Paragon Advisors & Accountants

Paragon Advisors & Accountants was founded more than 30 years ago by Bryan Smith in Sheffield, Tasmania. In 2000, Bryan Smith purchased the Ulverstone business from Pinkard, Rawson and Rowe and formed Paragon BDS. Karen Gambles joined the firm in 2005 and became Bryan Smith's business partner in 2008. Karen Gambles took over as sole director following the loss of Bryan Smith.

Paragon is a team of CPA accountants. It was the first firm in Tasmania to become a platinum partner with Xero. Paragon staff are specialised in Aged Care Advice, SMSF Administration, Audit and Cloud Accounting. Paragon has alliances with lawyers, financial planners and estate and succession planners. Paragon has regular face-to-face meetings in Melbourne, Hobart, Launceston and other centres.

Business accounting and advisory work for small enterprises forms the backdrop to the feedback left for this Launceston firm. Reviews time and again mention the professionalism and helpfulness of the service, with the practical assistance given to proprietors described as a distinguishing feature. Karen and her team are named in several accounts, and clients speak appreciatively of the guidance and support they receive, including during periods when trading conditions were difficult. A recurring observation concerns the way the financial administration of a business is handled, with long-standing clients noting that the relationship has spanned many years and that the arrangements put in place have simplified their record-keeping.

The accommodating manner of the staff is a further theme, with comments pointing to advice that is adapted to the circumstances of each engagement rather than applied in a uniform fashion. Several respondents express satisfaction with the continuity of contact they have maintained with the practice, and one describes the decision to bring the company's accounting across as among the most valuable made for the business. The tone of the comments reflects genuine appreciation for the support provided to small operators in the region.