EXPERIENCE RSM A newsletter connecting the partners and staff of RSM Australia Summer 2023
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From our leader Jamie O’Rourke Welcome to the final edition for 2023 of our staff newsletter, ExperienceRSM. I am delighted to share with you some of the highlights from this year as well as our hopes for 2024. 2023 has been another year of strong growth for RSM Australia and I want to thank you all for your efforts in helping us achieve such fantastic results. As you know, our vision is to become the adviser of choice in the middle market. We set ourselves some ambitious targets for 2024 – such as pushing our AFR ranking to #7, achieving an 11% YoY growth, attracting top talent, and growing our team to 1750. I am proud to share that we have exceeded all of these strategic goals 12 months ahead of schedule. In November, the AFR released the Top 100 Accounting Firms which confirmed we had advanced another spot from #8 to #7. five years ago we were ranked #9 and more than $50m behind #8. The growth achieved over the last three years especially has been nothing short of spectacular. Well done to you all and thank you for your amazing contributions – it really has been a team effort. Behind all these wins is you - our incredible team. We have focused on growing and nurturing our talented team including the release of a new Employee Value Proposition that reflects and reinforces our core values of integrity in everything, supporting clients everywhere and developing and valuing everyone. We have also welcomed several new partners, directors and associates to our team, including an economist who will help our clients navigate the challenges in today’s world. With our staff numbers now exceeding 1750– we are one of the largest firms in the middle market – quite an achievement. We have listened to our clients and launched a range of new services including Data & Analytics, ERP (NetSuite), Cyber Security, Management Consulting and a keen focus on Sustainability through dedicated ESG Consulting services. These new services have helped underpin the impressive growth results we achieved this year. Our 2024 Strategy includes a significant focus on Data and Digital and this has led to us embracing all things AI and a new partnership with Microsoft securing securing access to Bing Enterprise, complementing other key initiatives such as RPA and Alterix to name a few. These partnerships and initiatives adds the valuable Generative AI tool to our armoury, which will have a profound impact on everything we do for clients in the future. To help us understand the opportunities which are possible we have held our own ‘AI Ignite’ series of national webinars to help us understand the possibilities which are likely in this new technology world. Finally, we have demonstrated our commitment to sustainable business practices, both locally and globally. I recently attended the RSM World Conference in Barcelona, which reinforced the global importance for organisations to understand what sustainable business means for them, to not only satisfy regulatory and stakeholder requirements, but to shape our future world. We have also lodged our 2023 WGEA report, which reports 0% median gender pay gap. A first for RSM and a result of a sustained focus by all Partners and Principals. This complements our many other diversity, equity and inclusion actions, such as joining the UN women empowerment community and our commitment to supporting First Nations people which combine to make RSM an even greater place to work. I want to thank you all for your contributions and achievements in 2023. You are part of the change that makes RSM Australia what it is today. As we move forward, let’s celebrate our achievements, learn from our experiences, and collectively embrace the exciting initiatives that lie ahead as we align with the global 2030 strategy. Thanks for everything. I look forward to working with you in 2024 and beyond. Warm regards, Jamie O’Rourke Chief Executive Partner
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Experience RSM
New Appointments and Promotions We are pleased to announce the following important senior promotions: Partners Simon Brown, Busselton, Business Advisory Services; Aimee Whittingham, Melbourne, Assurance & Advisory Principals Ross Dixon, Albury, Business Advisory; Bryan Soepardi, Sydney, R&D Tax; Kaustubh Vazalwar, Melbourne, Security & Privacy We also offer a warm welcome to the latest additions to RSM Australia who have also joined our leadership team:
Dr Ian Tho - Digital Advisory, Melbourne
Liz Mannoor - Audit and Assurance, Brisbane
Brett Lord - Restructuring and Insolvency, Sydney
Chris Perry - Risk Advisory, Canberra
Tim Ryan - Risk Advisory, Canberra
Karien Erasmus - Risk Advisory, Perth
Devika Shivadekar - Economist, Sydney
You may notice among these that we have added a new role at RSM, expanding our internal talent to include an in-house Economist. Devika Shivadekar, formerly of the Bank of America, Macromonitor Pty Ltd and the Reserve Bank of India will focus on analysing macroeconomic trends to provide guidance and insights to RSM clients across a range of industries. These appointments reflect the demand for deep expertise in emerging areas and ensures we remain relevant in our knowledge of the issues our clients face.
