Michael Carruthers
Michael is an adviser, author, in demand presenter, mentor to Knowledge Shop’s technical team, and is well known for his capacity to translate highly technical information into tangible and useable advice for the profession. He has a knack for seeing through the complexity and helping advisers work through highly technical issues with certainty and accuracy.
Michael works with advisers every day to help them negotiate and implement the constant tide of change impacting the industry.
He is a member of the advisory panel for the Board of Taxation and is a member of the reference group for the Board’s review of small business concessions. He was also an expert panel member for the Board’s review of tax impediments facing small business.
Tiffany Douglas
Tiffany has over 25 years experience in the tax profession undertaking roles within accounting firms (including the Big 4), corporates (including multinationals) and tax education/advocacy. Over this time, she has managed client portfolios, in-house tax functions and has also worked as both a tax technical writer and workshop/seminar presenter.
Tiffany’s outside interests include travelling, reading and keeping fit.
Karen Vella
Karen has ‘been there and done that’, having trained with the Big Four, initiated her own successful small practice before moving to Hayes Knight as a Partner.
Karen solidified her role as an educator at Webb Martin (Kaplan) before creating her own consultancy.
She has worked her magic on leading accounting practices around the country and is a trainer for leading in-house training company TaxBanter and for Knowledge Shop.
Neil Brydges
Neil is a principal in the business law area, with a particular focus on taxation advice and disputes.
Taxation law is a complex area. Neil’s aim is to provide technical expertise to clients, commercially applied and in a friendly and approachable manner.
Neil’s practice involves advice, audits, disputes, and transactions. The client mix includes both family groups and business enterprises. Neil also regularly assists professional advisors, including tax agents, accountants, and financial advisors, to understand complex legal issues and help them to better assist their own clients.
Neil is a Chartered Tax Advisor with The Tax Institute and accredited as a specialist in taxation law with the Law Institute of Victoria.
Since 2019 Neil has been named one of Australia’s “Best Lawyers of the Year” in the practice of tax law. Neil has also been recognised in Doyles Guide as a recommended tax lawyer since 2021.
Peter Kramer
Peter advises clients on a range of matters relating to estate planning, taxation, superannuation, trusts and asset protection. He takes the time to understand his client’s circumstances and objectives and provides clear and pragmatic advice.
Peter helps his clients and their professional advisers to resolve taxation issues with the Australian Taxation Office and Revenue NSW. He is experienced in bringing taxation audits and investigations to a commercial resolution and has prepared successful objections to many unfavourable taxation assessments and decisions.
Peter presents on topics associated with his areas of practice for a number of tax discussion groups. He is committed to continuous learning and development because the law (particularly in the areas of taxation and superannuation) is constantly changing.