VISION
Through reputation and profile we will gain national and high profile clients and be
acknowledged as the best partner to undertake business related assignments and
enhance client business and financial growth
GOALS
DFKANZ will

build the right image and brand with our four targets: prospective
members, clients, referrers, DFK International.

will provide national opportunities for members

Provide valued benefits to members via tools and resources to build the
depth, skills, experience needed to win quality large jobs.

Increase to a size that gives it the presence, depths and skills in the
market and thus gives confidence to targeted referrers and clients.
.
Updated as at May 2009
DFKANZ
Priorities and Directions 2008/2009
2
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
& COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS 2008/2009
DIRECTORS
Chairman
-
Directors

International

Others
Rob Shelton
E, Canberra
Ray Mendels
LV, Sydney
Navin Patel
OG, Auckland
Rob Wernli
C, Melbourne
Chris Coulton
CIB, Parramatta
Robert Schoenmaker
HN, Brisbane
Contact Partners
James Perry, GP Adelaide
Rob Schoenmaker, HN Brisbane
Tom Hackett, H, Brisbane
Tony Birch, K Cairns
Robert Shelton, E Canberra
Kathal Spence, DFKPA Fremantle
Rob Wernli, C Melbourne
Dario Gamba, DFKL, Melbourne
Chris Coulton, CIB Parramatta
Stephen Bushell, GP, Perth
Richard Hill, RH Sydney
Steve Heller, LV Sydney
David Griffiths, OG Auckland
Paul Collins, C Auckland
Greg Berry, HM, Port Moresby
Working Groups
Audit:
Chair
Director
Members
Simon Bragg, DFKC Melbourne
Rob Wernli, DFKC MElbourne
James Perry, GP Adelaide
Paul Collins, C Auckland
Colin Grady, LV Sydney
Shane Browning, OG Auckland
Liam Murphy, H, Brisbane
Ronelle Wilson, CIB Parramatta
Liz Binet, support, DFKANZ
Information Technology:
Chair
Mark Hardy, E Canberra
Director ............................ Rob Schoenmaker, HN Brisbane
Members
Sanjay Kumar, OG NZ
Steve Heller, LV Sydney
Lance Doueihi, CIB Parramatta
Brendan Skates GP Adelaide
Paul Fiumara, HN Brisbane
Ryan Huts, GP Perth
Pradeep Prabhakaran, DFKL
Liz Binet, DFKANZ
Taxation & Business Services:
Chair
Director
Members
Gavin Johns, HN Brisbane
Robert Shelton, E Canberra
Jim Perry, GP Adelaide
David Sharpe, RH Sydney
David Gatt, CIB Parramatta
TBA, LV, Sydney
Dario Gamba, DFKL Melbourne
Liz Binet, support, DFKANZ
Conference & Practice Management:
Chair
Director
Member
Rob Shelton, EDFK, Canberra
Rob Shelton, E. Canberra
Paul Haupt, HN Brisbane
David Griffiths, OG, Auckland
Ray Mendels, LV, Sydney
Liz Binet, DFKANZ
Host firm partner (RJS for 2009)
Marketing:
Chair
Director
Members
Jan Barber, CIB Parramatta
Navin Patel, OG, Auckland
Liz Binet, DFKANZ
Rob Wernli, DFKC, Melbourne
Tom Hackett, H Brisbane
Stephen Bushell, GP Perth
Membership:
Chair
Director
Members
Chris Coulton, CIB Parramatta
Chris Coulton, CIB Parramatta
Liz Binet DFKA
Paul Collins C, Auckland
Rob Shelton, E Canberra
3
HIGH PRIORITIES IDENTIFIED AT GROUP MEETING OCTOBER 2007
Of the high priorities identified at the 2007 meeting the following are not complete. The remainder are complete.
1. New Members:
 We seek new members with a target of moving toward a group turnover of $300k (currently $130k).
This will enable bulk purchasing, greater employment and marketing opportunities.
2. Interaction with other networks and associations: initiate discussions and contacts with other groups to
seek mutual sharing of opportunities given the network v association issue etc.
Working groups and the Board are encouraged to ensure that the above priorities are addressed in their
own activities.
Amongst many other things, the October meeting also looked at what challenges face member firms, and
what can DFKANZ do about those challenges. Here’s some of what was listed. Working Groups are also
encouraged to use these issues as a guide to creating new actions for their groups.
