Steven Van Ginneken knew from his first day at University that he wanted to one day work at Sinclair Wilson.
This week, 12 years after he first asked for a job at the region’s largest accounting firm, the Warrnambool-born- and-raised Accountant is the Group’s newest Principal.
The Group’s diverse client base, and leading role in the region encompassing Warrnambool, Hamilton, Camperdown, Colac and Mount Gambier made it a stand out for the ambitious young student, who enrolled in a commerce degree at his home-town university with dreams of one day having a stake in his own business.
“I had already worked in a couple of jobs when I enrolled at Deakin Warrnambool. So I knew that one day, being my own boss was something that really interested me,” Steve recalls.
“I also knew that being an accountant, and working in a Group that had a large number of diverse clients would mean I had a chance to experience a lot of different industries, perspectives and types of business.
“It is the potential for diversity that has always interested me.”
Having worked in earthmoving, retail and manufacturing in the two years between graduating from Warrnambool College and commencing at Deakin’s Warrnambool campus – as well as while he completed his commerce degree – Steve also brings a first-hand perspective to his work with small business and agricultural clients.
“I’ve been there. I’ve worked on the floor and in the workshop. Not just in the office. I like that I can look it at from a different perspective.”
With a keen interest in emerging technology, Sinclair Wilson’s newest partner also enjoys his role introducing clients to new computer systems, processes and programs that enhance how they run and grow their business.
“Making the right choices in the early stages of setting up a business, about how that business is structured and the technology that is used, creates the potential to make almost every business more efficient in how it’s managed and how it operates,” Steve reflects. “Getting a start-up business into the right structure early on can then set them up better in the long term, in terms of tax efficiency, protecting the assets that they will hopefully accumulate of time, and even how the business evolves over the years,” he explained.
“There’s often so much going on when someone sets up a business that they don’t have a chance to think five years ahead about what they will have, and want to do – that’s where we can help, and tailor something specific to their personal situation.”
Sinclair Wilson Chairman John Bouwman reiterated that Steve’s experience with start-ups, and his flair and interest in digital provided a distinct and tangible benefit to clients.
“From e-commerce options, through to book keeping and accounting software; Steve has become a go-to for clients on what digital options exist and continue to emerge, to make their business idea real, or their existing business better.
“With Steve’s help, we are able to advise clients on what is out there, that best-suits what they do now, and how they want their business to evolve. It’s information that can change month to month, or week to week – Steve’s passion and skill with this area means our clients can reliably have the latest knowledge on-hand.”
Steve joins Kerrie Hughson as the latest addition to Sinclair Wilson’s 18-strong group of Principals. Chair John Bouwman said both Steve and Kerrie would bring a fresh perspective to the Partnership.
“We have always embraced the opportunities that come with integrating our Partnership with young, progressive partners to compliment the more experienced leaders; it ensures we keep across new developments and a wide range of client demographics,” he said.
“For new clients, it also means developing a relationship with Steve and Kerrie now, makes it likely that they’ll be able to enjoy constant contact with the same partner for many years to come.”
