Firm Profile
David Gurney
FCA JP Director
Specialties: Small Business, Property Investors & Developers, Taxation, Superannuation
david_gurney@signumadvisers.com.au
David started his accounting career in 1980 working for a large city firm involved in auditing. Whilst working he completed his Bachelor of Commerce at UNSW graduating in 1983 with Merit. He became a Chartered Accountant in 1986, advancing to Fellow in 1996.
After completing his university studies he started to work for a Parramatta firm where he became a partner in 1991. In 1999 he decided to extend his opportunities via joining PF Fisher & Co Pty Ltd (now Signum Business Advisers Pty Ltd).
His professional qualifications are Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and Fellow of the Taxation Institute of Australia. He is also a Registered Company Auditor and Justice of the Peace.
David's clients are high net worth individuals and medium sized private companies for whom he provides tax consulting and strategies. His expertise covers a wide range of areas including taxation, business development, planning, accounting, audit, estate and succession planning, wealth creation and many others.
David's charity roles revolve primarily around the Salvation Army and the Red Shield Appeal where he has taken on important roles since 1996. He currently holds the position as Chairman of the North West Area of the Greater West of Sydney. He and his wife have also been active in the Scouting movement.
David is married with two children. After family and the firm, he is very keen on bush walking, scuba diving, fishing, 4WD touring, golf and walking his dog.
Pamela Horton
CA Director
Specialties: Small business, Taxation, Superannuation
pamela_horton@signumadvisers.com.au
Pamela commenced her career in accounting in 1978 working for a mid tier firm in Sydney. During that time she completed her Bachelor of Arts (Majoring in Accounting) at Macquarie University.
On completion of her degree Pamela joined Hungerfords, a large city practice and a founding partner in the current KMPG practice, where she worked for six years. During her time with this firm Pamela gained extensive experience in both audit and taxation. In particular she built a solid background in the area of taxation consulting.
Pamela qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1983 and in the year she completed her professional qualifications received the distinction of being the Student of the Year.
After taking a break from accounting to have a family Pamela returned part-time in various accounting roles assisting small businesses, before joining the firm in 2001. She became a principal in the firm in 2003 upon retirement of Peter Fisher, the founder of the firm.
Pamela services a diverse group of clients to whom she provides taxation advice and business consulting. Her expertise covers areas such as superannuation, tax consulting, business advising and coaching and estate and retirement planning.
Pamela is married with three children. When time permits she enjoys walking, travel and reading.
Adam Phillips
CA Director
Specialties: Property Investors & Developers, Professionals (Doctors, Lawyers and their Practices), Small Business
adam_phillips@signumadvisers.com.au
Adam joined the firm in 1999 as a 2nd year university undergraduate. He completed his Bachelor of Commerce with University of Western Sydney in 2002 and continued his education with the ICAA becoming a qualified CA in 2004. Adam received his certificate of public practice in August 2011.
Away from the office, Adam's interests in motor sport see him both competing and volunteering as an official. He also enjoys playing golf and spectating at various sports.
James Attard
CA JP Director
Specialties: Construction and Property Services, Small Business
james_attard@signumadvisers.com.au
James has been with the firm since early 2006, previously having 3 years experience in chartered accounting. A qualified chartered accountant, James has extensive experience in business services. He received his certificate of public practice in August 2011.
James is married with two children and apart from spending time with his family, enjoys all sports especially horse racing, cricket, football, golf and league. He is an avid Eels and Portsmouth supporter.
Olga Lyagoshina
CA Client Manager
Specialties: Property Investors & Developers, Small Business
olga_lyagoshina@signumadvisers.com.au
Olga joined the firm in June 2008 having moved from Russia in 2004. Olga completed the Chartered Accountants Program in 2011.
Out of the office Olga enjoys attending acting classes and her first role was in a play called The Emigrant with the Australian Russian Theatre. She also attends aerials and acrobatics classes.Mustapha (Muzy) Sawan
Client Manager
Specialties: Construction and Property Services, Small Business
mustapha_sawan@signumadvisers.com.au
Muzy joined the firm in 2007 as a graduate of Macquarie University. He is currently undertaking the Chartered Accountants Program and is due to finish in 2012.
Muzy supports the Bulldogs in the NRL and Arsenal in the English Premier League. He enjoys going to the gym, watching movies and spending time with family and friends.
Svetlana Hammond
Client Manager
Specialties: Property Investors & Developers, Superannuation
svetlana_hammond@signumadvisers.com.au
Svetlana joined Signum Business Advisers in 2006. Having completed her Masters of Professional Accounting she is currently undertaking the CPA Program and is due to finish in late 2011.
Svetlana enjoys spending time with her family and friends, travelling, kayaking, sudoku and dancing.