CHALLENGES FOR FIRMS IDENTIFIED BY GROUP MEETING
With possible strategies for solving
CHALLENGES
POSSIBLE STRATEGIES
 Governance…………………… Continue to seek innovative best practice info, using PMC
 Staff---------------------------------- Branding, Size, International transfers and sharing of resources
 Growing Firms------------------- Branding and best practice
 Succession------------------------ Sharing and seeking market knowledge
 Training – Technical----------- Shared and swapping of Technical knowledge/help
 Client Retention------------------ Use DFK contacts and build knowledge bank
 Litigation--------------------------- Ensure all firms seek highest standards, Board to get QA reports.
 Speed of Law Change--------- Share and swap technical edge and knowledge
 Network / Association Issue-- Seek other networks/associations contacts and relationships
 Delivery of Service-------------- Resource and skill sharing
 Client Expectations--------------- Use International Contacts and build relationships
 Emerging Competition--------- Market / New Member Possibilities / Seek new work from other groups
 Generation Y--------------------- Travel/ lifestyle / money / experiences – share these
 QA---------------------------------- IT review of QA / Share QA processes
For more info on the group meeting please call Rob, Liz or the representative from your firm who was
there!
4
AUDIT
MAY 2009
R’sponsible
Audit
V5-10
ref
B2b2
Description
IT SOLN’S-COMPUTER
ASSISTED AUDIT
SOFTWARE.
Investigate computer
assisted audit software &
techniques & establish
standard / practice for the
group
Timing /
Status
Ongoing
May 09
Progress
CCH
Simon Bragg (SB) met with the Managing
Director of CCH Australia on 24/9/2008. DFK
Collins offered to pilot test their audit software,
CCH Engagement, after the product was
enhanced to become audit software. The
enhancements have been delayed and CCH
have not provided software for pilot testing.
However, SB is attending a CCH product
launch on 12/5/2009.
Caseware
Caseware is the Audit Working Groups
recommended audit software, especially in light
of recent enhancements for audit standard
compliance and audit sampling.
SB met with the General Manager of Task
Technology in May 2009 to review the group
pricing arrangements and reported thereon to
the members on 8/05/2009. Task Technology
committed to provide webinar support for the
bi-annual Caseware User Group meetings.
Data Interrogation Tools
Hackett’s are conducting a pilot testing
programme for the IDEA drilldown tool planned
for Nov/Dec 08. Liam Murphy (LM) advised that
the pilot testing has been delayed due to the
Pitcher Partner fee acquisition project. LM is
hoping to report the pilot test results at the next
meeting.
DFK Collins commenced a project to evaluate
data interrogation software, namely ACL and
IDEA, in April 2009.
Training for the User Group
Sandra Powell (SP) presented a verbal report
on the CaseWare Users Group (CWUG) held
in November 2008. SB noted that the new
Melbourne firm does not conduct audits and
should not require representation on the
CWUG.
The next CWUB teleconference is scheduled
for June 2009.
5
R’sponsible
Audit
V5-10
ref
B4c
Description
AUDIT MARKETING
OPPORTUNITIES
Timing /
Status
Ongoing
May 09
Progress
PCAOB
Hackett’s applied to register and DFK Laurence
Varnay were registered during this reporting
period. Three DFK ANZ firms are PCAOB
registered as at May 2009 (Carlton DFK, DFK
Collins and DFK Laurence Varnay).
SB noted that this is a registration which should
not be overemphasised when dealing with Nth
American firms.
SB Presentation at DFKUS Conference
SB presented DFKANZ credentials at the DFK
North American conference together with our
capabilities pamphlet.
The SB conference report recommended that:
1. Individual partners possibly attending large
US member offices in the future as part of
a holistic branding strategy.
2. DFK ANZ should formulate a detailed long
term ‘branding strategy” to continue
building on the significant work that has
been performed during the last 2 years
with respect to our branding. This longterm strategy should include micro
strategies outlining how DFK ANZ
conference attendees should interact and
work together at future conferences to best
optimise any opportunities. This strategy
would assist to focus DFK ANZ
representatives on identification and
management of networking opportunities
as a team.
3. DFK ANZ should send delegates to the
North American conference every year,
hence forth. The US is a big market and
the turnover of some of the individual firms
exceeds that of DFK ANZ in total. We
cannot afford to neglect this market.
DFK ANZ Capability Profile
LB, Rob Wernli, Paul Collins and SB drafted the
Audit and Assurance services expertise
brochure in September 2008. The brochure was
issued at the North American conference.
The audit brochure is available from LB, SB or
electronically from the DFK intranet.
