Michael Cunningham

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Audit
Tax
Risk
Forensics
Deals
Finance and funding
Insolvency
Restructuring and turnaround
Business services
Consulting
Market services
Indigenous advisory
Asia

Audit

Grant Thornton’s expert audit approach will help you comply with regulations, and improve business strategies and internal processes.

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Compliance audits & reviews
Our audit team undertakes the complete range of audits required of Australian accounting laws to help you to help you meet obligations or fulfil best practice procedures.
Audit quality
We are fiercely dedicated to quality, use proven and globally tested audit methodologies, and invest in technology and innovation.
Financial reporting advisory
Our financial reporting advisory team helps you understand changes in accounting standards, develop strategies and communicate with your stakeholders.
Audit advisory
Grant Thornton’s audit advisory team works alongside our clients, providing a full range of reviews and audits required of your business.

Related insights:

Client Alert APRA set credit risk provisioning expectations for ADIs

Today, APRA shared a letter outlining their expectations regarding credit risk provisioning for ADIs. Its focus includes robust model risk management, ongoing sensitivity analysis to navigate economic fluctuations, and the development of systematic procedures for identifying and addressing sector-specific risks – particularly in the context of AASB 9 Financial Instruments.

| 2 min read | 19 Oct 2023

Tax

We work with clients at all stages of their business lifecycle – and through all their organisation’s major events – to navigate tax obligations.

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Corporate tax & advisory
We provide comprehensive corporate tax and advisory service across the full spectrum of the corporate tax process.
Private business tax & advisory
We work with private businesses and their leaders on all their business tax and advisory needs.
Tax compliance
We work alongside clients to manage all tax compliance needs and identify potential compliance or tax risk issues.
Employment tax
We help clients understand and address their employment tax obligations to ensure compliance and optimal tax positioning for their business and employees.
International tax
We understand what it means to manage tax issues across multiple jurisdictions, and create effective strategies to address complex challenges.
GST, stamp duty & indirect tax
Our deep technical knowledge and practical experience means we can help you manage and minimise the impact of GST and indirect tax, like stamp duty.
Tax law
Our team – which includes tax lawyers – helps you understand and implement regulatory requirements for your business.
Innovation incentives
Our national team has extensive experience navigating all aspects of the government grants and research and development tax incentives.
Transfer pricing
Transfer pricing is one of the most challenging tax issues. We help clients with all their transfer pricing requirements.
Data transformation and analytics
We analyse high-volume and unstructured data from multiple sources from our clients to give them actionable insights for complex business problems.
Corporate simplification
We provide corporate simplification and managed wind-down advice to help streamline and further improve your business.
Superannuation and SMSF
Increasingly, Australians are seeing the benefits, advantages and flexibility of taking control of their own superannuation and retirement planning.

Related insights:

Insight Implications of the US tax credit proposal on Australia’s electric vehicle industry

The US has introduced a proposal into the US electric vehicle market – one which will likely have global ramifications. With Australia's rich mineral resources, this change creates an opportunity to invest in domestic processing, create jobs, and position Australia as a global leader in critical minerals.

| 3 min read | 17 Nov 2023

Risk

We work with clients to implement risk management processes and strategies to reduce risk and identify opportunity to extract commercial value.

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Payroll consulting & Award compliance
Many organisations are grappling with a myriad of employee agreements and obligations, resulting in a wide variety of payments to their people.
Cyber resilience
The spectrum of cyber risks and threats is now so significant that simply addressing cybersecurity on its own isn’t enough.
Internal audit
We provide independent oversight and review of your organisation's control environments to manage key risks, inform good decision-making and improve performance.
Financial crime
Our team helps clients navigate and meet their obligations to mitigate crime as well as develop and implement their risk management strategies.
Consumer Data Right
Consumer Data Right (CDR) aims to provide Australians with more control over how their data is used and disclosed.
Risk management
We enable our clients to achieve their strategic objectives, fulfil their purpose and live their values supported by effective and appropriate risk management.
Controls assurance
In Australia, as with other developed economies, regulatory and market expectations regarding corporate transparency continue to increase.
Governance
Through fit for purpose governance we enable our clients to make the appropriate decisions on a timely basis.
Regulatory compliance
We enable our clients to navigate and meet their regulatory and compliance obligations.

