Melbourne accounting firm, Saward Dawson, adds to Russell Bedford Australian network

Saward Dawson, a Melbourne firm of Chartered Accountants, has joined the Russell Bedford International network of independent practices, adding to the group's existing offices in Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Canberra and Darwin.

With origins traceable back to the 1960s, the present firm commenced when Bruce Saward joined forces with a sole practitioner in 1981. The firm took on the name Saward Dawson in 1999.

There are now four partners, all of whom are Chartered Accountants with prior employment with Big-5 or mid-tier firms. Bruce Saward's areas of specialty include forecasting and strategic planning, auditing, business consulting, corporate reconstructions and business information systems. Cliff Dawson came to the firm in 1984 and has extensive experience in audit and business services, taxation, superannuation and retirement planning. Cliff leads the Financial Planning Services team. Peter Shields commenced with the firm in 1999. He has extensive experience in audit and consulting services and is head of the Audit and Corporate Services team. Tim Flowers began with Saward Dawson in 1999. He has a primary focus in the Audit and Corporate Services team but is also involved in the Financial Planning team.

With a team of more than 50 people, the partners are supported by a dedicated and experienced group of managers and accountants.

Saward Dawson offers an extensive range of services including audit, tax consultancy, business advisory and compliance services and financial planning. The firm is a recognised specialist in the not-for-profit sector. It has substantial skills in taxation consulting (especially Capital Gains Tax and GST) and great depth in business services and associated consulting (business structuring, strategic planning, etc.).

Commenting on his firm's decision to join Russell Bedford International, Bruce Saward explained: "We are excited about the opportunities that the Russell Bedford network presents to us, our clients and our staff. The network provides us with global referral partners that we can trust. Business today is increasingly taking place on a global scale and being able to service a client's needs throughout the world is crucial for accountants who want to grow with their clients. Of course, Saward Dawson is also looking forward to providing services in Melbourne to clients of other Russell Bedford firms."

Bruce added, "Through short-term exchanges with other member firms, Russell Bedford International will enable us to offer staff the chance to see more of the world and gain some great life and professional experience. And, at the same time, we will retain our links with them."

Russell Bedford's network in the Asia-Pacific region has been growing quickly. In addition to the Australian locations, it is currently represented in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Guangzhou. The group is now seeking to take on suitably qualified firms in South Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand, with a view to further strengthening the regional network in Australasia.

For further information, contact Bruce Saward on +61 3 9894 2500.  Alternatively, visit the websites at www.youraccountant.com.au and www.russellbedford.com .

END

Note to Editors

Russell Bedford International was established in 1983 by a group of medium-sized independent accounting practices aiming to counter the market dominance of the major multi-national accounting firms.

Russell Bedford is now a closely-connected global network of independent accounting and business consultancy firms in key locations around the world, and is represented by some 200 offices in more than 70 countries in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.

All Russell Bedford affiliates are well-established firms offering international business advice and services to local and multinational clients.  Most provide a full range of services comprising accounting, auditing, tax advice, general business guidance and financial consulting.  In addition, many have special expertise in particular fields, such as international taxation or information technology.