Insights

Cyber security as a cornerstone of sustainable supply chain

Imagine this... your business has undergone rigorous internal audits and your processes gleam. But, a single security breach in one of your supplier’s systems exposes sensitive data, disrupts operations, and shatters customer trust. In 2024, with rampant cybercrime, complex global partnerships, and data privacy regulations tightening, ignoring supply chain security...

Phillipa Ngorima

IT Auditor

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Local government changes — a sign of the times

As of mid-2022 all NSW local government councils and joint organisations were required to have considered the 2023 Risk and Audit Guidelines. The 2023 Guidelines replace the 2010 NSW Government’s Internal Audit Guidelines for Local Government in NSW. They seek to incorporate findings and lessons learnt from relevant industry reviews...

2 Contributors

Brisbane

Insights

Tax governance matters

Taxation in Australia is both complicated and constantly changing. Public interest in the tax system is arguably at an all-time high. Politically there is a desire to increase tax transparency for larger businesses and high net worth individuals to provide community confidence that ‘the bigger end of town’ is paying...

Garry Mathoda

Director

Sydney

Insights

Embracing the data analytics revolution

Data analytics, at its core, is the art and science of extracting actionable insights from the labyrinth of data. It encompasses the use of cutting-edge tools and methodologies to dissect, analyse, visualise, and interpret data, leading to informed and strategic decision-making. This pivotal concept has gained immense significance in today’s...

Sangeetha Ravisankar

Senior Data Analyst

Sydney, Newcastle

Press Releases

THE HUNTER BREAST CARE BREAKFAST RAISES $49,661 TO SUPPORT THE BREAST CARE NURSES

PKF Sydney and Newcastle, in collaboration with The Newcastle Herald and NEX, celebrated a major milestone as they hosted the 15th annual Hunter Breast Care Breakfast on 25 October, 2023. This sellout event brought together a remarkable 510 attendees, all united in their commitment to supporting the Hunter Nurse Education...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Press Releases

Mark Hughes Foundation

Through endless fundraising, the Mark Hughes Foundation is changing these appalling statistics. The PKF team are big supporters of the Mark Hughes Foundation and had the pleasure of being Mark Hughes Foundation volunteers, helping move and pack hundreds of beanies in preparation for #BeanieForBrainCancer week to help raise money for...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Understanding and navigating family dynamics in farm succession

Family dynamics are at the heart of farm succession planning, where relationships, roles, and expectations among family members can significantly influence the success or failure of the transition process. Ensuring a harmonious handover not only safeguards the farm's future but also maintains family unity.

Steve Meyn

Chairman

Australia

Press Releases

Record breaking $60,726 raised at the 2024 Breast Care Breakfast

PKF Sydney and Newcastle, in collaboration with The Newcastle Herald and NEX, are delighted at the success of the 18th annual Hunter Breast Care Breakfast held on 17 October. This year the event hit a significant milestone, raising $60,726 to support the invaluable work of the Hunter Nurse Education Group....

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Press Releases

PKF Sydney and Newcastle Go Pink for October to Support Hunter Breast Care Nurses

This October, in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, PKF Sydney and Newcastle is going pink, building up to the highly anticipated annual Hunter Breast Care Breakfast, which last year raised an impressive $49,641 for the nurses. This year's breakfast will feature a panel of remarkable women sharing their breast...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Common Misconceptions About The Proposed Division 296 Tax for Individuals With A Total Superannuation Balance Greater

From 1 July 2025, the Government has proposed a new tax on those who have a total superannuation balance (TSB) of greater than $3 million. The new tax is called Division 296 (Div 296) and the proposal is for an additional 15% tax to be levied on the movement between...

Daniel Clements

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney

Insights

Lauren Deetlefs: Honoured with the Mark Lonnon Employee of the Year Award

Just over two and a half years ago, Lauren and her husband, along with their 2-year-old and 6-month-old baby, moved across the world. The past few years have been among the most challenging yet rewarding of her life, and she is deeply thankful for where they have landed. Every single...

Bob Bell

Managing Director

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

“Let’s Get It Done” Seminar Series

It feels so unfair that as a Manager, Owner or Decision-Maker, you’re burdened with a bunch of ‘assumed knowledge’ that you may not even know you don’t know. Whether you’re an owner who started your business to do what you’re good at and love to do – and now find...

