About Us

Connole Carlisle was founded in 1990 by Denis Connole and Ian Carlisle. Each brought their own skills and experience to the partnership with the common goal of servicing client’s total financial needs. In the early 1990’s few accounting firms in Mackay offered this “total" service to their clients and thus Connole Carlisle established its reputation as progressive and forward thinking firm. Connole Carlisle has continued to evolve, keeping abreast of new trends, policies and technologies. The firm has now grown to five Partners and continues to offer a broad range of services to not only the Mackay region but also Queensland and interstate.

John Murphy – Managing Partner B Bus, FCA John joined Connole Carlisle in 1992 following a career in commercial banking. He holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of South Australia, and is a Fellow of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia. John was made a partner in 1999, and has been the firm’s managing partner since 2005. John services clients throughout Mackay and the Whitsundays, and other parts of Queensland and interstate, with an emphasis on the provision of taxation and business advice to tourism related entities and the small to medium business sector.

Brett Quinn – Partner B Bus, FCA, Registered Company Auditor Brett is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA), having qualified with the Institute in 1996 after completing his Business Degree in 1992. Brett joined Connole Carlisle in 1995 and advanced to the position of partner in 1999. Brett specialises in business services and provides advice in taxation, accounting and superannuation and has had considerable experience in these areas. Brett consults to our small, medium and large enterprise clients providing assistance with management consulting, tax matters, structuring advice amongst other matters. In addition, Brett is a Registered Company Auditor through ASIC and oversees the majority of the firm's audits and reviews from large private company audits to incorporated associations and trust accounts.

Gillian Sandhoff – Partner B Bus, CA While working full time for Connole Carlisle Gillian graduated with a Bachelor of Business from CQU and an Advanced Certificate in Information Technology. Gillian has spent most of her time working in Public Practice but has worked in a commercial environment and owned and operated a Multi-sports Centre and a home improvement business. Gillian established Payne Sandhoff Accountants with Jodie Payne in 2002 and rejoined Connole Carlisle in 2004. Becoming a partner in 2005 Gillian is a member of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Australian Taxation Institute.

Jenny Story – Partner B Bus, CA Apart from a short time working in Commerce, Jenny has been with Connole Carlisle since December 1989 and was admitted as partner of the firm in 2006. She holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Southern Queensland and is an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a member of CPA Australia. Jenny has extensive experience in taxation, business services, self managed superannuation funds and auditing and she has a diverse portfolio of clients including those in Retail, Building and Construction, Professional Services and not-for-profit organisations. As the firm’s training partner, Jenny is also responsible for ensuring that all professional staff are kept up to date with the latest legislative changes.

Luke Worth – Partner B Com, CA Apart from a 6 month contract with a big four firm in London, Luke has been with the firm since November 1999 and became a partner in 2010. Luke holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Southern Queensland and is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Australian Tax Institute. Luke has experience in taxation, business services, self managed superannuation funds and auditing.  Luke’s client portfolio is predominantly small to medium sized business across a broad range of industries including Mining Support businesses, Retail operators, Construction, Property Developers and Professional Firms.