Established in February 2016.

Connect Accountants & Advisors proudly serves clients from our offices in Kyogle, Lismore, Casino, Ballina and Coffs Coast. We offer a full range of services including Accounting, Taxation, Superannuation, Business Advisory, and Estate & Succession Planning.

At the heart of Connect is a genuine commitment to relationships. We take the time to truly understand our clients, their goals, and their challenges, allowing us to provide personalised advice and support. By staying closely connected to our community, we help local businesses grow with confidence, achieve long-term success, and build a prosperous future.

In April 2018, we launched Connect Financial Planning Services, a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 123442) of Capstone Financial Planning Pty Ltd. ABN 24 093 733 969. Australian Financial Services Licence No. 223135.

Connect Financial Planning was created to support clients in building clarity and confidence around their financial future. We provide personalised financial advice tailored to your goals, circumstances, and life stage.

Our approach is centred on relationships and long-term outcomes. By working closely with our accounting, finance, and advisory teams, we deliver strategic, holistic advice that helps you protect what you’ve built, grow your wealth, and plan for the future with confidence.

Connect Business Finance was established in response to growing client demand for expert guidance in securing the right finance solutions. We specialise in Motor Vehicle and Equipment Finance for ABN holders, providing access to competitive options from a panel of trusted lenders.

Our clients benefit from a seamless, end-to-end experience. With direct access to your financial information and close collaboration between our accounting and finance teams, we’re able to recommend the most tax-effective structure and negotiate the best possible deal—saving you time, stress, and money.

Award winning service.

Winning Business Awards year after year is more than just a milestone for us – it’s a testament to the trust you place in our team every single day. These accolades belong to our loyal customers and our dedicated staff who make excellence a habit.

Winner

Richmond Valley Business & Industry Excellence Awards

Professional Service

Regional Finalist

Business NSW Regional Business Awards

Young Business Executive Northern Rivers – Melanie Serone

Winner

Kyogle Business Awards

Best New Business

Winner

Kyogle Business Awards

Overall Business of the Year

Winner

Kyogle Business Awards

Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Melanie Serone

Regional Finalist

Bussiness NSW State Business Awards

Start up Superstars – Northern Rivers

Winner

Richmond Valley Business & Industry Excellence Awards

Outstanding Business Leader – Melanie Serone

Regional Finalist

Business NSW Regional Business Awards

Outstanding Business Leader – Melanie Serone

Winner

The Northern Star Lismore Business Awards

Excellence in Business

Winner

The Northern Star Lismore Business Awards

Business of the Year

Winner

Richmond Valley Business & Industry Excellence Awards

Business & Professional Service

Winner

Kyogle Business Awards

Excellence in Business

Winner

Kyogle Business Awards

Business & Professional Services

Regional Winner

Business NSW Regional Business Awards

Excellence in Business & Professional Services

Highly Commended

Business NSW Regional Business Awards

Excellence in Business

Winner

Kyogle Business Awards

Excellence in Business

Winner

Kyogle Business Awards

Employer of Choice

Winner

NAB Corporate Team Challenge Proudly Supporting Our Kids

Winner

Lismore Business Awards

Excellence in Large Business

Winner

Lismore Business Awards

Excellence in Business & Professional Services

Winner

Richmond Valley Business Awards

Excellence in Business & Professional Services

Winner

Richmond Valley Business Awards

Employer of Choice – 21 Employees or over

Meet our team

The locals behind our award winning service.

Melanie Serone, Andrew Stevens, Cass Jolley and James Macdonald are the owners and directors of Connect Accountants & Advisors Pty Ltd and Connect Financial Planning Services Pty Ltd.

Both Melanie and Andrew bring experience from large international accounting firms and understand the importance of putting clients and staff first. They are passionate about delivering a professional, friendly service that adds real value to clients. By empowering their team with quality training and career development opportunities, they ensure the best outcomes for clients while fostering a supportive and family-friendly work environment.

At Connect, our highly skilled team brings a diverse range of expertise to every client. We work with businesses big and small, treating our clients as part of our extended family. By getting to know you and your business on a deeper level, we provide tailored advice designed to help you navigate the challenges of running a business and achieve long-term success.

Andrew Stevens

Director - Chartered Accountant

Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting, Bachelor of Business (Accounting), Registered Tax Agent, Justice of the Peace (NSW)

Melanie Serone

Director - Chartered Accountant

Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting, Diploma of Financial Planning, Bachelor of Business (Accounting), Registered Tax Agent.

Cass Jolley

Director - Chartered Accountant

Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting, Bachelor of Business (Accounting)

James Macdonald

Director - Chartered Accountant

Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting, Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Bachelor of Economics