Associate Advisers

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Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning)

“I was grateful to land my first role at First Financial in Client Services while I was still studying at Uni and have progressed into the Associate Adviser role since then. I have a keen interest in wanting to help people with their finances and want to help clients achieve their financial goals.”

Amy is originally from Townsville in far North QLD, then moved to Melbourne at 18 and worked in a variety of areas including accounting and marketing before making the move to First Financial while undertaking her studies at Deakin.

In her spare time, Amy enjoys spending time with friends and being active – running, going to the gym, etc.

Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Financial Planning)

Ali started her career in the industry with First Financial as part of the Client Services Team. During this time, she developed a strong understanding of the financial planning process and saw firsthand how impactful quality advice can be. Now as an Associate Adviser, Ali enjoys building relationships and values delivering a great overall experience clients.

Bachelor of Financial Planning

“From early on, I was always interested in investing which led me to complete a Financial Planning course in university. This opened up a range of different strategies focusing on the holistic approach towards helping people achieve their financial goals.

Joining the team at First Financial and working alongside Adela Ngai has opened my eyes again to how much people appreciate the relationship-based services that we provide.”

Outside of work, Brad lives an active lifestyle, playing football for his local town and enjoys going to the pub for midweek trivia.

Brenton completed bachelor’s in Financial Planning in 2019. He has worked in the financial planning industry for the past twelve months. He joined First Financial as a paraplanner in 2021. Brenton is involved in the technical preparation of statements of advice. His future goal is to become a Private Wealth Manager.

Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning

“From a very young age, I knew my strengths were numbers and problem solving. I naturally followed this skill set through school and university, but soon after joining the profession I learnt just how rewarding and satisfying it can be to interact with clients.

I really enjoy what I do. I appreciate that many clients have spent their working lives focused on their own career or family and may not have given much thought to their own finances or future retirement – that’s where we come in.”

When he’s not working, he’s hiking, training for a marathon or at the gym.

Bachelor of Business (Human Resources)

Before university, Daniel Smith hadn’t ever really considered financial planning… he hadn’t come across it in his everyday life, but through his Bachelor of Business at university one introductory subject opened his eyes and set him down a clear career path.

“When I started to select elective subjects, I chose an introduction to financial planning… I found the strategy topics really interesting and so I continually chose finance subjects and went from there.”

Diploma in Financial Planning

Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning

Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning

Master of Financial Planning (ongoing)

Since beginning her career in financial services in 2017, Elesha has built a strong foundation in client services, strategy development, and financial planning operations. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in financial planning to deepen her expertise and further enhance the value she provides to clients and advisers.

“Financial planning allows me to combine my passion for problem-solving with making a real impact. Seeing clients go from uncertainty to confidence is the most rewarding part of what I do.”

Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning)

When you have a passion, nothing will stop you from achieving your goals and this is how James Grixti approaches every day.

“I have a passion for investment. First Financial hired me straight out of university, and being able to work in the industry is fantastic. I feel lucky that I am already in this role… an Associate Adviser to one of the company’s principals. It’s a real highlight that they have entrusted me with this position.”

Bachelor of Medical Science
Master of Finance
Diploma of Financial Planning

Jo Zhao’s career started with a Bachelor of Medical Science but after a couple of years working within a hospital environment, she realised that it wasn’t her passion.

“I enjoyed it but I felt there were limitations… while I was working in the hospital I developed a strong interest in finance… I have a lot of family and friends working in the finance industry and that definitely influenced me to do my Masters.”

Mitchell started working in the financial planning industry in 2019 and has since grown a strong belief in the importance of good quality financial advice. Mitchell completed his Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning) in 2020 at RMIT University and Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking in 2023.

In his personal life, Mitchell enjoys spending time playing his guitar, rock climbing, going to the gym and playing indoor soccer.

Bachelor of Business – Economics and Finance (Applied)
Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning

“I have always had a keen interest in Economics and Finance.

What drew me specifically to a career in the financial planning industry is the opportunity to make a tangible impact on people’s lives through analytical skills and building long term relationships. It is the relationship building aspect of the profession I find the most interesting.”

Ryan has been working in the Financial Services Industry since 2018. He is passionate about providing quality client support, and prides himself on ensuring that the client’s experience is simple, clear, and as smooth as possible.

Telesia Szegedi began her journey in financial services early on, recognising the significant impact an Adviser can have on the lives of their clients.

Her career has taken her from Adelaide to Toronto and now Melbourne, where she has worked in various roles across the financial industry. Telesia holds a Certificate III in Business Administration, a Diploma in Financial Planning, and Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning.

Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)
Master of Professional Accounting

Vincent’s financial services career began in 2018 as a banker, where he developed a strong foundation in client services, investment, and portfolio management. Prior to joining First Financial, he completed his Masters of Professional Accounting in Brisbane and worked in financial planning for a few years.