Gary Philpott
We are down to a matter of days now until Gary retires as a Partner of Lincolns on 1 July. Although this is a very exciting time for Gary as he embarks on a new post-partnership life, this is a very emotional time for the entire Lincolns team as well as his clients.
Gary has been an icon of Lincolns and it’s going to be very hard not having him around everyday annoying the hell out of us, and calling us by the ridiculous nicknames he’s created over the years. Hey, Pottsie!
Anyone who has worked with Gary knows that he is never early and rarely on time. So we weren’t at all surprised when we arranged to have a “coffee with” Gary that he was not there waiting for us (we are still not sure if we forgot to tell him where we were meeting or if he was just keeping to his own time). That is the thing with Gary, he is unflappable and good at flying by the seat of his pants.
Gary is not your typical accountant. He has not worn a tie to work since 1985, he is often disruptive around the office and loves to challenge the idea of being a “boring accountant”.
It’s very hard to put words down on to paper when it comes to Gary. We just hope to do it justice.
Remind us, how did your journey with Lincolns begin?
I started my cadetship with Duesbury’s in Albany in 1981. I spent 4 years working in Albany from July to February each year, packing up and heading to Perth to study from February to June.
In 1985 I moved to Perth and completed my PY (Professional Year aka CA Program). Two years later Robin and I packed up and moved back to Albany.
When I arrived back in Albany I met Russell Harrison. By pure chance we clicked and in 1987 Russell bought into the Lincolns partnership. Twelve months later I did the same. It is very coincidental that our retirements are timed 12 months apart.
Russell and I are polar opposites of each other, but we have always understood each other’s shortfalls. We were able to start fresh and we built Lincolns from the ground up.
What is the most rewarding part about being an accountant?
The most rewarding part of my job is the people. No matter the size of the client’s business or if the person is simply a wage and salary earner coming in to get their tax done, I love helping people.
The last 5 years have been quite different to the earlier years. I have let go a lot and have learnt to trust our team even more. The key is to never underestimate the ability of your team.
It is amazing how your brain works, the way you are able solve the unsolvable. What are your tips for keeping your mind so agile?
Stay fit and gets lots of sleep.
It cannot be that simple. Is it a gift?
The key is to break things down to be as simple as possible. Too many people over complicate situations. I find everyone understands things better if it is explained in simple terms.
I was in fact born breach. Perhaps that is why I think with my bum and not my head. Often when there is no solution, I am able to come up with something, “it just pops into my head”. I cannot explain how it happens.
There have been plenty of ups and downs over the years, what is your proudest moment at Lincolns?
There have been so many moments I have been proud of over the years. Being able to walk away knowing Lincolns now and knowing all my clients are in really good hands. I am leaving something I am certainly proud of.
On the other hand, I am definitely not going to miss all the “red tape”.
Who do you feel you have had the most positive impact on throughout your career?
There has never been one person in particular. I have always tried my best to help everyone, whether it be one of our team or a client. Everyone is very different and can bring so much to the table. I would not want to clone myself (horrible thought).
Looking back what is the most memorable team event at Lincolns?
Five years ago, we had a Lincolns reunion at Camp Quaranup, it was an amazing evening catching up with past and present team members. Russell and I had a great deal of fun pretending to be 80 years old and putting together the speech for the evening.
Another memorable night was one of our End of Financial Year parties. It was a musical quiz night, each team chose a band, everyone came in costume and each “band” had to mime on stage. The headline act (aka the 4 Partners at the time) was KISS.
Gary we wish you well in your retirement. You’ve given us your all over the years and you are truly deserving of a happy retirement. In Gary’s words he can now give all the care in the world with no responsibility. We are pretty sure he was talking about his grand kids!
These Happy Days are yours and mine (Oh Happy Days).
