The Emploi Story
Emploi is a specialist accounting recruitment agency with offices in Perth and Melbourne. The business was co-founded by Tim Ponnusamy and Stephen Lawrence, two former accountants who combined their industry experience with a shared passion for recruitment and building meaningful professional relationships.
With a genuine understanding of the accounting profession, the founders established Emploi with a clear purpose — to connect exceptional talent with businesses where people and organisations can thrive.
In 2026, Tim and Stephen welcomed Tom Miles to the business to establish Emploi’s Melbourne office.
At Emploi, we believe the best recruitment outcomes are built on trust, understanding and long-term partnerships. Our approach is built on specialist market knowledge, integrity and long-term relationships. We take the time to understand the ambitions of our candidates and the needs of our clients, allowing us to deliver recruitment solutions that go beyond simply filling a position.
Our Values
We at Emploi are strong believers that values are what sets us apart from our competition. It is important that clients and candidates alike know what to expect.
Our core values that we stand by and instil in all our dealings are as follows:
- Honesty
- Genuineness
- Proactiveness
- Care
- Consultative
Tim Ponnusamy
After graduating from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Commerce, Tim began his professional career working at two accounting practices in Melbourne including a stint in the Audit division of a National Mid-Tier firm.
Having utilised recruiters as a candidate in the accounting & finance industry prior, Tim was convinced to try his hand at recruitment in 2015 and began his recruitment career with a large national recruitment company before launching a Perth branch for an east coast based professional services accounting recruitment agency in 2017.
Over the past few years, Tim has built up a well-known and respected niche recruiting within the Professional Services accounting market in Perth, using his knowledge of the industry to help candidates grow and develop their careers, and firms identify the right talent for their practices.
Tim recruits at all levels from Intermediate Accountant to Partners and has an expansive network of contacts at Big 4, Mid-Tier and boutique practices in Perth.
Outside of work, Tim is passionate about a range of different sports including cricket, soccer, rugby and basketball and is a big gym fanatic.
Stephen Lawrence
Stephen has a career spanning a broad cross section of the accounting industry. He did his training and the first 7 years of his career in the Big 8, now Big 4, before becoming a Finance and Admin Manager in commerce and working in the accounting profession in the UK.
On return to Perth Stephen felt a need to take his career in a different direction and use and develop different skills. By chance he was interviewed by a icon in the recruitment industry who trained and developed Stephen into the leading accounting recruiter in the Perth market.
Stephen has spent the last 20+ years building an extensive network and knowledge of the Perth accounting scene and developing an enviable reputation as an honest and genuine recruiter that candidates and clients turn to for help, guidance and advice. Stephen enjoys helping candidates achieve the unachievable and making a difference to all parties involved.
Outside of recruitment Stephen enjoys many past times including sports cars and racing events, going to the gym, dining out and travelling the world.
Tom Miles
Director - Melbourne
Tom has spent almost 9 years specialising exclusively in recruitment within the Professional Services accounting market, building his career across international, start-up and boutique recruitment firms in Melbourne.
Over that time, Tom has developed an extensive network and strong knowledge of the Melbourne accounting market, recruiting across all levels from Graduates beginning their careers through to Partner-level appointments. His experience spans across Big 4, Mid-Tier and Boutique accounting practices, with particular expertise across Business Services, Tax, Audit, SMSF and Corporate Advisory.
After establishing himself within the Melbourne market, Tom joined Emploi to launch and grow its Melbourne operation. He is passionate about building genuine, long-term relationships and takes a problem-solving approach to recruitment, taking the time to understand what candidates want from their careers and what firms are looking to achieve with their people.
Tom particularly enjoys the relationship-building side of recruitment and helping bring the right people and businesses together, whether that means guiding a candidate through an important career move or helping a client solve a challenging hire.
Outside of recruitment, Tom is heavily involved in AFL, coaching at the Waverley Blues Football Club and supporting his beloved Richmond Tigers. Away from football, Tom enjoys finding new places to hike and explore.
Mary Festejo
Mary Festejo is an experienced Talent Acquisition professional with over 18 years of recruitment experience specializing in accounting, finance, and corporate hiring. She has partnered with businesses and professionals across various industries, helping connect high-performing accounting and finance talent with opportunities that align with their skills, goals, and long-term career growth.
With a strong background in end-to-end recruitment, candidate sourcing, stakeholder management, and workforce planning, Mary is passionate about building meaningful relationships and delivering a seamless recruitment experience for both clients and candidates. Her approach combines professionalism, attention to detail, and a genuine understanding of the evolving accounting and finance market.
Mary is known for her collaborative and people-focused approach, bringing energy, reliability, and strong communication into every partnership she builds.
Outside of work, Mary enjoys spending quality time with her children, travelling with family, exploring new places, and creating memorable experiences together.
30+ Years Combined Recruitment Experience
Former Industry Professionals
Extensive Network in the Perth/WA Accounting & Finance Industry
Honest & Transparent
Relationship Focused
We strive to get the best results for your next career move.
We are problem solvers and are prepared to go the extra mile to get you the right outcome.
We tell you what we believe, not necessarily what you want to hear.
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