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Matthew Addison
Executive Director Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
Professional Background
Matthew Addison is a distinguished professional in the field of bookkeeping and accounting, serving as the Executive Director of The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB). This professional association is dedicated to the ethos of 'bookkeepers helping bookkeepers', fostering a supportive community aimed at enhancing the quality and credibility of the bookkeeping profession. Matthew's commitment to the industry goes beyond administrative responsibilities, as he actively participates in advocacy, education, and the development of best practices that drive effective business processes for small businesses in Australia.
In addition to his role at ICB, Matthew is the Chair of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), where he plays a crucial role in representing the interests of small business owners in the country. His extensive experience in the industry allows him to articulate the needs of businesses clearly while promoting collaboration among government entities and software companies. Matthew's leadership is marked by his dedication to raising the profile of the bookkeeping profession and ensuring its members receive respected recognition.
Education and Achievements
Matthew's educational background is robust and complements his extensive professional experience. He studied for his Professional Year in Tax, Accounting, Business, and Audit at the prestigious Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia. He also completed his high school education with a focus on Business at Carey Baptist Grammar School and earned a Bachelor of Economics with a major in Accounting from La Trobe University. His academic pursuits have laid a strong foundation for his career in accounting and bookkeeping, enabling him to navigate the complex regulatory landscape with expertise.
Matthew's contributions to the field of bookkeeping are numerous and noteworthy. He has been involved in the professional landscape since 1990 and has contributed to critical developments such as the Business Accounting Software, software company partner programs, and the Tax Agent Services Act 2009, which designated bookkeepers as Registered BAS Agents. His advocacy for the profession is further demonstrated through his roles in various government advisory groups, including his time as Co-Chair of the ATO Tax Practitioner Stewardship Group from 2018 to 2021. Matthew also served as a Member of the ATO BAS Agents Advisory Group and contributed to the Tax Practitioners Board Consultative Forum, facilitating dialogues that enhance practices for BAS agents across Australia. Notably appointed as a ministerial representative on the Tax Practitioners Board from its inception in 2009 until 2015, Matthew worked to ensure that the voices of professional bookkeepers were heard in numerous ATO consultations, including key initiatives such as Single Touch Payroll and the Modernising Business Registers program.
Achievements
Evidencing his ongoing commitment to the evolution of the digital economy, Matthew serves as the Vice President of the Digital Business Council. This collaborative group focuses on enhancing the digital economy in Australia, emphasizing initiatives like eInvoicing that aim to simplify and modernize business transactions.
As a registered tax agent and the Director of Addisons Productivity Solutions, Matthew provides a range of consulting and bookkeeping services designed to help businesses optimize their accounting processes using the most current technology available. His dedication to practical training and education is evident in his significant role in public presentations and seminars that emphasize real-world applications of accounting principles. For instance, during the implementation of the GST in 1999 and 2000, Matthew conducted technical training sessions on behalf of MYOB that reached over 40,000 attendees, demonstrating his ability to demystify complex tax regulations for businesses.
Throughout his career, Matthew has formed productive partnerships with leading software companies such as MYOB, Intuit, Reckon, and Xero. By collaborating closely with these organizations, he has facilitated the development of effective solutions that empower the bookkeeping sector and enable professionals to serve clients better. His specialties include GST compliance, software accounting solutions, streamlined bookkeeping processes, and the development of business procedures that adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of technology and regulations.
Matthew's extensive management and advisory roles highlight his leadership qualities and commitment to excellence in bookkeeping. From his early days as a Graduate to Manager Business Services at RSM Bird Cameron to his various leadership positions within COSBOA and ICB, his career trajectory exemplifies a steadfast dedication to promoting professionalism and support for the bookkeeping community. Matthew continues to influence the future of the industry, leaving a lasting impact through his initiatives that breathe new life into the bookstore community, ensuring that it thrives in today’s competitive environment.
tags:[
Bookkeeping profession
Accounting expertise
Business process development
Small business advocacy
Digital economy initiatives
Taxation consulting
Professional education
BAS Agent recognition
Software partnerships
GST compliance
Industry leadership
Regulatory advisory groups
Chartered Accountant
Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
Council of Small Business Organisations Australia
Addisons Productivity Solutions