Audit
B3o
TECHNICAL
ISSUES
Requests for Technical Assistance
SB designed a ‘Technical Request Form’ which
was adopted by the committee in October 2008.
The purpose of the form is to facilitate technical
assistance throughout DFKANZ. No requests
have been received since issuing the request
form last October.
6
R’sponsible
V5-10
ref
Description
Timing /
Status
May 09
Progress
Vicarious Liability
SB presented the Vicarious Liability Insurance
article at the October meeting which he
received from the DFKI. Executive Director.
LB issued DFK International Guideline 3
“Minimising Liability Risk in Relation to DFK
Branding” on the 31/10/2008 together with the
‘precise’ to the DFK ANZ group partners.
SB issues a reminder email to the DFK ANZ
group partners in respect to DFK Branding and
Sole Recourse in May 2009
Other
LM discussed the results of an ASIC audit file
review for one of Hackett’s listed clients. LM
advised that only minor recommendations
arose. ASIC was of the opinion that some audit
work papers should stand alone without cross
referencing to other audit work. SB advised LM
should retain the ASIC review which should be
noted in the annual DFK return for his firm.
Audit
B3q
MAXIMISE COMMITTEE
MEMBERSHIP
Chair: Simon Bragg
Ongoing
The committee has membership from most firms
which provide Audit services.
Director: Rob Wernli
7
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
May 2009
R’sponsible
Information
Technology
Information
Technology
Information
Technology
Information
Technology
V5-10
ref
B2a
B2b1
B2b2
B2b3
Description
INTRANET
MAINTENANCE:
Continually improve the
look, content and structure
of the intranet as a
knowledge sharing tool for
all DFK member firms.
Investigate upgrade
options – cost/benefit
analysis.
Timing /
Status
15/2/09
IT SOLUTIONS – LAN
SYSTEMS- Provide
industry and user updates
on Terminal services
(Citrix) and Client/Server
issues.
.
Ongoing
IT SOLUTIONS –
SERVER SYSTEMS.
Provide industry and user
updates on topics such as
the virtualisation of servers
– implications, cost/benefit
etc.
.
Ongoing
IT SOLUTIONSELECTRONIC
DOCUMENT
MANAGEMENT
RECORDS SYSTEMS
Ongoing
May 09
Progress
The committee agreed that a new DFKANZ
intranet was still needed by the member firms (for
member forms, board meetings etc). Following
review of other DFK intranet formats and several
solutions including Sharepoint and CIB’s Acclipse,
it was resolved to develop a very basic and tidy
intranet using the public site forma to povide a
basic easy to use intranet as a tool to share
higher level DFKANZ material.
The new intranet will be complete by the AGM.
Updates on issues are discussed every 2 months.
Brisbane and Sydney are using Citrix and
providing updates and feedback to the firms.
Paul Fiumara’s document on Citrix Pro’s and
Con’s on the Intranet, is still relevant (May 2005).
Oct 2008
Provide industry and user
updates on various
electronic document
management systems
suitable for our members
and make this information
available.
Updates on issues are discussed every 2
months.
Paul Fiumara presented a paper to the DFK
members at the Brisbane conference. This has
been posted to the intranet.
VMware is the main software supplier, however
other suppliers are coming into the market now.
Hardware specs must be good.
Server virtualisation white paper was emailed to
the committee by Paul F.
Updates on issues are discussed every 2
months.
Each firms is trialling different systems and
processes
Each firm provided a brief summary of their
experiences so far. M Hardy has provided
templates to be filled in by members. These,
together with documentation, are on the intranet.
Information
Technology
B2b4
IT SOLUTIONSPRACTICE
MANAGEMENT
SYSTEMS. Provide
industry and user updates
on various practice
management software
systems eg. Accountants
Office, APS etc
Ongoing
Updates on issues are discussed every 2
months.
Each firms is trialling different systems and
processes
Each firm’s needs of a PMA system are
different. Any new developments and feedback
are provided back to the members asap.
Information
Technology
B2b5
IT SOLUTIONS –
COMMUNICATION
SYSTEMS. Provide
industry and user updates
on various telephone
systems by firms –
especially in regard to
VOIP systems integrated
into LAN’s, best use of
mobile phone technology
ie. Blackberries.
Ongoing
Updates on issues are discussed every 2
months.
Oct 2008
Feedback is required from firms on what phone
systems are being used.
Oct 2008
Evaluate whether a national phone plan for the
whole group of DFK members is possible. SH is
following up with Vodaphone. Problem – each
firm/partner has their own provider preferences.
Could be hard to implement and administer.
