Building a strong regional business

Adrian Rasmussen • April 28, 2016

Regional businesses often find it hard to attract experienced workers. From auto-electricians, to panel beaters, doctors, solicitors and accountants, we hear time and time again how good solid businesses in Dalby, with good solid client bases, just can’t get skilled staff to make the trip over the range and settle in our town.

There is no simple answer. Here’s some ideas that have helped BMO meet our human resourcing needs.

Offering earn while you learn: We offer one of the best traineeship programs in the region where school leavers can work full-time at BMO while being supported to undertake their tertiary studies externally. Employees learn and develop faster as they are apply their studies on a practical level every day and train in our systems and procedures right from the word go. Some of our best senior accountants have risen up through the ranks via our traineeship program.

Building an attractive culture. We take extra care to treat our team well with mentoring, flexible work, uniforms, training, social club, sport, morning teas, values and even a pool competition. Our team have told us that the opportunities at BMO to grow professionally, be involved in the community, and experience work diversity are ten times what you are able to access in many big metro firms.

Boosting our technology. Our secure paperless system allows team members, wishing to balance employment with family commitments, based in Dalby, Miles, Bongeen, Irvingdale, Westmar, Taroom and Brisbane to log in and seamlessly work from home.

Think outside the square. Unfortunately, our most recent advertising for experienced accountants has not led us to any recruits. We know other accounting firms are outsourcing work offshore (to places like India). However, we have decided against this as we are committed to keeping jobs in Australia.

So, instead, we have decided to set up a small satellite office in Brisbane. This will allow us to attract experienced accountants who don’t want to leave the city. We already have one senior accountant based in her home office in Brisbane. This move will allow her to be based in a professional office and mentor other Brisbane-based team members. Our first preference will always be to attract new experienced accountants in Dalby. Dalby is our BMO home and our commitment to our local region will not be diluted in any way. However, like many other regional businesses, we have to be innovative and adapt to stay ahead.

If your business is facing worker shortages, we’d be interested to hear how you have addressed this challenge. Join the conversation at www.linkedin.com/company/bmo-accountants

Adrian Rasmussen retires after decades supporting Regional Queensland

By BMO • June 30, 2026
After an incredible career dedicated to supporting regional businesses, farming families and rural communities, BMO Business Centre Partner Adrian Rasmussen will officially retire from the partnership effective 30 June 2026. For many across the Western Downs and beyond, Adrian has been far more than an accountant or advisor. Over decades in business, he has built trusted relationships grounded in honesty, loyalty and a genuine understanding of regional life and the people who live it. Adrian’s connection to the country and agriculture has always been at the heart of who he is. He has worked alongside generations of farming families and business owners through seasons of growth, challenge and change, becoming a steady and respected presence for clients, colleagues and the wider community alike. Reflecting on his time at BMO, Adrian said the relationships formed throughout his career have been among the most rewarding parts of the journey. “It has been a privilege to work with so many wonderful people over the years; not only clients, but colleagues and communities who have become lifelong friends,” Adrian said. “Regional communities are built on relationships, trust and supporting one another, and I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of that throughout my career.” BMO Business Centre Managing Partners Kelvin Tyler and Michelle McVeigh said Adrian’s contribution to both the business and the region would leave a lasting legacy. “Adrian has played an incredibly important role in shaping BMO into the business it is today,” they said. “His care for clients, commitment to regional communities and calm, practical approach have earned enormous respect across our industry and the communities we serve. While we will certainly miss having him in the office, we are excited for Adrian and his family as they enter this next chapter.” While stepping away from the partnership, Adrian is looking forward to spending more time with family, on the farm and enjoying a well-earned change of pace after many years dedicated to supporting others. Everyone at BMO Business Centre extends their sincere thanks to Adrian for his years of service, friendship and leadership, and wishes Adrian and his family all the very best for the future.

Your 30 June superannuation checklist

By Nikki Ashurst • June 4, 2026
Five easy ways to get more into your super fund before the end of the financial year.