Insights

Understanding Division 296: What it means for super balances above $3 million.

Superannuation remains one of the most tax-effective investment structures in Australia. However, as balances grow, so too does government scrutiny.In our latest PKF Podcast episode, host Courtney Charleson speaks with Daniel Clements, Partner in our Superannuation team, to break down the proposed changes and what they mean in practice.While recent...

Daniel Clements

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney

Insights

Superannuation: Building, protecting, and optimising your wealth for the long term

General Advice Warning: The information in this article is general advice only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. Before making a financial decision based on this advice, you must consider whether it is appropriate in light of your needs, objectives and financial circumstances, and...

Matthew Weeks

Financial Adviser

Newcastle

Insights

Purchase price allocation and impairment testing in Australian corporate transactions

Purchase price allocation and impairment testing in Australian corporate transactionsWhen the post deal dust settles and the bankers and lawyers have left the room, it’s time for business integration and to record the transaction in the acquirer’s financial statements. The accounting for an acquisition may seem straightforward however there’s more...

2 contributors

Sydney

Insights

Why financial advice matters at every stage of life

Financial advice is often misunderstood. Many people assume it’s only relevant once you’re close to retirement, have accumulated significant wealth, or are facing a major financial decision. In reality, financial advice can add value at almost any stage of life - helping people make clearer, more confident decisions about their money today and into the future.

Jake Blatchford

Financial Adviser

Newcastle

Insights

Getting your business market ready: Planning for a successful exit

For many business owners, exiting their business is one of the most significant financial and personal decisions they will ever make. Yet it is often something that isn’t actively planned for until much later in the journey, sometimes too late to meaningfully influence the outcome.A successful business exit rarely happens...

Joel Floyd

Principal

Newcastle

Press Releases

PKF celebrates fourth consecutive year as naming sponsor of the Hunter Valley Wine Show

PKF Sydney and Newcastle is proud to announce its return as naming sponsor of the Hunter Valley Wine Show for the fourth year in a row, continuing a strong partnership that champions excellence in the region’s wine industry and the communities that support it.As Australia’s oldest wine region, the Hunter...

Andrew Beattie

Director

Newcastle, Sydney, Port Stephens

Press Releases

PKF backs new Knights Coach Justin Holbrook as Partner for 2026

PKF is proud to announce its continued partnership with the Newcastle Knights, this year placing a strong focus on supporting newly appointed NRL Head Coach Justin Holbrook as he begins a new chapter with the club.Holbrook brings more than two decades of coaching experience to the role and returns to...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Navigating growth: The business model for success

Expanding a business, whether locally in Australia or across borders, requires more than just understanding tax rules. It’s about building a structure that supports growth, profitability, and long-term sustainability. At PKF, we help businesses navigate this journey through this model designed to address every stage of development.

David Pring

Partner

Newcastle

Insights

Future of Choice: A methodology for business success

PKF Newcastle’s Future of Choice is a client-first advisory methodology that helps business owners and individuals define clear goals, align advisers, and build structured plans to achieve measurable outcomes.In the latest episode of the PKF Podcast, Andrew Beattie, Director of Business Advisory and Corporate Finance, explains how the model helps...

Andrew Beattie

Director

Newcastle, Sydney, Port Stephens

Insights

Budgets and cash flow: The keys to business success

Running a business often feels like being on a never-ending merry go round, selling products, delivering services, and keeping operations moving day after day. But as Newcastle and Port Stephens Partner, Jackie Marriott, explains in the latest episode of the PKF podcast, success isn’t just about working harder. It’s about stepping back, planning ahead, and making sure your business is financially prepared for the future.

Jackie Marriott

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney, Port Stephens

Insights

What businesses need to include in a compliant whistleblower policy

Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), public companies, large proprietary companies, and corporate trustees of registrable superannuation entities must have a whistleblower policy. Beyond compliance, a well-structured policy signals to employees and stakeholders that the organisation prioritises integrity, accountability, and transparency. PKF Australia’s whistleblower program provides a market-leading solution for...

Sarah-Jane Jacques

Director

Perth

Insights

Trends for small to medium businesses in FY25/26: What’s next for SMEs

In the latest episode of The PKF Podcast, we sat down with Rebecca McCabe, Partner in our Newcastle Advisory team, to explore the evolving challenges and opportunities facing small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) across the Hunter region.With over a decade of experience supporting businesses across industries, from health and fitness to construction,...

Rebecca McCabe

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney

PKFA Website Insights Image 2000 x 1000 px 2

Case Studies

High standards, higher growth — how PKF assisted Avenue Executive to scale up with purpose

Melissa Shaw transitioned into property recruitment and quickly found her stride. She launched Avenue Executive, her third start-up, over eight years ago, seeing a clear gap in the market: many large international executive search firms lacked deep property‐sector specialisation, and many recruitment agencies did not offer full search services focused...

