Transparency Report Year ended June 2015

Transcription

1 Transparency Report Year ended June 2015

2 Contents Chairman s letter 1 Introduction to Pitcher Partners 2 National network 4 Members of the National Cooperation Committee 5 International network 6 Legal structure and ownership 8 Governance structure 9 Members of the National Audit Review Panel 10 Internal quality control system 11 External quality reviews 12 Audit clients 13 Independence 14 Continuous professional education 15 Financial information for the year ended 30 June Basis of remuneration FINALIST BRW Client Choice Awards 2014 BRW Top 50 Companies to work for in Australia Accounting Firm of the Year Winner of the 2014 Thomson Reuters Accounting Firm of the Year Indirect Tax Team of the Year Winner of the 2014 Thomson Reuters Indirect Tax Team of the Year Tax Team of the Year Winner of the 2014 Thomson Reuters Tax Team of the Year Disclaimer // In this proposal, Pitcher Partners refers to the Victorian partnership and its associated entities including Pitcher Partners Advisors Proprietary Limited, Pitcher Partners Consulting Pty Ltd, Pitcher Partners Corporate Pty Ltd, Pitcher Partners Corporate Finance (Vic) Pty Ltd and Pitcher Partners Investment Services Pty Ltd.

3 Chairman s letter 1 I am pleased to present to you the Pitcher Partners 2015 Transparency Report. This Report outlines our approach to governance and structure, independence practices, quality control, internal and external monitoring, continuing professional development and our commitment to quality across all our services. Pitcher Partners strongly believe that audit and assurance are value adding services primarily concerned with business performance, governance and risk. Pitcher Partners skills, experience and commitment to deliver exceptional audit and assurance services, in addition to our focus on business performance, has contributed to the growth and success of our clients. Pitcher Partners conducts statutory audits for corporate clients as well as audits requested by the owners or managers of trading trusts and other noncorporate entities. We are very proud to have made the following advancements that demonstrate our commitment to audit quality: The establishment of a National Risk and Quality Committee; and The introduction of data mining procedures into our audit approach. We are proud of these achievements but at the same time continue to challenge ourselves to improve audit quality. This is an ongoing practice involving all Pitcher Partners firms through the various committees, panels and leadership groups. We are very excited about the merger of our Sydney practice and Moore Stephen s Sydney practice on 30 October The combined firm will operate as Pitcher Partners and include 28 partners and 240 staff. The pages that follow are a window into Pitcher Partners. My hope is that they provide you with a broader insight into Pitcher Partners and our commitment and dedication to continuously improve audit quality. Don Rankin National Chairman 30 October 2015

4 2 Introduction to Pitcher Partners Pitcher Partners is a multi award-winning association of independent firms committed to the delivery of the highest levels of client service. The accolades we have received over the years are the result of our drive and dedication to delivering exceptional, partner-led client service to every client as well as the values and culture we have created since Pitcher Partners was founded in Melbourne in 1991.

5 Our values and culture Pitcher Partners was founded on the principles of personal service, honesty, trust and open communication and is committed to client care, continual improvement and client relationships. Pitcher Partners firms take great pride in our reputation within the business community for these values and are proud of our reputation as caring employers, providing an environment that allows our professional and support staff to reach their potential, meet challenges and achieve recognition for services outside the firm. Honesty and trust Meritocracy Business excellence Our Values Practice groups or service lines Pitcher Partners firms have eleven practice groups. The principal service lines of Pitcher Partner firms are the provision of professional services in the areas of audit and assurance, risk services, tax consulting and compliance, corporate transactions, investment advisory, business consulting, superannuation, IT consulting, business recovery and insolvency, private clients and business advice. Client care Care for our people Technical expertise Our clients and services When asked, our clients have told us that Pitcher Partners is known for our strength and experience in advising them how to profitably grow their business. We work closely with listed companies, large private groups and institutions, and government departments as well as innovators and entrepreneurs. Understanding organisational growth Whether listed, privately held or public sector organisations, Pitcher Partners market is growing businesses. Pitcher Partners firms work closely with innovators and entrepreneurs and have an acute understanding of differing priorities at each stage of the business life cycle, from start-ups to business evolution. Pitcher Partners has extensive experience guiding businesses through each stage of their life cycle, recognising the need to implement more robust corporate governance practices as the business grows, or the introduction of succession planning strategies as the business transitions through different ownership structures. 3 Pitcher Partners services Investment Advisory Audit and Assurance Private Clients Business Advisory Risk Services Business Recovery and Insolvency Superannuation Consulting Group Taxation Corporate Finance

