Kount Consulting

“As an accountant, I’m privileged to be a trusted advisor for our clients. They disclose intimate details about their health, their finances and personal circumstances that even their family may not know. Over the years, I’ve learnt that even small, seemingly unrelated details can be important in the story of our clients.”

Originally from the northern suburbs, Sarah Gibbins wanted to find a home that was close to community, friends, and family. North Melbourne was suggested by her husband, Josh, for its proximity and connections to the city.

“We saw a lot of potential for growth in the area,” explains Sarah. “So we bought a house in Melrose Street in 2012 and have been here ever since.”

In 2015, while working in a larger corporate accounting firm and taking on family commitments as a foster parent, Sarah realised she needed a better work-life balance.

She decided it was the right time for her to step out on her own - to open an accountancy practice that could provide a more nurturing environment for her clients and growing family.

Kount Consulting has been occupying a former clothing shop site in Queensberry Street, North Melbourne, for the past seven years. Josh and Sarah renovated it together, bringing a homely aesthetic to the space and filling it with art pieces and family heirloom furniture.

With over twenty years of experience in accounting and wealth creation, Sarah has built a career and reputation as a trusted advisor who focuses on providing long-term advice and strategy to small businesses and individuals planning for their future.

After a few years, Josh joined Sarah in the business. An architect by trade and still working in the field, he branched across to assist Sarah in her business and now focuses on services relating to budgeting, business planning, and forecasting.

“A lot of our clients have been with us for some time, starting from when I worked at the big firm,” Sarah explains. “We’ve helped them provide planning solutions for their families, watched their kids grow and forge their own careers and now are helping those kids with their accounting, business strategies and retirement plans. We support our clients with planning for generational wealth rather than just a tax return once a year.”

Sarah and Josh love working with people and pride themselves on finding results for each client’s financial goals by offering a friendly, personalised approach.

“I get to hang out with my best friend all day,” smiles Sarah. “Hopefully, the comfortable and collaborative atmosphere that Josh and I have created at Kount Consulting comes through to our clients as well.”

Words by Joyce Watts & Photography by Anna Encio