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PKF appoints 2 Newcastle audit partners

Appointments

Auditors Kevin Helmers and David Hutchison have been promoted after working at the mid-tier firm for over a decade.

By Christine Chen 11 minute read

PKF Sydney and Newcastle have handed two experienced Newcastle auditors promotions to partners.

The appointment of Kevin Helmers and David Hutchison comes two years after the pair were promoted to principal, also at the same time. Both have been with the firm for over a decade.

Senior audit partner Clayton Hickey welcomed their appointments and said the fact they were promotions rather than external hires reflected PKF’s commitment to encouraging leadership within the firm.

“Kevin and David have been instrumental in driving our firm's success and upholding our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our clients,” he said.

“Their promotion to partner is a testament to their hard work, expertise, and dedication. Having both promotions come from our Newcastle office reflects our commitment to the region and the growth of our assurance business in this market.”

“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to both of them and look forward to seeing them flourish in their new roles.”

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Helmers had been with the mid-tier firm for over a decade after a career in the construction and manufacturing industry, which he now used to inform his work with PKF’s manufacturing clients, the firm said.

The firm said he had “consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and expertise” in the audit and assurance landscape and highlighted his dedication to clients and innovative approach to problem-solving as “invaluable assets”.

Hutchison had also been with the firm since 2008, joining as a graduate from the University of Southern Queensland. The firm said he played a key role in its data analytics strategy team to improve audit delivery for clients.

His extensive experience and auditing skills have also earned him respect among colleagues and clients, the firm said.

PKF Newcastle and Sydney brought in over $54.1 million last financial year, with $17.7 million in fees coming from its audit and assurance division, according to its transparency report.

The division acquired two boutiques in 2023, with Rose and Partners in Scone and Buckley Richardson in Nelson Bay rebranding to PKF Upper Hunter and PKF Port Stephens respectively. 

Nationally, PKF is a top 10 accounting firm and has over 120 partners and 800 staff across 15 offices.

Following a regional Asia Pacific meeting in Queensland last year, the network announced a global rebrand with a rainbow logo to reflect its diversity and values. It also updated its brand identity, committing to “driving change, acting with togetherness and staying human”.

“The sections within the icon overlap, as do our ambitions and aspirations. We are as diverse as our colour palette suggests and we have respected our members’ inherent love of vibrant colours. Our typography reflects our softer side and pays tribute to those small, human interactions that make the big things possible,” the firm said.

Christine Chen

Christine Chen

AUTHOR

Christine Chen is a journalist at Accountants Daily and Accounting Times, the leading sources of news, insight, and educational content for professionals in the accounting sector.

Previously, Christine has written for City Hub, the South Sydney Herald and Honi Soit. She has also produced online content for LegalVision and completed internships at EY and Deloitte.

Christine has a commerce degree from the University of Western Australia and a juris doctor degree from the University of Sydney. 

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