Tony Schiffmann

BDO Australia Chief Executive Partner

As Chief Executive Partner in Australia, Tony leads a team of more than 200 partners across BDO’s three business units of audit, tax and advisory services.

His focus is the continued growth of BDO in Australia as well as driving excellence in client service, by positioning BDO as a trusted adviser of choice.

Tony is also dedicated to ensuring the firm retains its culture and common goal of being an employer of choice. He is active on issues relevant to the profession and public interest – both in Australia and globally – and empowers his fellow leaders to also have a strong voice in the market.

Prior to this appointment, Tony was the Office Managing Partner of BDO’s Brisbane Office for 20 years.

Admitted as a partner in 1987, Tony has more than 30 years’ experience advising a broad range of businesses on their growth agendas.

Leveraging his extensive professional services experience and tenure with the firm, Tony is also a member of BDO’s Global Board and holds a number of board positions with prominent Australian organisations.

Career overview

• BDO Chief Executive Partner: 2020 to current
  As the lead Partner for BDO’s national integration plans, Tony was appointed Chief Executive Partner in August 2020. Working collaboratively with the leadership group in Australia, Tony sets the strategic agenda of the firm, drives the adoption of innovative practices, and positions the firm for future growth.
• BDO Global Board: 2013 to current
  Tony’s appointment to the BDO Global Board highlights his seniority within the international network and the importance of the Australian practice to the future of the BDO brand. He plays a key role in setting strategic priorities for the network in more than 160 countries.
• Partner: 1987 to current
  During his time in practice Tony advised many prominent groups with significant investments in Australia, particularly in the agribusiness sector. He served as resident director on many overseas companies and was a longstanding trusted adviser to many groups, providing non-resident investors with additional levels of assurance around their Australian investments. Many of these relationships continue to this day.
• Managing Partner, BDO in Brisbane: 1999 to 2020
  Tony was appointed Managing Partner of the Brisbane firm in 1999. During his 20 years in the position, he guided the firm on a path of significant growth, including a number of new services lines.
• BDO Australia National Board: 2000 to 2013
  While on BDO’s national board Tony played a key role in significantly improving and strengthening the financial position of the Australian network. The organisation’s current size and revenue illustrates its competitiveness and its position as a recognised challenger brand in the professional services market.
• BDO Australia National Chairman: 2009 to 2013
  As National Chairman, Tony was instrumental in expanding the reach of the BDO network in the Australian market. Under his leadership, the network merged with Horwath in 2002 and with PKF in 2012.
• Asia Pacific Board BDO International: 2007 to 2013
  As a Board Member on the Asia Pacific Board BDO International, Tony influenced BDO’s global strategic practices in the region. He worked closely with the BDO Global leadership team to ensure delivery of seamless service to BDO’s global client base.

External board positions

• Board member, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry: 2019 to current
  With a passion for supporting Australian businesses to remain competitive and achieve long term success, Tony helps guide the Australian Chamber’s advocacy on behalf of its members. The Australian Chamber is the country’s largest and most representative business network, with members comprising state and territory chambers of commerce, national industry associations and a council of business leaders from individual enterprises.
• President, Business Chamber Queensland: 2016 to current
  Business Chamber Queensland’s goal is to take care of the bigger picture for Queensland business, by creating an environment they can thrive in. As President (appointed in 2019), Tony is instrumental in helping drive the organisation’s advocacy for reducing the administrative burden on business and improving their operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Business
• Registered Tax Agent
• Managing Professional Services Firms, Harvard Business School.

Affiliations

• Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors
• Fellow, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.