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STAFF ANNIVERSARIES 40 YEARS Sandra Ellefsen (Perth)
Maryanne Hannan (Canberra) 10 YEARS Anthea Christian (Port Lincoln) Sharon Baldwin (Toowoomba) Bradley Hutchesson (Melbourne) 35 YEARS Richard Martin (Melbourne) Justine Jason (Perth) Michelle Van Lier (Canberra) Congratulations to everyone 20 YEARS Patrick McMaster (Melbourne) who celebrated their work Simon Aitken (Melbourne) anniversaries this quarter. We 5 YEARS Kristie Dundon (Melbourne) hope to see many more to come. Nicki Kidman (Port Lincoln) Jane Wood (Melbourne) Emma Tyler (Melbourne) Jean-Marc Imbert (Melbourne) Conor Nolan (Canberra) David Rumble (Melbourne) Michael Hawkins (Perth) Robert Miano (Melbourne) Aleesha Bailey (Sydney) Adam Sealey (Sydney) Jason Croall (Melbourne) Riaan Bronkhorst (Perth) Jayesh Kapitan (Melbourne) Bec Murrell (Melbourne) Tim Pittaway (Sydney) Kacie Nairn (Brisbane) Con Paoliello (Perth Kale Adamson (Perth) Dalia Chow (Melbourne) Greg Dudley (Perth) Olivia Katos (Melbourne) 15 YEARS Andrea Baker (Bunbury) Sarah Manners (Moora) Sam Hughes (Perth) Janice Mardling (Albury) Val Icanovski (Perth) Derek Xie (Melbourne)
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Experience RSM
AWARDS
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Significant Client Wins Brisbane
Melbourne
Populous Design Pty Ltd – started as a small engagement to assist with the STP Phase 2 reporting. Progressed to assist with responses to 2x ATO reviews and a 5 year review of the company’s superannuation compliance history (in conjunction with Rick Kimberley) - (Business Advisory).
Swinburne University of Technology (VAGO) $228k (Assurance & Advisory)
Australian Marine Technology Pty Ltd (Business Advisory)
Enlitic (2 years audit and half year review referral from CF) $100k (Assurance & Advisory)
McDonald Family Group (Business Advisory)
Burra Foods - $100k (Assurance & Advisory)
EDMI – GST / customs duty consequences arising from TP adjustments - $67k (Tax Services)
Transms Pty Ltd – $92.5k (Assurance & Advisory)
Kodak – GST / customs duty consequences arising from TP adjustments - $18k (Tax Services) Brooks Automation – GST consequences on transaction costs - $8k (Tax Services) RACQ - various (Tax Services) Fliteboard – GST consequences on transaction costs (Tax Services) Bluestar – GST consequences on transaction costs (Tax Services) RetireAustralia – various (Tax Services) Constellation Software – payroll tax (Tax Services) Store Local – payroll tax (Tax Services) CR Rail (Restructuring and Recovery) PLBY/ Honey Birdette (Tax Services) Cornerstone (Tax Services) CitiPower/PowerCor & United Energy - $160k (Risk Advisory Services) Office of Industrial Relations Queensland - $30k (Risk Advisory Services) Compare the Market - $20k Clean Energy Regulator - $80k (Risk Advisory Services) Toyota $50k (Risk Advisory Services)
Bellamy’s Australia Pty Ltd – $160k (Assurance & Advisory) Bluestar Logistics (referral CF) - $150k (Assurance & Advisory)
Bluestar Global Investments Pty Ltd – $74k (Assurance & Advisory) Tax - GES (Assurance & Advisory) Costa Group – Superannuation analytics - $90k (Assurance & Advisory) Spexis AG (a Swiss listed company setting up in Australia to do clinical trials) - ~ $80K-$100K across R&D, Corporate Tax and Transfer Pricing (Assurance & Advisory) Catalyst Clinical Research, the fee will be circa $20,000 (Tax Services) Enlitic Inc - $120k (Corporate Finance) Family Law work - $70k (Corporate Finance) Space Centre Australia - $50k (Corporate Finance) AGL Energy Limited 3rd and separate forensic investigation $35k (Risk Advisory Services) WDEA Works forensic investigation $50k (Risk Advisory Services) South East Water - $350k per annum Pacific Blue - $170k one off South East Water - $350k per annum (Internal Audit) Pacific Blue - $170k one off (Internal Audit) Dyno Dynamics (Aust) Pty Ltd – CVL - $145k (Restructuring and Recovery)
