Managing Director
Accountant, Financial Planner, Mortgage Broker, and Business Consultant.
BCom, FCA, FCPA, CAFPS, CTA, CPA(FPS), SSA, DipFS (Fin/Mort Broking Management)
Debbie Whiting
Managing Director
Subiaco:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Rockingham:
Tuesday, Thursday
I completed a Bachelor of Commerce in 1980 at UWA. I became a Chartered Accountant back in 1983 and have been a superannuation and estate planning specialist since 1984, where I ran the SMSF division of Ernst and Whinney (now EY). That role also saw me work closely in investing in shares, bonds and the first managed funds in Australia.
After leaving EY in 1987 I founded Whiting’s Chartered Accountants and Whiting’s Financial Services based on providing specialist tax, SMSF and business advice. I obtained a Securities Dealers Licence in 1994.
After the partnership was dissolved in 2003, I established Utopia Financial Services Group which continued to provide tax, SMSF and business advice to which I added mortgage broking advice.
For the name, Utopia, I drew inspiration from my wonderful, carefree, University days at St Thomas More College, a university college affiliated with UWA. Thomas More, the “Man for all seasons,” has been my inspiration – he showed ultimate courage, intellect and integrity under the most pressured of situations and ultimately died for his convictions. Having built a business from a desk in the corner, I understand the risks and pressures small businesses face and the need to adapt and change whilst maintaining courage under fire.
Today, we face different challenges, but strength, intellect, courage and integrity are still key hallmarks required for success and they do not become out of fashion. The Utopia model seeks to set a target and, using a lot of skill, help a client achieve their financial Utopia based on astute investments, rigorous understanding of the international and domestic geo-political and economic landscapes and a clarity of process to protect and build wealth. We have changed our name and brand in 2018 to Utopia Financial Partners reflecting our collaborative approach with our clients and key stakeholders.
I am committed to long term training and expect the same from my team. I just completed my 3 year MBA. My staff are multi trained as Chartered Accountants in accounting, SMSF, investment and business advice. We are never complacent and we understand that to respect our partnership with you we need to continually strive to stay ahead of our competitors with our internal and external research and study.
I’ve raised three children through tertiary studies in Medicine, Law and Science on my own. I understand the pressures on your finances when you are running a family and also are trying to save for a comfortable retirement. John Lennon famously said that “life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans”. It is important to enjoy and appreciate the journey as well as the destination. Our solutions are real and won’t leave you starved of cash so that you have no life.
When I am not working, I am a hockey tragic and I play for Hale Hockey Club (nickname Sea Gull) and have represented WA in Masters many times. A highlight was my gold medal in 2017 for top goal scorer in Australian Over 55s.
I love to travel and enjoy good restaurants and a night at the movies.
Nancy Liu
Subiaco:
Monday to Friday
Rockingham:
On request
I have more than 17 years’ experience in providing taxation and business services solutions to clients across a range of industry sectors. As the head of the Accounting Division at Utopia, I ensure the accounting team to use updated knowledge to make their greatest contribution to help clients growing their businesses and achieving their financial goals.
I specialize in helping clients of all sizes on income tax, capital gains tax matters, goods and services tax, tax effective business structuring. Over the years I have built a great rapport with clients and enjoy working closely with them to ensure they have the skills to manage their businesses on an ongoing basis.
I hold a Master’s Degree in Professional Accounting and am a qualified CPA. I am a registered tax agent.
Outside of work, my family and a big circle of friends are keeping me entertained. I enjoy travel with my family as well as friends around the world.
Enien Teo
Subiaco:
Monday – Friday
After graduating from Curtin with an Accounting degree, I dabbled in Marketing by doing a postgraduate diploma. The Marketing diploma hasn’t improved my selling skills (and hasn’t helped me understand salespeople’s persistence after you have said “No” a few times), but the accounting degree has come in handy.
I started out working as a bookkeeper for a local cruise company, all the while never going on any of their available cruises. I then went on to work in government at the Department of Sport and Recreation. When the pace got too slow for me, I decided to join Utopia and it hasn’t been slow since.
Outside of my work life, my two monkeys, I mean kids, keep me busy and on the go. When I eventually get some time to myself, I enjoy reading, travelling, cooking and baking whilst slapping hands away from the baking spoon
Joanne Sim
Subiaco:
Monday – Friday
Rockingham:
Appointments available on request
I have dedicated more than 10 years of my professional life to Utopia since graduating in 2007 from the University of Western Australia as a graduate accountant. I am a CPA.