Related insights:

Insight Accounts payable and payroll employee fraud: identification, detection and prevention

Accounts payable and payroll fraud conducted by employees is an issue that can have a negative impact on businesses. Detecting and investigating these types of fraud requires a systematic approach to identify irregularities, gather evidence, and take appropriate action against the perpetrators.

| 6 min read | 16 Nov 2023

Forensics

Our forensics team identifies and obtains relevant information, investigates the financial issue at hand and provides a clear, concise, sustainable opinion as...

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Forensic accounting and dispute advisory
Our team advises at all stages of a litigation dispute, taking an independent view while gathering and reviewing evidence and contributing to expert reports.
Investigations
Our licensed forensic investigators with domestic and international experience deliver high quality results in the jurisdictions in which you operate.
Digital forensics
Our digital forensic experts identify, preserve and analyse data in the context of reputation and regulatory enforcement issues for investigations, legal or administrative proceedings.
eDiscovery
In a data-driven economy, data enables commercial and economic growth, innovation, and social benefit.
Asset tracing investigations
Our team of specialist forensic accountants and investigators have extensive experience in tracing assets and the flow of funds.

Related insights:

Insight Greenwashing litigation risks – a forensic accounting perspective

The release of global sustainability reporting standards, elevated activity from regulators, and the ever-increasing pressure from stakeholders on the ESG agenda have all contributed to a general raising of expectations on the progress of Sustainability Reporting.

Hugo Loneragan

| 6 min read | 21 Nov 2023

Deals

Our team works with clients on all aspects of their deals and transactions to get the deal done and implement the frameworks for long-term success.

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Mergers and acquisitions
Our mergers and acquisitions consultants guide you through the whole process to get the deal done and lay the groundwork for long-term success.
Acquisition search & strategy
We help clients identify, grade, screen, perform due diligence and execute acquisitions to maximise the growth opportunities of your business.
Divestments
Our divestment team works with clients across the entire divestment process to ensure achievement of strategic ambitions and optimal outcomes for stakeholders.
Operational deal services
Our operational deal services team helps to ensure the greatest possible outcome and value is gained through post merger integration or post acquisition integration.
Transaction advisory
Our transaction advisory services support our clients to make informed investment decisions through robust financial due diligence.
Business valuations
We use our expertise and unique and in-depth methodology to undertake business valuations to help clients meet strategic goals.
Tax in mergers & acquisition
We provide expert advice for all M&A taxation aspects to ensure you meet all obligations and are optimally positioned.

Related insights:

M&A Transactions in Australia Dealtracker 2023

M&A deal volumes and IPOs are down during economic uncertainty – but that hasn’t stopped Australia being an attractive investment opportunity.

Jannaya James

| 1 min read | 11 Oct 2023

Finance and funding

Our finance and funding team works to access sources of finance, present your case to potential funders and negotiate a long-term sustainable relationship.

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Corporate finance
We provide effective and strategic corporate finance services across all stages of investments and transactions so clients can better manage costs and maximise returns.
Debt advisory
We work closely with clients and lenders to provide holistic debt advisory services so you can raise or manage existing debt to meet your strategic goals.
Working capital optimisation
Our proven methodology identifies opportunities to improve your processes and optimise working capital, and we work with to implement changes and monitor their effectiveness.
Capital markets
Our team has significant experience in capital markets and helps across every phase of the IPO process.
Capital raising
Backed by our experience accessing full range of available funding types, we work with clients to develop and implement capital raising strategies.
Private equity
We provide advice and support across the entire lifecycle of what private equity firms experience to address key issues and fulfil strategic goals.
Financial modelling
Our financial modelling advisory team provides strategic, economic, financial and valuation advice for project types and sizes.
Payments advisory
We provide merchants-focused payments advice on all aspects of payment processes and technologies.

