Former Central Queensland University (CQU) Business & Law student, Rhondell Maguire is preparing to take her local business, ‘WealthWise’, to its next stage of growth.

Rhondell commenced her studies at CQU in 1994, studying for a Bachelor of Business degree. By using credits and exemptions from previous study and undertaking heavier than average course loads, Rhondell was able to accelerate her course, completing her Bachelor of Business (Marketing) in 1995. She then undertook a Bachelor of Business (Honours) in 1996, graduating with first class honours. Rhondell was awarded the university medal and named joint graduate of the year for obtaining the highest possible grade point average during her honours year.

“CQU provided me with the flexibility to complete my Bachelor of Business in a two-year period at a time when fast-tracking degrees was widely unheard of in Australia. The teaching staff were excellent, always willing to provide extra help when needed. I really enjoyed my time at CQU” Rhondell said.

Rhondell has applied the skills she obtained during her studies at CQU to her business, WealthWise Financial Services. ‘WealthWise’ was established in June 2001 when Rhondell and a small team of colleagues purchased an accounting and taxation business in Rockhampton and extended the range of services offered to include financial planning and business advisory services.

“We could see the potential in CQ for a fully integrated financial services business that provided clients with a comprehensive array of services ranging from accounting and taxation advice to business analysis and planning”, said Rhondell.

The business has since expanded, and ‘WealthWise’ is currently relocating to15 William Street where its new premises will be able to better cater for the extended range of services being introduced by the company.

‘WealthWise’ will be joined at their new location by Accountant Rachael Stonier and Marketing and Business Development Consultants Tina White and Kelly O’Brien. Rachael brings to ‘WealthWise’ extensive experience gained in working in the accounting profession throughout Queensland, while Tina and Kelly offer local business a range of marketing, business development and event management services.

In addition to Rhondell, Rachael, Tina and Kelly, the ‘WealthWise’ team consists of Accountant George Barton, Financial Planners Alan Larsen and Brett Ruff and Administrative Assistant, Georgina Maguire.

“Our team are focused on building enduring relationships with Central Queensland clients based on communication and trust. We recognise the importance of keeping our clients informed about the latest developments and assisting them where needed” Rhondell said.

‘WealthWise’ offers a comprehensive range of accounting and business advisory services, including a monthly accounting and bookkeeping service, taxation advice and planning, cash flow forecasting, analysis of business performance, marketing plans and business plans.

The firm also provides clients with expert financial planning advice on wealth creation, superannuation and rollovers, retirement/redundancy planning, life insurance and salary sacrifice planning.

To ensure these services are backed by a dealer group with a strong service ethic and a proven track record, ‘WealthWise’ has recently joined Queensland-based financial planning group, Barbacan Benefits Pty Ltd.

The Acting Dean of CQU’s Faculty of Business and Law, Associate Professor Les Killion said that the growth of ‘WealthWise’ was a significant step forward and was indicative of the extent to which graduates from the faculty had displayed initiative in growing businesses that met the needs of the Central Queensland community.

“While the faculty is a major player in the University’s strategies to develop as a major provider of tertiary education to the international student market, we have always been conscious of the role we play in preparing students for careers and the development of businesses within the Central Queensland region,” Associate Professor Killion said.

“Throughout more than 30 years of our operations we have carefully nurtured linkages with local and regional industries and employers in providing industry-ready graduates,” the Acting Dean explained.

“The growth of Ms Maguire’s company has taken this philosophy to a new level and it is very satisfying for us to have contributed to Ms Maguire’s professional development, not only in the area of Financial Planning, but as an innovative entrepreneur who is extending the boundaries of Central Queensland’s future business and commercial profile. We wish her and her associates the very best for the ongoing success in this rapidly expanding sector,” said Associate Professor Killion.

“Financial planning is a complex and fast-changing industry, so strong dealership support is essential if we are to provide the best possible service to our clients. Our association with Barbacan will ensure we are able to provide the highest quality, most professional, and above all, totally personal service for people wishing to take control of their finances,” said Rhondell.