We have spent a lot of time considering our business model, direction and core principles to ensure we deliver on our promises.
Our Vision
The choice for advisory services in regional Australia.
Our Values
We are invested in your success.
We care about community.
We are committed to quality outcomes.
We don't carry passengers.
Brett Constable
Principal - 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 business, with a focus on stud
operations, commercial cattle and sheep enterprises, building and construction, medical, and professional services.
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 also Principal in charge of our superannuation division. 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 has been a board member of many Charitable Trusts and is currently a board member of New England Conservatorium of Music.
- Accounting
- Advisory
- Agribusiness
- Complex structures
- Management Accounting
- Tax and tax planning
- Superannuation
Joanne Kelly
Principal - Business Services
Joanne commenced employment with Paul & Brett Services Pty in 1986 as a cadet accountant, completing four years external study, followed by a
year full time study to complete her university degree.
In 1990 Joanne returned to Paul & Brett Services as a senior accountant. She completed CPA Studies with the Australian Society of Certified
Practicing Accountants in 1992 followed by a CA Program with the Institute of Chartered Accountants, being admitted as a Chartered
Accountant in 1996.
In 1997 Joanne became a partner in Paul & Brett Services Pty. Joanne has 20 years experience in all aspects of public accounting, in
particular taxation, tax planning, superannuation and capital gains tax advice for small business.
- Primary Production
- Professional Partnerships
- Retail
- Services Industries
- Self Managed Superannuation Funds
Craig Benham
Principal - Financial Services
Craig is a financial services professional who focuses on working with clients to meet their wealth creation and protection needs.
Craig has broad experience in financial services having worked in the industry since 1992 with leading financial institutions including AXA,
Lend Lease, NAB and Macquarie Bank.
Craig joined Forsyths in 2006 and is a Principal of Forsyths Financial Services. Craig is an authorised representative of Forsyths Financial
Services (#307492) 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 an accredited SMSF Specialist Adviser (SSA)
through the Superannuation Professionals Association of Australia.
- Strategic planning for wealth creation & protection
- Portfolio construction & advice
- Superannuation & retirement planning
- Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs)
Geoff Allen
Principal - 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
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.
- External & internal audit
- Corporate governance reviews
- Risk management review
- Due diligence reviews
- Management accounting
- Legal and other trust account examinations
- Investigating accountant reviews
Phil Bolton
Principal - 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 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 Honorary Treasurer for the Tamworth Meals on Wheels Inc., Public Officer for Farming for Kids Inc. and provides regular
assistance to The Armidale School.
- Accounting
- Agribusiness
- Complex structures
- Small to medium business
- Tax and tax planning
Stephen Hall
Senior ConsultantStephen, as a former Principal of Forsyths and its predecessor firm Hall & Co, has 35 year's experience in insolvency, taxation, audit and business management services. Stephen is a former Official Liquidator who together with the team at Forsyths, continues to provide services in corporate insolvency, business recovery and business advisory. Insolvency appointments undertaken by Stephen and his team include court liquidations, creditor's voluntary liquidations, member's voluntary liquidations and receivership.
Andrew Freebairn
Principal - Business Services
Andrew became a Principal in 2016 and has been with Forsyths since 2004, starting in Gunnedah and moving to Coonabarabran in 2009. He has
had 12 years experience working with small and medium business in the commercial sector, with a strong focus in the rural sector.
Andrew also has extensive experience with auditing of clubs, aged care facilities and childcare organisations. He is a Certified Practicing
Accountant and a registered tax agent with a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Environmental Science from the University of Newcastle.
Originally from Coonabarabran, Andrew has returned to help provide excellence in business services to the local community.
Julie Sherwood
Principal - Financial Services
Julie Sherwood is a Principal of Forsyths Financial Services and has over twelve years experience in financial services, having worked in
the industry since 2003 with leading financial institutions including Commonwealth Financial Planning, Charter Financial Planning and
AXA/AMP.
Julie joined Forsyths in 2011 and her areas of expertise include:
- External & internal audit
- Corporate governance reviews
- Risk management review
- Due diligence reviews
- Management accounting
- Legal and other trust account examinations
- Investigating accountant reviews
Julie is a member of the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) and the Self Managed Super Fund Association (SMSF Association).
View Julie's Investor Profile
David McLennan
Principal - Business Services
David joined Forsyths as a principal in July 2017. David has a Bachelor of Business from the University of Southern Queensland and is a
member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.
David has over 25 years experience in public practice accounting. His clients consist of primary producers, medical, dental and professional
practices.
- Accounting
- Agribusiness
- Small to medium business
- Tax and tax planning
Paul Cornall
Principal - 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 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 5 years.
Paul enjoys participating in triathlons, bike riding and listening to live music.
- External & internal audit
- Corporate governance reviews
- Risk framework review
- Due diligence reviews
- Fraud risk reviews
- Legal and other trust account examinations
Andrew Kirk
Managing Principal
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 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.
- Accounting
- Agribusiness
- Business structures
- Tax and tax planning