8
Simon Bragg (Melb) – is investigating having
one central software PABX system for DFKANZ
group – Advantage is large cost savings on
calls.
Investigate DFK Australia
wide mobile phone plans
to enable greater
purchasing power and
discounts.
Information
Technology
Information
Technology
B2b5
B2b6
IT SOLUTIONS –
DISASTER RECOVERY
AND STORAGE
SOLUTIONS- Provide
industry and user updates
on various disaster
recovery solutions.
Ongoing
IT SOLUTIONS – OTHER
SOFTWARE AND
PRODUCTS
Ongoing
Oct 2008
Provide industry and user
updates on issues such as
dual screens, scanning
devices etc.
Information
Technology
B2c
Information
Technology
Information
Technology
Information
Technology
B2d
B2e
B2f
Updates on issues to be discussed every 2
months.
Latest fads and gizmos to be discussed as
needed.
Antivirus software – Paul F (Brisb) is to gather
responses from DFK firms to get a national
pricing arrangement for Sophos software.
16GB i-phones have proven to be a successful
business tool for HN in Brisbane.
C/ee agreed that firms do not keep this info up to
date on the intranet, and people rarely go to the
intranet to use it – goes stale quickly.
DFK IT SKILLS
REGISTER
Develop and organise a
survey of IT skills within
the DFK ANZ group to
enable better information
sharing. Once this skills
register is completed it will
be included on the DFK
ANZ intranet.
Updates on issues to be discussed every 2
months.
Gather feedback on what all the firms are
currently using and benchmark against what is
currently available in the market place.
November
Board has agreed that the existing IT skills
register is a) not updated by firms during the
MADS effort, and b) is not used as LB does not
receive any requests for this. Thus it has been
removed from the MADS process.
DFK SOFTWARE
REGISTER
Aug
Push for member input into the survey that has
already been given to all members firms.
Develop and organise a
survey of software being
used within the DFK ANZ
group firms to enable
better purchasing
decisions to be made by
DFK firms. Once this skills
survey is completed the
information will be made
available on the DFK
Australia intranet. Look at
ways of improving the
existing register for ease of
viewing information
May 09
The DFKANZ software survey has been sent out
and most firms have now responded. MPH to
collate the info and give to all the member firms
before the conference. Results to be discussed
at the conference committee meeting and
posted onto the intranet.
DFK PRODUCTS
REGISTER
Develop a register of
quality products being
used by member firms to
enable better purchasing
decisions to be made by
DFK firms. Register to be
made available on the
intranet
COMMUNICATE
RELEVANT IT
DEVELOPMENTS TO
THE MEMBER FIRMSConduct regular IT
teleconference meetings
(at least 4 per year)
Ongoing
Develop a register of products and areas for
comment on various products that they have
found to be useful for their firm eg. MFD,
scanners, dual monitor stands etc etc.
AUG: Simon gave DFKANZ members contact
details for DELL for preferred pricing on IT
equip.
Every 2
mths
Teleconference with IT committee and other
member firms.
March
2009
Teleconference to involve firm IT specialists.
Encourage member use of the intranet.
9
involving committee
members, IT
professionals and other
interested DFK firm
members. Encourage the
use of the intranet by
member firms in all
communications – use
links to documents on the
intranet. Any relevant
findings or outcomes
from the IT committee are
to be communicated
promptly to all the
committee members.
Ongoing
Chair: Mark Hardy, Director: Rob Schoenmaker
Ideas:
Consider DFK partners footy tipping comp where
all updates and results are posted onto the
intranet.
Consider putting firm quarterly KPI info onto the
intranet – for benchmarking comparison.
A copy of the relevant issues coming out of the
meetings to be sent to the DFK member firms
contact partners.
10
MARKETING
May 2009
R’sponsible
Marketing
V5-10
ref
A1b3
(new)
Marketing
A1b4
(new)
Marketing
A1b5
(new)
Marketing
A1b6
(new)
Marketing
A1c
Marketing
A1d
Description
SPOKESPERSON:
Appoint DFK Australia
spokesperson/spokespeo
ple who will be available
for comment. This can
either be an external
person, the Chairman, or
key specialists. To be
agreed.
REFERRERS: Define the
referrers with whom
particular people in our
membership have
established contacts/
networks and those who
are prospective referrers.
These will be personal
contacts, high profile
people (NB this may
require a budget) media
contacts. Then ask the
relevant partners to start
promoting DFK to them.
SPONSORSHIP:
establish where we can
get best value for our
money eg sponsor young
referrers groups such as
graduate events, need
budget .
DFKI ACHIEVEMENTS:
maintain awareness of
these via DFK newsflash,
PMS, DFK contacts so
that items like DFKUS
gaining more listed
company business than
the Big 4 can be given to
local media.
DFKA MEDIA
RELEASES. Produce
and release media
releases from DFKA on
topics that individual
partners within the DFK
Australia network have
expertise in such as
taxation and IT.
DFKA
PRESENTATIONS. Offer
to professional
organisations such as
CPA, Australia, Institute
of Australia, the services
of DFK Australia member
firm partners / employees
as presenters for PD
topics as well as to target
professional development
activities within
geographical areas
Timing /
Status
TBA
May 09
Progress
The Board defined ‘spokesperson’ for incoming
enquiries as the EO. A spokesperson for
outgoing statements is deferred.
2009
Stephen Bushell identified ‘CA’s in Commerce’ a
section of referrers for national/high profile firms.
These people are CA’s / CPA’s who are in
senior positions in these companies and who
influence senior decision makers re providers of
accounting services. SB identified breakfast
speaking opportunities with WA ICAA where the
audience is largely composed of these people.
Green topics are of keen interest. As a pilot RJS
will present in conjunction with David Shelton
who is heavily involved in the green industry. If
this is successful it will be repeated in other
states where there are such audiences.
WIP
This is awaits location of a suitable recipient to
assist DFKANZ to raise its profile with the right
audience for supporting V5-10 vision and
strategies.
deferred
deferred
WIP
See task A1b4 above
11
Marketing
A1e
Marketing
A1g
Marketing
A1h
Marketing
A1i
Marketing
B4c
where we are trying to
obtain new firms.
SEMINARS: As and
when appropriate ie
when a hot topic arises
such as GST or IFRS,
organise a national client
seminar on behalf of
members. Invitations to
business clients and
relevant professional
contacts. Can be
advertised locally for
attendance by non
clients.
PROMOTIONAL
MATERIAL: Provide to
clients and appropriate
business contacts
International diaries and
other international items
as well as DFK Australia
promotional items such
as rulers, pencils, pens
etc to clients, referrers.
Consider central storage
point,
DFKA WEBSITE: Add
bios and photos of key
DFKA people to provide
a unified DFKA image,
provide a map showing
office locations.
DFKA AS PREFIX:
Encourage use of DFK
as a prefix rather than
suffix to member names
now rather than in 2013.
Several firms have
indicated interest in this
and may make the
change despite a lack of
100% of DFK firms
following suit.
DFKA PROMOTIONS
AT DFKI
CONFERNCES: DFK
Australia promotional
items should be taken to
all international
conferences to give out
as gifts to delegates from
other countries. In
addition to this, DFK
Australia members
should all be encouraged
to wear some sort of
uniform clothing such as
a DFK Australia polo shirt
(summer) or rugby top
(winter). This would have
a huge visual impact on
delegates if all the
DFKANZ’s were similarly
attired.
As
required.
Leveraging off the CA’s in Commerce
presentation in WA (A1b4 above) the 2 WA firms
will hold lunches for their clients with David
Shelton and Rob Shelton repeating their
presentations for 1-1.5 hours.
Depending on the success of this, it may be
rolled out to other firms’ clients – both in
Australia and NZ.
ongoing
Following comments from some members, the
DVD describing DFKANZ was upgraded with a
voiceover.
DFKANZ quarterly newsletters proposals are to
be presented to the membership for approval.
The 2 solutions are from Practice Advantage,
and one using CIB written content + artwork
provided by Justified. See 2009 Delegate Folder
for samples and costs.
Deferred
DFKANZ Banners are being produced. The
committee has asked LB to get quotes for new
artwork – with a preference for using an
upmarket contemporary professional firm to
devise this rather than graphic artists.
No progress – lower priority for the moment.
ongoing
Two of the three new firms have changed their
names to use DFK as a prefix and have used
the DFKANZ branding for stationery.
Ongoing
Ongoing
12
Marketing
B4d
Marketing
B4e
Marketing
B6d
DFKA SPEAKERS AT
DFKI CONFERENCES.
Continuing of DFK
Australia partners
speaking at International
conferences. There are a
number of topics to which
our partners are experts
in and these include
benchmarking,
information technology
and practice
management.
DFKI SPECIAL
INTEREST GROUP
PARTICIPATION
Participate in special
interest groups, which
are being set up by DFK
International. This will
assist us in increasing
our knowledge of these
specialised topics and
therefore both increase
our service to current
clients and also increase
the possibility of gaining
new clients.
