Sam Gardnir: Building a Career with Purpose

Ballina local Sam Gardnir has taken a winding, but ultimately rewarding, path back to the accounting profession.

After joining Collins Hume in July 2025, he’s quickly become known for his calm client rapport, natural empathy and grounded understanding of how business operates.

Born in Lismore and raised in Ballina, Sam grew up around small business. His parents having run two well-loved local businesses which imbued much of his early understanding of community, service and work ethic.

From trainee accountant to retail management and back again

Sam first entered accounting in 2015 as a trainee at Kelly and Shannon’s former firm while studying his Bachelor of Business (Finance) at Southern Cross University.

“I loved the foundations I built early on,” he says. “But back then, I needed to try something different.”

That took Sam to a Gold Coast firm, where he continued as an accounting trainee. When he later returned to Ballina, he stepped temporarily away from the profession, taking on roles in FMCG retail. His natural aptitude for operations, systems and people saw him quickly move into management and then into product data analysis at head office – experiences that gave him a unique vantage point on business performance, consumer behaviour and operational realities.

“That perspective enhanced the way I understand business,” Sam explains. “It helps me see challenges through a client’s lens.”

All the while Kelly encouraged him to come over to Collins Hume, which was the turning point. Once he’d completed his degree, Sam made the leap.

Sam recalls the mix of excitement and nerves returning to accounting after time away.

“It felt daunting coming back into the field, but the transition has been great.”

“Collins Hume has been incredible. The support, the culture, the people – it’s refreshing. It opened my eyes to how engaged the firm is with the community.”

Working in Chris’ team, Sam is now deep into company financials and business returns for partnerships, sole traders, etc gaining momentum daily.

“I really enjoy getting a read on where our clients they’re at,” Sam says. “Sometimes the technical work is only the start; knowing how to talk with people is how you build trust.”

“I wanted to work somewhere with integrity, where actions match words,” he says. “What I see at Collins Hume every day is people genuinely doing the right thing by clients and by each other. That aligns with my own values.”

Returning to accounting at the right moment played a big role

“Sometimes timing is everything. It was the right time for me to branch out and give my accounting career the focus it deserved.”

Away from the office, Sam is happiest outdoors. He’s a dedicated fisherman fishing off rocks and local beaches, hits the gym daily and runs regularly.

Sport has also been a big part of his life, having played rugby league in the local NRRRL Competition for Ballina, Evans Head and Lismore Marist Brothers before retiring in 2016 – something he wants to get back into in the future.

A personal high point so far has been graduating from university – a milestone he got to celebrate with some very important members of his family. When asked about the biggest lesson he’s learned, Sam doesn’t hesitate.

“You can let years slip by, but it’s never too late to make a change.”

Friendly, grounded, community-minded and driven with purpose, Sam brings a perspective that strengthens Collins Hume’s promise to deliver more than numbers. And he’s determined to build a career that makes a difference.