Related insights:

Report A capital model for the aged care sector

The Aged Care Taskforce (ACTF) is evaluating aged care funding mechanisms. In response to this review, Grant Thornton, in collaboration with banks, Private Equity firms and a small group of providers, prepared this report for the ACTF to describe the aged care sector in terms of its capital needs and suggests ways to make it an attractive investment sector compared to other industries.

| 4 min read | 26 Oct 2023

Insolvency

Our insolvency teams takes a proactive approach so our clients have access to more business turnaround options and retain the most value for all stakeholders.

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Voluntary administration & DOCA
We help businesses considering or in voluntary administration to achieve best possible outcomes.
Corporate insolvency & liquidation
We help clients facing corporate insolvency to undertake the liquidation process to achieve a fair and orderly company wind up.
Complex and international insolvency
As corporate finance specialists, Grant Thornton can help you with raising equity, listings, corporate structuring and compliance.
Safe Harbour advisory
Our Safe Harbour Advisory helps directors address requirements for Safe Harbour protection and business turnaround.
Bankruptcy and personal insolvency
We help clients make informed choices around bankruptcy and personal insolvency to ensure the best personal and stakeholder outcome.
Creditor advisory services
Our credit advisory services team works provides clients with credit management assistance and credit advice to recapture otherwise lost value.
Small business restructuring process
We provide expert advice and guidance for businesses that may need to enter or are currently in small business restructuring process.
Asset tracing investigations
Our team of specialist forensic accountants and investigators have extensive experience in tracing assets and the flow of funds.

Related insights:

Podcast The 2023 outlook: Insolvencies and distressed M&A

We’ve made it to the other side of COVID-19, but what does this mean for businesses feeling significant headwind on the horizon post-pandemic?

| 18 min read | 30 Mar 2023

Restructuring and turnaround

We help clients identify and undertake restructuring and turnaround initiatives to preserve profitability and protect and recover value.

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Independent business reviews
Does your company need a health check? Grant Thornton’s expert team can help you get to the heart of your issues to drive sustainable growth.
Commercial performance
We help clients improve commercial performance, profitability and address challenges after internal or external triggers require a major business model shift.
Safe Harbour advisory
Our Safe Harbour advisory helps directors address requirements for Safe Harbour protection and business turnaround.
Corporate simplification
We provide corporate simplification and managed wind-down advice to help streamline and further improve your business.
Director advisory services
We provide strategic director advisory services in times of business distress to help directors navigate issues and protect their company and themselves from liability.
Debt advisory
We work closely with clients and lenders to provide holistic debt advisory services so you can raise or manage existing debt to meet your strategic goals.

Related insights:

Insight A treasure hunt: the process of tracing assets

Asset tracing is a process whereby forensic accountants and investigators ‘follow the money’ by locating assets of value to an individual or company that have been misappropriated. Asset tracing is usually undertaken for the purposes of recovery, often as part of formal insolvency processes or in support of ongoing litigation or fraud investigations. It involves a complex analysis to identify assets and the flow of funds, requiring a combined skillset of forensic accounting, investigation and technology. Engaging forensic accountants specialising in asset tracing can make a substantial difference in what misappropriated assets are recovered and exactly how much.

Kelly Rigby

| 2 min read | 04 Oct 2022

Business services

We work with private businesses across Australia – and internationals looking to Australia for their investments and operations – on all accounting and...

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Business planning & strategy
Our clients can access business planning and strategy advice through our value add business strategy sessions.
Private business company secretarial services
We provide company secretarial services and expert advice for private businesses on all company secretarial matters.
Outsourced accounting services
We act as a third-party partner to international businesses looking to invest in Australia on your day-to-day finance and accounting needs.
Superannuation and SMSF
We provide SMSF advisory services across all aspects of superannuation and associated tax laws to help you protect and grow your wealth.
Management reporting
We help you build comprehensive management reporting so that you have key insights as your business grows and changes.
Financial reporting
We help with all financial reporting needs, including set up, scaling up, spotting issues and improving efficiency.
Forecasting & budgeting
We help you build and maintain a business forecasting and budgeting model for ongoing insights about your business.
ATO audit support
Our team of experts provide ATO audit support across the whole process to ensure ATO requirements are met.
Family business consulting
Our family business consulting team works with family businesses on running their businesses for continued future success.
Private business taxation and structuring
We help private business leaders efficiently structure their organisation for optimal operation and tax compliance.
Outsourced CFO services
Our outsourced CFO services provide a full suite of CFO, tax and finance services and advice to help clients manage risk, optimise operations and grow.

