This Month
BlueRock facing $3m in directors’ dismissal claims
The professional services firm is alleged to have sacked one accounting director without notice in part because he did not say ‘hello’ or ‘goodbye’ to a staffer.
‘Unsatisfactory’: US-based firms book biggest gender pay gaps
Law and consulting firms run out of the United States are grappling with the effects of an anti-DEI drive from the US government.
February
Life is chaotic – thank god for my spreadsheet
Overseas holidays, household chores, beer consumption – these finance professionals have their entire lives accounted for.
What if my accountant still uses spreadsheets to calculate tax?
There are many good software packages that can keep track of all the different tax aspects that may arise in an SMSF.
SW Accountants & Advisors acquires Kreston Stanley Williamson
As part of the move, about 30 professionals will join the firm’s Sydney business, boosting revenues to $95 million this financial year.
How these accountants are using AI to take more time off work
Grant Thornton employees are saving an average of almost 3.5 hours a week using generative AI, enabling more of them to take an extra day off each fortnight.
January
PwC partner Rob Silverwood to exit
The internal announcement comes after the senior M&A partner was linked to a breakaway firm being funded by private equity. He will depart by the end of June.
Accounting body faces lawsuit over Christmas party sexual harassment
The case sets up a test of whether an employer can claim it took “reasonable steps” to prevent improper conduct, where a harassment complaint has been upheld.
‘Most important man in accounting’ warns against lowering standards
Barry Melancon, for 30 years head of the leading US professional body, says quality should not be compromised to aid recruiting.
December 2024
BGH targets PwC dealmakers for new M&A advisory
Under the proposal, more than a dozen top transactions partners would leave for a new firm that would be overseen by Rob Silverwood, currently PwC’s deals boss.
How accountants will help save the planet
The once humble accountant will be key to supporting the transition to net zero.
Accounting, audit and finance roles added to fast-track visa list
Jobs and Skills Australia has added a range of accounting, audit and finance roles to its list of occupations eligible to apply for new fast-track visas.
Staff got a nine-day fortnight, but still waste time on one thing
Grant Thornton CEO Greg Keith doesn’t like to see staff, who work a nine-day fortnight, wasting time waiting for everyone to get their coffee before they go back to the office.
November 2024
This accounting firm trusts AI only when it’s double-checked
Data experts at Vincents say they need 100 per cent accuracy when it comes to extracting financial data from documents.
Revealed: Australia’s best accounting firms in 2024
The Financial Review list shows that mid-tier accounting firms reached an unprecedented size as revenue at the big four consulting firms fell to a two-year low.
The big winners as scandal forces big four into retreat
Mid-sized firms such as those run by Steve Meyn of PKF, Jamie O’Rourke of RSM and Annabelle Clare of Walshs had their best year on record as clients move away from out-of-favour big players.
Deloitte made me do it: CEO throws auditor under the bus
A weekend call from the auditors sent the $1.7 billion Web Travel into a spin.
Web Travel restates earnings two months after WebJet spinoff
Company boss John Guscic says he’ll explain to investors next week at a postponed results briefing why margins on its global WebBeds business are falling.
The fastest-growing firms have one thing in common: AI
BlueRock’s Peter Lalor says the firm is using generative AI across the firm, while McGrathNicol’s Jason Preston is using the machine learning to identify patterns that humans would overlook.
Accounting firms bullish about the future
Automation technology and ever-growing demand for advice are keeping the top firms optimistic about the years ahead.