Nicholas Falzon

Director

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Fighting ‘Assumed Knowledge’ for business leaders — On-demand video sessions now available for purchase

In boardrooms and offices across the country, we’ve seen it time and again, business owners and managers burdened by the invisible weight of assumed knowledge. You're expected to understand financials, directorship obligations, and workplace safety regulations and so much more, often without ever having been taught. Asking questions might feel...

Stacie Shaw

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney

PKFA Website Insights Image 2000 x 1000 px

Case Studies

Apollo Care Alliance: How PKF improved financial clarity and supported the scale-up of regional aged care through strategic advisory

In 2020, three seasoned industry veterans, Stephen Becsi, Barry Ashcroft, and John Young, founded Apollo Care Alliance. Needing a trusted adviser and auditor from the get-go, and specifically “not within the Big Four”, John put forward PKF to help navigate the unprecedented rules and regulations of a Not-For-Profit (NFP) within...

Kym Reilly

Partner

Sydney, Newcastle

Podcasts

The PKF Podcast: Your business insight podcast

Welcome to The PKF Podcast, your go to podcast for expert insights into the ever-evolving world of business, finance, and leadership.

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Events

Join us for the 19^th annual Hunter Breast Care Breakfast – Thursday 16 October 2025

We’re thrilled to invite you to attend or support the 19th annual PKF Hunter Breast Care Breakfast, proudly hosted by PKF Sydney and Newcastle at NEX, Newcastle West. Since its inception in 2006, this event has raised over $380,000 to support the vital work of Hunter Breast Care Nurses via the Hunter Nurse Education Group.

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Why your superannuation needs a mid-year checkup

It’s easy to think of super as something that just takes care of itself. Your employer pays into it, you get your annual statement, and hopefully by retirement, there’s enough in the pot. But the truth is, a few small tweaks each year can make a big difference to your long-term outcome, and mid-year is a great time to check in.

Matthew Weeks

Financial Adviser

Newcastle

Insights

How Hackers are using AI

Spotting scam or phishing emails used to be easy, just check the language and format. But now, with AI, these emails are getting tougher to distinguish from legitimate messages. They are using tools to mimic the wording, style, and tone, creating very convincing fakes.

Darren McGuinness

Sales Manager - Vinet Technology Solutions

Newcastle

Insights

Is your strategy a slide deck that gets reviewed every year?

At PKF, we speak with many business owners and leadership teams who know what they want to achieve. They have a clear strategy, an ambitious plan, and a strong sense of what success looks like but when it comes to execution, progress stalls. Why?The answer is simple but often overlooked:...

Derrek Lush

Principal

Newcastle, Port Stephens

Insights

Selling your business: How to prepare for a successful sale

Selling your business can be a significant milestone and a complex process that requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you're considering selling in the near future or just exploring your options, getting sale ready is essential for maximising value and ensuring a smooth transaction. In this article, we'll discuss key steps to help you prepare your business for sale and position it for a successful outcome.

Joel Floyd

Principal

Newcastle

Insights

AI Preparedness – Applying lessons learnt from the pandemic

The rapidly evolving landscape of AI is a topic that continues to dominate our conversations and newsfeeds.Whilst there are some incredible benefits that can be leveraged, there are also significant risks that need to be understood and effectively managed.What is AI?A system that is designed and trained to generate predictive...

Podcasts

What is strategy and why it matters

Strategy isn’t a slogan, it’s a systemStrategy is often mistaken for vision statements or lofty goals. But real strategy is a practical system for making choices; about where to play, how to win, and what to prioritise. It’s not about predicting the future, it’s about preparing for it. A good...

Derrek Lush

Principal

Newcastle, Port Stephens

Insights

Pipeline or pipedream?

Your sales pipeline might be more fantasy than forecast. Here's how to tell (and fix it).

Derrek Lush

Principal

Newcastle, Port Stephens

Insights

Winning the next defence contract: Are you bidding into the right future?

How mid-tier suppliers can align with the Defence sector’s evolving procurement priorities.

Derrek Lush

Principal

Newcastle, Port Stephens

Insights

Future-ready business: Integrating Strategy, Digital Transformation, and Operational Excellence

In today’s business environment change is a constant. Market dynamics shift overnight, customer expectations evolve rapidly, and technology continues to redefine how value is created and delivered. For medium sized and smaller enterprise businesses, the challenge is clear: how do you grow sustainably while staying agile enough to respond to...

