Qualifications:
Bachelor of Business (Accounting) QUT
Post Graduate Study at Deakin University
Tax Agent
Workplace Training Category IV
Gemma Heidemann| Accountant
Gemma joined Cascade in 2014. She is an integral part of our accounting services division.
Gemma's role includes:
- Co-ordinates our work flow to ensure we meet all our deadlines;
- Supervising Bookkeeping & BAS preparation;
- Legal Trust accounting;
- Preparation and review of financial statements for Small Businesses
- Income tax returns
- Significant Involvement with roll out, testing and documentation for Wise Owl Legal.
Away from work Gemma, is very talented with crafts and sewing and is an active participant in pop culture events such as Supanova and ComicCon. Gemma is an animal lover and enjoys her 2 dogs and brood of reptiles. She also enjoys volunteering for the RSPCA and other Animal welfare groups.
Gemma has been to Japan three times and keeps going back!
Memberships:
- Fellow Institute of Public Accountants
- Intuit ProAdvisor
- Associate Member of QLD Law Society
- Australian Legal Technology Association
- Reckon Accredited Partner
- Australian Computer Society (Technologist)
Business Systems | Accounting | Taxation | Management | Financial Control
Karen McDonald |Director and Visionary | Karen's Blog
B.Bus (Accy) FIPA AACS AFIAM Registered Tax Agent
Karen has a solid career in accounting and accounting software.
With a wealth of experience across small businesses, manufacturing and government organisations, Karen is most passionate about accounting software and small business operations. The experience gained throughout her time in government roles adds to Karen's invaluable set of skills that allows her to help small businesses work quickly and efficiently through red tape.
Karen's career started in the accounting industry, with over 10 years experience employed in small business accounting and taxation firms. From 1994 to 1997 she held a finance position at Griffith University. 1997 to 2004 saw Karen contracting to Government departments and Government agencies while building the client base for Cascade as we know it today.
Karen's favourite past times include bush walking (especially when there is a waterfall to find), travelling and movies.
Accreditations include:
- Wise Owl Legal Software;
- Intuit Pro Advisor for QuickBooks online;
- Xero
- Reckon Accredited Partner with accreditations in the full suite of ReckonAccounts products Reckon Point of Sale and ReckonOne;
1997 to 2009 Karen was a certified consultant for PC Law.
2008 to 2010 Karen was a licensed agent for File Pro
About Us
Cascade was founded and commenced operations in 1985 by Karen McDonald. The name Cascade Accounting Solutions was registered in July 1998. Since 1999 we have been trading under the name of Cascade Consulting Services Pty Ltd when we incorporated. we are excited to be celebrating our 20th Anniversary on 16 July 2018
Our director is a fully qualified accountant and Fellow with the IPA (Institute of Public Accountants) with extensive business systems experience. She is an associate member of the Qld Law Society and a member of the Australian Computer Society. Therefore, we are able to provide all our business customers with reliable systems that tick all the right boxes for their accountants.
Cascade has connections to a complete range of industry specialists that allows us to offer clients a full range of business computing solutions and enables us to pass on low overheads as savings to all of our customers.
Cascade Accounting & Tax, a Division of Cascade Consulting Services Pty Ltd
Our Clients say:
Amanda Kennedy | Hammersmith Constructions | Brisbane |
Congrats for your 20 year celebration last week. That is a massive milestone to hit, well done to you and your team.
Thanks for all your assistance over the past six years. You have been my Quickbooks/Reckon Guru from the early days of our business, providing guidance and support through the world of book keeping and accounting. With your knowledge and understanding, I have gone from a complete novice to confidently and competently managing the bookkeeping of our construction company and I am most grateful for all you have done. Knowing you are but a phone call or email away has taken all the stress and confusion out of it. So a big thanks from me and Brett.
Small enough to care...experienced enough to understand
Peter C | Lawyer | Gold Coast Qld |
I was introduced to Karen from Cascade Consulting by another solicitor about 10 years ago. The other solicitor was full of praise for Karen and how she had helped him with his business. I was dissatisfied with my accountant at that time and had been looking for someone else to engage.
I made an appointment and met Karen and was impressed with her knowledge and approach to business. I am the Principal of a small legal practice which employs three staff and I had specific concerns that as I was only small, would the larger firms be given preferential treatment. Karen assured me that I would be provided with the same high quality service and advice that all of her clients receive.
I can say that in the time since Karen has become my accountant and became my contact for the legal software system I installed, there has never been a time when I have had to wait for Karen to get back to me. Karen has been fabulous in providing ongoing training and responses to my questions.
The support system she has built is fantastic. I would whole heartedly recommend Karen in her role as legal software support management and accounting.
I am available to talk with any perspective client about the services Karen provides.
Business Systems & Small Business Accounting
T (07) 3422 1333 | M 040 999 2317 | | PO Box 2557 Mansfield BC Qld 4122| E ccs@cascadeconsulting.com.au
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation
T (07) 3422 1333
Accountants | Business Systems Specialists | Tax Agents | ACN 088 257 809 | Registered Tax Agent 24675 623
Click here to access our Blog
Paul Watts | Paul Watts & Co | Yeppoon Qld |
We have been working with Cascade Consulting Services Pty Ltd since 2006 when we purchased our first program for our trust account. Cascade Consulting Services Pty Ltd was recommended to us by the former Auditor for the Queensland Law Society, Grenville Hughes.
Patricia P |Melbourne Victoria Australia |
I can't begin to thank you for your assistance over the last few days. You helped us successfully meet the financial standard with XXXX.
Finally we can breathe a little more easily however we are still waiting on the delegate to actually sign off on the accreditation. Your support not only with the XXXX but also over this last year has been amazing. I don't consider you as our accountant but my true friend.
You are an amazingly kind and brilliant human being. I am very privileged to be associated with you.
Rob | Gold Coast Qld |
It is with pleasure that I provide this testimonial of Karen McDonald and Cascade Consulting Services.
Ms McDonald has been a consultant to our law firm for a period of approximately 12 years. Firstly, as the technical support and manager of PC Law, secondly, as our accountant and thirdly as the proprietor of Wise Owl. Ms McDonald has provided extraordinary technical and professional assistance over an extended period.
In particular, Wise Owl provides a cost effective and efficient software programme totally servicing the requirements of the QLD Law Society and the firm itself. Ms McDonald’s level of expertise and support is cost effective, speedy and professional, the consequence of which lessens any negative impact upon the firm. I have no hesitation in recommending Ms McDonald and Cascade Consulting Services.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Business (Accounting) QUT ; Masters of Professional Accounting
Accreditations include:
Wise Owl Legal Software; Intuit Pro Advisor for QuickBooks online; SMSF Trustee Education Program (CPA Australia); Xero Certification