Sydney Airia Dental - $100K (ERP Consulting)
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Perth
Beijing Internal Energy (Australia) Holding Pty Ltd $95k (Corporate Finance)
Holman Fenwick Willan - $45k (Corporate Finance)
Two Eights Australia Pty Ltd - $85k (Corporate Finance)
Spitfire Family Office - $30k (Tax Services)
HBF Health - $60k (Risk Advisory)
Queenwood School for Girls - $25k (Business Advisory
Blackoak Capital - $27k (Risk Advisory)
Merivale - $18k (Risk Advisory)
Fulcrim Lithium Ltd - $18k (Corporate Finance)
Thorion Energy Ltd - $30k (Assurance & Advisory)
Programmed - $25k (Risk Advisory)
Experience RSM
Lycopodium - $20k (Risk Advisory)
People & Culture
Where you are part of the change At the beginning of September, we launched our new employee value proposition (EVP) nationally. RSM’s Employee Value Proposition RSM Australia supports a people-centric and collaborative culture where we are committed to empowering and developing you. As a leading professional services firm, we connect you to an extensive network of global resources and invest in your future. We value the meaningful work that you do and encourage you to be a part of the change. What is our EVP? Our EVP is our commitment to you; it highlights the experiences, benefits, and value that an individual can expect as part of RSM. This is underpinned by our three values – integrity in everything that we do, supporting clients everywhere, and developing and valuing everyone.
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Fun Stuff Perth Tax Services held a surprise morning tea for Con Paoliello’s 20th work anniversary for RSM on Friday 22 September.
RSM in Albany had a series of great office events and activities this quarter. Jo Gilbert (Partner) ran a seamless succession planning workshop with 100% attendance rate. The office also did a ‘desk drop’ to launch their new EAP program which featured many goodies! Jeans for Genes day was a huge success with Jo and Fiona getting into the spirit with triple denim!
The BA team in Brisbane went rock climbing at Urban Climb for our EOFY event, following by a delicious meal at Smokey Moo
Margaret River and Busselton at their monthly staff catch up in August, all matching in denim for Jeans for Genes day awareness.
Introducing Albury RSM’s brand new Domestic Basketball Team “The Taxmanian Devils”! They have swapped their calculators for basketballs and are ready to balance the court and crunch the numbers on the scoreboard.
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Experience RSM
Fun Stuff MELBOURNE OFFICE EOFY BALL Reliving the magic of an incredible night at the Melbourne office’s EOFY Ball! From dazzling moments on the dance floor to gourmet delights that delighted our taste buds, it was a night to remember.
The Brisbane office hosted our EOFY ball at a rooftop venue in the city. Everyone in attendance reflected on the past year and the incredible growth the office has undergone. Good times were had by all.
RSM offices from WA had our EOFY Dinner Dance held at Crown Perth. The theme was “Magical Gala Night”, and everyone was dressed up to the nines!
RSM in Albury celebrated their EOFY in style with staff and their partners attending a formal dinner at Albury’s Crown Lounge.
