History

Kothes Accounting Group is steeped in history, having been in the Bega Valley and the NSW South Coast since the 1940s. Long-time staff member Ros Sweeney’s mother Janny Earnshaw used to work for Roy Kothe, who established the firm on May 1, 1947, and she remembers as a small child coming into the original office with her Mum. Ros is one of many Kothes Accounting Group staff proud to be working with a chartered accounting firm with such a long and established history.

Where it all began

Roy Kothe. Image Bega District News

Roy Kothe. Image from Bega District News

Roy Kothe moved to Bega from Sydney, where he was working as an accountant for J.L. Richardson and Company. Mr Richardson recommended Roy have a look at this picturesque part of New South Wales, in the hinterland of the Far South Coast. His recommendation came after one of their clients, Mr Curly Annabel, purchased a copy of the Bega paper, liked what he saw, and moved to town.

Mr Kothe and his wife Phyllis travelled to Bega and also liked what they saw. L.J. Richardson purchased the town’s accounting practice owned by L.W. Oxborrow, and Roy settled into his new office in the Gowing Estate building in Carp Street with two staff members – Jean Cleary and Gwen Bucket.

Original clients

In its first year the accounting firm prepared around 180 tax returns with many clients from the Delegate and Monaro districts. Members of those same families are still clients with Kothes Accounting Group today.

Name changes

Kothes Accounting Group has had several name changes and expansions in its history:

  • L.J. Richardson and Co.
  • Richardson, Kothe and Co.
  • Richardson, Kothe and Martin
  • Kothe and Partners Pty Ltd
  • Kothes Pty Ltd
  • Kothes Accounting Group

Where we are today

Kothes Accounting Group has grown from one office and three staff in Bega to:

  • Seven offices in Bega, Merimbula, Eden, Bombala, Bermagui, Cooma and Jindabyne
  • Five directors Simon Byrne, Fiona Dunham, Gary Pearce, Kevin Philistin and Gary Skelton
  • Around 50 staff