NAME AWARENESS
Continue to explore any
name awareness projects
which may come our way
to ensure the further
promotion of the name
DFK and therefore the
recognition of that name
by potential member
firms.
Chair: Jan Barber, Director: Navin Patel
Ongoing
Ongoing – several DFKANZ speakers present at
DFKI and DFKAP conferences – as well as at
the DFKUS conference in 2008. Each
conference has a DFKANZ speaker or workshop
facilitator.
In 2009 RJS, SB will run workshops at the
Amsterdam conference.
Ongoing
Ongoing – Simon Bragg (Audit) involved
currently in the DFKI Assurance committee, Liz
Binet involved in DFKI Marketing Committee as
well as the DFKI EO committee.
WIP
See Sponsorship, Referrals above.
13
MEMBERSHIP
MAY 2009
R’sponsible
M’mbership
V5-10
ref
B6a
Description
REGIONAL/
SPECIALIST
PROSPECT MEMBERS
Broaden membership to
encompass regional
and/or specialist firms
offering unique services
being complimentary to
other DFK ANZ
members.
Timing /
Status
Ongoing
May 09
Progress
Target for 2008 was met. More members are
being sought esp in NZ, Darwin, Tasmania,
Newcastle, and the Gold Coast.
Finding it difficult to establish contacts in Darwin
and Tasmania.
Current suggested
regions: Townsville,
Tasmania, Geelong,
Ballarat or Bendigo,
Newcastle, Wollongong,
Gold Coast.
M’mbership
B6b
DIRECT APPROACH
Continue the current
prospect process (direct
targeting) for the areas
and types of members
targeted. This process
should be reviewed
annually.
Ongoing
M’mbership
B6c
NETWORKS
CONTACTS Seek out
current networks such as
contacts with other
accountants in CPA and
Institute of Chartered
Accountants, discussion
groups or committees,
MYOB reps. To identify
any potential members
with the skills or in the
geographical areas, that
we require.
Ongoing
Chair: Chris Coulton, Director: Chris Coulton
Paul Collins is following through with NZ firms
identified in the direct approach process from
2007.
Chris Coulton is still in touch with a Gold Coast
firm identified via the direct approach who is
keen on membership following resolution of
some firm issues.
Another firm has been identified on the Gold
Coast and Liz has sent promotional material –
will contact after conference.
Three firms approached in Newcastle – no luck
whatsoever – two already part of an international
group
This approach is to be used to produce a list for
Darwin and Tasmania.
CC’s contact within TEC has been fruitful.
Gooding Pervan joined us via Chris’ TEC
membership and another firm on the Gold Coast
is interested and has received our new
membership promotion materials.
14
TAX AND BUSINESS SERVICES
MAY 2009
R’sponsible
Taxation &
Compliance
Taxation &
Compliance
V5-10
ref
A1f
B1o
Description
TAX GUIDES: Promote
international Tax Guides
as well as Australian Tax
guides to clients and
appropriate business
contacts.
ELECTRONIC
WORKPAPERS
Review and encourage
firms to adopt and use
electronic WP’s, and form
a user group if there is
some consistency in
software used amongst
firms.
Timing /
Status
On-going
May 09
Progress
These are underway again for 2009. LB will be
sending out requests for orders to firms for a) tax
guides and b) the ‘ready reckoner’ tax guides.
The image of the globe head man will be
replaced by another image.
Throughout
2008-09
Everalls have started using “How Now” which
they find is very good for procedures and
processes. They are going through the process
of adding their own workpapers where it is
deemed to be better than the provided version
but are trying to keep this to a minimum.
Gray Perry is using a suit of spreadsheets which
were developed in house.
Rob has forwarded all of Everalls standard
spreadsheets for LB to load onto the intranet
and DFKHN will do the same.
We will at least obtain a list of what each firm is
using so that if any firms are considering a
change then they can approach other firms who
may have been through the process.
Taxation &
Compliance
B6f(1)
Taxation &
Compliance
B3o
Taxation &
Compliance
Taxation &
Compliance
B3q
B2g
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Consider a group
Corporations Law
subscription similar to the
CCH tax library.
TAX WAR STORIES,
SEMINARS
Suggested that firms get
together via
teleconference regularly
to share tax information
that they have
encountered in seminars
or in advising clients.
GROUP STAFF
TRAINING
It was suggested that we
should explore a group
training deal with
someone like the ICAA,
William Buck or Kaplans .