6 4 Our network National network Pitcher Partners is a national association of independent accounting firms, located in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle and Brisbane ( the Association ). With 93 partners and more than 1,000 staff across the Association, we have resources and depth of technical expertise few can match. We are large enough to meet the challenges presented by our clients, regardless of their size or location, but have retained the ability to maintain close and personal involvement with them and with each other. Pitcher Partners firms work together in accordance with the provisions of the Pitcher Partners Cooperation and Licensing Agreement with the objective of promoting services to clients, quality of work, as well as the reputation and status of each firm. Each firm must appoint at least one and no more than two members to represent the firm on the National Cooperation Committee in relation to the affairs of the Association and of Pitcher Partners Licensing Pty Ltd. The terms of this agreement states that each firm remains independent and the formation and continuation of the Association is not intended to create a partnership between the firms. There are no profit sharing arrangements between firms in the Pitcher Partners Association. However, one firm may appoint another firm as an independent contractor to provide services to a client.

7 Members of the National Cooperation Committee during the year ended 30 June 2015 were: Don Rankin Chairman Pitcher Partners National Association 5 John Brazzale Ross Walker Carl Millington Managing Partner Pitcher Partners, Melbourne Managing Partner Pitcher Partners, Brisbane Managing Partner Pitcher Partners, Sydney Tom Verco Bryan Hughes Greg Farrow Managing Principal Pitcher Partners, Adelaide Managing Partner Pitcher Partners, Perth Managing Partner Pitcher Partners, Newcastle

8 6 Our network International network Pitcher Partners firms in Australia are members of the Baker Tilly International network. Baker Tilly International is a global network of high quality, independent accountancy and business services firms united by a commitment to provide exceptional client service in their own marketplaces and across the world. Baker Tilly International is the 8th largest international network by combined fee income. International capability and global consistency of service are central to the way Baker Tilly International member firms work. Worldwide, 27,000 people in 154 firms in 133 countries share experiences and ideas to help clients meet challenges and proactively respond to opportunities. Baker Tilly International offers the personal characteristics of entrepreneurial local firms combined with the expertise, strength and resources of a truly global network. Seamless service Pitcher Partners firms, through their membership of Baker Tilly International, are able to call upon member firms around the world when needed, to provide our clients with local expertise in all major overseas market places. Through good communication, high quality standards and local expertise with a global focus, Baker Tilly International member firms are able to provide their clients with a seamless service. Member firms have expert knowledge of their local business practices, rules and regulations and customs. Many member firms are recognised as being leaders in their particular fields of specialisation. Baker Tilly International Limited Baker Tilly International Limited is a company limited by guarantee and is incorporated in England & Wales. It is owned by its members, each of whom holds an equal interest in the legal entity. Baker Tilly International Limited does not itself provide professional services to clients but acts as a member services organisation. Client services are delivered by the independent members of Baker Tilly International, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity. Members are not members of an international partnership or legal partners with each other. No single member is responsible for the services or actions of another. Although many member firms take the Baker Tilly name, there is no common ownership between these firms or ownership of them by Baker Tilly International Limited. Dynamics of the network The Baker Tilly International network operates geographically through four regions, namely: Asia Pacific Europe, Middle East and Africa Latin America North America The Asia Pacific region has representation in most major cities with a particularly strong presence in Australia.

9 Key statistics 7 largest network in the world by combined revenue us $3.6bn 154 independent 8 th 27,000 member firms in 133 countries worldwide PEOPLE in 693 OFFICES combined revenue of independent member firms Australia 93 Partners 1,000+ Professional and support staff Melbourne 43 Partners 52 Directors 117 Managers 635 Total staff Brisbane 15 Partners 12 Directors 24 Managers 138 Total staff

10 8 Legal structure and ownership Pitcher Partners firms are separate legal entities. Membership of the national association does not make any firm responsible for activities conducted by another member firm. Audit services are provided by each member firm under the legal structures described below: Office Melbourne Brisbane Sydney Adelaide Perth Newcastle Legal Structure Partnership Partnership Partnership Partnership Corporate entity: Pitcher Partners Corporate & Audit (WA) Pty Ltd Partnership References to partners throughout this report include principals and executive directors in the audit corporate entity identified above.