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Campaigns & Communications
CRM Update: Embracing the Power of Understanding Hello, RSM Team! As Christmas starts to come at us faster than website leads, it’s time to reflect on our CRM journey and celebrate our achievements. The past few months have been jam-packed with managing contacts, accounts, leads and opportunities and there’s a lot to be excited about. Let’s take a look back on some updates since our last issue, it’s like flipping through a highlight reel of progress, streamlining, and a whole heap of client wins! In August, we launched the Microsoft Dynamics 365 mobile app and reflected that beloved character Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation and the Microsoft Dynamics 365 mobile app share a myriad of striking similarities that demonstrate the fascinating interconnectedness between fiction and reality. And let’s not forget their unyielding loyalty. Data’s committed to serving the Enterprise, and the CRM mobile app. Well, it’s loyal to our business like a dedicated Starfleet officer! Always there, in your pocket, ready to explore new frontiers and conquer business development challenges alongside you! If you’ve yet to, download the app now and embrace the cosmic adventures of Data and Dynamics 365 together – exploring the stars and the business process flow in epic harmony! To access RSM Australia apps and data on your personal mobile phone or tablet, you will need to install Company Portal: RSM Knowledge - Accessing corporate email and data on an iOS device via Company Portal (iPhone or iPad) RSM Knowledge - Accessing corporate data and email on an Android device If you require assistance, please contact the National IT Helpdesk. Luckily, we learned that queues and queue items in CRM make much more sense and use far less petrol! Leads obtained via the website are automatically allocated to what we call a Queue List, and these are specific to your Division and Office. If you were unable to attend the virtual information session or need a refresher, it is highly recommended that you now familiarise yourself with the tutorial available on MyRSM. So, where to next? Our KPIs for 2023 focused on data and CRM process experimentation. In 2024, we’re raising the bar: Sync 10% of new contacts in Introhive to CRM monthly. Close 80% of all opportunities annually. Secure a minimum of 2 new leads each month. Complete ANZSIC codes for all accounts and first/last names for all contacts. Fill secondary ANZSIC codes for 50% of contacts with no account. Assign all new website leads within one business day.
Our CRM journey is one of excitement and growth. We are harnessing the power of understanding, and with ambitious KPIs, we’re poised for a successful quarter ahead. Stay tuned for more CRM updates and keep up the fantastic work, Team RSM!
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Experience RSM
Campaigns & Communications talkBIG Podcast: Adapting your financial strategy during high inflation Inflation has been making waves in the media, driving consecutive interest rate hikes from the Reserve Bank. In this episode of talkBIG, our regular hosts are joined by special guest David Berthon-Jones to discuss the impact of inflation as well as strategies for managing finances and investments in a high-inflation economy. Tune in to the latest episode here.
Coffee Roulette in Perth: Get to know your office! Coffee Roulette is an opt-in activity, where an individual is randomly matched with a colleague from another division for a one-on-one coffee catch-up. It aims to help staff build connections and foster a culture of BD throughout the Perth office. What people have been saying: “The coffee roulette is an amazing idea for employees to get to know each other and learn about what each person’s department offers. This helps in getting to understand the type of services RSM offers and helps with networking skills.” “I think this is a brilliant initiative, it can be hard sometimes to find a reason to catch up with folks in other divisions, so this is a great way to facilitate that process.” “Loved the concept. Haven’t heard a bad word. Would be very keen to do more rounds. Keep it going.”
Modern Manufacturing Expo - Sydney We’re thrilled to share our incredible experience at the Modern Manufacturing Expo 2023, where we had the privilege of attending, speaking and sponsoring as a Gold Sponsor. This event was a hub of innovation, collaboration and knowledge exchange, bringing together leaders from across the manufacturing industry. Our team had the opportunity to share insights, discuss industry trends and connect with passionate professionals who are shaping the future of manufacturing. Explore some of the content we developed for the expo including three articles and two videos: Modern Manufacturing Expo News Article 1 Modern Manufacturing Expo News Article 2 Modern Manufacturing Expo News Article 3 Modern Manufacturing Expo Video 1 Modern Manufacturing Expo Video 2
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Office Updates RSM IN ADELAIDE 50 YEARS CELEBRATIONS RSM in Adelaide celebrated their 50 year anniversary with a client event. The theme was 50 years in SA: Celebrating half a century of fostering connections and businesses in South Australia!
