Michael Cunningham

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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

Turning biotech research into global opportunity

Insight

Built on world-class research and clinical trials, Australia’s biotech industry is increasingly shifting towards commercialisation, global expansion, and long-term growth.

| 5 min read | 15 Oct 2025

Leveraging sustainability in the life sciences sector

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Explore how life sciences firms can use sustainability to drive growth, resilience, and funding access.

| 6 min read | 05 Jun 2025

Strategies for biotech growth in evolving times

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The biotech industry faces significant challenges, including regulatory pressures, supply chain disruptions, rising costs and shifting investment landscapes.

| 5 min read | 18 Mar 2025

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