Insights

The real reason why clients value advice

In 2025, financial advisers must evolve beyond traditional roles of managing investments, superannuation, and tax planning. Today, unless they are helping clients with the real issues that hinder them from leading their most prosperous lives while protecting their families, their wealth, and everything important to them, they will be replaced...

Luke Kelly

Senior Financial Adviser

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Navigating Superannuation and KiwiSaver Transfers Between New Zealand and Australia

Thinking about making a permanent move between New Zealand and Australia in 2025? Whether you're relocating for work, family, or lifestyle reasons, there's one important thing you’ll need to consider: your retirement savings. The good news is that the Trans-Tasman Retirement Savings Portability Scheme makes it possible to transfer your...

Nicholas Falzon

Director

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

From vision to reality: PKF’s business advisory service helping to build a cutting-edge fertility clinic

Dr. Antony Lighten, a renowned fertility specialist, spent years working in the corporate IVF world. Driven by a desire to provide personalised, patient-centred care, he set out on an ambitious journey to build his own fertility clinic and day surgery centre in Sydney’s Northwest. Transitioning from a sole trader to...

Andrew Chen

Partner

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Understanding Your Business Income, Use of Funds, and Losses: Key Insights from the ATO

Do you know what business income is? On 12 September 2024, the ATO released a guide about the different types of business income. Broadly, business income is income earned from selling goods or services through physical stores, websites, apps or even personal advertisements. However, individuals who earn extra income, have...

Nicholas Falzon

Director

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

Time Kills Deals, What Can We Do About It?

There is a resounding theme speaking to investors and other advisors around the city – deals are taking longer. This theme has evolved over the past few years from a bit of a nuisance to a downright irritation, nevertheless it is the new normal. More than a decade ago, when...

Chris Weatherall

Executive Director

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

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

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

Smart Financing Strategies For Managing ATO Debt Challenges

As Australian businesses continue to navigate the economic aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many face growing pressure from the ATO to settle outstanding debts. The ATO, which once adopted a lenient approach to debt collection, has now shifted to a more aggressive stance, demanding quicker repayment. Here’s how businesses can...

David Zammit

Executive Director

Sydney

Insights

Tougher Times Ahead ATO Cracks Down On Penalties And Debt Recovery

The good times are well and truly over, at least when it comes to dealing with the ATO. Whilst the ATO was largely understanding and supportive of taxpayers during the COVID pandemic, it’s fair to say that has come to an end, with increased activity on a number of fronts,...

Boris Kresic

Partner

Sydney, Newcastle

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

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

Grant opportunity — Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) round four: What you need to know.

Round four of the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) will open for applications from 12 November 2024 at 9:00AM AEST for Tier 1-3 applications. The EMDG provides grants to Australian small and medium enterprises to support them in globally marketing and promoting their goods and services and in receiving export...

Nicholas Falzon

Director

Sydney, Newcastle

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

Insights

Cybersecurity as a cornerstone of sustainable supply chain practices

In today’s interconnected world, your financial security rests not only on your own doorstep, but also on the shoulders of your trusted partners. These are the companies you rely on for crucial services like data hosting, IT infrastructure management, and beyond. To navigate the complexities of contemporary business environments, organisations...

Phillipa Ngorima

Systems Analyst | Audit and Assurance

Sydney

Insights

Understanding Main Residence Exemption Basics

The Main Residence Exemption (MRE) is one of the most significant tax concessions available to Australian residents but also one of the most misunderstood. Our unofficial statistics rank it the most frequently misquoted at summer barbeques every year. The basic premise is simple but the law itself is complex, loaded...

Nicholas Falzon

Director

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Industry Growth Program Grant Opportunities for SMEs

The Australian Government is set to launch the Industry Growth Program, an initiative aimed at supporting startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in their innovative commercialisation and growth endeavours. This program is aligned with the priority areas outlined in the Australian Government’s National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) and aims to...

Nicholas Falzon

Director

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Secure Your Financial Future Before the End of the 2024 Financial Year

As we approach the end of the 2024 financial year, it is sensible to take proactive steps to ensure that your tax and financial affairs are in order. With 30 June 2024 almost upon us, now is the perfect time to review your tax planning strategies and make any necessary...

Nicholas Falzon

Director

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

Urgent Reminder: 2024 Lodgement Deadline Approaching

As the 2024 lodgement deadline approaches, we remind you of the importance of submitting your tax returns on time. Failure to meet this deadline may result in penalties and interest charges being applied to your account. In many instances the ATO was lenient on lodgement penalties during the pandemic period...