Stacie Shaw

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney

Insights

Breast Care Breakfast aims for $50,000 raised for the Hunter Breast Care Nurses in 2024

After a huge 2023 event raising just over $49,000 the Breast Care Breakfast organisation committee are setting their sights on topping over $50,000 raised from their annual Breast Care Breakfast event. This year the Breakfast will include a speaking panel of patients who have directly benefited or are currently benefiting...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Casual Employment Changes

From 26 August 2024 several changes were made to the Fair Work Act regarding casual employment. 1. Definition changes An employee is now deemed to be a casual if: There isn’t a firm advance commitment to continuing and indefinite work, considering several factors, including the real substance, practical reality and...

Laura Mackowiak

Senior Manager

Sydney

Insights

PKF — Your Partner In Wine… And Business

PKF is proud to once again sponsor the Hunter Valley Wine Show. As we enter our second year of sponsorship, it's clear that our commitment goes beyond the weeklong celebrations of this annual event. “This sponsorship is about alignment in values and how we both view community. There is a...

Clayton Hickey

Partner

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Small Business Restructuring — Where Are We Now?

The Small Business Restructuring (“SBR”) regime has proved to be an excellent tool to help revive businesses. It was introduced in January 2021 with little fanfare and plenty of scepticism. In the first six months, there were only 12 SBR appointments. However, it has gained popularity and has become a...

Senray Loy

Principal

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

The Benefits Of Estate Planning: Securing Your Legacy

Estate planning is crucial for the management and distribution of your assets after your death. Documents need to be well drafted to ensure they are legally binding, that your wishes are honoured and your loved ones are provided for according to your preferences. Estate Planning involves more than just a...

Andrew Russell

Financial Adviser

Newcastle

Insights

Data Warehouses And Real-Time Intelligent Reporting — Not Just For Enterprise

Having current and actionable analytics from your business has moved from a nice to have to a must have in recent years, there is little regard for the monthly Excel report delivered 2 weeks after the end of the month. In 2024 we expect more than that from the various...

Will Haywood

Digital Transformation Lead, VInet Solutions

Newcastle

Insights

PKF Sydney and Newcastle Reflect On A Great 2024 Season

PKF Sydney and Newcastle is delighted to reflect on another successful year as the Official Financial Services Partner and NRL Coach Partner for the nib Newcastle Knights during the 2024 season. Our partnership, which began with great anticipation, has proven to be a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to...

Andrew Beattie

Director

Newcastle, Sydney, Port Stephens

Insights

Building Financial Resilience: Strategies For Sustainable Success In The Club Industry

PKF was recently invited by Clubs NSW to present at the Club Education Institute (CEI) Seminars, which were held across 14 locations in NSW over the past two months, with more than 600 attendees from over 160 clubs. We chose to present on Financial Resilience, as this has been a...

David Hutchison

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney

Insights

Take 5… With David Pring

Q. What is a little known/interesting fact about you? I love offshore sailing and my picture of getting away is sailing out through the heads on a multiple day voyage north or south. Q. Do you have a career highlight so far? Career highlights occur for me when delivering a...

David Pring

Partner

Newcastle

Insights

Buying a Pharmacy: Key Considerations

Buying a pharmacy is a major decision, much like purchasing a house. It's not just about finding the right opportunity; knowing how much to pay and making sure it fits your long-term goals are crucial to success. Defining what you are looking for Once you’ve decided to invest in a...

Trent Ruprecht

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney

Insights

Elevation and maturity of the internal audit function

With less than six months to go, has your organisation considered how to implement the new internal audit standards? Internal Audit (‘IA’) plays a vital role in helping organisations achieve improved performance, in ensuring risks are adequately managed in an increasingly complex landscape, and in protecting the public interest. To...

2 contributors

Brisbane

Insights

Enabling a consistent approach to tax affecting your leases and decommission responsibilities

For the year ended 30 June 2024 (and 31 December 2023), entities are required to recognise a related deferred tax asset (DTA) and a deferred tax liability (DTL) for leases and decommissioning liabilities. In June 2021, the Australian Accounting Standard Board (AASB) published AASB 2021-5 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards...

Garry Mathoda

Director

Sydney

Insights

ASIC focus to improve investor confidence and knowledge

In May 2024, ASIC published its Focus Areas for the 30 June 2024 reporting season, giving priority to educating and building the confidence of investors. ASIC focus areas are now classified as either: Enduring focus areas, orParticular focus areas. ASIC highlighted financial reporting areas which they have determined to be...

