I'm Darren Shillington, NOT JUST an accountant

More than just an accountant? Darren Shillington was appointed as Managing Partner of PKF Perth in July 2018. For Darren, it’s important to protect the legacy the firm has built over more than 45 years, while ensuring the firm continues to grow, adapt, develop our people, support our clients and engage with our local community.

The role of Managing Partner is an elected position, and he leads a team of eleven Partners and two Directors. As Managing Partner Darren has ultimate responsibility for the firm’s leadership, governance and strategic direction, as well as quality and risk management.

However, as Darren explains, being Managing Partner extends well beyond numbers. 

“A big part of my role is leading the development and implementation of the firm’s strategy, ensuring we have the right capability, systems and people in place to meet the evolving needs of our clients and the business. It’s not something I would have considered when I first started out as an accountant, and it’s been both challenging and rewarding.”

Adapting to an evolving profession 

With more than thirty years’ experience as an accountant, Darren has extensive technical expertise but acknowledges that the role of accountants has changed significantly over time. Clients rely on their accountants to help them interpret the numbers, new regulations and understand how to respond to and implement change. 

“Clients look to us not only for technical compliance, but for insight into how legislative changes affect their business. More recently, ongoing supply chain disruption and rising fuel and energy costs have put pressure on businesses, making short term decision-making more complex. We need to ensure that we are developing accounting professionals who have strong communication skills, empathy, and commercial thinking to help clients make informed decisions. Understanding what’s really driving a client’s concerns, whether it’s cash flow pressure, workforce challenges or uncertainty about the future, this allows us to provide advice that’s practical and relevant.” 

Supporting team members and clients 

What makes Darren more than just an accountant is his ability to combine technical expertise with strong relationships. He has been a part of PKF Perth for over thirty years and has played a significant role in mentoring and developing people across the firm. Some have progressed to Partnership, while others have gone on to senior roles in industry. This has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his career.

Over the years, Darren has helped clients achieve significant milestones such as raising funds to grow their business, assisting clients in navigating high net wealth tax audits and successfully exiting the businesses they have spent years building. He enjoys helping clients make decisions based on their personal and commercial goals. 

Balance, perspective and life outside the office

Outside of the office, Darren's wife and three daughters keep him grounded. He enjoys being outdoors, especially watching football, barramundi fishing and playing golf – and by his own admission, he spends more time in the woods (being “at one with nature”), searching for his golf ball than he does on the fairway. It has helped build his resilience and maintain balance, on and off the golf course!

These personal passions also connect strongly with PKF Perth’s community involvement. The firm is a proud sponsor of the Claremont Football Club.

“Our sponsorship of Claremont Football Club allows us to give back to a community organisation that plays an important role in developing young people and bringing the community together. It aligns with our values of integrity, passion and community, the same principles we apply in our business”. 

Those values have shaped Darren throughout his life. Integrity, loyalty, honesty, and building a team culture, instilled from a young age, remain central to how he leads and the qualities he values most in those around him. 

These values underpin his leadership style and the culture he works to maintain at PKF Perth.

NOT JUST an accountant NOT JUST an accountant is PKF’s declaration that our firm and our profession are built on people, values and impact, shining a spotlight on the human leadership, purpose and responsibility behind the numbers.