Currently member firms
use various different
providers (including the
three listed above).
By January
2010
GJ will contact each firm to compile the list.
GJ will find out what each firm is using to see if
there is a need for this.
Bi-monthly
All agreed this was worthwhile to continue with.
SOFTWARE
PRODUCTS
Discuss within the group
whether there is any
interest in the following
software products which
members have raised as
possibly being useful for
DFK members:

Thomson –
By January
2010
We will continue to hold these bi-monthly and
encourage other members to get involved as we
progress.
By January
2010
Gavin will compile a list of the providers that
each of the firms is currently using and
summarise the hours and costs that the firms
commit to. He will also explore what alternative
providers are out there in addition to the three
listed. After this is done we can contact them all
and see whether they are open to group deals.
This may be dependent on how many firms are
interested in being part of a group deal.
Each member of the tax committee will bring
with them to the Canberra conference a sample
of the notes they receive from their current
provider so we can compare the quality.

Thomson – Company and FBT
calculations – GJ will discuss this in
more detail with Dario who has met
with the Thomson representative. All
committee members will have a look at
the website so it can be discussed in
more detail at the committee meeting at
the conference.

T.E.N – The group had mixed reviews
on this product particularly with respect
15
Taxation &
Compliance
B6f(2)
Taxation &
Compliance
B6f(3)
Taxation &
Compliance
B4e(1)
Company and
FBT calculations

T.E.N
Accountants
Education
Channel
DFK TAX
CONFERENCE
Consider a DFK Tax
Conference for senior
staff – maybe once per
year at a central location.
TAX NOTICEBOARD
Consider providing a tax
‘notice board’ on the
intranet where staff can
post technical questions
and staff from other
member firms can reply
to help share information.
TAX NEWSBRIEF
ARTICLES
Set up a roster system for
writing articles for this
publication so that it is
shared around.
to the usefulness of the delivery
method. All agreed that it wasn’t
something that should be pursued at a
group level.
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Chair: Gavin Johns, Director: Rob Shelton
This is something that will be left on the agenda
for discussion. It was agreed that the content
could be obtained at any tax seminar but it had
the advantage of promoting relationships
between senior staff of DFK firms. It was
suggested that maybe future manager’s
conferences could contain a technical stream or
possibly concurrent streams.
LB advised that this was underway in the form of
a bulletin board. It was suggested that if
possible an email could be sent to members
when a question has been posted as it is
probably urgent and members would need to
know the question is there.
Each committee member has written a quarterly
article over the past 12 months and all have
been published. It was agreed to continue with
the same roster for the next 12 months so it is
not left to one person. David Gatt from CIB
offered to write the next one and GJ will send
him the deadline. GJ will contact Ann Fawcett to
obtain deadlines for the next 12 months.
16
CONFERENCE AND PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
May 2009
R’sponsible
Conferences &
Practice Mgmt
Conferences &
Practice Mgmt
V5-10
ref
B1a
B1h
Conferences &
Practice Mgmt
B1j
Conferences &
Practice Mgmt
B1n
Description
BENCHMARKING
SURVEYS. Continue and
review Benchmarking
surveys undertaken for
the 12 months ended 30th
June and the 9 months
ended the 31st March
surveys. Continue to
develop these reports to
ensure they remain
relevant and informative
as well as educational.
Review ability to deliver
material in fresh and
interesting way.
CONFERENCE PD DAY.
In consultation with the
Board and the host firms,
organise the PD Day
(Thursday) of the Annual
Conference to ensure an
interesting and
stimulating event is
created.
FIRM
PRESENTATIONS.
Organise for all firms to
make a presentation at
the Annual Conference
on new initiatives,
including the how, what,
why and any relevant
templates used. Ensure
that all member firms
have the ability to learn
and benefit from the
experience.
MANAGING PARTNERS
CONFERENCE
Conferences &
Practice Mgmt
B4h
CONFERENCES –
manage these with EO
Conferences &
Practice Mgmt
B1o
MANAGERS
CONFERENCE
Timing /
Status
Ongoing.
May 09
Progress
Benchmarking formally done as part of PMC
using June figures. Informal benchmarking for 9
Months to March done for purposes of May
conference by convenor.
FMRC Continues to be used as they have lifted
their game.
Feb 2009
Beaton Consulting will drive the 2009 PD days
with fundamental marketing skills training
forming the focus of the presentation and
exercises for members.
This year’s conference theme is around
rainmakers and building trusting client
relationships.
