Partners

Malcolm Katon

Malcolm began his career in 1981 with J.K. Sutherland & Co., Registered Tax Agents, where he specialised in preparing financial statements, income tax returns, and related matters for individuals, partnerships, trusts, and companies.

In 1984, the firm was acquired by Larosa and Johns, Chartered Accountants, where Malcolm broadened his experience in account preparation, income tax, and audit. By 1988, he had been promoted to Manager of the Blacktown branch, a role he held until 1991 when he joined Hancock & Associates as a Manager. In this role, he was responsible for advising and supporting small business clients in accounting, audit, taxation, and management.

Malcolm was admitted as a Partner of Hancock & Associates in July 2000. Today, he continues to provide accounting, taxation, and business advisory services to both business and individual clients. He works with clients across a wide range of industries, including property development, building and construction, and primary production. His expertise contributes significantly to the Firm’s collective knowledge and service capability.

Outside of work, Malcolm is a passionate photographer, with many of his works and commentaries published. He also enjoys music, rugby league, and assisting his wife with her miniature horse hobby.

Malcolm's qualifications and memberships include:

• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
• Member of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand
• Registered Tax Agent
• Certified Tax Advisor with Taxation Institute of Australia
• Registered External Examiner with the Law Society
• Associate Member of The SMSF Association
• Justice of the Peace

Shalesh Prasad

Shalesh joined Hancock & Associates in October 2008 as a Manager and was admitted as a Partner in July 2017. He brings more than 20 years of experience in the Chartered Accountancy profession, including several years as an auditor at a nationally recognised audit firm.

Over his career, Shalesh has worked with clients across a wide range of industries, including medical professionals, building and construction, hospitality, property development, primary production, and manufacturing. His expertise contributes significantly to the Firm’s knowledge base and enhances its ability to deliver high-quality accounting and technical taxation advice to small and medium-sized businesses.

As a member of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand, Shalesh is strongly committed to staff development, maintaining robust quality controls, and fostering professionalism within the workplace. His areas of specialisation include tax consulting and planning for small to medium market businesses, their owners, and high-net-worth individuals and family groups. He has extensive technical knowledge in superannuation (including Self-Managed Super Funds), Small Business Capital Gains Tax concessions, and GST.

Shalesh also has a passion for assisting new business owners. He regularly advises clients on business structures, setup, and management, helping them establish a strong foundation for long-term success.

Outside the office, Shalesh enjoys spending time with his family, travelling, and exploring new places. A confirmed motor enthusiast, he and his sons share a love for the motor racing scene. He also enjoys a wide range of sports and is actively involved in his sons’ soccer teams.

Shalesh's qualifications and memberships include:

• Bachelor of Management Accounting (Accounting and Finance) (BMS)
• Member of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand
• Registered Tax Agent
  
• Justice of the Peace