I have recently completed my Diploma of Financial Planning and SMSF and decided to continue with my Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning. I really look forward to continue providing useful personal, business and financial advice to my clients and help them achieve their financial goals in life.
Outside of work, I love cycling, baking and spending time with my friends and family. In addition to that, I have two beautiful daughters to keep me busy.
Cate Duthie
Subiaco:
Monday – Friday
Shadow Whiting
Office Puppy, Mental Health Officer, Office Greeter, Bin Inspector
Subiaco:
Monday – Friday
Rockingham:
Appointments available on request
I started at Utopia when I was 7 weeks old as the office puppy. I am in charge of cuddles, food quality testing and decorating the office in Golden Retriever glitter.
I love coming to work, but outside of work, I love walks, the beach and food.
Ray Nixon
Rockingham:
Monday – Friday
I started my working life as a jack of all trades and master of none. My understanding wife agreed to me having two years off work to study and change my vocation to accounting. Starting work in a public accounting firm in 2010. 2013 to 2015 saw me in fulltime work supporting a family and completing my degree in business.
My love for learning and research has led me towards working with passionate business people in improving the growth and sustainability of their businesses. I find it very rewarding to be able to provide financial advice in a way people can understand. I like empowering people and helping them to make decisions that lead to positive outcomes.
“I encourage business owners and guide them in new areas of innovation to help their processes and systems run smoothly.”
I am married and a father to four boys, we have a dog, small parrot named Geoff that lays eggs, a bearded dragon and a number of chooks. I enjoy time with immediate and extended family and when not travelling over the country side with the kids sport we find time to take the boat out on the river or estuary and go fishing, crabbing or just getting out and about.
Michael Kalkman
Subiaco:
Monday – Friday
I recently join Utopia Financial Partners team in Subiaco as a graduate accountant. I have a bachelor degree in Business. I plan to continue studying in the accounting area and complete the Chartered Accountant program.
Outside of work, I enjoy keeping a active and meet up with family and friends. I hope to travel sometime in the future to experience different places and cultures.
Rory Gillen
Subiaco:
Monday – Friday
I have recently joined Utopia as a graduate accountant after completing a double major in Accounting and Marketing at UWA. I wish to continue learning and intend to begin the CA program soon.
Outside of work I enjoy playing soccer, watching NFL, cooking and travelling, both with friends and family.
Kaileigh Shiner
Subiaco:
Monday
Remote Office:
Tuesday and Wednesday
I joined Utopia in January 2015 after working in the retail division of one of the Big 4 banks. Since joining Utopia I have completed a Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management. I enjoy my role helping our clients acquire their financing needs and sourcing the perfect tailored finance solution.
I work Monday to Wednesday each week.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends..
Victoria Richardson
Subiaco:
Monday – Friday
I have just graduated with a Master of Counselling. I have been with Utopia since 2010, starting as an administrative assistant, covering reception, before being given the role of Personal Assistant to Debbie Whiting, our Managing Director.
Outside of work, I enjoy cycling, cooking, swimming, hiking, kayaking, spending time with friends and my German Shepherd, and volunteering my time with various organisations.
Jacquie Whiting
Administrative Assistant
Subiaco:
Monday – Friday
Jay Duthie
Subiaco:
Monday – Friday
I graduated from Curtin University in 2019, completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Information Technology and Information Systems. As part of my studies, I have discovered an interest in how information technology and systems are impacting enterprises and how we do business. As part of the Utopia Financial Partners team, I am learning and developing how we can better deliver financial services to clients through technology.
Outside of work, I enjoy walking and discovering new trails, language learning and taking trips at home and abroad with friends and family
Karen Burgess
Receptionist/Bookkeeper
Subiaco:
Monday – Friday
I have recently been employed by Utopia as an assistant to Cate Duthie in Accounts and Reception relief on Thursdays and Fridays and I’m really enjoying working with the people here. They are all friendly and super helpful and have made me feel welcome from day one.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my 2 children, their partners and my 3 grandchildren with a fourth little one due in February 2023. I also like to spend time with my friends who I have known my whole life and have had quite a few overseas holidays with them. Love to get away when I can down south to Busselton and Margaret River and I enjoy making my apartment my home which I was able to purchase with the amazing help from Debbie Whiting our Managing Director
Lisa Pendlebury
Receptionist
Subiaco:
Monday – Wednesday
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Jake Brown-Smith
Receptionist
Rockingham:
Monday – Friday
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Alexander Rowbowtham
Administrative Assistant
Rockingham:
Monday – Thursday
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Gailyn Pottier
Administrative Assistant
Subiaco
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