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Michelle Cooley
Analyst - Goulburn
Michelle Cooley is an Analyst in the Goulburn Business Advisory division.
With over 35 years of experience in bookkeeping and client support, Michelle is a trusted advisor for regional SMEs in Goulburn and across Australia.
Her career began at just 16 years of age when she joined Manfred & McCallum Chartered Accountants, which later became part of RSM in 1987. Since then, she has built a reputation for helping businesses navigate the complex world of bookkeeping, payroll and compliance with confidence and clarity.
Michelle provides a comprehensive range of bookkeeping services, from online bookkeeping solutions and payroll management through to preparing monthly and quarterly activity statements. Her clients rely on her for practical advice and hands-on support with areas that can often be confusing or time-consuming, whether it’s understanding ATO communications, meeting superannuation and long service leave requirements, or simply finding smarter ways to streamline their processes. For many small and medium-sized businesses, particularly those in regional areas, Michelle is the go-to problem solver who ensures their books stay in order and their compliance obligations are met.
Michelle’s focus is on supporting regional SMEs, a sector she is particularly passionate about. She understands the unique challenges these businesses face, from limited resources to fast-changing compliance requirements. For many of her clients, bookkeeping is not their strength; they would rather be focusing on running and growing their business. Michelle steps in to take the stress out of financial administration, giving business owners peace of mind that everything is being handled accurately and on time.
Her experience allows her to adapt quickly to each client’s circumstances. Whether it’s assisting business owners who have little digital literacy, setting up and maintaining online bookkeeping systems, or interpreting complex ATO correspondence, Michelle ensures her clients feel supported at every step. She thrives on solving problems that others might shy away from, always looking for practical solutions that make life easier for her clients.
"I enjoy solving bookkeeping challenges for my clients, making their lives easier so they can focus on running their business."
Having worked in the industry for more than three decades, Michelle has seen bookkeeping evolve from manual ledgers to today’s cloud-based systems. This long-term perspective gives her an edge when advising clients, as she can explain complex processes in simple terms while also understanding the bigger picture of how compliance and reporting requirements have changed over time.
From her early days working under the guidance of a supportive mentor who reminded her to “train your brain to remember,” Michelle has developed a keen eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy. These qualities have become the foundation of her career and the reason why clients trust her with their most important financial information.
One of Michelle’s greatest rewards in her role is being able to see the difference her work makes for clients. By helping to resolve bookkeeping challenges and reduce stress, she enables business owners to focus on what they do best. Whether it is ensuring payroll is processed smoothly, lodging BAS on time or clarifying ATO requirements, Michelle takes pride in knowing she has lifted a weight off her clients’ shoulders.
She often says that the satisfaction of completing a task and meeting a deadline is what motivates her day to day. This reliability is why so many regional SMEs continue to place their trust in her and the Goulburn office.
Michelle is proud of her longevity in the industry and the breadth of knowledge she has accumulated over her career. Remaining in the profession for more than 35 years, she has seen countless businesses grow, adapt, and succeed with her support. Her ability to remember details, juggle deadlines, and adapt to new technologies has allowed her to stay relevant and valuable in an ever-changing environment.
Outside of the office, Michelle’s greatest joy is her family. She loves nothing more than supporting her sons and granddaughters at their sporting events and spending time together. A self-confessed night owl, Michelle also admits she does her best work in the evenings when the world is quiet.
Solutions Michelle cooley provides
Michelle provides expert knowledge in the following areas:
