Local accountant Sandra Magann likes to shake things up. She took time to talk to Focus Magazine about the reasons behind her new business brand, why contributing to community matters, and how accounting is more about people than numbers.
You recently rebranded your accounting practice to Magnified. What prompted this change?
Like any business, we’ve evolved over the past 12 years, and we’re excited to have a fresh look to take us forward. We’ve redefined our services to focus on what we do best – providing tech-savvy, streamlined accounting solutions and expert advice for business growth. While our name has changed from SeaChange Accounting Solutions to Magnified, our commitment to our client’s success remains the same.
Why Magnified?
We’re all about providing clients with magnified results. The name reflects our team’s expertise – zooming in on the important details, discovering insights and unearthing opportunities, and our commitment to maximising and growing our clients’ success. And of course there’s a clever connection with my surname Magann! It was a collaborative effort and I’ve really valued the team’s input.
Team involvement in decision-making is important to you. How were they included in setting the new direction for the business?
Our amazing team – Cassie, Laura, Laura May and Emily – have been involved in everything from strategic planning to shopping for colour-coordinated furnishings for our renovated office! Together we set a new vision and values for the business. At Magnified, we aim high. Our vision is a world where communities thrive because businesses are empowered to succeed. Our shared purpose is to grow strong, successful and sustainable businesses through specialised accounting and advisory services.
Your brand is bold and bright. Is that a reflection of your team?
Definitely! We work hard, but we also have plenty of fun. We love numbers. That’s a given. But we’re really passionate about people. People who have started, grown or bought a business and have a burning desire to put big ideas into action. We’re accountants. But we’re also solution-seekers and problem-solvers. While we spend a lot of time crunching numbers and balancing the books, we’re most excited about using our accounting skills to help businesses achieve success. We’re all committed to personal and professional growth and have even started a Magnified Book Club where we share inspiration and ideas. And we’ll often put on a playlist to keep us going through the workday – my pick is Robbie Williams!
Sandra, you’ve made a significant contribution to the local community over the years. What have been some of the highlights?
I’ve always embraced every opportunity to contribute, volunteer and share my skills as a way to give back, open doors and broaden my experience. I’ve been a volunteer Treasurer for the Hastings Business Women’s Network, Luminosity Youth Summit, Dyslexia Mid North Coast, and Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services. Providing career pathways and work placements for people starting out in accounting has also been rewarding. As an example, Laura joined us as a trainee, completed her Bachelor of Accounting, is now undertaking the CPA program and has taken on leadership roles in community committees.
How would you sum up the Magnified approach to accounting?
First, we find out what success means uniquely to you and then build a proactive plan to get you there. We can take care of everything, as your fully outsourced finance function or we’ll create a package to meet your accounting and advisory needs. It’s more than just making sure you meet your tax deadlines and reporting obligations. We’re here to position you to seize opportunities, avoid issues and unleash the full potential of your business.
