Meet Our New Director – Elise Stewart

We’re proud to announce that Elise Stewart will be appointed Director at Johnsons MME from 1 July 2025. 

Based across our Wangaratta and Albury offices, Elise brings more than a decade of business and tax experience, along with a strong regional mindset and a passion for building better business relationships.

In this Q&A, Elise shares what this next step means for her, for our clients, and for the future of Johnsons MME.

Preparing for the Future with Regional Focus

Elise Stewart will step into the role of Director at Johnsons MME on 1 July 2025. We sat down with Elise to talk about her journey, her approach to leadership, and what this appointment means for the firm and the local business community.

Q: Elise, congratulations on your appointment. How does it feel to step into the Director role?

It’s exciting and a little surreal. Becoming a Director is something I’ve worked towards since the very start of my career. 

I’ve always loved helping people understand the Australian tax system and making what can feel complex more manageable. This new role gives me the opportunity to keep building on that, while contributing to the growth of the firm and the success of our clients.

Q: You’ve had a broad career so far. Can you share a bit about your background?

Sure. I grew up in a Defence family, we moved every couple of years, so resilience, adaptability and strong values were instilled early. I started my accounting career locally, then spent six years in Sydney, including four years with Accru Felsers, where I worked with multinational businesses, completed tax due diligence, and supported international expansion into the Australian market. I also completed a Master of Taxation at UNSW during that time.

In 2023, I returned home to Albury with my family and joined Johnsons MME. I’ve been focused on our Wangaratta office since then, while also working closely with our Albury team.

Q: What will your main focus be as Director?

I’ll continue leading our Wangaratta operations, working closely with our local team and clients. I’ll be looking at how we can become more efficient in delivering our core compliance services, because when we streamline that work, we create more space to offer clients valuable advice and planning support.

I’m always asking “Why?” Why are we doing it that way? Could it be better? That mindset helps us challenge the status quo and improve how we work, for the benefit of both clients and team members.

Q: How does your appointment benefit clients in the region?

For me, it’s about keeping leadership close to where our clients are. 

Because we’re locally owned, we can make decisions quickly and act with purpose. I understand what regional business owners deal with day to day, and I’m committed to helping them navigate what’s next. Whether it’s improving systems, planning for growth, or simply making tax time easier.

Q: You’re also active in the professional community. Can you tell us about that?

I’m currently the Chair of the Albury Wodonga Regional Chartered Accountants Committee. One of the key initiatives I’m working on is a gap year program for school leavers, designed to give them real-world experience in accounting and help improve financial literacy across the board. 

Long term, I’d love to see core tax and business education built into school curriculums, everyone should have a basic understanding of things like super, tax, and business obligations.

Q: And finally, what message would you like to share with clients and the broader community?

That Johnsons MME is continuing to invest in strong, accessible leadership for the region. 

We’re here to offer practical support, technical expertise, and personalised advice. I’m passionate about helping clients feel confident in their decisions, and about building a future-focused firm that truly understands the needs of regional business.

About Elise Stewart

Elise Stewart is a Chartered Accountant and taxation specialist with more than a decade of experience across local and national accounting firms. She holds a Master of Taxation from UNSW and is Chair of the Albury Wodonga Regional Chartered Accountants Committee. Elise works across Johnsons MME’s Wangaratta and Albury offices and will formally step into the role of Director from 1 July 2025