Nicholas Falzon

Director

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

ATO increases focus on personal use of company funds

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is intensifying its efforts to curb instances where business proprietors divert funds or utilise company assets for personal benefit. It's a common occurrence for business owners to blur the lines between their personal and professional lives, often intertwining their personal expenses with those of the...

Nicholas Falzon

Director

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Getting ready for the Land Tax year of 2024

To gear up for the Land Tax year of 2024, we’ve put together key information that might prove helpful. The Land Tax rate and thresholds for 2024 are subject to change annually. Previously, the Land Tax thresholds were officially announced on 15 October each year, however, recent legislative amendments have...

Nicholas Falzon

Director

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Take 5.. with Richard Cai

Q. What motivates you? A. Making a positive impact to everyone around me - to empower my family, friends, clients, and colleagues. Q. Who is your hero and why? A. Women – my mother who inspires me, my wife who supports me so selflessly without any questions asked, my daughter...

Richard Cai

Partner

Sydney

Insights

Navigating tax implications: Learning by example

Entrepreneurs often invest their personal finances into their businesses to kickstart operations and sustain them until they become self-sufficient. However, a recent case underscores the importance of understanding the tax implications associated with withdrawing funds from a company. Before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), a taxpayer faced repercussions for blurring...

Nicholas Falzon

Director

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

PKF’s Generosity Unveiled: A Case Study in the Impact of In-Kind Giving

Recently SurfAid had the opportunity to sit down with Paul Pearman, Audit and Assurance Partner at PKF, to gain deeper insights into the partnership and PKF’s commitment to social responsibility.

Paul Pearman

Partner

Sydney, Newcastle

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

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 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

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

Recent Taxation Development- ATO Shift

ATO shifting to firmer debt collection activity The ATO has flagged a return to firmer debt collection actions after seeing a trend of profitable businesses that have the capacity to pay their tax debts but are actively choosing not to do so. It warns business taxpayers not to treat tax...

Nicholas Falzon

Director

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Industry Growth Program welcoming applications from inventive SMEs

Is your small or medium-sized business thinking about taking the next big step in growth or innovation? If so, you could be eligible for valuable support through the Federal Government's Industry Growth Program. Even though the grants are slated to open over the course of 2024, SMEs with projects aligned...

Nicholas Falzon

Director

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

That’s a Wrap 2023! PKF Sydney and Newcastle Year in Review

As 2023 draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the remarkable achievements and milestones that have shaped the year. From philanthropic initiatives to professional development, the accomplishments of the past twelve months exemplify a commitment to community, growth, and collaboration.

Bob Bell

Managing Director

Sydney, Newcastle

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

2023 Water Polo Australia PD Sponsorship

Insights

PKF Proudly Sponsors Water Polo Australia’s Professional Development Scholarship Program

PKF Sydney and Newcastle is thrilled to announce our second consecutive year of supporting the Professional Development (PD) Scholarship program. This program is aimed at benefiting current senior squad and National Age Group Program members, as well as senior squad members from the past two years. Water Polo Australia (WPA)...

Nicholas Falzon

Director

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Welcome Richard Cai!

PKF Sydney and Newcastle is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Cai to our Sydney Business Advisory team. This collaboration signifies a significant milestone for both Richard and PKF, amalgamating a wealth of diverse expertise to deliver elevated services and value to a broad spectrum of clients. This strategic...

Bob Bell

Managing Director

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Luke Kelly

Nicholas Falzon

Andrew Chen

Nicholas Falzon

Emma Hansen

Chris Weatherall

Daniel Clements

Bob Bell

Stacie Shaw

Emma Hansen

Laura Mackowiak

Senray Loy

Will Haywood

Andrew Beattie

David Hutchison

David Zammit

Boris Kresic

David Pring

2 contributors

Nicholas Falzon

Garry Mathoda

James Lee

Andrew Beattie

Emma Hansen

Lauren Deetlefs

Phillipa Ngorima

Nicholas Falzon

Nicholas Falzon

Nicholas Falzon

Stacie Shaw

Nicholas Falzon

Nicholas Falzon

Nicholas Falzon

Richard Cai

Nicholas Falzon

Paul Pearman

Phillipa Ngorima

2 Contributors

Jarryd Brennan

Emma Hansen

Emma Hansen

Nicholas Falzon

Nicholas Falzon

Bob Bell

Garry Mathoda

Sangeetha Ravisankar

Nicholas Falzon

Bob Bell

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