Harris Black is a proud member of the Brentnalls Affiliation, independent firms working together to help each other be better.  We are thrilled to announce that the Brentnalls Affiliation has raised an inspiring $6,014 to support women in need. Through a combination of individual firm initiatives and an Affiliation-wide raffle featuring two exclusive Jasmine Mansbridge Prints donated by the artist herself, we’ve joined forces to make a meaningful contribution to Good Shepherd.

Our commitment to empowering women finds a perfect match in Good Sheppard’s mission. The funds raised will directly support their programs, providing assistance to women facing family violence, education, employment, and pathways out of homelessness.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participating member firms for showcasing the power of collective generosity. Together, we’re proving that unity can drive positive change and create brighter futures.

For more information on the member firms of the Brentnalls Affiliation’s initiatives, visit www.brentnalls.com.au.

Learn more about Good Shepherd’s impactful work at www.goodsheperd.org.au.

Each year we host an offsite Staff Day, and the entire Harris Black team returned to the same venue as last year, Ronald McDonald House on 21 July 2023.  We take a full day to spend time together revisiting the previous financial year and look at all areas of the practice to try and identify improvements and challenge the way we work and interact with each other and clients.

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Some of the accountants presented on the uses of ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence, and the impacts that are expected on our industry. We each had to create a document using AI, with some pretty interesting results.

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We then broke into smaller groups and were given a particular area of the practice to conduct a Waste Audit on.  A Waste Audit is a tool to examine processes, interactions, or methods of work with a view to trying to identify how it can be done better, or if some of the tasks can be reduced or eliminated.  The areas are broken down into:

• Overproduction
• Waiting
• Transport
• Inappropriate Processing
• Inventory
• