Ron Phipps-Ellis, founder and CEO of Evolv, has appointed David Smith FCA to the role of chairman, effective from 1 February 2021.
Mr Smith’s accounting industry experience spans five decades. He has held a diverse range of roles including partner at PKF (now BDO), president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (2003), and he was an initial director on the listing of CountPlus Limited. He was also briefly the CEO of SMSF software provider Class Super and is a founding director of business advisory firm Smithink.
Mr Phipps-Ellis said the appointment of Mr Smith to the role of chair represents an important next stage for Evolv, strengthening the senior leadership team through a time of advanced growth as the firm helps accounting firms navigate a path to SMSF audit independence.
“David is an outstanding choice for Evolv. He is well respected across the accounting profession and is renowned for his depth of experience and his contribution to the SMSF sector,” Mr Phipps-Ellis said.
“As a former auditor, David brings a fresh perspective to Evolv. He is well acquainted with every aspect of the SMSF space, having been involved with SMSFs since 1989, when he wrote the software for one of the first SMSF platforms. David’s strong technology background enables him to actively engage with our software developers and bring his own contribution to the business.”
Mr Smith said his key priority in the next 12 months will be assisting Evolv through a growth stage in continuing to scale the business, build robust corporate governance and realise further AI software capabilities.
“My goal is to ensure Evolv positions itself in the best way possible to help accounting and advisory firms and auditors looking for independent audit solutions,” he said.
“Evolv brings several points of difference to the market, and through its three core products of audit services, audit software and soon-to-be-released SMSF accounting workpapers software, the firm is uniquely positioned to assist accountants and auditors operate across both the SMSF accounting and audit spectrum. I believe this concept of collaboration fostered by Evolv is unique across the market.
“I look forward to working with everyone at Evolv — and bringing my own skills and experience to Evolv’s highly skilled and professional team.”
Earlier this year, the firm had also made three new appointments to its management team to cope with rising demand ahead of 1 July 2021, the date SMSF auditors will need to comply with the restructured APES 110 Code and APESB Independence Guide.
