the Accounting team
Richard Start
Director
Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA)
Certified Practising Accountant (CPA)
Richard grew up in the small farming community of Crowlands. The eldest son with four siblings, he was from a very young age responsible and committed to making the most of farm life. His schooling commenced at Crowlands, moving to Ararat Technical school and completing his secondary years at Ballarat Grammar as a boarder where he was Prefect and Captain of 'Wigan' Boarding House. Melbourne University was his next stop completing a Bachelor of Science (Mathematics). After three years in the city, the farm was calling to him so he returned to help run the family farm until it was sold in 1990.
Richard became a small business owner, however the urge for knowledge was still present, with Richard returning to full time study - also raising three children - and completed his Bachelor of Commerce with Distinction at the University of Ballarat in 1996. During this time he was awarded 'Certificate of Excellence' - highest score for accounting studies for each year - 1994, 1995 and 1996.
Richard was admitted to CPA status in 1999, began his own practice in July 2000. in 2012 gained the standing of Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) with the Tax Institute of Australia.
Richard's knowledge and passion for numbers is deep - that is why he treat your business as if it were his own!
Peter Angel
Partner
Certified Practising Accountant (CPA)
Financial Adviser (AFA)
Formerly a small business owner, Peter brings a wealth of practical experience to his roles as a CPA, Tax Agent and Financial Advisor. Peter has been involved in the local community serving on many boards and is currently the Treasurer on the YMCA Ballarat Board.
Raised on a dairy farm in Kerang in Northern Victoria, Peter completed his schooling at Melbourne High School. After taking a gap year which lasted seven years and took in 60 countries, Peter started his Bachelor of Economics at La Trobe University, completing the course at the University of Oregon - USA - where he met his wife Quimby. Despite being tear gassed in Israel, deported from Brazil and evacuated from Beijing during the Tiananmen Square Crisis, Peter still enjoys traveling. When he can, Peter, Quimby and their two children, Deltree and Calan, go on holidays to different parts of the world.
Peter started working with Richard Start Accountants in 2012, and in 2016 became a Partner. Peter is available for appointments and to answer any query to help you with your Income Tax, Personal Insurances and various Financial Advice needs.
Annette Laver
Senior Accountant
Certified Practising Accountant (CPA)
Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) in 2004 and CPA in 2009, Annette began employment with Richard Start Accountants in late 2013. She has joined our team with a wealth of knowledge in all areas of taxation from basic taxation advice to complex areas including but not restricted to Superannuation and auditing of Self-Managed Super Funds.
Marcus Darmody
Accountant
Certified Practising Accountant (CPA)
Marcus grew up on a dairy farm near Koroit. His schooling commenced at Dennington Primary School and he completed his secondary schooling at Emmanuel College Warrnambool.
After completing year 12, Marcus moved to Ballarat for a gap year. During this time he worked at Ballarat High School as a PE assistant. The following year he commenced his Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Ballarat.
In 2013 while completing his studies Marcus began part time work at Richard Start Accountants. Once he successfully completed his Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) Marcus commenced his full time roll with Richard Start Accountants.
Marcus was admitted to CPA status in 2017.
Marcus enjoys playing football for Newlyn Football Netball Club in the Central Highlands Football League and following the mighty Blues, Carlton football club in the AFL.