Bernie Cooney
Director / Adviser / Authorised Representative / CFP® / B Ec / Grad Dip Acc / CPA® / Registered Tax Agent
Bernie has been employed in the financial industry since 1973. Prior to joining RetireInvest in 1992, he gained extensive commercial experience, particularly in the areas of economics, treasury and corporate finance. He became a Registered Tax Agent in 1984 and commenced the accounting business “B.P Cooney & Associates” later that year. His desire to help people with their finances and apply his analytical skills to solving their financial problems, prompted his move into financial planning in 1992.
In addition to being a Registered Tax Agent, Bernie is also a Certified Practising Accountant and holds the internationally recognised Certified Financial Planner™ qualification from the Financial Planning Association of Australia. As part of this qualification, Bernie is required to undertake ongoing educational and professional development to ensure he is fully aware of current industry information and standards when servicing clients’ professional needs.
These accreditations, together with his extensive experience, mean that he is well qualified to help clients achieve their financial goals.
Jason Andrew
Director / Trusted Advisor® / Dip FP, EMBA, M.IntS, BS
Jason has been in the financial services industry since 1997, first becoming a financial adviser in 2001. He holds a Diploma in Financial Planning, an Executive MBA, Masters in International Studies and a Bachelor in Social Sciences.
As a Trusted Advisor® he loves helping clients get their entire financial house in order, so they can concentrate on more meaningful pursuits than worrying about their finances. He also has extensive knowledge in business consulting and planning and assists SMEs in the field of strategic consulting.
Outside of the business he is on the Board of Life Education Victoria as Treasurer, a Business Mentor in The Growth Project and the Treasurer of Power House Juniors Rugby Union Football Club.
In his spare time he enjoys exercising, skiing, following rugby and spending as much time as he can with his beautiful wife and 3 children.
Asim Malik
Senior Accountant / ACCA, CIA, CISA
Asim joined Empowered Accounting in April 2016 as a Senior Accountant.
Asim is involved in the preparation of monthly and year end accounts as well as preparation and lodgement of BAS and Income Tax Returns for companies, Trusts and Individual clients. His focus is assisting individuals and corporate clients in minimising their tax bills.
Asim qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) from the UK. He also holds other Certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) & Certified Information System Auditor (CISA) and has worked in Audit for many years in practice as well as in industry. He is an Associate member of CPA Australia (ASA) and is currently studying for the CPA professional level exams.
Away from work, Asim enjoys travelling, reading & gardening.