meet our directors

Joe Bongiorno graduated from Melbourne University in 1963 with a degree in Commerce and went on to establish the Bongiorno Group in 1964. With a career spanning over six decades, Joe has played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s reputation as a trusted financial services practice to Australian medical professionals Australia.

Joe is a Fellow of the Certified Practising Accountants (FCPA) and a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA), credentials that reflect his deep expertise and commitment to excellence in financial and tax advisory services. As Chairman of the Bongiorno Group, he continues to provide strategic leadership and guidance, drawing on his extensive experience and unwavering dedication to client success.

Joe is widely respected for his integrity, vision and contribution to the financial services profession. His legacy is reflected not only in the growth of the Bongiorno Group but also in the enduring relationships he has built with clients, colleagues and the broader professional community.

Joe loves time away from the office surrounded by his grandchildren

Paul Fox has been a valued member of the Bongiorno Group for many years, bringing a wealth of experience in managing clients’ taxation, insurance, finance and investment needs. Throughout his career, Paul has worked closely with medical professionals, helping them navigate complex financial decisions with clarity and confidence. His deep understanding of the unique financial landscape faced by healthcare practitioners has made him a trusted adviser to many.

Paul holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Taxation, and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA), and Fellow of CPA Australia (FCPA). These qualifications, combined with his practical experience, position him to provide comprehensive, specialist advice across all areas. Paul is committed to delivering tailored strategies that support his clients’ long-term goals and financial wellbeing.

Paul loves scuba diving and trying to save the Great Barrier Reef from Drupella Snails.

A director with the Bongiorno Group, Magdaline joined the business in 1994 with a background in the Taxation and Financial Services industry. Magdaline holds many professional qualifications, including a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and a Professional Practice Certificate with the Institute of Public Accountants. She is a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) and a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA).

Magdaline performed as an amateur theatre actress in a number of modern and classical Greek plays in her 20’s

Jim has been with the Bongiorno Group since 1988, managing specialist accounting and taxation needs as well as insurance and finance advice to medical professionals.

Holding professional qualifications including a Bachelor of Business degree, Jim is also is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), a Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) and is a member of the Institute of Public Accountants. Jim regularly speaks on financial matters with RACS (Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) and other medical associations around Australia. Jim has also completed the education requirements set out by the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA). FASEA was established by the Federal Government in 2017 to set the education, training and ethical standards of licensed financial advisers in Australia.

Nick joined the Bongiorno Group in 2008 and provides specialist advice to young doctors and dentists. With a Bachelor of Business Management (majoring in Accounting and Finance), an Advanced Diploma in Financial Services, as well as many other professional qualifications, Nick is also a member of the Financial Planning Association of Australia. In addition, Nick has completed the education requirements set out by the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA). FASEA was established by the Federal Government in 2017 to set the education, training and ethical standards of licensed financial advisers in Australia.

Nick has travelled to over 50 countries!

Stuart is the Financial Controller for the Bongiorno Group.  He commenced in this role in 2005 after 18 years as an accountant in public practice.  He has a Bachelor of Commerce degree and is a Chartered Accountant.

Stuart is a music lover and attends as many concerts as he can with his family each year!

Director Vanessa Smith has worked in the Financial Services Industry for over 20 years and joined the Bongiorno Group in 2007. Specialising in Tax and Financial Planning for young professionals, Vanessa holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) degree and is a Certified Financial Planner. She also holds an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (FP) and Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking. Additionally, Vanessa has completed the education requirements set out by the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA).

Vanessa regrets watching renovation shows and taking on her own renovation “project”.

Rick has been with the Bongiorno Group since 2008 and has been in the financial services industry for over 18 years. Specialising in providing medical and dental professionals with leadership and guidance through long term, sustainable wealth creation strategies. With a Bachelor of Commerce from Deakin University, an Advanced Diploma in Financial Services (Financial Planning) and a Certificate IV in Mortgage Finance Broking, Rick is well qualified to provide holistic financial advice to his doctor and dentist clientele.

An avid sportsman, Rick loves being outdoors surrounded with friends and family

As part of the Doctors in Training team, Director Mitch works with young medical professionals to advise on the best financial platform to kick-start their careers. He holds an MBA, Bachelor of Business Administration (majoring in Accounting and Marketing), a Diploma of Financial Planning, a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking and a GradCert (Leadership & Strategy).

Mitch aspires to be the next Australian to win the US Masters.

MayMay has recently been appointed as the newest Director of the Bongiorno Group. She joined Paul Fox’s team in 2018 as his Tax Manager, bringing with her over 15 years of experience. A highly regarded tax specialist, MayMay has consistently demonstrated deep technical expertise and a strong commitment to client outcomes, making her a valued leader within the firm.

She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), a Master of Applied Finance, is a Chartered Accountant (CA) and has completed a Diploma in Financial Planning. Her qualifications, combined with her strategic insight and collaborative approach, continue to shape the firm’s tax advisory services and support its broader financial planning initiatives.

MayMay loves spending a sunny day at the Victoria Market.