11 Governance structure 9 Our governance structure is founded on shared values and culture. Leadership Pitcher Partners firms remain independent entities that have stayed true to the qualities of mutual respect and a commitment to supporting each other in our service delivery. Pitcher Partners firms have a culture of committed co operation and have a belief that a business model and operating culture based on partner participation brings excellence to every aspect of our client service delivery. Organisational structure In addition to the National Cooperation Committee, Pitcher Partners firms have Risk Committees that meet regularly to identify and manage risk across all service lines in each firm. Risk Committee members include external legal counsel where appropriate. The Pitcher Partners Audit Review Panel, established by Pitcher Partners Melbourne, operated until 31 December From 1 January 2014 a National Audit Review Panel was established and an independent chairperson was appointed. The National Audit Review Panel has responsibility for the oversight of audit and assurance services across all Pitcher Partners firms nationally. National liaison committees Pitcher Partners firms mission is to specialise in servicing the middle market and be recognised as leading firms each servicing this market. Therefore firms develop services and activities to service the demands of that middle market sector with the aim to be the leading provider in that sector. In order to do this, Pitcher Partners firms need to have the highest quality staff, processes and capability delivered in a consistent manner. To help enable the Association meet the above objectives, a liaison committee of senior partners has been established in each of the nationally operated discipline areas, namely: Audit Tax Superannuation Private clients Transaction services Business Recovery and Insolvency Services. National Audit Liaison Committee The primary role of the National Audit Liaison Committee is to provide oversight, coordination and leadership to enable the Pitcher Partners audit discipline achieve its aim of being the leading national audit provider in the middle market sector. The National Audit Liaison Committee considers the key areas of: Audit methodology, processes and systems Effectiveness and delivery, including value adding to the audit compliance service Regulatory requirements Marketing, business development, market positioning and profile Sharing and transfer of skills and other intellectual property Improving communications across the firms Resourcing, particularly promoting movement between firms Training. Audit and assurance practitioners in all Pitcher Partner firms receive support from the Pitcher Partners Melbourne Technical Team, particularly in the areas of technical advice, regulatory requirements, training, quality control, and methodology. The National Audit Liaison Committee maintains ongoing communication, coordination and liaison with the Technical Team in carrying out its responsibilities as detailed above.

12 10 Members of the National Audit Review Panel during the year ended 30 June 2015 and up to the date of issue of this report were: Stuart Alford Independent Chair Former Chair of Australian Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, former Partner at Ernst & Young Stephen Schonberg Jason Evans Paul Mulligan Partner Business Advisory and Assurance Pitcher Partners, Melbourne Partner Audit and Assurance Pitcher Partners, Brisbane Executive Director Audit and Risk/Business Advisory Pitcher Partners, Perth Andrew Faulkner Rod Shanley Wayne Russell Principal Audit and Risk Pitcher Partners, Adelaide Partner Business Advisory and Assurance Pitcher Partners, Sydney Partner Pitcher Partners, Newcastle

13 Internal quality control system 11 The quality control processes used across all Pitcher Partner firms, and across all divisions within the firms, are designed to promote an internal culture that recognises quality as essential in performing all engagements. We believe that one of the most critical drivers of quality is the tone set by the firm s leaders and the actions and attitude they demonstrate. The leaders of the firm send a consistent and clear message about the importance of quality across all service lines and all divisions. Firm risk management The Risk Committees in each firm have responsibility for implementing an effective Risk Management Framework in accordance with APES 325 Risk Management for Firms to meet each firm s overarching public interest obligations and business objectives. The Risk Management Framework is an integral part of each firm s overall strategic and operational policies and practices that seek to minimise practice risk. The Risk Committees determine the firm s risk appetite through consultation with the partners at the partners meetings for each firm and through consultation with the National Cooperation Committee. Firm quality control Pitcher Partners firms quality control policies and procedures, are developed in accordance with APES 320 and form an integral part of each firm s Risk Management Framework. The Pitcher Partners quality control manual specifically addresses the following: Leadership responsibilities for quality within the firm Relevant ethical requirements, including independence Acceptance and continuance of client relationships and specific engagements Human resources Engagement performance Monitoring The managing partner in each firm has ultimate responsibility for the firm s system of quality control. However, on a day-to-day basis all partners have responsibility for ensuring compliance with their firm s policies and procedures, and for providing comment and feedback on any aspect of quality control as appropriate. All staff are required to comply with the firm s policies and procedures as a condition of their employment. Role of the National Audit Review Panel The Pitcher Partners Audit Review Panel, established by Pitcher Partners Melbourne, operated until 31 December From 1 January 2014 a National Audit Review Panel (NARP) was established and an independent chairperson was appointed. NARP assists the Pitcher Partners firms ensure policies and procedures relating to the system of quality control for assurance services are relevant, adequate, operate effectively and are complied with in practice. Engagement quality review process for audit and assurance services The engagement quality review process for audit and assurance services comprises: A program of rolling compliance checks carried out by each firm s compliance officer The Association s Peer Review Program Monitoring attendance at prescribed training programs Monitoring compliance with each firm s independence policies, including compliance with the prohibited securities policy The Association s Peer Review Program requires one audit engagement for each audit partner in each of the Pitcher Partners firms is independently reviewed every year. The results of the quality review program are reported to the National Audit Review Panel. National Risk and Quality Committee During the current year we have established a National Risk and Quality Committee, which is responsible for implementing and monitoring all Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards across all divisions and across all firms nationally. Effectiveness of internal quality control system The systems of quality control that support the Pitcher Partners Audit and Assurance Practice are designed to provide reasonable assurance that: The firm and its personnel comply with Professional Standards and applicable legal and regulatory requirements Reports issued by the firm or engagement partners are appropriate in the circumstances The monitoring procedures ensure compliance with the firm s policies and methodologies, as well as highlighting areas for improvement where consistent application is not achieved. Don Rankin National Chairman 30 October 2015