Albury’s Jason Croker, Adam Eady, Cameron Sloan & Ross Dixon manned a booth at the Australian Rice Growers Conference in Griffith on 10 & 11 August. Adam was a guest speaker on the topic of ‘Tax & Succession’ while Ross facilitated a panel discussing ‘Managing Business Risk - Farmgate Accidents to Cyber Threats’.
Albany’s Kaitlin Cybula and Joanne Gilbert have travelled to Pingelly today with some of our Katanning and Narrogin team for the Women in Farming Annual Seminar. The theme for the day is “Finding Your Place”. Highlights for the day have been hearing how women have found their place both on and off farm in agriculture, some great advice on succession planning as well as meeting up with lots of clients and familiar faces from across the Wheatbelt. Well done Dryandra branch of Women in Farming for bringing together 150 women including our 7 RSM women for this sold out event.
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Experience RSM
Office Updates To increase and share knowledge of how to improve and continue to provide our exceptional services to regional areas, we were fortunate enough to have Kate Ashman, Manager in Assurance & Advisory from Ballarat. Kate stayed in Albany to meet our team as well as do some audit work for a local Albany business.
The Margaret River office got a makeover in August. The new signage was put up, and it’s looking lovely.
RSM Melbourne Office hosted Investing Southeast Asia Summit with Dr. Mary Wang. RSM Melbourne Office tax partner Tony Fulton provided tax updates to High-Net-Worth Asian investors in the Australia Investment Summit.
The Brisbane office hosted a morning tea to celebrate our 10-year anniversary. OMP Steve Healey spoke to the staff about the past 10 years and spoke about some exciting changes coming up. Brisbane Tax Team celebrated EOFY competing for the Commissioners Cup at Lawn Bowls. Indirect Tax Partner Sam Mohammad took out the title this year.
The Brisbane office hosted two Roundtable events. Nick Webb invited Aequitas Investment Partners to facilitate in July and Li Cunxin AO hosted our latest event at the Thomas Dixon Centre to celebrate our partnership with Queensland Ballet.
In August 2023, Kaitlin Cybula (Accountant) from the Albany office attended the 2023 Xero Conference held in Sydney. With many applications and integrations on display, Kaitlin discovered some invaluable tools to streamline efficiencies with her clients. From discovering Service M8 app for the Building & Trade industry to Fathom for business insights, budgeting, and diving into cashflow analysis. To top off the conference, Daryl Braithwaite also attended his signature performance ‘Horses’!
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Engagements, Welcomes, Weddings & Awards Congratulations to Suresh Arkala (National IT) and his wife Sahithi Bolla on the safe arrival of their little girl, Aryahi, who was born on Saturday 15 July 2023.
We commend Adam Cormack (Canberra) on getting his liquidator registration. He now joins Frank Lo Pilato and Jonathon Colbran as one of only 10 registered liquidators in the ACT. RSM is only one of seven companies who offer this service in the ACT too. You can read the full article here.
Well done to Amanda Beckhouse (BA) and her husband, Andrew on welcoming their baby boy, Parker into the world on Friday 25 August this year!
Congratulations to Hayden Callander (Wagga Wagga) who received the prestigious Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellowship Award for community service.
Congratulations to Britt James (BA)and Dave Nelson on the long-awaited arrival of Tilly Faye Nelson on 22 July 2023.
Congratulations to Michael Watkins (Tax) and his wife Katelin on the safe arrival of Baby # 2 a little girl, Sienna Joy who was born on Tuesday 26 September at 9:29pm weighing 3730g and 50cm. Arriving slightly earlier than planned….but Mum, Dad, Big Brother, and Bub are all doing well.
