About Us
Michael Phillips
Director and Co-Owner
Michael has over 14 years’ recruitment experience in the UK and Australia, and has been specialising in the professional services Accounting market in Melbourne since early 2013. The majority of his work is with Big 4, Mid-Tier and larger suburban practices, and he recruits at all levels from Intermediate accountant to Partner.
Having recruited in the same space since 2013, Michael uses his broad market knowledge and industry networks to offer a consultative and personal service to both clients and candidates.
Outside of work, Michael spends his time with his three young children and loves getting outdoors to play a spot of cricket and footy
James Dowdeswell
Director and Co-Owner
James has over 10 years’ experience recruiting Accounting, Advisory and Tax professionals in the UK and Australia. This has involved recruiting junior Accountants and Lawyers, through to Partners, for professional services (accounting and legal) firms and for finance and tax specialists for clients within commerce and industry.
Prior to entering a career in recruitment, James spent seven years with the Royal Marines in the UK.
Having relocated from London to Melbourne in 2014, Australia is very much home for James and his family. In his spare time James can be found chasing after his three children and German Shepherd who run rings around him! He enjoys anything outdoors and loves (almost) any sport, with a particular passion for basketball.
Alex Kelly
Manager - Accounting
Alex is a chartered accountant with five years experience across the areas of Audit & Taxation/Business Advisory. Having graduated with a degree in Commerce from Deakin University, Alex has worked his professional career to date across two mid-tier accounting firms in the Melbourne CBD.
Alex brings his knowledge and internal understanding of the accounting industry to KeyMoves, and can assist in providing a real insight into the sector.
In his spare time, Alex likes to play a round of golf down at the Peninsula and barrack for the mighty Dons in the AFL. He also enjoys being a parent with his wife to their son Nate and dog Kevin, who keeps them both on their toes!
Megan Taylor
Manager - Legal
Megan is a dedicated Recruitment Consultant with years of experience in the industry, specialising in sourcing top talent within the legal sector. Originally from the UK, she brings a strong understanding of the professional services market and a passion for connecting high-calibre candidates with leading firms across Australia.
With a keen eye for matching talent to opportunity, Megan excels in identifying skilled legal professionals who thrive in fast-paced, high-performing environments. She takes a consultative approach, ensuring both clients and candidates receive tailored solutions that align with their goals.
Outside of work, she is passionate about yoga and fitness, believing in the power of movement for both physical and mental well-being. She enjoys staying active, spending time outdoors, and embracing a balanced lifestyle.
Kirsty Miller
Consultant
Kirsty, originally from Scotland, comes from a background in customer services and recruitment, providing her with the experience and understanding necessary for offering unique recruitment solutions. This ensures long-lasting relationships between the client and the candidate. Her recruitment experience gives her insight into sourcing excellent candidates in a candidate-short market, specialising in recruitment firms in Queensland and regional New South Wales.
Outside of work, she is passionate about traveling and loves exploring new parts of the world. Having lived all over Australia, she has settled in Melbourne for the past few years and has developed a deep love for the city.
Maria Crilly
Consultant
Maria started her recruitment journey in 2024 and is eager to contribute her skills in guiding candidates towards rewarding careers while building professional relationships. Her prior experience in client-facing roles within the financial services industry has instilled in her a genuine passion for understanding clients and candidates’ needs and providing thoughtful advice to help them achieve their goals.
Coming from Ireland, Maria has a love for travel and exploring the outdoors. Her appreciation for exploring the outdoors mirrors her approach to recruitment—open-minded, curious, and always ready for a new challenge!
Laoise Keys
Consultant
Laoise is a recruitment consultant, specialising in public practice accounting roles across New South Wales. Laoise is dedicated to connecting exceptional talent with the right organisations, taking the time to understand both client and candidate needs to build meaningful, long-term relationships.
Prior to working in recruitment, she worked within consulting at Grant Thornton, where she collaborated with cross-functional teams, worked on high-impact projects, providing tailored solutions and managing client relationships to drive business success.
Outside of work, Laoise is a dedicated GAA supporter and loves travelling, attending concerts, and reading.
Emma Cooper
Principal Consultant
Emma is an experienced recruitment specialist with over 6 years’ of expertise in securing top-tier talent across the public practice accounting sector in the UK and Australia.
She has developed a strong ability to deliver across all levels, from newly qualified accountants to senior leadership roles, consistently partnering with clients to understand their unique hiring needs.
Her passion for the sector is matched by her commitment to staying informed and up to date, which allows her to offer valuable guidance and market intelligence to both clients and candidates. Outside of work, Emma loves spending time at the beach with her French Bulldog and is regularly spotted at NRL and AFL games.
Aaron Niranjan
Recruitment Consultant
Aaron is a dedicated recruitment consultant specialising in public practice accounting. With a background in Accounting and Business, he brings both technical knowledge and industry insight to help professionals navigate opportunities across Australia’s financial sector.
Combining recruitment expertise with a consultative approach, Aaron focuses on building strong, tailored partnerships that deliver long-term career and business success. His ability to spot top talent and understand individual career goals makes him a trusted advisor in the space.
Outside of work, Aaron is a passionate Geelong Cats and LA Clippers fan, and loves getting stuck into cricket, basketball, and the footy. To wind-down, he enjoys playing instruments such as the guitar, keyboard and saxophone (rarely).
Services we provide
- Tax
- Advisory
- Audit
- Business Services
- SMSF
- Legal
- Admin