Matthew Carter
Head honcho, numbers ninja, producer extraordinaire
A creative diamond in a sea of accountants, Matthew Carter’s head for film finance and passion for the creative arts is unsurpassed. If there’s anything he doesn’t know about production accounting, or producing films, it’s probably not worth knowing.
Because Matthew Carter has lived and breathed both worlds.
Matthew Carter has toiled for the big-hitting accounting firms (think KPMG and Deloitte) and has been executive and associate producer on feature films and TV series, producing over 20 short films.
So, when you walk through his door, you’ll feel right at home.
Because you’ll never find him in a suit. But mostly because Matthew will ‘get’ you. He’ll get your production business and its unique challenges. And he genuinely knows how specialised and complex filmmaking is.
You’ll find that he’ll keep you calm in the tidal wave of film financing storms. Efficiently managing film finances, keeping you compliant, and helping you manage your production.
Of course if you want the nitty gritty, he’s a chartered accountant with a Masters in Producing and a Graduate Diploma in Screen Business from the Australian Film, Television and Radio School, as well as qualifications from Metro Screen in Film and Video Production and the New York Film Academy.
And when he’s not helping you with applying for the Provisional and Final Producer Offset, grant applications, tax advice, production budgeting or creative project management, you’ll find him spending time with his family, or working on his next feature film.
Ian Browning
Taxation master, pragmatic problem solver, passionate storyteller
On any given day, Ian wears two uniquely different, but complementary, hats. A clear business mind with a focus on getting the best financial outcomes for his clients. And a passionate creative, with a talent for storytelling.
Ian’s 25 years’ experience hails from the film, media and entertainment sectors. It’s a perfect balance of production accounting and taxation expertise, combined with specialist skills and understanding gained from multiple creative and producing roles.
You’ll find Ian’s your go-to man when you need clear, reliable and accurate support to get your head around the most complex taxation issue or multifaceted business challenge. Experienced across the full spectrum of the accounting function, he specialises in Special Professional Income Averaging and preparing Producer Equity program (PEP) grant applications.
You’re in proven and reliable hands. Alongside being a Chartered Accountant and Registered Tax Agent, Ian has a Bachelor of Character Animation and Screenwriting from Griffith University Film School, and post-graduate qualifications in Screen Business and Producing at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School.
When he’s not negotiating with the Tax Office or wrangling a complex PEP grant application, you’ll find Ian in the beer garden telling stories or at home diving deep into popular culture
Sarah Joy
Accounts sleuth, storytelling enthusiast, and production pro
Sarah brings over 25 years of bookkeeping experience in the film and television industry to Above the Line Accounting. From her early days with The Best Picture Show Company to combining script editing with production bookkeeping, Sarah’s career has been driven by her passion for storytelling and numbers.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Scriptwriting from AFTRS and an Industry Certificate in Production Management, Sarah brings unparalleled expertise to every project she supports. She thrives on the deep dive of forensic accounting, where every number holds a clue to a production’s narrative.
When she’s not wrangling numbers, you’ll find Sarah escaping to the beach in her retro caravan with her dogs, and trying to spot the elusive echidna rumoured to be living somewhere in her rapidly rewilding yard.
Liz Phillips
Finance innovator and creative costumier, bringing numbers to life
Liz has always mastered bridging the gap between creativity and structure. After an 11-year career at Westpac—where she balanced financial advice, risk, and compliance with her expertise in design and innovation—Liz is now channelling her skills into the world of film and television.
Today, Liz brings a fresh perspective to production bookkeeping, merging her love of storytelling with her razor-sharp financial expertise.
When Liz isn’t wrangling balance sheets, you’ll find her scouting vintage shops for costume treasures or jumping on set to support emerging filmmakers in bringing their creative visions to life.
Caroline Habibeh
Tax accountant and master of the numbers game
Caroline brings precision, expertise, and a touch of magic to the world of tax accounting. With over seven years of experience in public practice, she’s honed her craft, helping clients prepare their personal or company tax returns.
Armed with a Bachelor of Business and Commerce (Accounting) and as a Registered Tax Agent, she’s your go-to person when you need your numbers to add up.
When she’s not knee-deep in spreadsheets, you’ll find her reconciling accounts and preparing tax returns. In her downtime, Caroline loves creating memories with her husband and kids, whether it’s on adventures to the zoo or play centres.
David Kelly
Practice manager, problem-solver, filmmaker
David brings a genuine film industry understanding to his role. Benefiting our clients and the whole Above The Line Accounting team. Quite frankly, we can’t believe our luck that he’s joined us.
A graduate of the International Film School, Sydney, David has over 13 years’ experience in editing, VR, Visual Effects and financial management on award-winning films and series including “The Rooster” and “Horizon”.
As if that isn’t enough, he’s recently completed the AFTRS Production Accounting course.
But his real gift is problem-solving – creatively streamlining processes for our clients and us.
When David isn’t leading our entire team into organised efficiency, he loves engaging with all things film and story, playing D & D or board games and bouncing ideas around.
Megan Brandl
Human resources maestro
There’s no master of human resources like Megan. First and foremost she’s been an absolute champion at finding us the perfect network of like-minded production accountants to ensure we can provide our clients with industry-leading advice and support. Since she’s walked through our doors, finding us someone who’s a perfect fit, creating modern approaches to our business practices or expanding our expertise with learning and development is all in a day’s work. Not to mention keeping us on top of our work, health and safety requirements or smoothing staff relations.
So as you can imagine, Megan’s been more than a welcome addition to our team.
Because she’s ably supported businesses large and small with her human resources expertise for over 20 years. This ranges from not for profits, universities and the health sector, to several extremely unique and memorable years coordinating volunteers at Taronga Zoo.
While we’re no zoo, with Megan on board, we know that every aspect of the HR function is well and truly covered. With a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management, Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts under her belt, and as a Justice of the Peace, our team’s in perfect hands.
When Megan isn’t managing every human-related issue in the office, you’ll mostly find her running around after her active children or snapping amazing photos and finding much-needed serenity amongst nature.
Nicola Weddin
Marketing and projects pro
For Nicola, it’s always been about the customer. And, no matter the industry, Nicola throws her heart and soul into the cause. Bringing a wealth of experience, ranging from marketing globally-renowned brands to managing small business issues, for over two years, Nicola has helped to bring Above the Line Accounting to industry centre stage.
Because for Nicola, her eye is always on the ultimate prize: promoting our unique, specialist services to the film, tv and online media industry, helping our team get star billing. An organiser extraordinaire, with her sharply-honed marketing skills, detail focus and clever strategy, Nicola never fails to deliver. She works hard to keep everyone on track and gets the best result possible.
Growing and retaining a customer base by tapping into her Master of Commerce and Bachelor of Commerce skills, is her specialty.
And when she’s not lining all of our marketing ducks in a row, you’ll find Nicola getting her hands dirty, knee-deep in a community garden or quietening her mind in a yoga pose.
Waffle
Boss, chief motivational manager
Waffle is the seasoned leader of the Above The Line Accounting team, offering years of experience in spreading tail-wagging enthusiasm and inspiring calm through even the busiest tax season. Her secret to success? A careful balance of showing up with top dog attendance at meetings and plenty of well-earned nap breaks under the desk.
When she’s not by Matt’s side or snoozing in her favourite spot in the sun, Waffle enjoys long bush walks and watching Red Dog on repeat.
