About us
Our Client Value Proposition
We strive to instil confidence in our ability to look after your financial affairs, with a high level of comfort and understanding based on our commitment to educate and enlighten.
This confidence originates from our comprehensive research and resources, experience and ongoing training, our ability and skill at identifying the most tax effective and appropriate tax and investment opportunities and strategies, both at your current stage of life, and into the future.
Working with you, we tailor and implement your personalised plan to assist in accumulating and protecting your wealth. As an integral component of our "Lifetime View", we monitor, administer and keep you informed on your investments and taxation affairs on an ongoing basis.
Our ultimate goal is to provide our clients with financial peace of mind.
We choose to be small, thus enabling you to talk to someone who knows your situation and is able to answer any of your questions.
We listen. We advise. We are here for you.
Great things come from doing small things in a great way
A team that has grown from humble beginnings...
The original firm, J & J Kirby, was established in 1981 by John and Joy Kirby preparing tax returns from home. Over the years, we have grown into a highly respected, successful, accounting and financial services practice in Mount Gambier. Our team includes professional accountants, licensed investment advisers and valuable support staff. We specialise in providing taxation and investment solutions to a diverse range of individuals, small business and investor clients.
Ownership of Kirby Financial Solutions changed on 1 October 2017, with the business being purchased by Mr Andrew Clements and family. Andrew had been a senior Accountant with Galpins for many years and is a member of the CPAs.
In 2027, our firm will be celebrating 40 years providing tax and accounting services, and 25 years providing financial services.
Andrew Clements - CPA, BComm (Accounting), Grad Dip of Financial Planning
Andrew comes from a local logging contracting family in Mount Gambier. He attended North Gambier Primary School, Mt Gambier High School and then Deakin University. After gaining a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University, he returned to Mt Gambier to work in the family business for 12 years.
Andrew then went to work for Peter Young Accountants in 2000, later transferring to Galpins when they took over that firm in 2004. He was employed in a senior accounting role until taking up this opportunity to acquire the business of Kirby Financial Solutions.
Andrew attained the Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning and achieved RG146 (ASIC) Compliance for Financial Advisers in October 2018. Andrew also became an Authorised Representative of Count Financial in October 2018.
Andrew is a Member of CPA Australia and a Registered Tax Agent.
Andrew and his wife Jo have been married for over 20 years and they have 2 children, Lachlan and Piper, plus 2 dogs, 3 cats, and 4 chickens to keep them busy. His interests include karate, golf, camping, 8-ball & North Melbourne Football Club.
Annie Harris AFP® - B.App.Sci (Env. Man), Grad Dip of Computing, Dip of Management, Grad Dip of Financial Planning, Certificate IV in Financial Services (Finance/Mortgage Broking), Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA)
Having joined the firm in 2005, Annie is our key person for financial services. As the Firm's second Authorised Representative of Count Financial, Annie oversees all aspects of the Financial Planning side of our business. Home Loans and Equipment Finance also come under Annie's wing.
She is also extremely valuable in administering our website and tackling other software issues.
Annie has one high-school aged son who loves Fortnight, Roblox, Minecraft and is an aspiring AFL star, a primary-school aged daughter who loves Roblox, Minecraft, amine/manga and horse riding, and a bookworm husband.
Annie is also the Treasurer of the Australian Breastfeeding Association, Lower Limestone Coast (Mount Gambier) branch.
She really enjoyed the Melbourne Football Club's Premiership win in 2021, has been disappointed with recent years, but is upbeat about the 2026 season after a busy trading period & draft.
Lauren Milich - CPA, BComm (Accounting / Management)
Lauren joined our firm in 2011, and with her strong background in auditing and administration, attends to our Self Managed Super Fund Administration Service.
Lauren can also prepare quarterly Business Activity Statements, and attend to your accounting requirements. Since 2015, she has been assisting with our Tax Preparation Service as a Tax Agent.
Lauren enjoys reading, fine food and going to the movies.
Mel Ratzlaf
Mel joined our firm in 2026, as the Office Administrator, taking control of the reception desk and general client queries.
Mel will be your first point of contact when making appointments, returning paperwork and everything else.
Mel is a Dachshund mum to Larry and Norm and enjoys reading and makes social content.
Ange Kelly - AIPA, B.Comm (Accounting / Financial Planning)
Ange joined our firm in 2026 as an Accountant, supporting Andrew and Lauren with the Tax and Accounting side of the business.
Ange was born and raised in Millicent, where she lives with her 2 children and husband. Ange has worked in accounting firms in Millicent and the local area since 2001, and the banking industry prior to that.
Ange has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in the fields of Taxation, GST, Business advice, Capital Gains Tax, etc over the years.
Ange can also assist clients with their accounting software needs, business structure, creating wealth and retirement planning.
Ange is also an Authorised Representative of Count Financial, and will be working with Annie on the Financial Planning side of our business.
