10 Jul Sothertons join ranks of Australia and NZ’s top accounting firms
SOTHERTONS GLADSTONE DIRECTORS, STEVE MARSTEN AND TINA ZAWILA ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE A MERGER THAT WILL THRUST THE NATIONAL SOTHERTONS GROUP TO THE PINNACLE OF TOP ACCOUNTING FIRMS IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.
On 1 July, Sothertons officially merged with UHY Haines Norton to become part of the 320 strong global associations of accounting and business advisory firms. While changing their name to UHY Haines Norton on the surface, Sothertons national chairman, Steve Marsten said the merger not only elevates the group into a mid-tier force, it ultimately gives clients access to global expertise.
“This merger is about uniting our two associations; providing our clients with access to a more robust service line and a highly regarded team of industry experts. On the surface, all that will change will be our name to UHY Haines Norton. Behind the scenes, we’ll be better placed to serve clients with enhanced niches and services. Clients will now have direct access to a wider array of services and more robust specialty teams in a variety of industry specialties”.
The accounting industry is evolving at a blistering pace bringing with it new challenges and new competition for SME clients from the Big Four. The move by Sothertons and UHY Haines Norton strategically positions the association to respond at a local level with global resources. Both are highly respected firms with strong ties to the communities in which they operate.
The effect of the merger on Central Queensland has significant implications. Co-director, Tina Zawila added, “both firms have a long independent history and are service-oriented, client-focused and employee-centric. The combined, stronger association formed because of this merger will better position us to provide accounting, auditing, tax and business consulting services throughout the CQ area and beyond. As one firm, we will still provide local, personalised service, but with the expertise of more than 320 offices behind us”.
Placing UHY Haines Norton in the top 22 Australian and top 16 NZ firms, the pair believes it provides their local business with the strength of a larger association of dedicated industry professionals, which will set them apart from other local firms.
National UHY Haines Norton chairman, Michael Coughtrey welcomed the merger as an opportunity to benefit from the depth of experience and specialisations that the Sothertons firms will add which will ultimately benefit all clients.
Steve Marsten finished by saying, “Relationships are critical in this business; we’re committed to maintaining and reinforcing the community’s trust in us, and our team. You will see the same friendly faces you’ve grown used to seeing”.
The merger becomes effective nationally on July 1 and will make for compelling viewing as the firm beds down its local changes and adjusts to life as one of the major accounting forces in Australia and New Zealand.