Well done to Tori Dahlitz (Port Lincoln) who graduated from university with a Bachelor’s Degree of Commerce (Accounting).
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Experience RSM
Congratulations to Nathan Cox (BA) who married Mae Yvette on 14 September 2023.
BeyondRSM RSM Australia is a proud sponsor of Cinefest Oz Film Festival in Busselton. RSM staff member, Libby Lechte, has been involved again this year as a Red Beret Volunteer and notching up 13 years!
RSM in Albury showed their support for RU OK? Day by wearing yellow and holding a lunch together to discuss how to hold a most important conversation by asking RUOK? Mental health is a health issue that does not discriminate by gender, age, culture or financial position.
The Brisbane office hosted several BeyondRSM events in the last three months. We had Jo Jones, a proud Wiradjuri woman, speak to the office during NAIDOC week, and the team from The Good Box assisted the office in packing boxes for local homeless people. The office also celebrated Wear It Purple Day with a morning tea.
As a firm, we have actively looked for ways to support indigenous businesses. We recognise the significance of engaging with indigenous communities and have planned a series of initiatives, some of which are and/or already underway, including: Awareness sessions for leaders on delivering Acknowledgement of Country Local cultural awareness sessions Commissioning an indigenous artwork to celebrate 100 years of RSM Australia Collaborating with indigenous organisations such as CareerTrackers to create indigenous employment opportunities Exploring the launch of indigenous female mentoring Fundraising for Indigenous Literacy Foundation as our RSM World Day activity You may have seen photos of the indigenous artwork by Michelle Kickett which was unveiled recently and depicts RSM in traditional motifs to reflect the firm’s growth over the last 100 years. The artwork currently sits at the entrance to RSM in Perth but in leveraging the beauty and true meaning of this artwork, we have created a range of digital assets that you can use. Click here to access options for Teams backgrounds, LinkedIn banners and graphics for use in tenders etc.
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EOFY Events Across the Country Another incredible year hosting Sydney’s Annual Christmas Breakfast at Cafe Sydney. Thanks to all our wonderful clients and we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!
A Night to Remember! RSM in Brisbane hosted our end-of-year client event at the stunning Kite Terrace in The Thomas Dixon Centre, offering guests a mesmerising view of the cityscape. Steve Healey, our Managing Partner, took to the stage to reflect on the incredible growth story of our Brisbane office in just 10 short years since its establishment whilst at the same time marking our partnership with the Queensland Ballet, together with Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO. A heartfelt thank you to our exceptional team and clients for contributing to a year of substantial growth in Brisbane. 📈 It was a pleasure to express our gratitude to all who attended, making the evening truly special. Here’s to more success and shared moments in the coming year!
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Experience RSM
BeyondRSM Our Perth office celebrated its 20th Fine Wine event on Thursday, November 16th, with a full house of delighted clients. The event was booked out more than three weeks in advance, demonstrating the high demand and popularity of this recurring occasion. Fine Wine presents a unique opportunity for our senior staff to interact with their clients in a relaxed and festive setting, while celebrating the achievements and milestones of the year. The event featured a selection of exquisite wines, cider and spirits from some of our talented beverage clients. The atmosphere was lively and cordial, with many guests expressing their appreciation and gratitude for the invitation.
RSM Albury staff and their partners came together for a special End of Financial Year event to reflect on team highlights, community support, and personal milestones. The formal dinner at Crown Lounge was also an important occasion to recognise the achievements of Warren Jones as he entered retirement and to also celebrate the announcement of promotions for some of our dedicated team members
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BeyondRSM As the holiday season unfolds, we want to extend our warmest wishes to the entire team at RSM. Your unwavering dedication and contributions have been instrumental in the success we’ve achieved throughout the year. Thank you for your hard work and commitment. May this festive season bring you joy, laughter, and welldeserved moments of relaxation. Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday, surrounded by the warmth of loved ones. Cheers to a prosperous New Year filled with continued success and shared accomplishments!
MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Happy New Year OFFICE CLOSURE DATES
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Experience RSM
Office Closure Dates
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