Insights

Corporate Advisor Autumn Edition 2026

Audit & Assurance

8 March 2026

Corporate Advisor Autumn Edition 2026

Crucial topics for 31 December reporting and beyond

In this issue of Corporate Advisor, we explain 13, financial and sustainability reporting, corporate governance regulatory topics of crucial importance to CFOs and directors.

31 December reporting season is here, and there is much for all to absorb and act upon. ASIC’s focus areas are like 30 June – revenue, impairment and asset values, provisions, events occurring after year-end and before completing financial reports, disclosures in the reports and operating and financial reviews.

We need to take a fresh look at what ASIC is telling us. What gives them a different complexion is the current uncertain markets and economic conditions including the effect of Trump tariffs. The Hall Chadwick team trust that the appendix ASIC ‘enduring’ focus areas for financial reporting will help preparers, audit committees, and directors.

ASIC has released its 2026 enforcement priorities, insights into whistleblowing and guidance on managing conflicts of interest. Governance and report preparers need to be alert to these developments. Sustainability and climate change, its subset here in Australia, are a mountain to climb. Financial reporting and climate changes are interrelated, and then there is the first-time preparation of sustainability reports for Group 1 entities. There is a helpful resource from CA ANZ in its Sustainability Playbook.

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia has launched a Scams and Fraud Toolkit and companion Scams Policy Template. A handy resource that can be applied broadly. From 1 July, employers will be required to deposit employees’ super into accounts within seven business days of payday. It is a cash flow and compliance challenge.

So, what to do? Understand and act on the relevant developments. Update corporate risk registers. The Hall Chadwick team looks forward to collaborating with you on the challenges ahead.

 

Meet the team behind this

Traditionally our industry has relied on a close-knit team of specialists. Here are a few of the people involved.

Drew Townsend

Global Managing Partner

Global Managing Partner

Employed as a university graduate in 1987, Drew’s dedication, innovation and consistent ability to exceed client expectations saw his career fast-tracked. Drew was promoted to Partner, Audit and Assurance Services, on the 1st of January 1994.

Drew believes Hall Chadwick not only provides a quality statutory mandated service, but also legitimately supports and assists clients with their business needs. He believes the quality of persons working at Hall Chadwick is key to firm’s success whilst his careful planning, extensive network and hard working attitude has been fundamental in Drew’s personal success.

In providing these services, Drew’s goal is always to ensure the delivery of relevant and realistic information in an efficient manner. Drew’s considerable experience is an asset of Hall Chadwick. He has a team of people with enthusiasm, adaptability and energy to assist the provision of these services. He is responsible for the audit of a number of large public companies, significant private entities, and a range of schools and not for profit entities.

Drew has extensive knowledge in valuing businesses and shares, preparing prospectuses, independent accountants reports and in undertaking detailed due diligence for acquisition and vendors. In undertaking these roles he has developed extensive knowledge of the rules and regulations of ASIC and the ASX. Hall Chadwick is confident that we will validate any client’s decision to proceed with us based on Drew’s dynamic and well regarded service and past achievements of successfully attaining goals. In his spare time, Drew enjoys surfing, playing golf and watching sport (specifically NRL).

Professional Qualifications

Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance)

Registered Auditor

Member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Accountants

Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors

Tax agent

Member of the Institute of Internal Auditors

Industry & Service Specialisations

Audits

Preparation of Prospectuses

Preparation of Experts Reports

Preparation of Independent Accountants Report

Due Diligence for Takeovers and Acquisition

Mergers & Acquisitions

Stewart Thompson

Partner

Stewart has over 30 years chartered accounting experience and has been a partner in public practice since 2001. He has spent his career within both Big 4 and mid-tier firms providing audit and advisory services focusing on the middle market. He joined Hall Chadwick in 2022.

As a partner in Audit & Assurance, Stewart provides audit and assurance services to a range of clients encompassing some of Australia’s leading privately owned and foreign multinational companies, and not for profit entities.

Stewart assists companies ranging from stand-alone entities to complex groups with turnovers in excess of $500 million per- annum. He provides his clients with the necessary support to face the challenges that growth in complex regulatory environments presents. Stewart has experience in a broad range of business industry sectors, including; Manufacturing, Import and Distribution, Transport and Logistics, Property, Not for Profit and Public Sector.

Stewart’s service style is defined by the way he applies a combination of technical knowledge and lateral thinking to look at the big picture from his clients’ perspective. He applies a practical and hands on approach and is motivated by watching his clients achieve their goals.

Professional Qualifications

Bachelor of Business (Accounting)

Member, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ)

Registered Company Auditor

Industry & Service Specialisations

Statutory Audits

Agreed Upon Procedures

AFSL Audits

Due Diligence

Not for profit and charity audit

Vinay Sheoran

Partner

Vinay Sheoran

Partner

Vinay Sheoran is an Audit Partner at Hall Chadwick, bringing over 15 years of international experience from Ernst & Young (EY) across the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. Vinay specialises in financial statement audits, with a strong focus on the hospitality, property, and consumer products industries.

Known for his commercial mindset, strong technical focus, and pragmatic approach, Vinay excels in engaging with management teams, Audit Committees, and Boards. His leadership has contributed to business growth and enhanced audit quality across a range of sectors.

“I’m passionate about delivering more than just an audit — I aim to be a valued partner in helping clients navigate change, growth, and complexity.”
— Vinay Sheoran

Professional Qualifications

Master of Professional Accounting — Griffith University

Bachelor of Business Studies (Accounting Major)

Registered Company Auditor

Graduate Diploma in Chartered Accounting — Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia

Industry & Service Specialisations

Extensive audit experience in hospitality, property, and consumer products sectors

Expertise in managing large-scale, complex audit engagements

Proficient in advising on best practices for both traditional companies and emerging/start-up businesses

Deep understanding of complex industry-specific accounting and reporting issues

Hands-on approach to audit oversight, issue resolution, and deadline management