Consulting

Our consulting team supports its clients with hands-on and proactive advice on all aspects of their strategies for sustainable growth.

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Management consulting
Our management consulting services team helps you to plan and implement the right strategy to deliver sustainable growth.
Financial consulting
We provide financial consulting services to keep your business running so you focus on your clients and reaching strategic goals.

Related insights:

Report A capital model for the aged care sector

| 4 min read | 26 Oct 2023

Indigenous advisory

We take a full view of Indigenous-specific requirements and optimisation opportunities available to businesses.

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Asia

The growth gateway

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China practice
The investment opportunities between Australia and China are well established yet, in recent years, have also diversified.
Japan practice
The trading partnership between Japan and Australia is long-standing and increasingly important to both countries’ economies.
India practice
It’s an exciting time for Indian and Australian businesses looking to each jurisdiction as part of their growth ambitions.
Singapore practice
Our Singapore Practice works alongside Singaporean companies to achieve growth through investment and market expansion into Australia.

Related insights:

Client Alert New privacy laws - tougher penalties and more enforcement

The Australian Federal Government has passed major changes to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) in the form of the Privacy Legislation Amendment (Enforcement and Other Measures) Bill 2022. These changes signal a call to action for organisations to review their privacy, security, and information handling practices.

| 3 min read | 08 Dec 2022

Agribusiness, Food & Beverage

Supporting the growth of ‘Australian Made’ in today’s markets

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Related insights:

Client alert GST and food: The Federal Court have challenged the concept of a prepared meal
The Federal Court has recently ruled in Simplot Australia Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation [2023] FCA 1115 that certain frozen food products are not GST-free on the basis they are prepared meals, which is a decision that may have huge ramifications for the industry.

| 7 min read | 09 Oct 2023
Client Alert Grants in focus: Queensland
The Queensland Government offers a range of grant funding opportunities for investment-ready projects based in the state.

Simone Barker
| 8 min read | 14 Sep 2023
Dealtracker Agribusiness, Food & Beverage Dealtracker 2023
Over the past 18 months, we have seen a consistent level of deal activity despite significant headwinds which have impacted the Agribusiness, Food & Beverage (Ag, F&B) sector and the broader economy. Through our analysis of 1,466 global transactions for the Ag, F&B sector in the 18-month period to December 2022, transaction multiples have remained strong – a pleasing result for businesses undertaking divestment activity.

| 3 min read | 04 May 2023
Insight Government plans to grow the agribusiness, food and beverage sector in 2023
Australia’s agribusiness, food and beverage industry has faced major challenges in the past few years, including supply chain issues and staff shortages caused by COVID-19 and the disruption to migration. While the industry has been resilient, these issues continue to remain – but there’s a glimmer of hope through the investment and initiatives by both Federal and State Governments. So how can you leverage incentives and create operational efficiencies to set your business up most effectively in 2023?

Mauri Mucciacciaro
| 4 min read | 12 Jan 2023

Energy & Resources

From an active natural resources M&A market, a growing energy and renewable energy market, to new technologies and export and trade agreements – we have the...

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Renewable Energy
Transformation through energy transition

Related insights:

Insight Implications of the US tax credit proposal on Australia’s electric vehicle industry

| 3 min read | 17 Nov 2023

Financial Services

Working with the sector to understand and manage risk, embrace opportunity and support regulatory compliance

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Health & Aged Care

Working alongside health, disability & aged care providers in a challenging environment

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Life Sciences

On track for innovation and growth

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Manufacturing

Supporting the growth of the innovators, the IP generators and the job creators

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Not for Profit

Supporting social impact organisations to deliver for communities

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Professional Services

Setting Australia’s knowledge powerhouse up for success

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Real Estate & Construction

Supporting the sector to respond to economic and social shifts

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Retail & Consumer Products

Our aim is to help you find a better, simpler, more efficient, and more profitable way of doing things to keep your business safe and help you grow.

