John Kalachian

Partner

As a person who loves learning and is passionate about good numbers, John is unconditionally committed to what he does – and that is achieving his goal of servicing businesses in all of their tax compliance and taxation advice, helping people understand how the tax system works and celebrating the difference Fortis makes every day together with the team. No one adds that perfect blend of human understanding to the accounting practice better than John does.

John is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance graduate, a Certified Financial Planner and a Justice of the Peace.

Building Fortis Accounting Partners from scratch, overcoming all the difficulties and nurturing an excellent team of passionate individuals are all achievements that John is particularly proud of. He is inspired by the clients that the firm has helped with our bespoke service and knowing that the team is learning something new every day.

With his love for his family and local community, John is dedicated to imparting guidance and support to both his clients and team members. Doing this every day drives him to become better and helps pave the way to the growth of the firm.

When John isn’t helping people get the most from their numbers, you’ll find him amongst the waves, on the golfing green or in the fishing boat, enjoying the outdoor life like a champion.

Henry Zhao

Partner

Henry is a partner at Fortis and a strong leader when it comes to making decisions around strategic direction and adapting to changes in the industry. Motivated to provide the best advice and highest value to clients and their businesses, Henry specializes in all areas of taxation, particularly GST, family trusts, and international tax and cross-border issues.

Henry appreciates the evolving nature of the business and financial environments. As a result, he embraces new systems and processes to help our team successfully adjust to new working conditions. His ability to learn quickly and perform in-depth research has allowed Fortis to continually innovate in an ever-changing marketplace.

Henry holds a Masters Degree in Accounting & Taxation and is a Chartered Accountant and Certified Tax Advisor (Tax Institute of Australia). He has gained extensive experience with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and working together with some of the largest mid-tiered chartered accounting firms in the country before starting his own firm and Fortis Accounting Partners.

Inspired to provide value to clients from all walks of life, Henry is committed to finding the best solutions, growing Fortis and expanding his knowledge set.

Bernadette Pywell

Client Administration Manager

Bernadette is the friendly face who warmly greets our clients as they enter our office.

As someone who is inspired by smiles and the cause of many herself, Bernadette ensures she is always spreading the joy around to everyone. With her vibrant and friendly personality, she exudes positivity and fosters a caring environment within the team.

Bernadette has gained valuable experience across a wide range of industries, including Coal & Resources Marketing & Husbandry, Building & Construction Marketing as well as Industrial & Commercial Insurance Broking. This allows her to actively contribute and offer her wealth of knowledge to everyone.

Aside from her confidence, computer and organisation skills, Bernadette is known to throw some of the best events to bring the fun factor to all the Fortis gatherings! She is perfectly suited to her role where she can build personal connections and ensure people feel comfortable and well-cared for.

Most important, Bernadette is dedicated to continually improving – and with her determination to get things right every time, she’s always learning.

Rehman Khan

Manager

Rehman is our energetic Manager who is always motivated and focussed on helping clients reach their full potential through optimal planning, forward-thinking and strategic implementation.

With his supportive, dedicated and encouraging nature, combined with an ability think outside of the box, Rehman finds a solution to any problem – which is perfect as Fortis is all about getting results for our clients, no matter what the circumstance.

Rehman is a full member of CPA Australia and has a Masters of Accounting with over 6 years of experience in tax advisory and business services. Because of this, Rehman has developed a deep understanding of financial and taxation modelling, allowing him to assist clients with forecasts, budgets and scenario analysis. This makes him invaluable as, with Rehman by your side, you can always make well-informed decisions.

Inspired by the great opportunities to learn and the value he can contribute to every client’s portfolio, business or individual wealth, Rehman leverages technology, innovation and aptitude for number-crunching to always deliver excellence.

Rehman is an avid traveller, speaks four languages and has lived in three different countries. When you can find him in one place, he us usually filling his weekends playing cricket.

Nicole Yang

Manager

Nicole is one of our Managers, specialising in the numbers behind businesses, profitability, revenue and taxation.

