RSM bolsters restructuring, recovery team with 3 appointments

RSM Australia has bolstered its restructuring and recovery expertise in the country’s west with three new appointments in a move to cement its position in the market.

The firm revealed it had appointed two registered bankruptcy trustees, Shannon O’Connor and Michelle Shackles, as well as registered liquidator Phil Davie.

The three individuals bring over 50 years of combined experience and were among a select group of professionals officially registered by ASIC or AFSA to accept corporate and personal insolvency appointments.

Notably, this appointment boosted the total number of female bankruptcy trustees in Western Australia from three to five – an underrepresented area which has been previously looked into by Accountants Daily.

RSM said it now had three bankruptcy trustees and four registered liquidators in Western Australia to further advance its capabilities in the state.

Alasdair Whyte, RSM Australia managing partner, said the appointments marked a proud moment for the team and firm.

“Becoming a registered liquidator or bankruptcy trustee is one of the most respected roles in the industry because of the responsibility, expertise and trust it requires,” he said.

“It speaks volumes about the calibre of our people and the strength of our firm’s leadership in complex financial matters. This achievement also reflects positively on WA’s reputation as a hub for financial and professional services.

Davie, who has been with RSM since 2016 with 15 years of experience in insolvency, said gaining his registration was a natural step to better support clients with accountability and control.

According to Davie, it is imperative to hold the requisite registration if one is committed to finding tailored solutions for clients and taking on appointments.

“We are anticipating increased activity across the profession, with major creditors including the ATO intensifying recovery efforts,” he said.

Having started at RSM in 2019, and with 15 years’ experience under her belt, registered bankruptcy trustee O’Connor said helping individuals manage personal insolvency cases could be rewarding.

“Dealing with personal insolvency adds a layer of complexity as it's often people's family homes at stake,” she said.

“It’s important to treat individuals in those situations with respect and empathy, providing them with the options available, whilst still meeting the needs and expectations of creditors and other stakeholders.”

Shackles echoed a similar sentiment about the profession after more than 25 years in both personal and corporate insolvencies and exercising her passion for mentoring young professionals to help people navigate financial distress.

“One of the most important parts of our role is to listen, to understand the story behind what’s brought them to this place, so we can then help them to focus on moving forward.”