Our Principals
Arthur Kirk – Managing Director
Arthur is driven to make Forsyths the best provider of accounting, audit and financial services in the region. He leads the team in a professional, down-to-earth and positive way.
Arthur commenced his career nearly thirty years ago with KPMG, specialising in audit. Arthur then worked in public practice specialising in tax and accounting and later became a Business Manager. Arthur joined Forsyths in 1993 and worked with a diverse client base for many years.
Since becoming Managing Director in 2002 Arthur has overseen the growth of Forsyths and the achievement of some significant milestones in its transition to a vibrant corporation. Through the implementation of advances in corporate governance, succession, leadership, management, service development and delivery, Arthur has played a significant role in the creation of a sustainable and valuable business that has doubled in size over the past five years.
Arthur’s expertise includes:
- Change management
- Communications
- Human resources
- Executive coaching
- Business acquisition
- Strategic planning
- Corporate governance
- Succession planning
Arthur is a Chartered Accountant, registered tax agent and auditor. He has a Bachelor of Financial Administration from UNE and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia. He was recently the Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants National Public Practice Advisory Committee for 3 years and a member of the University of New England School of Business, Economics and Public Policy Advisory Board.
Arthur is an active participant in community life and places a high value on family.
Andrew Kirk –Business Services
Andrew builds high quality and strong relationships and delivers clear, no-nonsense tax, accounting and business advice.
Andrew commenced his accounting career in 1989 with Price Waterhouse Coopers. He joined Forsyths in 1995 and became a Principal in February 2000. Andrew’s clients are a mix of primary producers, retail and trade businesses.
Andrew’s expertise includes:
- Accounting
- Agribusiness
- Business structures
- Tax and tax planning
Andrew has over 20 years experience in public practice accounting. He is an accredited trainer with NSW Farmers and he works closely with the rural sector, undertaking business viability and diagnostic reviews.
Andrew is a Chartered Accountant and registered tax agent. He has a Bachelor of Financial Administration from UNE and is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia.
Andrew is an avid cyclist and is involved in the coaching of junior rugby union.
Brett Constable – Business Services
Brett thrives in the complex tax and accounting environment and his business clients are those looking for high-level solutions.
Brett has over 20 years experience in public practice accounting starting his career in Newcastle, gaining experience in business and taxation services, stockbroking and financial planning. His clients are primary producers and commercial businesses, with a focus on the building and construction industry, hospitality, medical, and professional services.
Brett’s expertise includes:
- Accounting
- Agribusiness
- Complex structures
- Tax and tax planning
Brett has a particular interest in providing proactive management reports to a number of larger clients. These reports incorporate key performance financial reporting and analysis.
Brett is a Chartered Accountant and registered tax agent. He completed a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Newcastle and is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia.
Brett is both Treasurer of PLC Foundation and Chair of PLC Foundation Investment Committee. He also heads-up Forsyths Tax and Accounting Technical Group.
Cameron Scott –Financial Services
Cameron works with people who want to regain control and confidence in their financial goals. He empowers all his clients with the ability to make well-informed decisions.
Cameron has over 15 years experience in planning, finance and banking. He commenced his career with Macquarie Bank in 1996 in foreign exchange markets. Prior to Forsyths he worked with Rabo Financial Advisers where he was responsible for client advice and investment management for high net worth clients living in regional NSW.
Cameron’s expertise includes:
- Investment management
- Asset protection and risk insurance
- Retirement planning
- Wealth creation
- Self Managed Superannuation Funds - SPAA Accredited Specialist
Cameron joined Forsyths as a Principal in 2008 and tailors financial strategies to meet the current and succession planning needs of individuals, superannuation funds and family trust funds.
Cameron is a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP). He has a Bachelor of Economics from ANU, a Diploma in Financial Planning and is an Affiliate member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia. He is also a member of the Financial Planning Association and an Accredited Self Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) Adviser.
Craig Benham – Financial Services
Craig is the consummate financial planning professional, focussed on working with clients to meet wealth creation and protection needs.
Craig has broad experience in financial services having worked in the industry since 1994 with leading financial planning groups including AXA, Lend Lease, NAB and Macquarie Wealth Management. Craig joined Forsyths in 2006 and is a Principal of Forsyths Financial Services.
Craig’s areas of expertise include:
- Strategic planning for wealth creation and wealth protection
- Portfolio construction and advice
- Superannuation and retirement planning
- Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs)
Craig is an Authorised Representative of Forsyths Financial Services and has tertiary qualifications in economics, applied finance and investment and financial planning. He is a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP) member of the Financial Planning Association of Australia and is a SMSF Specialist Adviser (SSA) through the Superannuation Professionals Association of Australia.
Geoff Allen –Audit
Geoff works hands-on with forward thinking enterprises and provides commercially savvy audit services and assurance advice.
Geoff has over twenty years of audit and management experience enabling him to help his clients achieve better outcomes. He joined Forsyths as a Principal in March 2009, prior to which he was a partner at WHK. Geoff has also worked for KPMG, Colonial, and Commonwealth Bank.
Geoff’s expertise includes:
- External and internal audit
- Corporate governance reviews
- Risk management review
- Due diligence reviews
- Management accounting
- Legal and other trust account examinations
- Investigating accountant reviews
Geoff is a Chartered Accountant and registered Company Auditor. He has a Bachelor of Financial Administration Degree from UNE, is an Associate of the Institute of Internal Auditors and the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and a Justice of the Peace (NSW).
As the former Chairman of The Armidale School Foundation, volunteer member of the Rural Fire Service, and a Director of UNE Services Limited, Geoff has an active role in the community.