We always know when Nicole is in the room, because everything becomes brighter and everyone instantly feels happier. Nicole has been a valuable part of Fortis over the years and has brought with her so much positivity, not only to her colleagues but also to clients as well. We love this about her as accounting can be quite a serious practice and Nicole’s personality is a welcome balance.  

Being an excellent communicator and incredibly dedicated to learning new things, Nicole speaks several different languages. She is also a Member of CPA Australia, and holds both a Masters of Commerce in Accounting & Finance and a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting.

Nicole has over 12 years of accounting experience working within internal auditing, business services and tax firms, and has a real appreciation for customer service from her years in the retail & hotel industries. Since joining Fortis, she has collaborated alongside many different kinds of people and organisations, all of whom inspire her to offer highly bespoke services to reach profitable outcomes for every client.  

Nicole is passionate about getting outdoors to enjoy the beach, golf, various snow sports and travelling, as well as embracing her artistic side with drawing, photography and music.

Julia Ma

Manager

Julia is a CPA qualified accountant who has been with Fortis Accounting Partners since day one, bringing over 10 years of experience to the firm and more than 5 years prior.

She leads Henry’s team of accountants, using her knowledge, supportive approach, and kind nature to help them grow and succeed. Her ability to mentor and support others makes her an invaluable part of our team culture and success.

When she’s not working, Julia enjoys staying active & socialising with light volleyball and spending time in nature. She has a passion for travel and loves discovering new places, bringing the same energy, curiosity, and sense of adventure to her personal life as she does to her professional role.

Jenny Pham

Accountant

Jenny is friendly, understanding and genuinely enjoys supporting others in managing their financial affairs though a calm, methodical approach and an open, welcoming manner.

Jenny earned a Bachelor of Financial Management and a Master of Professional Accounting and is currently working towards CPA. Her blend of academic knowledge and practical experience enables her to offer valuable, tailored advice.

Driven by a passion for continual growth and a clear intention to help others thrive, Jenny works to ease the burden of financial management so her clients can concentrate fully on advancing their careers and pursuing their creative goals — leaving the numbers to her.

Outside of the office, Jenny enjoys spending time at the gym, discovering new places, appreciating great food, and simply relaxing at home with her kitten.

Lin Lin

Manager

Lin brings nearly a decade of experience in professional accounting and tax services, having spent most of his career at Big Four and mid-tier accounting firms.

He is a qualified Chartered Accountant, a Chartered Tax Advisor, and a Master of Professional Accounting graduate. Lin is passionate about working with clients through the different phases of their business and personal life with strategic tax planning and the value it can bring to his clients.

In November 2024, he joined Fortis Accounting Partners as a Manager specialised in tax, accounting, and business advisory, driven by his passion for supporting clients in the emerging SME market.

Outside of work, Lin enjoys spending quality time with his family and has a love for the outdoors, sports, and fishing.

Freya Croft

Client Administration Officer

With over five years of administration experience, Freya brings a strong foundation of professionalism, attention to detail, and a passion for delivering outstanding service. She understands the value of being a reliable and engaged team member, and how a positive, supportive environment benefits both clients and colleagues.

Whether she’s welcoming you at the front desk or assisting you over the phone, Freya’s warm smile and kind nature ensure every interaction is genuine and memorable. Known for her organisation and strong work ethic, she takes pride in exceeding expectations and contributing to a smooth, efficient client experience.

Outside the workplace, Freya enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, recharging with writing music, singing, and sunrise beach swims. Her calm, friendly presence and commitment to growth make her an integral part of the team.

Freya is excited to continue developing her skills and career, working alongside Bernadette, our Client Administration Manager, and embracing new opportunities to grow within the business.

Deepa Joshi

Accountant

Deepa Joshi is a highly skilled and committed professional with a strong foundation in accounting and finance. Holding both a Chartered Accountant designation and a Master’s in Accounting, she provides a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles and practices in her current role.

Deepa plays a key role in supporting her team by preparing accurate financial statements and tax returns, ensuring that every task is executed with precision and attention to detail. Her unwavering dedication to her work is complemented by a continuous drive for self-improvement. Deepa approaches every challenge with a thoughtful and diligent mindset, consistently striving for excellence in all that she does. 

