Often better known for its work with companies in liquidation, Jirsch Sutherland has been integral in creating some of the region’s most successful businesses.
Celebrating 20 years in the Hunter this year, forensic accounting and insolvency firm Jirsch Sutherland is a trusted adviser that helps create sustainable business models. The organisation is also based in Sydney, Gosford, and Victoria and has a team of more than 80 specialists.
In Newcastle its three Newcastle partners, Stewart Free, Bradd Morelli and Lloyd Kerr lead a team that are engaged in up to 200 projects annually.
Lloyd Kerr, who joined Jirsch Sutherland in 1990, said that he established the Newcastle Office at a time when the Hunter was about to face some major changes to its business landscape with BHP still a significant economic driver.
“Jirsch Sutherland sought to employ local people who could work in the region to assist a business community that was looking for ways to reinvent itself and create innovative and long-term business models,” Lloyd said.
“Since that time we have developed strong working relationships with the accounting and business sector to help Hunter business stay relevant and viable.”
In part much of the firm’s success can also be attributed to the commitment of the team to its local community. Each of the partners and staff in Newcastle provide their skills and expertise voluntarily to a range of personal and professional interest groups.
Lloyd is a small business specialist and has worked in New Zealand and Australia. He is a member of The Insolvency Practitioners Association of Australia, The Australian Institute of Credit Management and The Institute of Chartered Accountants New Zealand. He also supports rugby in the Hunter through the Hawthorne Club and Referees Association.
Stewart Free, joined the firm in 2011 and sits on the board of Hunter Youth 2020, a not-for-profit organisation providing support to youths in crisis. He has been instrumental in providing thousands of dollars of school and surfing equipment to communities in Vanuatu. As a result of Stewart’s involvement with Vanuatu, five Ni-Vanuatu students competed in Surfest in 2013 for the first time.
Bradd Morelli volunteers his time as the Hunter Chair of Certified Practicing Accountants (CPA). CPA, in conjunction with Chartered Accountants Australia (CA), assists in organising the annual Bean Counters Ball to raise money for education scholarships.
