“Empowering the LGBTQI+ and Creative Communities: Katrina Summers’ Unique Taxation Practice”
Breaking Barriers in Accounting: Katrina Summers Paves the Way for LGBTQI+ Financial Empowerment
In the bustling cities of Sydney and Melbourne, Katrina Summers, an accountant extraordinaire, has been making waves with her unique taxation practice, Figure It Out Accounting and Tax Agents. Since its inception in 1992, Summers has dedicated her career to serving the LGBTQI+ community, sex workers, and queer artists and creatives, providing them with tailored financial services that cater to their unique needs.
Tax season is a source of stress for many, but for individuals in industries that face additional complexities, it can be particularly daunting. Recognizing the challenges faced by her community, Summers, a proud member of the LGBTQI+ community herself, saw an opportunity to fill a crucial gap in the market. With degrees from the University of Technology under her belt and a keen market insight, she established her practice to offer not just accounting services, but a sanctuary of understanding, discretion, and financial acumen.
Operating out of the heart of Sydney and Melbourne, Figure It Out has grown to include a team of three dedicated professionals, all committed to the firm’s mission of providing a comfortable and confidential environment for their clients. In an interview with Star Observer, Summers shared her motivation for starting her practice, emphasizing the lack of specialized accountants for the LGBTQI+ community at the time. "It made perfect sense for me to open up a taxation practice given I am part of this community," Summers stated.
Beyond traditional accounting services, Summers has expanded her reach to support LGBTQI+ individuals in the entertainment and creative industries, establishing an Entertainment Agency for Queer Artists. Her advocacy doesn’t stop there; she has also been actively involved with the Sex Workers Outreach Programme (SWOP), using her expertise to advocate for the rights and financial well-being of sex workers.
Summers prides herself on demystifying the complexities of accounting for her clients, making it accessible and stress-free. "I speak the financial language for the sex/adult and queer communities in a simple way… time and time again after visiting my offices people say ‘you make Accounting seem so easy,’” she remarked.
The impact of Summers’ work is evident in the glowing reviews from her clients, who praise her professionalism, responsiveness, and the quality of service provided by Figure It Out. With the federal government promising tax cuts, Summers is more determined than ever to ensure that her clients benefit fully, keeping more money in their pockets.
After 32 years of service, Summers reflects on her journey with pride, grateful for the opportunity to support the financial success and security of the LGBTQI+ community. "I am privileged and I feel extremely proud that I’ve been able to help the LGBTQI+ communities for the past 32 years in taxation," she said.
Figure It Out Accounting and Tax Agents offers a wide range of services, from individual and company tax returns to bookkeeping and mortgage brokerage. For those seeking a compassionate and skilled accountant who understands the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQI+ community, sex workers, and queer creatives, Katrina Summers and her team are ready to assist.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit figureitout.com.au or contact the offices in Melbourne and Sydney directly.
This story not only highlights the specialized services provided by Katrina Summers and her team but also shines a light on the importance of inclusivity and tailored financial services for marginalized communities. Summers’ dedication to her work and her community sets a benchmark for others in the industry, proving that with empathy and expertise, accountants can do much more than crunch numbers; they can change lives.