David O’Brien

Principal

• Fellow, Taxation Institute of Australia
• Registered Tax Agent
• Fellow, Institute of Public Accountants
• Fellow, National Tax and Accountants Association
• Fellow Association of Taxation and Management Accountants

David O’Brien became a Tax Agent in 1992 after deciding that starting his own private practice was where he would like to leave his mark in the accounting profession. He is currently the sole principal of David O’Brien and Associates.

The decision to establish a private practice was an easy decision as he felt that the good measure of an accountant is one that talks to their clients. This business philosophy has allowed him over the years to grow with his clients in their businesses and be there at ‘the coal face’. It has resulted in a successful story so far and one that has allowed him to enjoy both a business and personal relationship with many of the clients. ‘Personalised professional advice‘ has been his measure from the beginning and it has remained as the most important aspect of the business.

As a Fellow Member of many high profile associations, together with constant attendance at seminars and relentless reading on current issues, it allows David to be up to date with the issues effecting individuals and businesses in today’s environment and respond to them in the most tax effective way.

Knowledge in areas of Income Tax, Accounting, GST compliance, Business Management, Negative Gearing Strategies and Taxation Planning, has enabled him to advise clients on a wide range of interrelated issues solely and with substantial expertise in all these areas. As an accountant with almost 25 years’ experience, David is mindful of the changes that are occurring in the profession and can understand the transition from the old rules to the new. This knowledge now assists those who have been in business for many years and helps them understand the complexity of these transitional rules.

David provides tax consulting and business advisory services for a wide range of clients from individuals, professionals and business owners, through to large family business, Australian and foreign companies, including high wealth individuals.

‘Down to earth‘ and ‘straight forward‘ advice are both terms that clients use with regard to the way David advises on the complexity of the law and this is exactly the way he likes it. It allows him to help his clients not only help themselves, but help him advise them on their businesses correctly and to the point. The end result is a very practical and ‘hands on approach‘ to solving their business problems.

The future always lies in understanding the profession, it’s ongoing changes, and advising clients on ‘today’s rules‘. The satisfaction that he receives from good tax planning or simply clients understanding how the tax system affects them, means his responsibility as their accountant is successful.

The strength of good solid planning to prepare for various possible outcomes is what he continually strives for with his clients. Once of our principles is that ‘Those who fail to plan; plan to fail’ and this is an obstacle easily overcome by focusing not just on the here and now but the tomorrow… and the growth of the business suggests so far this is succeeding.