James Lee

Partner

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Why Every Successful Business Needs a Strategic Plan: Navigating the Future with Purpose and Precision

One of the most important tools in business is a strategic plan. Without one, how does anyone on your team know what you are trying to achieve or how to allocate your limited resources most effectively? When you actually take the time to think about it, it makes a lot...

Andrew Beattie

Director

Newcastle, Sydney, Port Stephens

Press Releases

TWO NEW PARTNERS AND 43 PROMOTIONS FOR PKF SYDNEY AND NEWCASTLE

PKF Sydney and Newcastle is excited to announce the promotion of Jackie Marriott and Trent Ruprecht to Partner, along with 43 of its team members. Spanning across both offices and seven different departments, the promotions showcase the depth of talent and expertise within the firm and its ongoing commitment to...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

The power of awareness: The impact of unconscious bias in business

I remember walking into a job interview, feeling prepared and ready to impress. As I sat across from a male and female interviewer, I found my focus largely with the male at the table. His dominant personality allowed me to assume he held the position of power in the room....

Lauren Deetlefs

Audit Manager

PKF Sydney and Newcastle

Press Releases

Unveiling The Powerhouse Behind The Pour: The 2024 PKF Hunter Valley Wine Show

The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region with a national & global reputation for producing premium wines. The Hunter Valley Wine Show originally held in 1847, was the first regional wine show in Australia & has run continuously since 1973. Respected nationally, 2024 marks its 52nd consecutive show &...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Press Releases

PKF’s State of Origin Event Raises Over $15,500 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service

PKF Sydney and Newcastle is delighted to announce that its highly anticipated State of Origin event successfully raised over $15,500 in support of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. The event, held at the prestigious Knights Centre of Excellence, attracted 130 enthusiastic guests for an evening of excitement and generosity. The...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Avoid Tax Penalties and Save on FBT

It’s a very common misconception that putting a logo on a piece of clothing makes it a deductible / FBT exempt uniform – and this is NOT the case. If your uniform isn’t registered, as an employee you are being denied tax deductions, whether for purchase or laundering expenses. And...

Stacie Shaw

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney

Insights

Working mothers: within the bounds of commerciality, without ‘concessions’

No, I haven’t made a faux pas in the title. I didn’t mean to say “working parents”, and no, I’m not remiss in that. Because it frustrates me when gender pay gaps make the news without being called what they very often really are: a gender representation issue. So, I’d...

Stacie Shaw

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney

Insights

ANZAC Day 2024

This week our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council caught up with Malcolm Tye, Technology Consultant at VInet, for a Q&A about his time in the Army and to honor Anzac Day. Malcolm spent almost eight years serving in the Army, and today he shared part of his journey with us....

Press Releases

PKF Appoints Newcastle Audit Duo as Partners

PKF Sydney and Newcastle is proud to announce the promotion of Kevin Helmers and David Hutchison to Partner. This strategic move reflects PKF's commitment to growing leaders from within the firm. Kevin Helmers has been with PKF for over a decade and has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and expertise in...

Clayton Hickey

Partner

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Mark Hughes Foundation: Everest Trek

One of our values at PKF is community, giving back. It is a pillar of what we are built on. For me, and many others like me, this has mostly been by way of a financial contribution to many charities and not-for-profit organisations. Over the years, we have given hundreds...

Andrew Beattie

Director

Newcastle, Sydney, Port Stephens

Insights

Considering establishing an SMSF?

Setting up a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) requires careful planning and adherence to regulatory requirements. Here’s a checklist to guide you through the process: Pre-setup considerations 1. Research and education Understand the roles and responsibilities of SMSF trustees. Educate yourself about SMSF regulations, investment options, and taxation implications.There are various...

Daniel Clements

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney

Insights

Smooth sailing: Navigating the transition of leadership in business

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, leadership transitions are inevitable. Now more than ever, with an estimated $3.5 trillion in Australian business assets about to transfer from the control of baby boomers to the next generations, a smooth leadership transition is important to family businesses everywhere. Of course, there...

David Jamieson

Director

Newcastle, Sydney

Insights

The case for private assets

Private assets have been an attractive area of investing for many years for the big end of town, ultra-high net worth families, institutions, and large super funds. However, these investments have been unavailable to smaller investors until very recently. “Private assets” is a term that covers many investments that are...

