Get to know Karlaya Accounting & Business Advisory
We're female-led, First Nations-founded accounting firm for purpose-driven businesses
We aim to provide a safe, inclusive, and jargon-free environment where everyone feels empowered to ask questions and receive the guidance they need for success in both life and business.
We are business advisors and accountants based in Brisbane (Meanjin), with clients from all over Australia. We believe in the power of purpose-driven businesses, and our mission is to empower you to reach your full potential.
Accounting and financial services, more broadly, isn’t known for inclusivity or diversity. In fact, the industry is falling short of representing those from diverse communities and marginalised background.
We experienced this firsthand and struggled to find an accounting firm that aligned with our values and allowed us to bring our full selves to work, leading us to build our own accounting firm in 2019.
Over the past few years, we have supported over 200 clients with proactive accounting and business advisory services, and the numbers are growing.
By breaking the mould of traditional firms, we’re helping business owners from all backgrounds build financial literacy and make informed decisions to drive their businesses forward.
At Karlaya, we're proudly breaking the mould of what an accountant looks like. Our team represents a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences.
We don't discriminate and work with clients from a range of backgrounds to help them succeed in business.
With over 20 years of experience under her bely, Jolene is leading the team at Karlaya. Our team has collaborated with over 200 businesses and counting.
By keeping all of our expertise in-house, we're able to provide practical, tailored solutions that move the needle for your business.
At the core of our mission lies a genuine passion for empowering purpose-driven businesses, not-for-profits, and women in business.
We understand your unique challenges, and we're committed to providing personalised financial guidance and strategies to help you reach your goals. As your trusted partner, we're invested in your long-term success.
Meet the team
Jolene is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience and the founder of Karlaya Accounting and Business Advisory.
As a proud Yamatji woman, she has personally experienced the challenges of not fitting into traditional roles. Recognising the industry’s lack of Indigenous accounting representation, she founded an accounting practice that goes beyond the traditional role of an accounting firm and drives meaningful change while remaining true to her cultural values.
Jolene was named Indigenous Accountant of the Year at the Australian Accounting Awards 2025, a recognition of her leadership, impact, and commitment to culturally safe and inclusive financial services.
Under her leadership, Karlaya has guided over 200 clients throughout Australia, offering financial guidance that is both jargon-free and culturally inclusive.
Jolene completed a graduate certificate in Indigenous Business Leadership at the University of Melbourne and demonstrates her dedication to supporting the next generation of Indigenous professionals through her role on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Panel with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
A passionate advocate for Indigenous economic participation and wellbeing, Jolene serves on the Board of the Brisbane Indigenous Media Association (BIMA) and is Supply Nation certified.
Having graduated from the company directors course through the AICD, Jolene brings both technical expertise and lived experience to discussions about creating equitable, purpose-driven enterprises that generate meaningful impact within their communities.