Finance that speaks startup
We're not your typical accounting firm. We understand the unique challenges of building a tech company in Australia, and we're here to help you navigate them with speed and clarity.
Meet Ben
Built by someone who understands both sides
After nearly 9 years at a mid-tier accounting firm—rising from graduate to Associate Director—I gained deep technical expertise and worked with hundreds of businesses. But I also noticed something: the traditional accounting model wasn't quite right for fast-moving tech startups.
Startups needed strategic CFO support, not just compliance. They needed real-time insights, not month-end reports delivered three weeks late. They needed a partner who understood both the regulatory requirements and the realities of building a tech company.
Now, as Finance Lead at a tech startup, I live the founder experience daily. I understand the pressure of runway management, the complexity of investor reporting, and the weight of financial decisions when every dollar counts.
That's why I founded Hailstone Advisory—to bring institutional-grade financial expertise to startups at a fraction of the cost, delivered by someone who's been in your seat.
"Every startup deserves CFO-level expertise, not just the ones that can afford a $300K salary."
Credentials
Qualified, experienced, and startup-focused
The technical expertise you need, with the startup empathy you want
Chartered Accountant (CA)
Full member, CA ANZ
Registered Tax Agent
TPB registered
Graduate Diploma
Chartered Accounting, CA ANZ
Bachelor of Business
Accountancy, QUT
9+ years in practice
Graduate → Associate Director
Finance Lead
Tech startup
30 Under 30 Finalist
Accountants Daily, 2019
50+ businesses advised
Startups to scale-ups
What Makes Us Different
Not your typical accounting firm
Here's what founders tell us makes Hailstone Advisory different
Traditional Accounting Firm
Month-end close in 3+ weeks
Too slow for fast-moving startups
"Here are your numbers"
No context or strategic insight
Reactive service
You have to chase them for updates
Compliance-only focus
Just checking boxes
One-size-fits-all
Same approach for every business
Annual partner, only
Locked into 12-month contracts
Hailstone Advisory
Financials in 5 business days
Fast enough to actually inform decisions
"Here's what they mean"
Insights, not just data
Proactive partner
We reach out with insights before you ask
Strategic CFO approach
Building your financial foundation
Startup-specific methodology
Built for tech companies
Month-to-month flexibility
Upgrade or pause anytime
The real difference?
I'm still in the trenches as Finance Lead at a tech startup. I'm not just advising on startup finance—I'm living it every day. The challenges you face today are the same ones I'm solving in my day job.
Our Values
How we work with startups
These principles guide everything we do.
Speed
Startups can't wait for month-end closes. We deliver insights when you need them, not when it's convenient for us.
Clarity
Complex financial concepts explained simply. You should understand your numbers, not just receive them.
Compliance without friction
Stay compliant without slowing down. We handle the regulatory complexity so you can focus on growth.
Ready to work together?
Let's discuss how Hailstone Advisory can help accelerate your startup's financial operations.