14 12 External quality reviews External reviews of Pitcher Partners audit practices are conducted by: Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand CPA Australia Baker Tilly International Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Australian Securities and Investment Commission The most recent ASIC audit inspection of Pitcher Partners was in April and May ASIC reports its findings in a private report to the firm. ASIC s latest report to Pitcher Partners did not raise any significant areas of concern. ASIC also publishes a public report on its audit inspection program which summarises the findings from inspections of all firms. Matters raised by ASIC are considered in detail by National Audit Liaison Committee and National Audit Review Panel to determine strategies for future improvement that will address any concerns raised. This is done in relation to both the private report and the public report as this may also provide opportunities for improvement in our processes. CPA Australia CPA Australia monitor its members compliance with professional standards, including auditing standards, and applicable regulations. In addition, as a member body of International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), CPA Australia completes an ongoing assessment of standards maintained by its members (CPA Public Practice Certificate holders). CPA Australia regularly inspects our Partners who are members of CPA Australia. Baker Tilly International Baker Tilly International Limited has requirements in relation to the quality of its members. Baker Tilly International Limited undertakes all reasonable steps to assess whether its members are complying with its quality standards by carrying out a rigorous quality assurance programme. Reviews are undertaken with all the members on a cyclical basis. If significant amendments to procedures are required a followup review is scheduled to check progress on issues raised. Significant non-compliance can result in a firm s membership being terminated. The most recent review of Pitcher Partners was in February 2011, with no significant areas of concern being identified. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Pitcher Partners is registered with the PCAOB. We are required to prepare and submit an annual report form in accordance with the requirement of our registration. The most recent annual report form was submitted in July We have not been selected for an inspection by the PCAOB to date. Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand conducted a quality review of all Pitcher Partners firms in May Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand implemented a new approach for the audit practices of 11 Australian network firms of which Pitcher Partners was one. The new approach involved using an online quantitative audit quality survey to assess partner and staff perceptions of the firm s commitment to audit quality. The final report from the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand Quality Review was published in December 2013.

15 Audit clients 13 The following is a list of public interest entities where Pitcher Partners were appointed as auditors as at 30 June Acrux Limited Agri-Trade Holdings Limited ARB Corporation Limited Ascot Resources Limited Australian United Retailers Limited Cellnet Group Limited Chesser Resources Limited CML Limited Cogstate Limited Comet Ridge Limited Conquest Agri Limited Contango Microcap Limited Cromwell Corporation Limited Data #3 Limited dorsavi Limited Easton Investments Limited Enhanced Oil and Gas Recovery Limited (Formerly Artists and Entertainment Group Limited) Eumundi Group Limited Exoma Energy Limited Farm Pride Foods Limited Future Fibre Technologies Limited Galicia Energy Limited Greenearth Energy Limited Hansen Technologies Limited IPB Petroleum Limited K2 Asset Management Holdings Limited Lakes Oil NL Lifestyle Community Limited Lindsay Australia Limited Mint Payments Limited (Formerly Mint Wireless Limited) Multistack International Limited Mutual Trust Cash Fund Objective Corporation Limited Premium Income Fund Prime Value Growth Fund Raya Group Limited Real Estate Capital Partners USA Property Trust Reece Australia Limited RXP Services Limited Segue Resources Limited Slater & Gordon Limited South Pacific Resources Limited (Formerly Coral Sea Petroleum Limited) Stokes Limited Urbanise.com Limited VTX Holdings Limited (Formerly Vortex Pipes Limited) Pitcher Partners Melbourne Pitcher Partners Brisbane Other Pitcher Partners firms