Outside of her professional life, Deepa is an avid learner and enjoys exploring new interests. Hiking and traveling are among her favorite activities, providing her with the opportunity to unwind, rejuvenate, and gain fresh perspectives that she applies both personally and professionally.

Deepa’s combination of expertise, work ethic, and collaborative spirit makes her an invaluable asset to the company and a great source of inspiration to those around her.

Shrishtina Manandhar

Accountant

With five years of experience in taxation, compliance, and financial consultancy, Shrishtina brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for navigating the intricacies of accountancy and finance. Her unwavering commitment to excellence ensures she delivers exceptional services to clients, while her eagerness to continually learn and grow drives her to approach every challenge with determination and a positive outlook.

As a member of our team, Shrishtina plays a key role in supporting businesses by managing and preparing financial statements and tax returns with meticulous attention to detail. Her dedication to providing accurate and reliable solutions is at the core of her professional approach.

Currently an ACCA Finalist, Shrishtina is on the path to achieving full certification, further solidifying her expertise in accounting and taxation. Her journey has been marked by hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Beyond her professional achievements, Shrishtina is an avid reader, a geopolitical enthusiast, a passionate traveler who enjoys exploring new destinations, and a cinephile at heart. Her dedication to continually refining her craftsmanship and professionalism, combined with her results-driven expertise and contributions, is integral to the success of our team.

Hannah Pham

Accountant

Hannah is the newest member to our team at Fortis Accounting Partners. With two-years of experience in the field, she has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and has dreams to become a Chartered Accountant in the foreseeable future.

She enjoys working with numbers and helping clients with their business daily needs. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys travelling to different places and exploring their culture and cuisine.

With her calm and elegant disposition, the outdoors is where she centres herself. Hannah is always eager to learn new skills and expand her knowledge in accounting and beyond and is very excited to be a part of our amazing team!

Nikka Allyson M. De Belen

Administration Officer

Nikka is our amazing offshore Administration Officer, from the Philippines. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, majoring in Financial Management.

Nikka is a passionate individual with 7 years of quality experience as a Professional Administration officer in fields such as accounting, treasury and Human Resource functions.

She is a firm believer in stepping out of your comfort zone, because that’s when you will find the best things in life! In her spare time, she loves spending time with her white cat – Cloudy and relaxing in the sun. If she’s not working, you’ll find her at her desk with her incredible collection of stickers, ephemera, journals, planners and her beloved old typewriter.

Avantika

Accountant

Avantika is an ACCA finalist with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies and over three years of experience in finance and audit. She spent nearly two and a half years at one of Nepal’s leading audit firms, where she developed her skills in internal auditing across a range of sectors, including FMCG, INGOs/NGOs, hospitality, and financial services.

Following this, she joined an Australian financial planning firm, working in the Governance and Compliance team. There, she gained practical experience with Australian investment platforms and financial planning processes — an opportunity that deepened her interest in international financial practices.

Known for her kind and approachable nature, Avantika balances her love for numbers with a strong interest in psychology, geopolitics and current affairs, staying engaged with global events beyond her professional pursuits.

Outside of work, she enjoys fashion, binge-watching her favourite shows, music festivals and exploring new cafés and restaurants as a dedicated vegetarian foodie.

Samriddhi

Accountant

Samriddhi Pandey is an accounting professional known for her dedication, accuracy, and analytical approach, with a strong foundation in finance and taxation. As an ACCA, she brings extensive knowledge and practical expertise to her role, specializing in Australian tax compliance and reporting.

Her experience spans across auditing, financial reporting, and corporate finance, which has strengthened her ability to manage complex accounting tasks with precision. This diverse background enables her to approach challenges with a well-rounded perspective, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in every process at Fortis.

With a keen eye for detail and a strong memory, Samriddhi consistently delivers high-quality work while maintaining a calm and composed presence that fosters a positive team environment. Her helpful and understanding nature makes collaboration seamless and contributes to smooth workflows.

