HKS Russell Team

Charisse Russell – Director

CA, GradDipCA, BCom

Charisse earned her Bachelor of Commerce degree from JCU Cairns and has since built an impressive 20-year career in accounting. As a Chartered Accountant, she has honed her expertise in Audit and Assurance, Business Services, Management Accounting, and Taxation.

Her extensive professional experience includes auditing incorporated associations, SMSFs, and both small and large companies. Charisse has also worked closely with remote and regional communities in the Torres Strait, Cape, NT, and WA.

With a strong focus on a CFO approach, Charisse excels in management accounting, compliance, internal controls, system reviews, and developing policies and procedures. She leverages her tech-savvy skills to implement advanced accounting systems and streamline financial operations. As a registered tax agent, she expertly handles tax returns for individuals, companies, trusts, and partnerships.

Charisse is passionate about Business and Corporate Advisory services, particularly for Indigenous organisations, not-for-profits, and mid-size to large corporations. Her commitment to providing strategic financial leadership and innovative solutions sets her apart in the industry.

Angela Chaplin – Chartered Accountant

CA, GradDipCA, BBus

Angela completed her Bachelor of Business Majoring in Accounting at James Cook University, Cairns. She has completed the CA program, achieving the designation as a Chartered Accountant (this milestone + achievement is one that Angela should be proud of, as we are proud of her).

Since starting with HKS Russell, Angela has gained experience in a wide range of accounting fields and is always seeking to grow and learn as an Accountant + Advisor. Angela works with a range of SME’s and not-for-profit organisations and is a valued member of the team.

She enjoys dancing, fitness, photography and spending time with friends and family.

Alanna Pimenta – Client Relations Officer

Alanna grew up in Sydney and worked in animal welfare before moving to Cairns and joining our team, as our Client Relations Officer.

She is passionate about animals to the point where she admits that she probably owns too many. She also enjoys food, fishing and the outdoors.

Alanna is a proud of mum to two gorgeous munchkins! They are (unofficially) part of the HKS Russell team.

Alanna plays an integral role at HKS Russell, by assisting the Accounting and Advisory team with all aspects relating to Administration, Client Relations and Compliance.

Haiden Russell – Administration Officer (Junior)

Haiden has just recently completed his year 12 studies, before joining our team, as our Administration Officer (Junior).

He has a passion for technology, gaming, and socialising; is tech-savvy, outgoing, and interested in the latest trends in gaming and automotive technology. Haiden is enthusiastic about online social interactions and staying connected with his friends.

We welcome Haiden to our team. He plays an integral role at HKS Russell, by assisting the NDIS team with all aspects relating to Administration, Participant Relations and Compliance.

Aileen Calumpang – Senior Associate + NDIS Coordinator of Supports

Aileen has a 20 year+ background in Law and obtained a Diploma of Justice Administration which led her to the Law industry. She has experience in Legal Administration, Conveyancing and Commercial, Family and Criminal Law, Wills and Estates matters. Aileen is our Senior Associate and oversees the firm’s Administration, Client Relations, Compliance and Growth.

Aileen’s role is to offer Support Co-ordination to help participants understand their NDIS Plan.

She assist participants by implementing supports in their plan by connecting with service/non service providers, allied health, community + other government services where required. To be able to help build their confidence + skills to use + co-ordinate their supports is what Aileen is passionate about.

Aileen enjoys spending time with family and friends, fishing, spending time outdoors and loves creating her “Kokeba Creations”.

Steven Russell – NDIS Plan Manager + Advisor

Steven’s background in the tourism, restaurant and hospitality industry allows us to provide tangible advice to our valued clients in this sector. With over 30 years’ experience in this industry, he is a valuable team member.

As a NDIS Plan Manager, Steven takes pride in ensuring our participants are up to date with their planned budget and liaises with all stakeholders involved, so that informed decisions are made in a timely manner.

Steven enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He would love to spend more time on the boat fishing. He is passionate about providing valuable advice to our clients.

Steven is involved in creating our ABN~School program + our Ladder~Building program for small businesses.

Say Hello Let’s Start Something New

Our clients are located across Cairns, throughout Australia and specialising in the remote regions of the Cape, Northern Peninsula, Torres Strait and International clients.

We are industry leaders in the NDIS sector where we uphold the highest level of integrity!

Contact us today for a 1-on-1 consultation.

© HKS Russell 2025

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