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LUMINATE CPA
Our mission is to support our clients' success by optimising their finance back office. We aim to create a smooth-running finance function that serves the firm owner, and not the other way around. We prioritise simple, efficient processes and continuous improvement to keep operations seamless.​
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Luminate CPA began in 2015 by serving various service-based industries, including law firms. In 2024, we chose to focus on female-led law firms, recognising the unique challenges they face. By concentrating on this niche, we aim to enhance our expertise and service to our clients.
Tammy Lai, CPA, CA
Luminate CPA was founded by Tammy Lai out of a love of: financial technology + solving problems + impacting positive change in small businesses. Tammy is action-oriented, and driven to bring order to chaos. She loves helping clients build a well-oiled accounting system that provides peace of mind, and clear insight into their business's health and performance. Tammy insists on working closely with her clients, as she hates missing a beat. Her intimate knowledge of her client's businesses allows her to spot & assist with various facets of their operations, such as improving financial health, cashflow, and profitability.
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Before founding Luminate CPA in 2015, Tammy worked in Big 4 audit, financial reporting, software implementation, and finance transformation for large corporations.
Why law firms?
I have a lot of empathy for law firm owners, and the path they walk, as it is similar to that of an accounting firm owner. We train in stressful environments as new graduates. We take pride in, and often define ourselves by our profession. We have demanding roles at work. We often have narrow definitions of what success looks like, and don't see (or fear) alternative paths.
When a lawyer decides to start their own firm, the experience is similar to that of an accountant who does the same. All of a sudden, the lawyer has taken on 2 full time jobs: the technical aspects of serving their clients, and running the business. The difference is that business fundamentals are a part of an accountant's professional training, whereas this is often a gap in law school. And lawyers are definitely not taught how to do accounting.
I believe what lawyers do is so important; helping people navigate through crucial life events. In a time of confusion and vulnerability, they bring much needed guidance and clear thinking. I have experienced this in my own personal and professional life.
From running my own business and helping others, I know the mental space that opens up when owners can trust that their finance back office is running well, and when they understand their numbers. And I know that this positively impacts how they show up with clients. It certainly does for me. Supporting this space with what I do best, is my way of impacting the world.
We focus on partnering with female-led law firms because we believe in supporting women in business, especially self-employed mothers. As a fellow self-employed mum, I understand the unique challenges you face, and this shared experience helps us create a strong, empathetic partnership.
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