ as each client is different, this helps keep the enthusiasm fresh. Professionalism, integrity and knowledge are the driving forces he prides himself on. Michael is an avid sports follower and is always up for a chat about AFL and cricket and spends his time outside of work enjoying the company of family and friends sampling the states fine wines!
Nada Milovanovic
Nada completed her education in Serbia, earning a bachelor’s degree in economy. Her professional journey began as a secretary at the Head Office of an engineering company, where she dedicated 10 years of service. Following this, she thrived as an accountant for 5 years. Upon moving to Australia, Nada embraced the role of an accountant assistant for 7 years before finding her current position as an Administration Assistant at AFM Services.
Beyond her work commitments, Nada finds joy in exploring new destinations through travel, immersing herself in the beauty of nature while hiking, and expressing her culinary creativity through cooking.
Narelle Hourigan
Narelle is a professional with a background in the manufacturing industry, where she specialised in administration, business development, and quality management. Her interests include helping start-ups utilise recycled and sustainable materials, as well as baking and decorating cakes. Narelle also enjoys spending quality time with her family.
Natalie Cardinale
Admin – Natalie has been a part of the AFM family since 2011. She’s the friendly voice you will hear over the phone tackling any query which may arise big or small. She supports all administration and office duties as well as our bookkeeping services. Natalie has completed her Certificate IV in Accounting.
Nick Barilla
Nick is a dedicated paraplanner at AFM Wealth Strategy. Balancing work with his studies towards a Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning), his aspirations are to become an Adviser in the near future. Outside of work and study, he enjoys staying active with hobbies like footy, soccer, basketball, and gym sessions. Nick also finds joy in walking his dog, Pepe.
Paul Finlay
Meet Paul Finlay, a seasoned professional with an impressive 41-year track record in the Taxation and Financial planning industries. In July 2023, he joined AFM Services & AFM Wealth Strategies.
Paul’s expertise has earned him the title of Fellow of the Institute of Public Accountants (FIPA) and the distinction of being a Public practice certificate holder. Moreover, he is also recognized as a Fellow of the National Tax & Accountants Association (FNTAA), highlighting his extensive knowledge in the field.
Throughout his career, Paul has developed his skills as a Financial Planner. His proficiency spans a wide spectrum within the taxation and accounting domain, where he specialises in providing expert guidance for personal taxation, small business taxation and accounting, GST business activity statement preparation, bookkeeping, superannuation, and comprehensive Financial planning.
In addition to his professional achievements, Paul also nurtures a rich personal life. His passions include watching football and basketball, where he finds joy in sportsmanship and competition. During leisure time, he relishes spending quality moments at his holiday home on York Peninsula and exploring new destinations through travel.
Robert Tomaino
Rob joined the AFM Family in August 2021. Robert has worked extensively in the Tax and accounting industry for 35 years including roles in the Tax Office, Chartered Accounting, Corporate Tax and the last 20 years as a sole public practitioner servicing his own clients. He wants to use this work experience together with his client liaison skills to our AFM clients. He is looking forward to the challenge of meeting with AFM clients. Rob values his personal friendships and socialising whilst enjoying the delights of SA’s food and wine industry.
Rose Zerella
Practice Manager – Since 1995, aside from being the team’s ‘mother’, Rose is the client care specialist, budgeting for clients BAS and Taxation debts in advance. She ensures our clients’ needs are met every step of the way. Outside of work, she spends time looking after four kids with John, and playing netball twice a week.
Rusmira (Rosie) Mirascija
Bringing 16 years of accountant and tax agent knowledge to AFM, Rusmira joined us in 2021 and has been a wonderful addition to our family. She is incredibly passionate about her clients and is always trying her best to satisfy everyone to the best of her abilities. Outside of work, she loves to spend her time hiking, reading, travelling and spending time with family and friends.
Simon Chaplin
Simon has an unparalleled attention to detail and methodical approach to his work. He prides himself on his consistency and, after commencing at AFM over a decade ago, delights in informing you that he has only ever had to go off sick once in 2009. When not playing sport himself, Simon avidly follows teams ranging from the Glenelg Tigers and Hawthorn Hawks in Aus, to the Orlando Magic and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the US – as a result of marrying a very patient wife, he was lucky enough to attend multiple games for each of the latter during their honeymoon! Hidden talent…ability to rap – and not only a large catalogue of songs but in some cases entire albums. The older the song… the better!
Tasha Asanopoulos
Meet Tasha, the friendly face that greets you at our Norwood office. As our Reception and Administration specialist, she infuses our workplace with a contagious energy that makes us feel like a close-knit family.
Tony Cafarella
Tony is the director of AFM Wealth Strategy and the senior financial planner. With 15 years’ experience at Centrelink and having been a planner for over 20 years, Tony brings a great deal of experience in assisting clients to understand and achieve their personal and financial goals. Tony is passionate about independence in financial advice and he is a serving board member of the Profession of Independent Financial Advisers (PIFA) . Outside of the office, Tony is a father of 4 and grandfather of 2.
Vanessa
Vanessa brings a wealth of experience to her role, with 6 years in customer service and 3 years in administration. She plays a key role in handling the administration for Wealth Strategy, ensuring smooth operations behind the scenes. Outside of work, Vanessa finds joy in spending time with her daughter, and baking + decorating delicious cakes!!
Vivien Scopelitis
Bookkeeper – Vivien joined the AFM team in Feb 2021 after 30 years in hospitality admin after being scouted by Rose. Loves learning new tasks and loves challenges. Outside of work she is involved in netball, playing masters and coaching, however, enjoying a meal with family and friends is always on the top of the list.
Will Pantelis
Will brings a unique blend of skills to the AFM Services team. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, he embarked on his journey at AFM as an intern, steadily rising to the role of a dedicated Junior Accountant. Within this capacity, Will leverages his expertise to handle compliance and tax preparation tasks with precision and care. But Will’s talents don’t stop at finance; he also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music, showcasing his diverse range of interests.
Beyond the confines of the office, Will is a passionate gamer, finding joy in titles like Rocket League and various Nintendo games. He’s no stranger to the competitive world of e-sports, where he hones his skills and strategy. When it’s time to unwind, Will takes pleasure in the nuanced flavours of whiskey and the comforting aroma of a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Will’s dynamic skills and multifaceted interests make him a valuable asset to the AFM Services team.
Zac Kessner
Zac is one of the advisers on the AFM Wealth Strategy Team. Completing his studies on his Bachelor Degree in Business Financial Planning in 2021, Zac enjoys building strong relationships, allowing him to understand your personal circumstance and build a well-tailored financial plan designed around achieving your personal and financial goals.
Outside of the office, Zac is a keen motorsport fan with a love for Formula 1 and travel. Whether he is jumping on a plane to follow the F1’s overseas or packing up his car to get away camping, Zac is always ready to plan for his next adventure!