Yawuru, Jabirr Jabirr, and Bardi Man Becomes One of 25 Indigenous Chartered Accountants in Australia
Perth, WA— Rhonen Maher, a proud Yawuru, Jabirr Jabirr, and Bardi man, has achieved a remarkable milestone, graduating as a Chartered Accountant (CA) in Perth. This achievement places him among an elite group of only 25 Indigenous Australians holding this internationally recognised qualification.
Rhonen’s journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant reflects both his dedication and commitment to his community. He earned his Graduate Diploma in Chartered Accounting (GradDipCA), a qualification respected worldwide for its rigorous standards.
As part of his professional development, Rhonen completed his mentored practical experience with KRED Enterprises in Broome, working as part of their skilled finance team. To broaden his expertise, he also undertook a six-month secondment with BDO in Adelaide, gaining exposure to diverse aspects of the accounting profession.
Now, as KRED Enterprises’ Group Financial Controller, Rhonen will play a critical role in the organisation’s mission to support Indigenous economic development. His achievements stand as a powerful example of the potential for Indigenous Australians in the professional services sector.
“Becoming a Chartered Accountant has been a challenging but rewarding journey,” Rhonen said. “I’m proud to be part of this profession and hope to inspire others in my community to pursue their goals.”
KRED CEO Damien Parriman commended Rhonen’s accomplishments, saying, “We are all very proud of Rhonen. His commitment since deciding to undertake the qualification has been admirable. We are seeing increasing numbers of Aboriginal Doctors and Lawyers, but the need to have our own finance professionals is often overlooked. I hope his achievement will inspire others to pursue careers in finance as we continue to bridge the gap in financial literacy among our people.”
Rhonen’s story highlights the importance of representation and opportunity in advancing reconciliation and empowering Indigenous communities through professional excellence.
