Raphael Mendels has been helping clients improve their business since he joined DFK Laurence Varnay in 1977.

With extensive experience across many industries, Raphael’s principal areas of knowledge include taxation, estate planning and superannuation.

In the 1960’s, Raphael became a Chartered Accountant working at a larger firm.

12 years later, walking through one of Sydney’s many arcades; Raphael took interest in a local employment agency’s ad for an accountant at a boutique firm. Upon meeting Tibor Varnay, one of the founding Directors of Laurence Varnay, Raphael took the leap and joined the team.

After becoming a Director in 1983, served 18 years on the DFK ANZ Board and three years on the DFK International Executive. He is recognised as a prominent leader in the industry, with a strong network across Australia, and across the globe.

Raphael values the camaraderie and meaningful connections he has made with the DFK Laurence Varnay team, network and clients. He believes that an organisation is only as good as its staff, and takes great pride in the extensive knowledge and exceptional quality of service and advice that clients receive through DFK Laurence Varnay.

Raphael sees himself as being a reliable and trusted adviser that can assist in taking business to new heights. Raphael takes the relationship he has with clients seriously; he’s there right from the beginning, through the ups and downs, and will always strive for the best possible outcome.

Cloud accounting is one of the biggest changes to the accounting and business advisory industry, as well as the desire from clients for real-time advising, according to Raphael – requiring staff to adapt and learn new skills rapidly.

DFK Laurence Varnay and its staff are embracing these changes and remain at the forefront of technological and industry developments.

Family is important to Raphael, and he enjoys traveling, swimming down at his local Sydney beach and generally maintaining his fitness levels. Raphael has been a competitive water polo player since he was 16 years old and competed in the FINA World Masters games in Hungary, where his team won the gold. Most mornings, Raphael can be seen swimming down at his local Maroubra Seals Club.