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Technology, Media & Telecommunications

Exciting, fast paced, innovative and disruptive

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Business Planning and Strategy
Having an honest, broad-reaching and thought-provoking discussion with a skilled, independent advisor can be the catalyst for clarity – a direction to take your business forward and an understanding of what is key to success.

Related insights:

Insight Year-end considerations for growing Fintechs

With growing business appetite for innovative financial technology and on-demand finance in recent years, Fintechs have been embraced by businesses and consumers alike. Fintechs now have the opportunity to drive change, expand into other industries – and sometimes even scale up and expand into new markets. As we near business planning season and end of financial year, have you considered how R&D Incentives, tax considerations and a governance structure can support your sustainable growth?

| 6 min read | 07 Jun 2023

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We do things differently. Our people have the freedom to drive change and shape their own destinies. We share ideas as well as the responsibility for making...

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Alumni

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My ambition is helping businesses and their people cut through complexities, face their challenges and look beyond compliance. In particular those in the sector I’m most passionate about – Life Sciences. I strive to ensure my clients mitigate risks and are set up in the most efficient way as their business evolves and grows.

Partner - Audit & Assurance
National Head of Life Sciences

Michael is a registered company auditor with over 20 years’ experience providing statutory audit, due diligence and advisory services to his clients. He leads Grant Thornton Australia’s Life Sciences industry group, supporting internal and external advocacy for the sector, sharing insights and facilitating events.

He works closely with clients to run smooth and efficient audits, ensuring they stay on top of reporting requirements and keep abreast of business risks. He provides recommendations around areas of improvement to support his clients’ ambitions and strategic objectives.

Working closely with listed public companies in Australia and the US, as well as foreign subsidiaries across multiple industries, he gained a valuable experience to ensure businesses manage internal controls effectively. Michael also works on numerous international audit engagements, managing group audits and stakeholders both as the lead partner and as the reporting partner to the lead auditor.

Experience

• Supporting the strategic ambitions of Life Sciences, Technology, import and distribution organisations across all stages of the development life cycle.

• Assisting clients in the preparation for external audits, including examining documentation to adhere to the changing regulatory environment, developing and improving internal assurance frameworks, reviewing financial and operational performance, as well as sharing recommendations to optimise financial reporting processes.

• Helping organisations going through an IPO process to manage reporting changes, identify areas of improvement, understand systems and processes, and areas of disclosures.

• Working with clients listed on the ASX and NASDAQ, including the provision of Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) audits.

• Ensuring internal control audits are managed, including undertaking Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) and adhering to Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Audit Requirements.

• Technical advice to help organisations manage complex accounting issues.

Qualifications

Bachelor in Business (Accounting) & Computing, Monash University
Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
Registered Company Auditor
Member of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CA ANZ)
Member of the Victorian Ausbiotech Committee
Member of the Lort Smith Animal Hospital Audit & Investment Committee

Latest Articles

Insight Biotechnology businesses seek stability and certainty in funding now more than ever

Biotechnology organisations often grapple with three key trends – where the next round of funding will come from, how to attract specialised talent to support vital innovation, and how to tackle manufacturing and scale up. They seek stability and certainty in funding to ensure projects are supported and reach their full potential. How can the upcoming Federal Budget announcement better support this sector?

| 5 min read | 12 Apr 2023

BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY POSITION SURVEY Innovation at the center of Australia’s biotechnology industry

Australia’s Biotechnology Sector Snapshot 2022, conducted by Ausbiotech and supported by Grant Thornton, has revealed an impressive 43% growth rate in the sector in the past two years.

Michael Cunningham

| 3 min read | 14 Jun 2022

Insight Could this be the Era of Science-informed Policy?

New COVID-19 variants remain a risk for all world economies and this uncertainty has the potential to impact business confidence and investment decision-making. This will be weighing on the Australian Government as it fine-tunes the 2022-23 Federal Budget.

Michael Cunningham

| 3 min read | 22 Mar 2022

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Partner & National Head of Life Sciences

Michael Cunningham

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Michael Cunningham

Partner - Audit & AssuranceNational Head of Life Sciences

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Partner - Audit & Assurance
National Head of Life Sciences