Derrek Lush

Principal

Newcastle, Port Stephens

Insights

Operational excellence frameworks: Building a business that runs (and scales) intelligently

Operational excellence is one of those terms everyone nods to, but few define well. Ask ten leaders what it means, and you’ll hear a mix of “process efficiency,” “cost reduction,” “quality control,” and “lean thinking.”

Derrek Lush

Principal

Newcastle, Port Stephens

Insights

HR pressure and managing debt: Two key issues impacting small businesses this FY

Across industries, businesses are navigating an increasingly complex operating environment. Two key pressure points continue to dominate conversations in boardrooms and advisory circles alike: challenges in human resources and the growing burden of debt.

Jackie Marriott

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney, Port Stephens

Podcasts

“Be kind, you never know what someone might be carrying”: In recognition of Disability Pride Month

Each July, Disability Pride Month serves as a global reminder to acknowledge, celebrate, and elevate the voices of people living with disability. At PKF, it’s an opportunity to reflect on how we nurture inclusivity and ensure every member of our team feels supported, understood, and empowered to thrive, exactly as they are.

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Press Releases

Step inside PKF Newcastle’s fresh new workspace, where innovation comes to life

PKF Sydney and Newcastle are excited to unveil the newly refurbished Newcastle office, a dynamic space built for connection, creativity, and collaboration.

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Preparing for your 2025 tax return: What business owners need to know

As the end of financial year approaches, business owners should take stock of key developments that may significantly impact their 2025 tax return. This year, the focus shifts from legislative changes to judicial decisions, with several recent court rulings reshaping how the ATO interprets long-standing tax provisions.

David Pring

Partner

Newcastle

Insights

Newcastle Breast Care Breakfast

We are delighted to announce our Breast Care Breakfast will be returning this October, bringing with it a renewed sense of purpose and continued commitment to supporting the Hunter Breast Care Nurses.Thursday 16 October I 7AM – 9AM I NEX 309 King Street , Newcastle West NSW 2302Over the last...

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Our trusted Wealth advisers and who we help

PKF Wealth’s mission is to support the unique ambitions of our clients with tailored, expert advice. The recent results from our Client Engagement Research, conducted independently by CoreData, affirm the strength of our relationships and the trust our clients place in our team. Our Wealth advisers go above and beyond...

7 contributors

Newcastle, Sydney

Case Studies

Client success story: How a small business restructure turned crisis into opportunity

Running an excavation business is challenging in the best of times, but when relentless bad weather struck, this company found itself in deep financial trouble. With little to no income, they still had to pay wages and meet high purchase payments. As ATO debt piled up, they felt trapped, out...

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney, Port Stephens

Insights

Pulse April 2025 — MD Welcome

We are now well into 2025 and it’s been an exciting and dynamic start to the year for us. From major office transformations to impactful partnerships and inspiring events, we are building momentum for what promises to be another outstanding year.

Bob Bell

Managing Director

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Reflecting on the incredible 2025 PKF Australia Business Advisory Conference in Newcastle

Newcastle set the stage for a conference that blended learning, collaboration, and connection – delivering insights that will tangibly influence our Real Life.

Angela Lenehan

Senior Manager

Sydney

Insights

Prawn or oyster anyone? Another year of successful Aussie BBQ’s

The Aussie BBQ isn’t just about the excellent F&B and Aussie rock playlist – it’s about strengthening relationships, sharing stories, and kicking off the year with the people we value in our network.

Tony Doyle

Chief Operating Officer

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

PKF Sydney and Newcastle celebrates third year as official financial services partner of the nib Newcastle Knights

Celebrating three years as the official financial services partner of the nib Newcastle Knights, PKF is proud to continue supporting local sports and community growth through this enduring partnership.

Clayton Hickey

Partner

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Congratulations to our graduates of Thrive and Lead and Dare to Aspire!

Newcastle set the stage for a conference that blended learning, collaboration, and connection – delivering insights that will tangibly influence our Real Life.

Steve Meyn

Chairman

Australia

Insights

PKF Sydney and Newcastle announces exciting office refurbishment

This exciting office refurbishment at PKF Sydney and Newcastle is not just about upgrading our space – it’s about creating a collaborative, inspiring environment that enhances both our team’s productivity and our clients’ experiences.

Andrew Beattie

Director

Newcastle, Sydney, Port Stephens

Press Releases

PKF Sydney and Newcastle announces 23 local promotions, including new Partner and Financial Adviser

PKF Sydney and Newcastle is proud to announce the promotion of 23 outstanding professionals, recognising their dedication, expertise, and contributions to the firm’s continued success. Leading this year’s promotions is Rebecca McCabe who has been elevated to Partner, a testament to her leadership and commitment to delivering exceptional client outcomes....

Emma Hansen

Head of Marketing

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Avoiding tax complexity for companies expanding offshore

By carefully managing the timing of a taxable presence, Australian
companies can expand offshore while keeping income tax obligations in
Australia – maximising franking credits and minimising tax complexity.

