NEW FIRM OF THE YEAR

The Australian accounting and SMSF industry is ripe for start-ups and entrepreneurs right now, particularly given the new technological tools unique to this generation of professionals.

This award recognises the start-up firm that demonstrated the most effective business growth during the 2016 calendar year.

Based on business growth metrics as well as support and servicing, the award considers the activities, strategies and actions of the firm in terms of driving increased revenue and efficiencies.

This award is a group award and is open to:

  • All firms in the SMSF and/or accounting industry that began operations on or after 1 January 2015.
  • The award is based on metrics and performance covering the period from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016.

NOTE: Business metrics and performance will account for 50 per cent of the judging assessment; responses to open-ended questions will account for 50 per cent of the judging assessment. Your firm may also be contacted as part of the assessment criteria for corroboration and/or additional details.

Please provide the following information:

PERSONAL AND COMPANY INFORMATION

Item / Details
Full name
Phone
Email
State
Company name (As it should appear on all marketing materials)
Commencement date as full-time employee with current employer
Professional/vocational qualifications
Name of best contact at your firm for verification
Email of best contact at your firm for verification
Phone number of best contact at your firm for verification

BUSINESS METRICS AND PERFORMANCE

Item / 2015
(If relevant) / 2016
(Mandatory)
Total revenue
Number of clients
Number of new clients
Number of offices
Total number of staff

OPEN RESPONSES/QUALITATIVE CRITERIA

Please complete each question in 300 words or less (word counts must be strictly adhered to, please also attach any supporting documents (up to five only), files no larger than 200kB).

  1. Outline the tactics used to grow your firm from a start-up, win new business, gain market share, overcome competition and support your staff to offer the best service possible in 2016.
  2. Describe your point of difference/unique selling points and how these influenced your start-up success.
  3. Demonstrate a structured approach to the start-up, with clear objectives and associated results. In addition, highlight how you have engaged best practice and innovation to achieve start-up success.
  4. Highlight how the firm represents the profession and exemplifies professionalism.