Outside of work, Samriddhi enjoys creative pursuits such as photography and content creation. She also loves playing the violin and occasionally singing, activities that allow her to express her artistic side. Additionally, she enjoys playing basketball, which not only keeps her active but also strengthens her sense of teamwork, something she values both on and off the court.

Samriddhi’s combination of technical expertise, diverse experience, and calming presence makes her an integral part of the Fortis team.

Reeya

Accountant

Reeya is an ACCA-qualified professional with over four years of experience in audit and accounting across Nepal and the UK. Her career has given her extensive exposure to financial reporting, compliance, and tax advisory services, making her well-versed in both local and international accounting standards.

She has worked on diverse engagements involving statutory audits, preparation of financial statements, and tax computations, which has strengthened her ability to navigate complex regulatory environments. Her understanding of corporate and individual tax matters, combined with her analytical skills, aligns seamlessly with the work we do at Fortis, particularly in delivering accurate and compliant outcomes for our clients. Reeya approaches every task with remarkable efficiency and attention to detail, ensuring that all projects are completed with precision and consistency.

Beyond her technical expertise, Reeya brings a unique energy to the team. She is incredibly smart, fun to be around, and has a great sense of humour that makes even the busiest days enjoyable. Her kindness and thoughtfulness create a positive atmosphere, and her ability to connect with people ensures strong collaboration within the team.

Outside of work, Reeya loves painting, immersing herself in fictional novels, and spending quality time with friends and family. Reeya’s blend of technical expertise, efficiency, and strong team spirit, while maintaining a warm, positive presence in the office makes her an invaluable asset to the company.

Suruchi

Accountant

Suruchi is an ACCA-qualified accounting professional with three years of experience working in audit and accounting roles across Nepal and the UK. Her background includes exposure to financial reporting, tax compliance, and advisory services, giving her a strong foundation in both international and local accounting standards. She has worked on statutory audits, preparation of financial statements, and tax computations for individuals and businesses, which has honed her ability to deliver accurate and compliant outcomes. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset in areas such as GST reporting, payroll reconciliations, and corporate tax planning key aspects of the work we do at Fortis.

Suruchi is incredibly driven and focused. When she takes on a task, she approaches it with determination and precision, ensuring every detail is perfect. Her careful and methodical nature reflects the quality of her work, and her organizational skills allow her to manage multiple responsibilities seamlessly. She has a natural charm and warmth that makes people feel welcome and accepted, creating a positive and inclusive environment wherever she goes.

Sushma

Accountant

Sushma Yadav is a dedicated CA Finalist with a master’s degree in finance and more than six years of rolling up her sleeves in accounting, taxation, audit, financial management, and forecasting. She has worked extensively with audit firms and non-profit organizations in Nepal and accounting firms in Australia, blending detail with creativity and proving that finance can be both sharp and inspiring

Numbers tell stories, and Sushma makes sure they’re worth reading. She thrives on turning financial puzzles into practical solutions that help organizations grow. She combines reliability with a collaborative spark, thriving in high-energy workplaces while bringing attention to detail.

From Nepal to Australia, her expertise travels as far as her ambition. Her next milestone is completing her Chartered Accountancy qualification to amplify the expertise she brings to every client.

Beyond the spreadsheets, she enjoys sketching, reading, and exploring new places. Sushma believes that creativity fuels clarity.

Reshika Kumar

Administration Officer

With her kind, caring and approachable nature, Reshika never fails to provide a positive, welcoming experience for our clients, assisting them as they walk in our door or call our office. She understands the power of customer service and is always willing to lend a hand.

With her fun and relaxed personality, Reshika is incredibly creative, especially when it comes to finding solutions for evolving challenges, from financial matters to marketing requirements and beyond. Holding a Masters of Business Administration with a major in Marketing and significant experience in the banking industry, Reshika has a unique combination of skills which makes her a real asset to Fortis.

Reshika is motivated to reach new heights, take risks and develop her career by working alongside Bernadette, our Client Administration Manager, and having the opportunity to learn new things such as new platforms and procedures.

Reshika is passionate about fitness and does not miss an opportunity to take advantage of the gym. Despite Reshika’s relaxed personality it all goes out the door when card or board games are involved!