David Pring

Partner

Newcastle

Insights

Increased ATO and auditor focus on SMSF property valuations

With increased scrutiny on SMSF property valuations, trustees
must ensure valuations are based on objective, supportable data
and meet updated guidelines to avoid audit complications.

Daniel Clements

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney

Insights

AI in accounting systems

AI is transforming accounting systems! From simplifying tasks like bank
reconciliation to generating insights for better decision-making, tools like
Xero’s AI and JAX are enhancing efficiency. The future is here!

Andrew Pullen

Director, PKF Digital

New Zealand

Insights

New year – Groundhog Day, or is this the year to achieve what you want?

Ready to transition from the ‘middle phase’ to the ‘exit phase’? Regain energy and shape your business on your terms - scale back or boost dividends. The choice is yours!”

Chad Russell

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney

Insights

Frustrated by inefficiency? How PKF’s Process Review team solves problems with Annature

Chasing signatures is one of those insidious ‘ugh’ tasks often not considered, taking way more time than it should. With Annature, that frustration disappears - saving time and transforming the way businesses operate.

Stacie Shaw

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney

Insights

Cyber insurance – what is it, and why would I need it?

Cyber Insurance provides critical financial support and expert resources to help businesses navigate the complexities of a cyber incident, making it an essential safeguard in today’s increasingly digital world.

Andrew Brett

Director, Infosure

New year resolution is now the right time to sell your business

Insights

New year resolutions – Is now the right time to sell your business?

Deciding to sell your business is a significant milestone in your entrepreneurial journey, and the New Year is the perfect time to reflect on whether it's the right moment to take that step.

Joel Floyd

Principal

Newcastle

Insights

Another business saved in small business restructure

Another successful Small Business Restructure (SBR) – maintaining our 100% strike rate in securing creditor approval and helping businesses overcome financial challenges.

Senray Loy

Principal

Sydney, Newcastle

Insights

Transition to the new aged care act

The transition to the new Aged Care Act marks a fundamental shift – ensuring better quality care, greater transparency, and stronger accountability for aged care providers across Australia.

David Hutchison

Partner

Newcastle, Sydney

Insights

Mentorship that matters – Empowering women to lead

“Lift as you climb” is a simple and powerful phrase that captures what mentorship should be, especially for women in leadership. As more women break barriers, the responsibility to support and elevate the next generation of leaders becomes even more important.

Lauren Deetlefs

Senior Manager

Newcastle

Insights

Sequencing risk and how to combat it

Time Horizon Investment strategy mitigates sequencing risk by aligning short, medium, and long-term portfolios to ensure steady cash flow in retirement.

Matthew Weeks

Financial Adviser

Newcastle

Insights

Trusts under the microscope: Key taxation issues to watch in 2025

With the company tax return deadlines behind us, the spotlight turns to trust taxation as a key area of focus for the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Trusts remain a popular structure for asset protection and income distribution, but they also present unique challenges due to evolving interpretations of tax laws. Here's an overview of the ATO's current approach and what trustees and beneficiaries need to know to stay compliant.

David Pring

Partner

Newcastle

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

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

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

Principal

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

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

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 genuine...

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

Daniel Clements

Matthew Weeks

2 contributors

Jake Blatchford

Joel Floyd

Andrew Beattie

Emma Hansen

David Pring

Andrew Beattie

Jackie Marriott

Sarah-Jane Jacques

Rebecca McCabe

Nicholas Falzon

Stacie Shaw

Kym Reilly

Emma Hansen

Emma Hansen

Matthew Weeks

Darren McGuinness

Derrek Lush

Joel Floyd

Derrek Lush

Derrek Lush

Derrek Lush

Derrek Lush

Derrek Lush

Jackie Marriott

Emma Hansen

Emma Hansen

David Pring

Emma Hansen

7 contributors

2 contributors

Daniel Clements

Stacie Shaw

Stacie Shaw

Stacie Shaw

Stacie Shaw

Stacie Shaw

Stacie Shaw

David Pring

Jackie Marriott

Bob Bell

Angela Lenehan

Tony Doyle

Clayton Hickey

Steve Meyn

Andrew Beattie

Emma Hansen

David Pring

Daniel Clements

Andrew Pullen

Chad Russell

Stacie Shaw

Andrew Brett

Joel Floyd

Senray Loy

David Hutchison

Lauren Deetlefs

Matthew Weeks

David Pring

Emma Hansen

Emma Hansen

Bob Bell

Stacie Shaw

Laura Mackowiak

Clayton Hickey

Emma Hansen

Senray Loy

Andrew Russell

Will Haywood

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