Key Personnel

Jake Spakman, Managing Director

With over three decades of experience in financial services Jake brings a wealth of understanding to the needs of our clients in the documentation area. Jake has previously been a director & state manager of a large national dealer group, had a multi master insurance agency, a licenced finance broking business, and commenced and developed a substantial SMSF administration practice. Jake is an Accountant, SPAA accredited SMSF Specialist Advisor® and licensed strategic superannuation advisor with over 25 years of Superannuation experience. Jake is also a director of legal practice Topdocs Legal Pty Ltd.

These roles have given Jake a detailed understanding of the needs of our clients in the areas of quality of documentation, personal service, and cost & time efficiency. As a result Topdocs continually strives to have the highest quality documentation, to provide superior technical SMSF, Legal & documentation advice, and is continually working to provide more streamlined documentation solutions to ease the workloads of practitioners.

Jake can be contacted on 1300 659 242 or at

Michael Spakman, Director

Michael completed a commerce degree at Deakin University and is an SMSF, Corporate, and Estate Planning documentation specialist.

Previously running the documentation department of an SMSF administration practice, Michael controls the documentation side of Topdocs and with high technical and practical documentation knowledge is the principal initial point of contact for adviser and client queries and enquiries.  Michael is also involved in adviser training in areas such as SMSF borrowing.

Michael also co-ordinates the technical aspects of our white label & badging services, and our document integration with SMSF administration platforms, Taxation & Practice Management systems , Wrap & Platform software, specialist scanning services, Financial Planning software packages, and Investment software.

Michael can be contacted on 1300 659 242 or at 

Ian Waters, Director of Topdocs Legal

Ian is a senior lawyer with a broad range of experience.  He advises accountants, financial planners, SMSF administrators and high net worth individuals on companies, trusts, self managed superannuation funds and personal and business succession planning.  He has extensive experience in relation to the regulation and taxation of SMSFs, particularly the investment rules, SMSF borrowing, pensions, trust deeds and drafting Wills and Powers of Attorney.

Ian graduated from the University f Melbourne in 1991 with law and commerce degrees, was admitted to practice law in 1992 and has completed a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment at the Securities Institute of Australia.  Prior to joining Topdocs, Ian practiced law at IFS Fairley, Holding Redlich and DBA Butler. 

Ian can be contacted on 1300 659 242 or at 

Michael Harkin, National Manager, Training and Advice

Michael is an SMSF & Estate Planning professional whose experience further enhances the expertise of the Topdocs advice team.

Michael takes responsibility for preparing and running Topdocs’ training courses, is editor for The Topdocs Blog, technical advice and content, as well as marketing and specific client consulting.

His qualifications include Diploma of Superannuation Management, Fellow of the Executor and Trustee Institute, Fellow of the Institute of Public Accountants, and Registered Tax Agent.

Michael’s prior roles have included Senior Technical Consultant with Financial Review Professional Education, State Manager of a Statutory Trustee Company, heading the Superannuation Division for a mid-sized accounting firm specialising in SMSFs and consulting to accounting, financial planning and legal firms, and senior positions within banks and superannuation funds.

Michael can be contacted on 1300 659 242 or at