HLB Mann Judd promotes 4 CAs to partner, director roles

On Monday (19 January), HLB Mann Judd revealed it had promoted Donna Arnold and Warrick Oates to partner in Sydney, and David Prescott to partner in Perth. In Adelaide, Troy Smith was promoted to director.

Mark Muller, who was appointed chair of the HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association at the beginning of the year, said the promotions reflected the evolving needs of the firm and the calibre of its people.

“Our profession is evolving rapidly with increasing complexity across all practices. Demand for sophisticated tax advice, transaction support and innovation incentives is accelerating, making deep technical capability more critical than ever for our clients,” Muller said.

“These promotions highlight the areas where we see the greatest need - complex corporate and international tax, M&A and valuation expertise, business advisory and R&D-focused growth strategies.”

Donna Arnold, a new Sydney partner, specialises in international tax and has previously held senior leadership roles at the ATO. She has over 15 years’ experience in tax advisory, and holds a master's in professional accounting and a bachelor of economics from UNSW.

Warrick Oates, another new Sydney partner, is a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) specialist. He has worked with Australian and international firms on transaction due diligence, valuation services and strategic growth opportunities. Oates is also an accredited adviser with the Family Business Association.

David Prescott, a new partner in Perth, focuses on tax advice and compliance in the association’s business advisory division. He joined HLB Mann Judd as a cadet in 2007, staying with the firm for nine years before moving abroad to the UK. He rejoined the firm in 2018 and has a bachelor of commerce (accounting) from Curtin University.

Troy Smith, a new director in Adelaide, is a research and development (R&D) tax specialist. He has assisted clients in strategic advisory, the R&D tax incentive and the early stage innovation company (ESIC) scheme. He joined the Adelaide firm in 2019 and has a bachelor of commerce (accounting & management) from the University of Adelaide.

HLB Mann Judd said the promotions capped off a significant year for the association, including the expansion of its network through the Newcastle-based audit and assurance business joining, and the acquisition of an advisory firm in Perth.

Its network now spans 12 independent member firms across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.