Resident Director Services Australia: Expert Guidance for International Businesses

David Conley brings over 25 years of experience in tax and business consulting to his role as a director of Sydney accounting and business advisory firm, ECOVIS Clark Jacobs. His career journey, which includes stints at global firms such as Ernst & Young, Deloitte and PwC, has equipped him with a unique perspective on the importance of tailored, client-focused solutions.

One of David’s specialisations is resident director services, addressing the needs of international businesses entering the Australian market. Under Australian law, a proprietary company must have at least one director who is a resident of Australia. When non-resident clients cannot identify a suitable director, David steps in to provide this essential service.

In this role, David is able to help deal with the challenges that companies face when entering the Australian market. “Many companies struggle with local compliance requirements, from ASIC and ATO compliance, through to employment and payroll issues.  An increasingly important issue is also navigating the complexities of Australian tax law around transfer pricing matters, but we have the local expertise to ensure these are dealt with as required” he notes.

The scope of resident director services includes ensuring compliance with the Australian Corporations Act, fulfilling regulatory reporting obligations, and offering strategic support for business growth. As both an accountant and advisor, David takes a holistic approach to client relationships, effectively acting as a ‘guardian’ of their Australian operations.

“Within the accounting function, our firm can also provide bookkeeping and payroll services and connect clients with suitable HR and legal advisers,” David explains. “This is invaluable to parent companies overseas, as they can trust that their Australian subsidiary is managed by a single provider with its best interests at heart.”

A notable trend David observes is the growing emphasis on offshore companies undertaking Research & Development (R&D) in Australia. “The government’s active promotion of R&D particularly through tax incentives presents significant opportunities, across all industries, even in areas of medical research traditionally undertaken overseas.”  Indeed, apart from software development, engineering, agriculture and energy, there has been an increase in undertaking clinical trials in Australia due to our world class laboratories and scientific facilities, and the regulatory framework supporting them.

What does David enjoy most about his role? “It’s rewarding to identify solutions that support business expansion. I also love the variety of working with international clients and exposing our team to global matters. As accountants, we’re deeply invested in our clients’ success, and taking on the role of resident director adds an extra, personal dimension to that commitment.”