Northern Territory accountants Amanda Wren and Demetrios Christou know that there’s one thing business people dislike above all others: surprises.

Particularly if the “surprise” is a bigger-than-expected tax bill.

So Darwin-based accounting firm Wren Christou ensures clients know in good time what to expect in tax and how they are tracking throughout the year.

The no-surprises service is just one of the firm’s many points of difference.

Amanda and Demetrios enjoy getting to know their clients and work hard to help businesses grow in an efficient, sustainable way.

“If a client only wants to see us once a year we may not be the accountant for them. In many ways, we want to be a ‘partner’ in their business.”

Unlike most bigger firms, Wren Christou doesn’t charge for the “five-minute conversation”.

“That’s all part of our personal touch,” says Darwin-born Demetrios.

“Our clients are good at what they do, but that doesn’t usually include tax. We enjoy helping them in as many ways as possible, including giving them back time to concentrate on growing their business.”

The business is not a dry, formal, unapproachable firm – it seeks to attract clients who share its open culture and takes pride in building long-term, meaningful relationships.

“We’re a small business so we understand small business,” says Amanda, who has lived in the Territory for 15 years. “We’re doing what our clients are doing. We’re a perfect accountant for the small to medium business.”

A keen understanding of the challenges and unique opportunities faced by Territory businesses has garnered Wren Christou a range of clients in all industries, such as construction, retail, traditional trades and health, ranging from sole traders to $10 million-a-year businesses.

The Territory is renowned as a tough place to make a dollar – and they know that business owners have to work hard and intelligently to survive and thrive.

Wren Christou is a Xero partner with certifications in advisory, payroll and migration, and also works on MYOB, Quickbooks and various specialised software.

Amanda founded the firm in 2018 after 19 years of working with private businesses of all sizes and consulting for not for profits.

The mother-of-three decided to venture out on her own because she wanted to build trusted relationships with clients – and help deliver life-changing business results.

Early in 2020, as the business and the clients grew, she invited former work colleague Demetrios to join her.

Father-of-two Demetrios is a keen community volunteer and grew up watching his mum and dad run a small business. He has extensive public practice and international private finance experience.

Both are cheerful, optimistic, highly professional operators who strive to create a personalised experience for their clients.

It’s obvious that Amanda and Demetrios are driven not just by a desire to succeed themselves but to share in the success of other small business owners.