At PJS Financial, Sam Horsman leads a team of 17, providing a wide range of services to both individuals and businesses. The firm caters to everyone from locals needing their yearly tax return to large family businesses that require ongoing financial advice. “We have clients who come in once a year for a quick tax return, and others we work with a few times a month, helping with everything from financials to obtaining finance from banks,” Horsman explains.
As director of PJS Financial in Deloraine, Horsman didn’t initially set out to become an accountant. In fact, his first dream was far from spreadsheets and balance sheets—he wanted to be a physiotherapist for the Essendon Football Club. But life took an unexpected turn when, faced with the reality of leaving Tasmania to pursue that career, Horsman reconsidered his path. A mentor, the CEO of a local organisation, suggested business and accounting as an alternative. Horsman took the advice, enrolled in commerce at university, and eventually found his way into public practice.
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His journey began at KPMG in Launceston, where he joined the global accounting firm with ambitions of travelling the world through its international network. However, fate had other plans. After meeting and marrying a local girl, Horsman decided to settle down, and soon after, he was approached by the former owner of PJS Financial to take over the practice. “It’s been 12 years now, and it’s a completely different environment from the corporate world,” he says, reflecting on the flexibility and community connection that comes with running a smaller firm.
One of the unique aspects of PJS Financial is the strong ties Horsman and his team have to the local community. Several staff members have been with the firm for over 30 years, and their relationships with clients often extend beyond the office. “We’re in the community with them,” Horsman says, highlighting the firm’s commitment to Deloraine and the surrounding areas. This connection isn’t just professional. PJS Financial also actively supports local organisations through sponsorships and charitable donations. Each year, the firm selects a charity and donates $3 for every tax return lodged on time. This initiative, which has supported causes like Ronald McDonald House and JCP Youth, is a way for the firm to give back to the community that has supported them for so long.
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The way things were done 20 years ago is completely different to today.
Technology has been another game-changer in the accounting world, and Horsman has seen the shift firsthand. From dairy farmers using satellite technology to monitor pasture growth to cloud-based accounting software that gives businesses real-time insights, Horsman sees technology as a critical factor in the future of his clients’ success. The adoption of these new tools allows businesses to stay on top of their finances and make informed decisions, a key point of advice Horsman offers to all his clients. “Understanding your numbers is vital. If you don’t know where your business stands financially, it can often be too late to fix problems when they arise.”
Horsman’s commitment to work-life balance also extends to his team. After experiencing burnout during the height of COVID-19, when long days stretched into late nights, Horsman made the decision to implement a four-day workweek. “Coming out of COVID, I thought there had to be a better way,” he explains. The change has been a success, with staff now working full-time hours across four days, giving them Wednesdays off to manage personal commitments or simply recharge. Clients have adjusted to the new schedule, understanding that any queries made mid-week will be addressed the following day.
Outside of work, Horsman enjoys spending time with his three young daughters, chauffeuring them to their various activities. He’s also an avid runner, participating in Launceston’s weekly 5k Park Run whenever he can. Having grown up in the Meander Valley, he holds a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the region. “I spent a lot of time hiking the Western Tiers and fishing in the Mersey and Meander Rivers,” he says, adding that the slower pace of life in Deloraine still appeals to him, even though he now resides in Launceston with his family.
As the director of PJS Financial, Horsman has found a way to blend professional expertise with community spirit. His focus remains on providing personalised, flexible services while maintaining strong ties to the local community, ensuring that both the firm and its clients continue to thrive in the Meander Valley and beyond.
