About Us

Michael Phillips
Director and Co-Owner

Michael has over 10 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 young family and loves getting outdoors to play a spot cricket and footy.

James Dowdeswell
Director and Co-Owner

James has over nine 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.

Tom Daly
Consultant

Tom started recruiting in late 2021 and has already developed a passion for helping candidates find their next role. He brings a strong background in marketing and customer relationship management to the table.

As a business student who is nearly finished with his degree, Tom has a real understanding of various marketing techniques and strategies. He possesses a range of marketing skills that he brings to his recruiting work, including market research, data analysis, social media marketing, and content creation.

Outside of work, Tom has a keen interest in weightlifting and boxing, additionally, he is a lifelong Arsenal supporter. Originally from Sydney, Tom has been living in Melbourne for the past few years and loves to explore all the city has to offer.

Alex Kelly
Senior Consultant

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!

Frank Bailey
Consultant

Frank is an experienced Recruitment Consultant specialising in professional services. Originally from Ireland, Frank has a strong background in accounting recruitment and brings a wealth of expertise to his role. He enjoys leveraging his skills to connect top talent with practices in the Sydney market.

Frank excels in sourcing and evaluating candidates for a variety of roles in public practice. His experience in commercial finance, and background working as an auditor and accountant, gives him a unique insight into the sector’s intricacies, allowing him to identify exceptional candidates who can thrive in demanding positions.

Outside of work he is passionate about sports, enjoys being outdoors as much as possible and trying his hand at improving his golf game.

Ben Hadden
Consultant

Ben is a Real Estate Agent turned Recruiter who aims to create positive and impactful experiences for both clients and candidates. Ben is committed to understanding their unique needs, aspirations, and challenges, and offering guidance and support that sets them up for success. Ben has a genuine passion for people, and aims to make a meaningful difference in their professional journeys.

In Ben’s downtime, he enjoys fitness and wellness. Ben finds great joy in taking care of his physical and mental well-being, and the gym is his sanctuary. Whether it’s lifting weights, practicing yoga, or going for a run, Ben is dedicated to maintaining a healthy lifestyle that energises him and keeps him focused.

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 regional New South Wales.

Before her recruitment career, Kirsty had a background in customer service, possessing excellent communication skills and a genuine passion for people. These qualities allow her to go above and beyond in providing exceptional service.

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, a fresh entrant to the world of recruiting, 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!

Specialists in our market

Services we provide

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