May 2009
This year only new firms have been invited to
present on their firms to introduce the
membership to their practices and people.
Feb 2009
Conference in Feb 09 was very successful with
new participants from our 3 new members. It
was agreed to run a new Managers Conference
– Gooding Pervan volunteered to drive the
content for this.
Ongoing
Nov 2009
Chair: Rob Shelton, Director: Rob Shelton
2010 Conference to be held at Coogee in early
Feb 2010.
2009 Conference Hotel will be Hyatt in Canberra.
All details now done – hope it works!
2010 conference will be in Auckland.
The Marriott on the Gold Coast has been selected.
Gooding Pervan’s HR manager, will drive the
workshops which will focus on soft skills for
Managers.
17
BOARD
May 2009
R’sponsible
V5-10
ref
Description
Timing /
Status
May 09
Progress
Board
B1f
QA REPORT. In
addition, request that
each member firm send
to the DFK Australia
QRC a copy of their
Quality Assurance report
provided by their
Professional Body (eg
ICA or CPA) after the
completion of their QA
review.
Ongoing
Done.
Board
B1g
DFKA MANAGING
PARTNERS MTG As the
DFKA network grows,
investigate the possibility
of holding a managing
Partners Meeting to
discuss benchmarking
and best practice in our
firms – contact with DFK
USA will assist with topics,
which can be discussed at
such a meeting.
Done!
Board
B4j
A review of our conference model will be
conducted at the 2009 AGM by members. This
may result in more frequent resort style
conferences which are not associated with any
host city but organised by the board. Auckland is
confrmed for 2010.
Advise and update future
conferences on a rolling 5
+ years basis (in italics
still TBC):
2009
2010
2011
Resort
2012
See Conference & Practice Management report
Canberra - May
Auckland – May
Adelaide –
Perth
Board
B4k
NEWSFLASH: Provide
items to DFKI.
Ongoing
Done.
Board
B5b
SUCCESSION
PLANNING. The Board to
recognise succession
planning is it’s own
responsibility and make
succession planning a
standing agenda item; and
regularly seek out member
firms’ personnel that will
bring skills to the DFKA
board
Ongoing
The Board has increased the number of directors
to 7 for the 2009-10 year onwards – subject to
there being that much interest.
Board
B6f
MEMBER BENEFITS –
continue to find discounts
for the group eg Qantas
club.
Ongoing
Qantas Club, Audi, land Rover/Jaguar and others
all happening.
Board: Rob Shelton, Chair; Ray Mendels, International Director, Chris Coulton,
Navin Patel, Rob Schoenmaker, Rob Wernli
18
ADMINISTRATIVE
PROGRESS
1.
Board Meetings
May09
The following Board meetings will be held in 2008/2009:




2.
Friday 17th October 2008 Melbourne
Friday 20th February 2009 Sydney
Wednesday 20th May 2009 Canberra
Friday 19th June Auckland - to be confirmed. This
meeting may include venue visits and reviews and may
need a longer stay by some directors.
All done – except
for June 2009!
Budget
Done
Budget as adopted by AGM needs to be reviewed and compared with YTD
performance at each Directors’ meeting. (Ray Mendels)
Budget to be prepared for 2009/2010 for presentation to Directors Meeting
May 2009 (Ray Mendels).
3.
Communication to Members
a)
Chairman to send a draft board meeting agenda to each director/
contact partner two weeks prior to meeting date in order for the
members to provide input and/or comment if required. (RS)
b)
Chairman to circulate board meeting minutes to board members
within 1 week of meeting – directors have 48 hours to comment
then EO to write précis, upload to intranet & send to members.
(RS, LB)
c)
4.
Chairman to have Quarterly Referral Summary uploaded onto
intranet within 30 days of end of quarter. (RS)
Done
Done
Done
Annual General Meeting
Done
a)
Organisers of 2009 AGM to report to board at October 2008 and
February 2009 meetings, with complete agenda for AGM by
March meeting. (DG)
b)
Chairman – All documents (including unaudited draft
accounts/agreement to accept accounts at short notice at AGM –
unanimous approval required) to be presented and dealt with at
the AGM, to be circulated to all member firms not less than 14
days before the AGM i.e by 6 May 2009. (RS)
Done
Annual referral activity summary to be included with AGM data.
(RS)
Done
c)
5.
Done
Financial Statements

Done
Financial statements to be audited pursuant to the memorandum
and articles of association. (RM)
19

Audited accounts to be circulated to directors 14 days prior to
AGM and to be adopted by directors per fax vote. (RS)
Done