Chris Davis

Executive Director

Newcastle

Insights

Handling unforeseen tax debts: A guide for small business owners

Late last year, a wave of unexpected news swept through the Australian business community as thousands of taxpayers and their representatives received notifications from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) regarding outstanding historical tax debts. What made this revelation particularly startling was that many recipients had no prior knowledge of these...

Nicholas Falzon

Director

Sydney, Newcastle

Press Releases

PKF Sydney and Newcastle Joins Forces with Knights for 2024 and Beyond

The nib Newcastle Knights have been bolstered ahead of kick off in the 2024 National Rugby League season with the signing of iconic local, national and international business, PKF Sydney and Newcastle. The move sees PKF become the Knights Official Financial Services partner and NRL Coach partner for the next...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

2024 US presidential election

With a likely rematch between Democratic President Joe Biden and former Republican President Donald Trump set for 5 November 2024, what impact will the US presidential election have on investment markets? Looking back over the past hundred years of returns for the US share market (S&P 500 Index), there has...

Jarryd Brennan

Financial Adviser

Newcastle

Press Releases

PKF Welcomes Tax Partner David Pring to the Fold

PKF Sydney and Newcastle is pleased to announce the appointment of David Pring as a partner in our Newcastle Tax division. A highly accomplished tax professional with a proven track record in delivering strategic Tax solutions, David’s knowledge and experience is a perfect complement to our existing team. With an...

Andrew Beattie

Director

Newcastle, Sydney, Port Stephens

Press Releases

PKF Promotes 11 Deserving Team Members

PKF Sydney and Newcastle has announced the promotion of 11 team members across their audit and assurance, and business advisory teams. The promotions boast an incredible uplift to their team, with three promotions to Principal, three promotions to senior levels, and two promotions to intermediate positions, showcasing the strong capabilities...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Evolution of Technology in Accounting: A Journey through PKF Sydney and Newcastle’s Growth

In the span of nearly 50 years, the landscape of accounting at PKF has undergone a transformative journey, with technology emerging as a central catalyst for change. Reflecting on the early days characterised by traditional processes, camaraderie, and a focus on compliance, the narrative shifts dramatically when we fast forward...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

PKF’s Heartbeat: Community Commitment Beyond Dollars

At PKF Sydney and Newcastle, community isn't just a checkbox on the corporate agenda; it's the very heartbeat of our organisation. Rooted in the belief that giving back is an integral part of success, our partners have woven community engagement into our culture, creating a unique connection that goes beyond...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

2023 Newcastle Around The Office Shots 75

Insights

People and Culture at PKF Sydney and Newcastle: A Thriving Community Built on Values

At the heart of our success lies a vibrant community shaped by our people and a distinctive culture that has evolved over the years. A testament to this is the presence of individuals who have been on this journey since its inception, embodying our culture and contributing to the firm’s...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

PKF Sydney and Newcastle’s Journey: A Legacy of Growth, Innovation, and Community Commitment

Our rich history in the Hunter is a testament to the evolution from a visionary concept in 1977, under the leadership of Terry Lawler, to a prominent and innovative professional services firm today. The journey began with a commitment to building a solid organisation that would attract both exceptional talent...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Press Releases

Celebrating 45 years in the Hunter: Introducing ‘Retrospect’ by PKF Sydney and Newcastle.

It’s not every day that one of the Hunter’s leading accounting firms celebrates 45 years since its inception, making this milestone even greater for the team at PKF Sydney and Newcastle. In celebration of their rich history, February marks the launch of their mini-series ‘Retrospect’, which offers a nostalgic look...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Phillipa Ngorima

2 Contributors

Garry Mathoda

Sangeetha Ravisankar

Emma Hansen

Emma Hansen

Steve Meyn

Emma Hansen

Emma Hansen

Daniel Clements

Bob Bell

Stacie Shaw

Emma Hansen

Laura Mackowiak

Clayton Hickey

Senray Loy

Andrew Russell

Will Haywood

Andrew Beattie

David Hutchison

David Pring

Trent Ruprecht

2 contributors

Garry Mathoda

James Lee

Andrew Beattie

Emma Hansen

Lauren Deetlefs

Emma Hansen

Emma Hansen

Stacie Shaw

Stacie Shaw

Clayton Hickey

Andrew Beattie

Daniel Clements

David Jamieson

Chris Davis

Nicholas Falzon

Emma Hansen

Jarryd Brennan

Andrew Beattie

Emma Hansen

Emma Hansen

Emma Hansen

Emma Hansen

Emma Hansen

Emma Hansen

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