What it does: Professional Services & Consulting
Staff stats: 120 partners, 1300 plus staff
The good bits: Friendly, sociable colleagues
The not so good bits: Big workloads
Hiring grads with degrees in: Accounting, business, commerce, management, law, legal studies and justice, engineering, mathematics, data analytics, IT and computer science and sciences
When Pitcher Partners was launched in late 1991, it was the first new financial services practice to be established in Australia in two decades. At a time of get-big-or-get-out merger mania, and in the midst of a recession, 14 partners and 142 staff, largely from Hungerfords and KPMG, came together in Melbourne under the leadership of Mr Ron Pitcher (hence the name) to create a mid-sized firm focused on servicing middle-market clients.
Despite high interest rates, tanking stocks and property markets, the firm was a success from the get-go, generating billings of over $14 million in its first year.
With continued success, Pitcher Partners continued to grow and evolve, now comprising a national association of independent firms with locations across Australia.
Pitcher Partners is also a member of Baker Tilly International, a network of accountancy and business advisory firms spanning Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, Middle East and Africa.
Pitcher Partners firms provide professional services in taxation, audit, risk and assurance, business advisory, business recovery and insolvency, consulting, wealth management and investment advisory services, private clients, superannuation, data and analytics and more.
A career at Pitcher Partners encourages you to shape a path suited to your skills and interests, in a collaborative and supportive environment that enables you to perform at your best.
The network of firms shares four key values, one of which is “to care for employees on an individual basis and provide them with great careers”. Care for employees takes many forms including:
Additionally, former employees attest to the firm’s authentic focus on establishing a diverse and inclusive workforce. Pitcher Partners prides itself on its down-to-earth culture that fosters a sense of belonging within the community. If you embrace different ideas, thrive in a creative environment and challenge yourself to new ways of thinking Pitcher Partners is the place for you.
Pitcher Partners invests in community projects and business initiatives to contribute positively to the communities in which its people and clients belong.
The people at Pitcher Partners are actively encouraged to take part in charitable events and community care programs, including volunteer days, blood donation drives and fundraisers. The firm also offers pro-bono services to several of its not-for-profit clients.
Pitcher Partners is a network of independent firms, which means you’ll need to apply to a specific firm as the recruitment process varies from firm to firm. Individual firms typically offer intern and vacation programs to students in their second-last year of uni. Consider doing one of these if you’re hoping to get into the grad program later on.
Pitcher Partners looks for candidates who “are passionate and committed to self-development, possess excellent interpersonal skills, can demonstrate initiative, and are keen to work with interesting small to medium enterprises”. You’ll also need to be an Australian citizen or hold permanent residency.
While it may vary from firm to firm, the recruitment process consists of an online application, which involves uploading your resume and academic transcript. If you make the shortlist, you’re invited to do an online assessment, attend an assessment centre and a final 45-minute face-to-face interview. If all that goes well, you receive an offer.
Once again, details may vary from firm to firm but those accepted into the graduate program can expect to be invited to pre-commencement events - think morning teas, group functions and even the firm-specific end-of-year celebrations. You then undertake a week-long induction program before getting down to business.
Grads receive technical training, especially in relation to software programs, and take part in professional development sessions covering career development, communication, networking and planning. Grads are also supported while you get certified by external bodies and institutions.
As a grad, you can expect an industry competitive salary, with yearly remuneration reviews based on your performance.
Unusually for a professional services firm, Pitcher Partners doesn’t expect staff to donate unpaid overtime. If you exceed your chargeable hours you get a commensurate amount of time in lieu. The firm offers flexible working arrangements and encourages work-life balance.
Firms may also offer free flu shots, subsidised gym memberships, internal yoga and pilates classes and daily morning tea.
Personnel may also enjoy regular events held by social clubs, as well as annual events including gala balls and end-of-year celebrations.
In 2020, Pitcher Partners ranked 20 in Australian Association of Graduate Employers’ (AAGE) list of top graduate employers as voted by graduates. Pitcher Partner firms encourage all their staff to “carve out a career path of their choosing, assisted by a flexible and supportive working environment”.
Grads can drive their career forward through “close interaction with partners, as well as technical training and professional development from one of the largest learning and development programs in the industry”. A wide range of development sessions are offered including communication, goal setting, mental health awareness, wellbeing and mindfulness.
Through the Baker Tilly International network, you may be eligible to apply for an overseas secondment to London, San Francisco or the Netherlands.
Generous support is provided for those undertaking postgraduate study (especially the CA and CPA courses).
Pitcher Partners champions an environment of care, honesty, one firm, energy and courage. As a grad, you can expect to work hard but you’ll get lots of exposure to different areas of the firm with the opportunity to work across a variety of tasks for clients. You’ll find teamwork and collaboration to be the centre of everything they do.
Star Rating: 4.3 stars
Pitcher Partners is well-known for achieving real and tangible results for clients. Our teams are empowered to provide leading advice and services to clients, through close interaction with partners, regular technical training and innovative professional development. Grow your career alongside your clients’ businesses.
People are what makes an organisation successful. At Pitcher Partners, we understand this and invest in our people, with a down-to-earth culture that fosters a sense of belonging. Join a culture that helps to bring out your best, allowing you to forge a career path that complements your natural strengths and helps you to grow and develop.
Your dedication and hard work at Pitcher Partners are rewarded by a supportive social and work environment. Here, you’ll make lifelong friendships, build relationships with experienced mentors, and inspire your colleagues. Flexible work options will ensure you achieve optimum work-life harmony.
Join for the role, stay for the culture. We are a collaborative organisation - where your work is rewarding and where team spirt permeates the firm culture, values, and workplace design.
Our people’s wellbeing is at the forefront of our commitment of care. With mental health, wellbeing and mindfulness sessions held throughout the year our employees are inspired to be their best selves.
At Pitcher Partners you have the power to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Use the skills and experience gained through client work to support the local community through Pitcher Partners’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. With pro bono work and paid volunteer days, there’s opportunity to get actively involved with charities and other initiatives, supporting you to create an important impact that helps improve lives.
Our student programs are tailored to help you gain client experience and launch your professional career. Throughout our early careers programs, receive support from a buddy and mentorship from a manager.
In your first year as a graduate you and your cohort will attend tailored learning and development sessions that will help you develop both your technical and personal skills.
We invest in our people and provide education opportunities through post-graduate study such as CA, CPA or graduate diploma in tax. To support you in these studies we provide comprehensive study support.
Accountant in Business Services at Pitcher Partners at Pitcher Partners