Professional Services
‘Client-centric’ PwC chief axes 211 jobs
Accounting giant PwC Australia has cut 211 jobs, or nearly 4 per cent of its workforce, as part of a restructure at the hand of new chief executive Luke Sayers.
Harbour City drowning, not waving
The Sydney CBD – the Manhattan-like strip of glass rising out of the harbour, and Australia’s one global hub – is losing its magic.
Day’s work isn’t what it used to be
Greater workplace flexibility was not only about improving company performance, it was also about giving employees what they wanted, says Westpac boss Gail Kelly.
LinkedIn has ‘aggressive’ growth plan
Professional networking site LinkedIn plans a big push in 2012 to expand the tools it is offering business searching for the right employment candidate.
Coffey sells rail division
Opus International Consultants is to buy the Australian-based rail engineering consultancy, Coffey Rail, and its related company Asia Pacific Rail for $9 million.
Aurecon to expand its business advisory team
Private engineering management and technical services firm Aurecon is positioning its business advisory services division for further growth.
Who will survive the brave new world?
Australia’s biggest legal eagles are battling for their place in the global food chain.
WHK Melbourne strengthens corporate advice
WHK Melbourne’s corporate advisory practice is now a stand-alone business that offers corporate financial services for small to medium-sized enterprises.
PwC acquires Avantis
PwC has expanded its consulting practice with the acquisition of IT consulting company Avantis Information Systems for an undisclosed sum.
Network shares its know-how
An international virtual community of small consulting firms has formed a network to share their expertise and win business.
Another round of capital punishment
A $2.2 billion budget cut across the Commonwealth public service threatens to batter Canberra firms that rely on government spending for their business.
Regulators differ on data
Trans-Tasman regulators are adopting differing views on treatment of non-conforming financial information not prepared to international financial accounting standards.
ICSA’s UK focus under fire
An international corporate governance body is reluctant to give up the past.
Demand for accountants put on hold
Businesses are reluctant to employ more full-time accountants while they wait to see the direction the economy takes over the next few months, recruiters say.
Calibre on buyout trail
Engineering company Calibre Global has acquired Brown Consulting, a professional infrastructure services firm.
PwC puts graduates on hold
PwC has pushed back the starting date for some of its graduates, in further proof that the volatile economic conditions are taking their toll on professional services firms.
GHD builds presence in Americas
GHD is expecting the strongest growth this financial year from engagements in the energy and resources, environment and transport markets.
RSM to buy Guild Group’s accounting arm
Rivals circling the Pharmacy Guild’s accountancy firm Saccasan Bailey have been beaten to the punch by RSM Bird Cameron.
Chairman to lead Woods Bagot in new direction
The new chairman of global architectural practice Woods Bagot will draw on his experience from his days at global IT services firm Capgemini to oversee its new direction.
Coffey names environment head
Listed engineering group Coffey International has appointed ex-Ernst&Young partner, Mark Croudace, to head up its biggest business lines: environmental consulting.
Santo Rizzuto on . . .
SKM chief executive gives his thoughts on the economy and the Y-generation.
KPMG beefs up its health team
It’s poaching season as hospitals and state health departments hang out ‘help wanted’ signs to cope with new funding reforms.
Coffey names environment head
Engineering group Coffey International has appointed ex-Ernst & Young partner Mark Croudace to head one of its biggest business lines: environmental consulting.
SKM building capacity in Asia
The nation’s largest privately held engineering firm, Sinclair Knight Merz, will invest heavily in developing nations, particularly in Asia.
HLB team breaks away
The entire four-partner insolvency practice of HLB Mann Judd in Melbourne has agreed to split from the firm on July 1, 2012.
Women win insolvency roles
A mid tier accounting firm has beaten the industry average by having a greater proportion of female insolvency practitioners.
Accountancy Insurance expands into NZ
A leading licensed insurance broker and underwriting agency, which specialises in tax audit insurance, has opened a New Zealand office.
IASB still pushing for 2012 release
Accounting standard enthusiasts continue to work busily in the corporate background on several new standards that could come into effect later next year.
Local offices dodge H&S global cuts
The local offices of executive-search firm Heidrick & Struggles does not plan layoffs despite announcing about a 10 per cent cut in its global workforce.
Push envelope to attract staff
Recruitment firms want clients to view them as partners who can help them develop more innovative strategies that will attract and retain staff.