Geoff Redman – Business Services
Geoff is the driving force behind our success in Coonabarabran and Gunnedah. He has a wealth of local experience in primary production, its complexity and the seasonal conditions affecting it.
Geoff has over 35 years experience in taxation and business management services. He commenced his accounting career in 1972 with Love and Wallace, establishing a Coonabarabran office for them in 1982. In 1986 Geoff joined Stafford & Partners then moved to Forsyths in 2003.
Geoff’s expertise includes:
- Accounting
- Agribusiness
- Succession planning
- Small to medium business
- Tax and tax planning
Geoff is a Chartered Accountant, registered tax agent and auditor. He has a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology Sydney and is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia.
Geoff also acts as Finance Director for Cooinda Aged Care facility.
James Roger –Business Services
James is our newest Principal having joined Forsyths in 2010. Having both commercial and accounting experience, his approach is both professional and pragmatic. His laser-like perceptions around business performance create better outcomes for his clients.
James started his working life as a Chartered Accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers, working with BHP Steel, BOC Gases and Penfolds Stationers. He then worked in London for 4 years, including 2 years with Shell Oil. He returned to Australia and rejoined PricewaterhouseCoopers as a Director in the Corporate Advisory and Restructure Division working on a variety of projects.
James’ expertise includes:
- Accounting
- Agribusiness
- Business structures
- Insolvency and reconstruction
- Tax and tax planning
James is a Chartered Accountant, registered tax agent and liquidator. He has a Bachelor of Commerce from the UWS and is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia. He is also a member of the Insolvency Practitioners Association of Australia.
James is also a keen cyclist and triathlete.
James Wallace – Financial Services
James is Group Manager of the Financial Services Division and the Principal in charge of the Superannuation Team.
James grew up in Canberra and completed his schooling in 1989 in Sydney, before returning to commence his tertiary education at the Australian National University. In 1994 he accepted a position with ANZ Funds Management as a financial adviser, a career that has continued through to the present. In 2002 he relocated for 3 years from Sydney to Tamworth with Rabobank, where fate intervened in the form of an offer to join Forsyths which he accepted in 2005.
Over that time James has been exposed to a range of issues and developed particular expertise in the following areas;
- Self managed superannuation funds – (SPAA Accredited Specialists)
- Portfolio management
- Retirement & planning
- Business succession
- Asset protection
James has a Bachelor of Economics from ANU and a Diploma in Financial Planning. He is a member of the Financial Planning Association, an Affiliate member of the Australian Institute of Chartered Accountants and an Accredited Self Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) Adviser. Since moving to Tamworth, James has become committed to the future success and growth of the local area and currently serves as a Director of the Tamworth Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
James has strong interest in a range of sports including AFL, rugby and cricket.
Paul Cornall –Audit
Paul’s local government expertise and pragmatic, professional and personable approach set him apart from most auditors...
With over twenty years experience in audit, Paul is recognised as an expert in the field of Local Government. Before joining Forsyths, Paul was employed in the audit division of KPMG for 15 years and has had significant experience with local government, credit unions, retail and wholesale businesses, education, mining, manufacturing and not for profit entities.
Paul’s expertise includes:
- External and internal audit
- Corporate governance reviews
- Risk framework review
- Due diligence reviews
- Fraud risk reviews
- Legal and other trust account examinations
Paul is a Chartered Accountant and registered Company Auditor. He has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Newcastle University, is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors and has been a committee member of the Local Government Auditors Association for more than 4 years.
Paul is a proud supporter and coach of junior cricket in the region. He also participates in triathalons, bike riding, and listening to live music at the Armidale Club.
Phil Bolton – Business Services
Phil’s genuine, empathetic and professional approach has helped many clients to realise their greater financial potential. His clients range from primary producers to professionals and tradespeople.
Phil has 27 years experience in audit, insolvency and business management services. He commenced his career in Sydney with Norton & Faviell’s audit and taxation service divisions. In 1985, Phil joined Hall & Co who merged with Forsyths in 1992, and was admitted as a principal in 1996. Phil’s work incorporates superannuation, taxation and business services.
Phil’s expertise includes:
- Accounting
- Agribusiness
- Complex structures
- Small to medium business
- Tax and tax planning
Phil is a Chartered Accountant, registered tax agent and auditor. He has a Bachelor of Applied Economics from UNE and is an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia.
Phil is the Treasurer of the Tamworth & District Aquatic Centre Inc, Honorary Accountant for the Tamworth Meals on Wheals, Namoi Valley Environmental Protection Association and provides regular assistance to The Armidale School.
Stephen Hall – Business Services
Stephen has many tax and accounting clients and is also an expert in insolvency and reconstruction.
Stephen has 33 years experience in audit, insolvency and business management services. He commenced his career with KPMG in 1974. In 1978, he returned to Tamworth to establish Hall & Co which merged with Forsyths in 1992. Stephen is located in the Tamworth office, is responsible for the Insolvency and Litigation Division and shares audit responsibility for a number of large private companies. He also has a significant business client base.
Stephen’s expertise includes:
- Accounting
- Agribusiness
- Tax and tax planning
- Complex structures
- Insolvency and reconstruction
Stephen is a Chartered Accountant, registered tax agent, auditor and liquidator. He has a Bachelor of Economics from UNE and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia. He is also a member of the Insolvency Practioner's Association of Australia.
Stephen is a Director of Tamworth Rural Limited and Tamworth Conservatorium of Music. He is also a keen cyclist and rugby enthusiast.