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Frequently asked questions

The Critical Point Network provides personal and professional support for accounting and legal practitioners in Australia.

What support will I receive?

Membership entitles you to:

• Specialist skills to help you meet your clients’ expectations in areas that are outside your immediate field of expertise or experience.

• Technical updates, public practitioner seminars, briefings, conferences, discussion forums, access to our trading board, quarterly newsletters and regular bulletins to help keep your technical skills up-to-date and provide you with ideas to improve your own work practice, some of which are complimentary.

• Networking functions which provide you with the opportunity to keep abreast of current issues and share ideas with fellow members.

• Access to one of Australia’s most respected and successful Business Advisory and Assurance Practices – the Pitcher Partners Association with firms in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Newcastle.

• Access to our global network of independent firms through Baker Tilly International.

What will it cost?

There are no initial or ongoing membership fees or costs.

What about my client relationships?

When working with you, we promise to provide you with the expertise and resources you require to service your client’s needs. When working with you, we will work to enhance your relationship with your client. We promise not to ‘poach’ a client that you introduce to us.

Who is Pitcher Partners?

Pitcher Partners is an association of independent accounting firms, located in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Newcastle with 145+ partners nationwide and more than 1,500 professionals located around Australia. Pitcher Partners Brisbane has an extensive understanding of Queensland businesses, having operated in the northern market since 1974. Supported by our combined resources, we deliver Australia’s most personalised and responsive middle market accounting and business advisory services.

What is the relationship between Pitcher Partners and the Critical Point Network?

The Critical Point Network was created and is supported by Pitcher Partners and is a registered trademark and a business of Pitcher Partners Advisors Proprietary Limited ABN 80 052 920 206.

How many members are currently in the Critical Point Network?

The Critical Point Network operates Australia-wide and has over 3,000 members.

Does the Critical Point Network service regional members?

The Critical Point Network has a large proportion of its members in regional Australia. It provides regional presentations and extends invitations to all members, city and regional, for all Critical Point Network events.

If I need specialist advice what do I do?

Email a CPN Specialist Query Service Form to cpn@pitcherpartners.com.au or fill out the CPN Specialist Query Service Form available online at pitcher.com.au/about-us/critical-point-network . All members must fill out the CPN Specialist Query Form prior to contacting the firm in relation to any query. Alternatively, members can either call or email any of the CPN team as listed on the final page.

Will I receive a bill for a quick enquiry?

No, we have a ‘10 minute complimentary limit’ which means that if the enquiry can be answered within 10 minutes, there is no charge. Alternatively, if your query does take longer than 10 minutes, there is a charge. For further information on the relevant charges, please contact cpn@pitcherpartners.com.au. Insolvency related enquiries will not attract a charge for initial consultations, even if they extend well beyond 10 minutes!

Are there any restrictions on membership?

The services offered by the Critical Point Network are ideally suited to an accountant, financial advisor or legal practitioner.

What do I do if I no longer wish to remain as a member?

Just let us know by clicking the ‘unsubscribe’ button on any CPN email communication that you receive from us or by dropping us a note. No questions asked.

When did the Critical Point Network first start?

The Critical Point Network was launched in May 2000.

What is the secret to the Critical Point Network?

Simple – it has full partner support and has evolved to effectively cater for members’ growing needs.

What do I need to join?

Joining is easy – simply do one of the following:

Complete online via the membership application form at pitcher.com.au/about-us/critical-point-network.

Give any Pitcher Partners person your business card or details and tell them that you would like to join the Critical Point Network.

How we help you thrive

Corporate Finance

We can help to achieve your business goals and ensure the best possible outcome for every business transaction through our corporate finance services:

• Mergers and acquisitions advice

• Due diligence

• Valuations

We work with sellers and buyers throughout all stages of the acquisition or divestment process.

Business Advisory

Access professional advice and innovative solutions to maximise your business opportunities with our business advisory services:

• Monthly and quarterly reporting

• Outsourced financial controller

• Annual compliance

• Preparation of management accounting, financial statements, income tax returns and business activity statements

• Forecasting and budgeting

• Superannuation and investment holding structuring

Business Recovery and Insolvency

If your business is navigating cessation, liquidation or bankruptcy we can support you with:

• Collecting records from the insolvent for analysis

• Preparing and reviewing detailed correspondence and statutory forms

• Liaising with legal representatives and attending court hearings

• Securing assets and negotiating with stakeholders Our experts achieve maximum recovery levels, strengthen businesses, and help key government bodies and creditors enforce rigorous standards.

