History
Mainsail Accounting was established by Steve Maginnity in 2016. Built on a passion for helping people, Mainsail Accounting was created to work with small business owners, helping navigate the world of business and tax compliance, with a dedication to providing personalised service to every one of our clients.
But why “Mainsail”?
We are often asked where our business name comes from, so here is the story:
Steve has a passion for wooden boats. When establishing his own practice, he was eager to bring something from this into the mix - and so the name Mainsail Accounting was born - the mainsail, as the name would suggest is the main sail that drives a boat, and so Mainsail Accounting came into being, to help be the driving force behind your business and tax compliance needs.
Get in touch
At Mainsail Accounting we know that finding the right accountant and business adviser is a choice not to be taken lightly. That’s why we recommend a short initial consultation to ensure we are the right team to help you
Our People
PARTNER
Steve Maginnity, FIPA, FFA, FTPA (Tax)
Steve has been accounting for over 20 years. During this time, he has worked closely with small business owners, as well as having worked in management roles in industry. In 2016, Steve decided to branch out on his own, establishing Mainsail Accounting to deliver high quality tax and accounting services to small business owners. In his spare time, Steve enjoys getting his hands dirty in the workshop or garden.
Education
University of New England
Master of Commerce (Professional Accounting)
University of Wollongong
Bachelor of Commerce (Accountancy)
Affiliations
• Fellow, Institute of Public Accountants
• Fellow, Institute of Financial Professionals Australia
• Fellow, Institute of Financial Accountants (UK)
• Registered Tax Agent
• Public Practice Certificate, IPA
PARTNER
Lesley Henderson, CA
Lesley has over 30 years’ experience in accounting and taxation. Beginning her career in a small tax practice, she subsequently moved over to a “Big 4” firm, while she studied to become a Chartered Accountant. After this, Lesely continued to gain experience working in several other Chartered Accounting firms, including spending quite a number of years as a partner in one of them. Lesley joined Mainsail Accounting as a partner in 2024, bringing her wealth of experience and client-centric focus to the team.
Education
Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia
Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting
University of Canberra
Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
Affiliations
Member, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
Registered Tax Agent
Public Practice Certificate, CAANZ
Client Support
Kellie Ruscher
Kellie has a background working in admin and bookkeeping roles, including 11 years working in a client support role for a national tax preparation firm. She started working with Lesley in 2023, and came over to join the Mainsail Accounting Team in 2024, where she provides client support services to assist both Lesley and Steve. Kellie is Xero Advisor Certified, and is a QuickBooks Online (Advanced) ProAdvisor.
Administration
Catherine Fry
Catherine first came to work at Mainsail Accounting on a casual basis back in 2018, while she was studying some accounting subjects at CIT, and continues to help out from time to time over the years. In 2024, Catherine took on a permanent role with us, and continues to help keep the practice running smoothly.
BOOKKEEPER – PRINCIPAL, TANDEM BOOKKEEPING SOLUTIONS
Robyn Edwards
While Robyn runs her own separate business as Tandem Bookkeeping Solutions, she still forms an integral part of the team when it comes to services provided at Mainsail Accounting. Robyn started her career in banking, working in a “Big 4” bank, before moving into an accounting role in the Commonwealth Public Service for 10 years. Following this, she made the move to establish herself as a bookkeeper in her own right, while bringing up her kids, commencing a bookkeeping business from home in 2007. Now her kids are grown, Robyn has taken the reins of Tandem Bookkeeping, joining the Mainsail family in July of 2019.
When not cooking the books for her clients, Robyn enjoys time spent outdoors – be that camping, or just spending time with her dogs and birds.
Click on Robyn’s picture to go to the Tandem Bookkeeping website to find out more about Tandem Bookkeeping’s services
Education
University of New England
Bachelor of Commerce (Quantitative Business Statistics & Management Accounting)
Affiliations
Member, Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
Registered BAS Agent