This year marks a significant milestone for SW—90 years of excellence, evolution, and enduring client partnerships. From our humble beginnings in Melbourne to becoming a nationally recognised firm with offices in Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth, and a global workforce, we have continually strengthened our presence in key markets, expanding our expertise and service offerings. 

We are proud of the culture we have maintained that is focused on building lasting relationships with our clients and people to achieve shared success. Underpinning this are our deeply embedded values that help shape our culture of performance and commitment to our communities.   

Our journey 

Founded in 1935 as Hughes Fincher, and a founding member of Moore Stephens, SW Accountants & Advisors has grown from a local accounting practice into a firm of 45 partners and 400 professionals, providing expert advisory and accounting services to businesses and individuals across Australia and the world. The firm and many individuals have received a range of accolades and awards over this time period, demonstrating our commitment to innovation, the client experience and how we shape our future leaders.  

A national firm with global reach 

Recognising the increasing globalisation of business, we joined the SW International network ten years ago, linking our expertise with 21 jurisdictions across 102 offices worldwide, supported by 12,000 people. This collaboration has enabled us to support Australian businesses expanding internationally while also assisting global organisations entering the Australian market. 

Delivering real results across key sectors 

Over the years, we have built deep expertise in a range of industries, including: 

• Agribusiness, food & beverage

• Automotive 

• Education

• Energy & resources

• Financial services

• Private clients and Family Office  

• Property & infrastructure  

• International business and cross-border advisory 

• Tourism, hospitality, and gaming 

Our services extend beyond traditional accounting, encompassing tax advisory, business consulting, audit and assurance, and specialist areas such as transfer pricing, R&D, ESG reporting, business valuations, and global mobility. By staying ahead of industry changes, we equip our clients with the tools to adapt, grow, and succeed. 

Our People, Our Legacy 

At the heart of our success is our people. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our past and present employees, clients, and partners, whose trust and collaboration have shaped our firm’s success. We are deeply grateful for their contributions and commitment to our shared vision. 

As we celebrate 90 years of growth and innovation, we look forward to building the future together—continuing to deliver excellence, insights, and opportunities for our clients and our people. 

Here’s to 90 years—and the journey ahead! 

Welcome to SW, a hidden gem in the world of accounting,
where relationships meet technical know-how around every corner.

Our major brand awareness campaign, launched in October 2023, is designed to help you understand more about our purpose, our culture and what we offer to both our clients and our people. Over the years, we have had both clients and staff describe us as a ‘best kept secret’. We see this as a testament to the long-standing relationships we have built with many of our clients, that has extended over decades and even generations, and highlights the trust they place in us.

Businesses evolve all the time, and at SW Accountants & Advisors we are no different. We have been operating in Australia since 1935 and during that time, the original partner group has changed names and even international networks, all in an effort to provide greater value to our clients, and opportunities for our team members. In 2021 we globally rebranded from ShineWing to SW – yet another nod to support the global aspirations of the network.

As an Australian-owned and operated business, we have grown to 400 people, located across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. With 45 partners, we are a fully-integrated firm that was ranked #22 in the 2025 AFR Top 100 Firms; of all accounting ‘national’ practices that are financially integrated we are ranked 9th.

Worldwide in the SW International network, we have over 600 partners in 103 offices operating across 23 countries and regions.

Did you know?

Proudly, we have a range of specialist services that is not typical of a firm our size! In addition to Tax, Audit & Advisory services, we also provide:

– Corporate Finance
– Transfer Pricing
– R&D & Government Incentives
– Payroll Advisory
– Probity
– Debt advisory
– China opportunities
– Digital Cloud Solutions
– CFO advisory
– Audit litigation
– IFRS Advisory
– Complete Tax Solutions software (FBT)

Our ‘secret destination’ site is your passport to exploring the horizon of experience, outcomes and impact.
From tax, to audit and specialised advisory services, get ready to embark on a journey with a firm that has values that underpin a great culture.

Nestled in the heart of four Australian CBDs, SW is an accounting and advisory firm with 400+ people
servicing large well known brands in Australia and overseas. A national firm with no borders.

 

Why are you a secret?!

You might be wondering why you haven’t heard of us before. The answer is simple: we’ve been quietly and diligently working behind the scenes, focusing on growth and expansion into new markets and locations while continuing to serve our established clients with dedication. While we have deep roots in Melbourne, our partners recognised the need to support clients venturing into Asia and those coming to Australia.

To better align with our global mission, we’ve undergone a transformation and are now known as SW. Perhaps you’ve known us by our previous names, Moore Stephens or ShineWing. We felt now was the right time to tell our story.

Discover the difference of partnering with SW, where you’re not just another client but a valued member of our family.

 

Considering a career with Australia’s best kept accounting secret? Find out more.