Navigating Change: The Evolution of Accounting Firms in Australia
April 19, 2025, 4:55 am
The landscape of accounting in Australia is shifting. Two firms, Moore and Grant Thornton, illustrate this transformation. Both have weathered storms and embraced opportunities. Their journeys reveal the resilience and adaptability required in today’s business world.
Moore recently celebrated 25 years in South Australia. It started as a small suburban accountancy in 2000. The firm opened its doors under the Hayes Knight banner. The timing was pivotal. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was about to change the game. This tax overhaul forced businesses to rethink their accounting practices. Moore seized the moment. They helped clients navigate compliance and embrace technology. This was no small feat. It laid the groundwork for real-time data analysis.
The firm’s growth story is impressive. From a handful of employees, it now boasts over 100 staff members across Adelaide and Darwin. The journey hasn’t been without challenges. In 2016, the Australian accounting landscape underwent a seismic shift. Several firms split and restructured. Moore’s South Australian branch faced its own upheaval. The business advisory division was acquired by Bentleys. The assurance team joined Pitcher Partners. Amid this chaos, Moore found a lifeline. They merged with Hayes Knight’s practices, a move that would redefine their future.
This merger was more than a survival tactic. It was a strategic decision. Moore aimed to better serve its clients. They recognized that mid-market businesses needed more than compliance. They needed a partner in their growth journey. This philosophy became the firm’s cornerstone.
In 2020, Moore rebranded to Moore Australia. This change coincided with the global pandemic. The firm faced unprecedented challenges. They made critical decisions to protect their staff and clients. Director dividends were suspended. No one lost their job. They froze price increases and suspended fees for high-risk sectors. This approach paid off. Moore retained all its clients during the crisis. It was a testament to their commitment.
Today, Moore Australia is part of a global network generating over $5 billion in revenue. The firm is on the cusp of breaking into the top tier of accounting firms. They aim to leverage culture, collaboration, and technology to propel their growth. The accounting world has changed dramatically in 25 years. Technology is a key player, but it’s not the only factor. Moore emphasizes the importance of understanding financial data. It’s about more than numbers; it’s about making informed decisions.
Meanwhile, Grant Thornton is also making waves. Greg Keith, the Australian chief executive, has been appointed as the global CEO. This is a historic moment. He is the first leader from the Asia Pacific to take on this role. Keith’s journey spans over three decades. He has been a partner at Grant Thornton for most of his career. His leadership in Australia has been marked by significant growth. Under his guidance, the firm’s local headcount surged to over 1,500 professionals. Revenues exceeded $360 million, showcasing a robust upward trajectory.
Keith’s appointment is not just a personal achievement. It reflects the firm’s commitment to continuity and insight. His experience will guide Grant Thornton into its next chapter. The firm has grown significantly in recent years. Global revenues jumped from $5 billion to over $8 billion during Peter Bodin’s tenure. This growth is a testament to the firm’s collaborative strategy.
Keith’s leadership style is noteworthy. He has championed diversity and inclusion initiatives. One of his most talked-about policies is the nine-day working fortnight. This innovative approach to work-life balance has garnered attention. It shows that Grant Thornton values its people. The firm’s culture is built on supportive policies and personalized client experiences.
As Keith steps into his new role, he faces challenges. The accounting industry is evolving rapidly. Firms must adapt to technological advancements and changing client needs. Keith’s experience in restructuring will be invaluable. He understands the importance of agility in a competitive landscape.
Both Moore and Grant Thornton exemplify the resilience of the accounting profession. They have navigated challenges and embraced opportunities. Their stories are not just about numbers; they are about people. They are about building relationships and fostering growth.
In a world where change is the only constant, these firms stand as beacons of adaptability. They remind us that success is not just about surviving; it’s about thriving. As they move forward, they will continue to shape the future of accounting in Australia and beyond. The next chapter is unwritten, but one thing is clear: the journey will be anything but dull.
Moore recently celebrated 25 years in South Australia. It started as a small suburban accountancy in 2000. The firm opened its doors under the Hayes Knight banner. The timing was pivotal. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was about to change the game. This tax overhaul forced businesses to rethink their accounting practices. Moore seized the moment. They helped clients navigate compliance and embrace technology. This was no small feat. It laid the groundwork for real-time data analysis.
The firm’s growth story is impressive. From a handful of employees, it now boasts over 100 staff members across Adelaide and Darwin. The journey hasn’t been without challenges. In 2016, the Australian accounting landscape underwent a seismic shift. Several firms split and restructured. Moore’s South Australian branch faced its own upheaval. The business advisory division was acquired by Bentleys. The assurance team joined Pitcher Partners. Amid this chaos, Moore found a lifeline. They merged with Hayes Knight’s practices, a move that would redefine their future.
This merger was more than a survival tactic. It was a strategic decision. Moore aimed to better serve its clients. They recognized that mid-market businesses needed more than compliance. They needed a partner in their growth journey. This philosophy became the firm’s cornerstone.
In 2020, Moore rebranded to Moore Australia. This change coincided with the global pandemic. The firm faced unprecedented challenges. They made critical decisions to protect their staff and clients. Director dividends were suspended. No one lost their job. They froze price increases and suspended fees for high-risk sectors. This approach paid off. Moore retained all its clients during the crisis. It was a testament to their commitment.
Today, Moore Australia is part of a global network generating over $5 billion in revenue. The firm is on the cusp of breaking into the top tier of accounting firms. They aim to leverage culture, collaboration, and technology to propel their growth. The accounting world has changed dramatically in 25 years. Technology is a key player, but it’s not the only factor. Moore emphasizes the importance of understanding financial data. It’s about more than numbers; it’s about making informed decisions.
Meanwhile, Grant Thornton is also making waves. Greg Keith, the Australian chief executive, has been appointed as the global CEO. This is a historic moment. He is the first leader from the Asia Pacific to take on this role. Keith’s journey spans over three decades. He has been a partner at Grant Thornton for most of his career. His leadership in Australia has been marked by significant growth. Under his guidance, the firm’s local headcount surged to over 1,500 professionals. Revenues exceeded $360 million, showcasing a robust upward trajectory.
Keith’s appointment is not just a personal achievement. It reflects the firm’s commitment to continuity and insight. His experience will guide Grant Thornton into its next chapter. The firm has grown significantly in recent years. Global revenues jumped from $5 billion to over $8 billion during Peter Bodin’s tenure. This growth is a testament to the firm’s collaborative strategy.
Keith’s leadership style is noteworthy. He has championed diversity and inclusion initiatives. One of his most talked-about policies is the nine-day working fortnight. This innovative approach to work-life balance has garnered attention. It shows that Grant Thornton values its people. The firm’s culture is built on supportive policies and personalized client experiences.
As Keith steps into his new role, he faces challenges. The accounting industry is evolving rapidly. Firms must adapt to technological advancements and changing client needs. Keith’s experience in restructuring will be invaluable. He understands the importance of agility in a competitive landscape.
Both Moore and Grant Thornton exemplify the resilience of the accounting profession. They have navigated challenges and embraced opportunities. Their stories are not just about numbers; they are about people. They are about building relationships and fostering growth.
In a world where change is the only constant, these firms stand as beacons of adaptability. They remind us that success is not just about surviving; it’s about thriving. As they move forward, they will continue to shape the future of accounting in Australia and beyond. The next chapter is unwritten, but one thing is clear: the journey will be anything but dull.