We are not your average accountants
At Aligned Business Partners, we do things differently. Before our establishment in 2024, the traditional service model of public practice accountants was falling short of what business truly needed. Clients often found themselves getting the basics – compliance work done – but missing the personalised, forward-thinking advice that could drive their success.
Our clients were seeking something more – a dynamic advisory team who could not only handle the numbers, but understand their business, integrate into their operations, and truly partner in their growth. We heard them. And we made the change.
Why We’re Different: A New Approach to Accounting
At Aligned Business Partners, we believe the role of an accountant should extend far beyond traditional compliance. We’ve redefined what it means to be an advisor. Our team is here to help you build and grow your business – not just keep it running smoothly.
We don’t just provide tax returns and financial statements – we offer personalised solutions, proactive advice, and strategic insights that help you thrive. By understanding your business inside and out, we create tailored strategies that set you up for success – today, tomorrow, and for the long term.
Your Trusted Business Partner Starts Here
At Aligned Business Partners, we’re not interested in just meeting expectations – we’re here to exceed them. Our goal is to be the trusted advisor you turn to for all your business needs. We help you navigate complexities, seize opportunities, and build a brighter, more successful business.
So, if you’re ready for an accounting team that truly understands your business, takes the time to get to know you, and delivers advice that makes a difference, we’d love to connect.
Our Team
Franky Widjaja (Director)
Franky is the founder of Aligned Business Partners, where he combines years of experience with a passion for helping construction businesses succeed. Starting his career in 2016 as an accounting intern at a leading construction firm in Osborne Park, Franky quickly rose to Financial Controller within four years. During this time, he was mentored by a Chartered Accountant CFO which allowed him to refine his skills and deepen his understanding of business operations. Through that well-structured mentorship program, Franky went on to master business strategy, financial forecasting, project cost control and forecasting, automation, ICT, and data analytics.
In 2023, driven by a desire to make a greater impact, Franky left his corporate role to launch his own advisory business. Originally focused on helping construction companies navigate complex challenges, Franky’s expertise and approach quickly expanded to support businesses across various industries. He formed Aligned Business Partners with James in 2024 with the intention of providing tailored solutions that streamline operations, foster sustainable growth, empower businesses to unlock their full potential.
Franky is also deeply interested in big data and its power to transform business decisions. He believes that what many see as “just numbers” can unlock valuable insights. His ability to turn raw data into actionable strategies gives his clients a competitive edge.
Besides work, Franky enjoys his time riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle – often spotted as the smallest dude on the biggest bike… Truly proving the great things come in revving packages!
Qualifications & Education
- Associate Certified Practising Accountant
- Fellow Tax Institute
- Master of Taxation Law
- Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
James Goenawan (Director)
James is the founder of Aligned Business Partners, where he brings together over a decade of experience in helping small to medium businesses manage their tax and compliance with confidence. His accounting journey began in 2007 as a graduate accountant, and through dedication and continuous learning, he went on to become a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) and registered tax agent.
Throughout his career, James has worked with a variety of accounting firms, gaining valuable experience and learning what truly makes an adviser valuable to their clients—being approachable, proactive, and genuinely invested in their success. His goal is simple: to take the stress out of tax and compliance, so clients can spend more time growing their business and enjoying life with the people who matter most.
Before establishing Aligned Business Partners, James worked at a boutique accounting firm in South Perth, where he developed a keen interest in real-time financial reporting. He found that when clients understand their numbers throughout the year—not just at tax time—they can make smarter decisions and reach their goals faster.
In 2024, James crossed paths with Franky, who shared the same vision for a client-centered accounting approach and brought a strong background in the commercial side of business operations. Together, they founded Aligned Business Partners, combining over 20 years of experience to deliver down-to-earth, practical, and forward-thinking advice for business owners.
When James isn’t working with clients, he enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends, trying new restaurants, and exploring new travel destinations. He believes life is about making meaningful memories—and helping others find more time to do just that.
Qualifications & Education
- Certified Practising Accountant
- Registered Tax Agent
- Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Information System)
- Certified L2 XERO Professional
Alice Sun (Tax Accountant & SMSF Specialist)
Alice is a Tax Accountant and SMSF Specialist at Aligned Business Partners, bringing over eight years of hands-on experience in taxation and superannuation. Her journey began after completing a Bachelor of Commerce at Curtin University, followed by a Master of Taxation where she claimed five prizes as the top-performing student—a reflection of her dedication to mastering the complexities of tax law.
Alice started her career in public practice, working closely with small business clients before finding her niche in the self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) sector. Over the years, she’s navigated everything from fund establishment and rollovers to wind-ups, financial reporting, and complex compliance issues. Her knack for turning technical tax legislation into practical, actionable advice sets her apart—helping clients feel confident and informed, whether they’re seasoned business owners or stepping into SMSFs for the first time.
A native Mandarin speaker, Alice is passionate about supporting Chinese-speaking clients and guiding them through the Australian tax system with clarity and cultural sensitivity. She understands the unique challenges non-native English speakers face and takes pride in helping them make confident, informed financial decisions.
Alice first met Franky during their Master of Taxation studies at Curtin University, where a shared commitment to exceptional client service sparked a lasting professional connection. When Franky and James founded Aligned Business Partners, Alice was a natural fit—bringing her deep SMSF knowledge to complement James’s compliance expertise and Franky’s strategic insight.
Outside the office, Alice is happiest near the water. You’ll find her exploring Western Australia’s coastline—chasing blue swimmer crabs, setting marron traps, or hunting for abalone among the rocks. She loves camping under the stars, discovering new travel spots, and enjoying good food with family and friends. Lifelong learning is a core part of who she is, and she believes the best advisors never stop growing—both professionally and personally.
Qualifications & Education
- Certified Practising Accountant
- Registered Tax Agent
- Master of Taxation Law
- Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Taxation)
Grycella Tanu (Management Accountant)
Grycella is a finance and accounting professional with a strong track record in financial management, reporting, and operational finance. She combines solid technical expertise with a practical, business-focused approach, enabling her to support both financial integrity and overall business performance.
Since starting her accounting career in 2016, Grycella has progressed through roles of increasing responsibility, building a strong foundation in financial reporting and core accounting processes. Her career growth reflects her ability to adapt quickly, take ownership, and consistently deliver reliable, high-quality outcomes.
Throughout her career, Grycella has overseen end-to-end finance functions, including financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls. She has played a key role in improving reporting accuracy, streamlining processes, and strengthening financial discipline, while delivering clear, actionable insights to support informed decision-making.
Grycella believes effective finance goes beyond numbers—it is about creating clarity, accountability, and a strong foundation for sustainable growth. She is recognised for her professionalism, reliability, and structured approach, and continues to contribute to business performance through high-quality financial management.
Outside of work, Grycella enjoys reading, listening to music—particularly songs by LANY—and spending time with friends and family.
Qualifications & Education
- Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)