Audit and Assurance

Our audit and assurance experts can provide peace of mind to stakeholders and help effectively manage your risk and compliance obligations:

• Preparation of monthly management accounts

• Year-end reporting

• Income tax returns

• Activity statements and general advice

• Board and audit committee briefings

• Issue resolution and opportunity identification

Superannuation

We can help to build your ideal superannuation strategy with tailored advice from our specialists:

• Tax effective benefit strategies

• Asset protection strategies

• Estate planning considerations

• Expert business advice

• SMSF

Our team works with trustees, government agencies, members and employers in all segments of the industry: large fund compliance, self-managed funds, administration, employer obligations, member retirement planning and estate planning.

Wealth Management

Offering tailored strategies for business owners, executives and affluent individuals and families, our wealth management experts can support you with:

• Strategic advice

• Investment planning and strategic asset allocation

• Investment portfolio management

• Tax minimisation strategies

• Retirement and estate planning

• Personal and business succession insurance

Tax Advisory

Manage the impact of tax on your business with effective structuring from our tax advisory team. Our specialist tax advice covers:

• Income taxes

• Capital gains taxes

• International taxes

• Transaction taxes

• Employment taxes

As legislative experts with longstanding institutional relationships with the ATO, we also advocate for effective tax legislation that benefits middle-market businesses and organisations.

Family Advisory

Protect, grow and pass on your family wealth with our family advisory services:

• Wealth transition and succession

• Investment advice

• Financial management

• Family office

We’ll help you navigate complex processes and work carefully to understand the key relationships, ensuring the right value is delivered to the right people.

About Pitcher Partners

145+ partners

1,500+ people

6 independent member firms

We’re ready to help you thrive

Since day one we’ve been helping businesses, families and individuals intelligently frame their goals and make the most of their potential.

Today, we’re one of the largest accounting, audit and business advisory firms in Australia. We work with middle market businesses, from family-run companies to renowned industry leaders and iconic brands. And help families and individuals manage their wealth across generations.

If you’ve got ambition, we’re the team you want on your side.

Local knowledge, national footprint

Pitcher Partners is a national association of six independent accounting, audit and business advisory practices. You’ll find our firms in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle and Hunter, Perth and Sydney. Each firm has a unique character, with a strong connection to the local community. Supported by our combined resources, we deliver Australia’s most personalised and responsive assurance and advisory services.

And if you’re thinking beyond the border, we can support your global operations and ambitions through the Baker Tilly International network.

We’ll always make it personal

At the heart of Pitcher Partners is the idea that business is never just business. We’re known for the dedication we give to building great relationships, and it’s been that way from the start. People first.

Everything we do is grounded in communication and collaboration. We’re here for that frank, refreshing and always informed discussion that leads to new ideas and better decisions. And we’re here for you. Whatever your goals, we can get there together.

9th largest network of accounting and advisory firms

National statistic as at 1 July 2023

Specialist query form

Please complete your details

GST

Land tax

Stamp duty

International

Consolidation

Employment taxes

Division 7A

Employee share schemes

Superannuation

Business advice

Investment advice

Succession planning

Estate planning

Forensic evaluations

Information technology

Corporate transactions

Research and development Audit

Fuel tax credits

Not-for-profit

Income tax/CGT

General advice

Growth areas infrastructure contribution

Supporting information

Valuations

Financial modelling

M&A advisory

Voluntary liquidation

Voluntary administration

Receiverships

Turnaround management

Asset protection

General advice

Bankruptcy and personal insolvency arrangements

Negotiations with banks and other creditors

Please provide as much detail as possible to ensure appropriate allocation. (Attach additional information if necessary.)

Time frame for response

Please highlight a realistic time frame that will enable us to provide advice within a suitable and timely manner. Please note: given conflicting demands with our senior personnel, we will endevour to respond to you within the nominated time frame. If your require an urgent response, please contact us via cpn@pitcherpartners.com.au or 07 3222 8444.

Within 5 business days

What will it cost?

Within 10 business days

Voluntary liquidation

We are happy to answer your queries and there is no charge if the time required to respond to the query takes 10 minutes or less. Should the query require more than 10 minutes to respond, we will provide an estimate of the costs for approval and authorisation before proceeding with the assignment. Please note that for insolvency related queries, CPN members will not be charged for the enquiry and you are still encouraged to call or email any of the insolvency partners for advice.

All queries should be forwarded by email to cpn@pitcherpartners.com.au

Upon receipt of this form, the appropriate specialist will be contacted to deal with your query. Advice regarding our ability to respond in the time frame specified will be provided as soon as possible.