16 14 Independence Pitcher Partners regard professional independence as a fundamental concept that enables professional accountants and auditors to approach their work with integrity and objectivity. Partners and staff are required to be independent in fact and in appearance. Our independence policies require compliance with: APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, specifically sections 290 and 291 Corporations Act 2001 ASQC 1 Quality Control for Firms that Perform Audits and Reviews of Financial Reports and other Financial Information, and Other Assurance Engagements ASA 200 Quality Control for an Audit of Financial Statements We monitor compliance with our independence policies: Independence declarations are obtained from all audit team members for each audit engagement and are retained on the audit files. Completion of independence declarations by audit engagement teams are also checked during the rolling compliance checks (as discussed on page 11) for audit engagements. A national electronic conflict check notification system where electronic notifications are sent to partners in each Pitcher Partners firm describing the new client or new engagement acceptance proposal to obtain confirmation that no conflict exists and/or to obtain further information when appropriate. A conflict of interest situation may arise from existing relationships and therefore conflict check notifications are intended to promptly identify matters that could cause a conflict. All responses to conflict checks must be satisfactorily resolved before accepting the engagement. The conflict check system is monitored by the Senior Manager, Risk and Compliance and results are reported to the Risk Committee on a monthly basis. The Pitcher Partners prohibited securities listing is maintained by the Senior Manager, Risk and Compliance and is available to all partners and staff on the Pitcher Partners intranet. Electronic and/or written declarations of financial interests in audit clients are required on a bi-annual basis or more frequently as deemed necessary by all partners and staff. Declarations regarding prohibited securities were most recently obtained from partners and staff in Pitcher Partners firms in July 2015.

17 15 Continuous professional education Our commitment to Learning and Development Our commitment to Learning and Development is for all Partners and Staff, across all divisions and service lines of the firm, to continue to learn. The aim of our learning and development programs is to recognise and focus on the need for the right learning, at the right place, at the right time, in the right amount. This is reflected in the diverse learning and development offering, comprising over 700 events each year with sophisticated systems and processes geared towards helping our people and clients achieve their goals. While partners and staff are able to identify and address issues arising in the ordinary course of business they are also able to identify when an expert may be needed. Pitcher Partners has experts in all areas of its practice who specialise in particular aspects of business advice and regulatory matters. The depth and breadth of expertise offered by practitioners in Pitcher Partners firms is of particular benefit to growing businesses, who may not employ in house experts. It enables them to receive the benefit of working with practitioners who are aware of a broad range of issues. This is achieved through: Our staff having the right training to identify and address issues in the ordinary course of business and offer the right advice and solutions Having the technical and non-technical training (including leadership development) to support each other and our clients Compliance with CPE requirements of various professional bodies and registrations Most of the partners and staff at Pitcher Partners have memberships with various professional bodies. Our audit and assurance partners and staff are provided with training across the following areas: Audit and assurance Management accounting Financial accounting Tax and other regulations Advisory and entrepreneurship Business acumen Systems and technology Professional business and leadership development This not only meets the requirements of the professional memberships but demonstrates that our audit and assurance partners and staff are not just audit specialists, they also have extensive business skills.

18 16 Financial information for the year ended 30 June 2015 Description Revenue relating to audits of financial statements Revenue relating to non-audit services to audit clients Revenue relating to non-audit services to non-audit clients Pitcher Partners firms ($ million) Melbourne Brisbane Other* Total Total revenue *Pitcher Partners firms in Sydney, Perth, Newcastle and Adelaide Basis of remuneration The remuneration of audit partners is based on a whole-of-firm profit sharing model and is not dependent on audit fee revenue. Partners are remunerated based on their experience and overall contribution to their firm.

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20 Get in touch... MELBOURNE SYDNEY PERTH PITCHER.COM.AU John Brazzale Managing Partner partners@pitcher.com.au Carl Millington Managing Partner partners@pitcher-nsw.com.au Bryan Hughes Managing Partner partners@pitcher-wa.com.au ADELAIDE Tom Verco Managing Principal partners@pitcher-sa.com.au BRISBANE Ross Walker Managing Partner partners@pitcherpartners.com.au NEWCASTLE Greg Farrow Managing Partner newcastle@pitcher.com.au Pitcher Partners is an association of independent firms. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. Report_Transparency_151027