Summary
In today’s fast-moving business environment, the role of a CPA extends far beyond compliance and statutory reporting. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), CPAs are uniquely positioned to drive strategic decision-making, unlock growth opportunities, and build financial resilience.
Join the SME Committee for an insightful half day forum to explore how CPAs can add real value to SMEs - not just as advisors, but as trusted strategic partners.
You'll hear from industry leaders, participate in interactive breakout sessions, and an engaging panel discussion to close off the forum.
Learning outcomes:
- Describe the key ways CPAs can add strategic value to SMEs
- Explain insights from industry leaders on effective SME partnership
- Discuss practical approaches for CPAs to support SME growth through collaboration
Schedule:
7:50 AM: Registration and light breakfast
8:20 AM: Forum open
8:30 AM: Opening Keynote: SMEs in the Current Economy
9:30 AM: Break
9:40 AM: Breakout sessions
10:40 AM: Morning Tea
11:10 AM: Panel Discussion - Beyond the Balance Sheet: The Evolving Role of the CPA in SMEs
11:55 AM: Forum close
For the full forum program, please click the Program/Dates tab at the top of the page
Speakers
Take a look at our speakers scheduled for this event.
Warren Hogen
Chief Economic Advisor, Judo Bank
Warren has served as Judo Bank’s Economic Advisor since 2021, focusing on the Australian economy, macroeconomic policy, and global markets. Widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading economic analysts, he is a prominent media commentator and was named the Australian Financial Review’s Top Economic Forecaster for 2023. Through his consultancy, EQ Economics, he advises money managers, business leaders, and policymakers.
He began his career in banking and financial markets, holding economist and strategist roles at NSW Treasury Corporation, Westpac, Credit Suisse, and ANZ, where he was Chief Economist from 2009 to 2016. In 2016, he became a Principal Advisor to the Australian Treasury. Warren later served as an Industry Professor at UTS Business School and received an honorary doctorate in 2022 for his contributions to economics.
He regularly writes and appears in the media, valuing clear communication, critical thinking, and evidence-based economic forecasting.
Wayne Merry CPA
Joint Managing Director, Accelerandos Group
Wayne Merry CPA is a finance and technology leader working across AI, health technology and venture execution.
As Joint Managing Director of Accelerandos Group, he co-leads development of a multi-tenant agentic AI voice platform, spanning architecture, LLM integration, cloud infrastructure and automated deployment.
As Advisory Board Member and Fractional CFO at Goto.Health, he supports strategy, fundraising, cap tables, ESOPs, due diligence and financial modelling, contributing to preseed-round discussions at an investor invested $7 million valuation.
Wayne combines CPA discipline with hands-on software, AI and systems expertise.
Dana Dolan
Leadership Execution, Accountability & Performance Coach, EOS Worldwide
Dana supports and challenges businesses to be their best. They get stronger, healthier and more resilient as they break through roadblocks on the way to realising a clear vision. The leaders that Dana serves end up living their life by design, creating the business they always wanted.
Warren Otter
Founder, Otter & Associates
Warren Otter is the founder of Otter & Associates, a boutique Mergers & Acquisitions and Growth Advisory firm specialising in helping private business owners in the SME sector ($6–$50m revenue) achieve growth and successful exits. With over 26 years’ experience as a business owner, Warren profitably grew his own manufacturing business from $4.5m to $25m in the mid-2000s, and now applies these proven strategies to other mid-sized firms.
Warren holds a Business Degree in Accounting, is an FCPA, and has an MBA, combining deep financial expertise with practical business acumen. His focus is on building wealth, freeing up time, and creating lasting legacies for business owners.
Nick Clare
GM, Commercial Development, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Nick Clare is General Manager, Commercial Development at the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), leading commercial growth, partnerships and enterprise insights. Since 2021, he has designed member-focused programs that help SMEs build capability and confidence, with a strong focus on digital adoption, workforce skills and business resilience. Nick partners with industry and government to translate business sentiment and data into practical support for employers, including initiatives spanning AI enablement, cyber security, training and workplace relations. He brings experience across global FMCG, digital platforms and elite sport.
Peter Knell
Managing Director, PK Growth Solutions
Peter Knell is a management consultant and fractional CFO with more than 20 years’ experience helping businesses grow, improve profitability and solve complex operational challenges. He has advised clients across construction, international fashion, ASX-listed companies, manufacturing, childcare and integrated real estate and finance businesses. Peter has worked with leaders from board and C-suite level through to operational and customer-facing teams, combining strategic insight with hands-on execution. His background spans analyst, executive and founder roles, and he is known for delivering practical finance, people and growth solutions that create stronger outcomes for shareholders and stakeholders.
Damian Iles
Managing Director, Hansen Partnership
Damian is the Managing Director of Hansen Partnership, a multidisciplinary planning and design practice based in Melbourne, working across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
For nearly 30 years, Hansen Partnership has helped shape cities, towns and landscapes for public and private sector clients, from large city and regional projects to single-site strategic and technical advice on property and development proposals.
Damian has been a Director since 2005 and Managing Director since late 2024. He leads the business with a focus on strategic growth, commercial performance and delivering outcomes that create lasting value.
Fees
Below is all of the pricing information for the event.
AUD pricing is inclusive of GST.
Member fee: $50.00 AUD
Non-Member fee: $65.00 AUD
Venue / Location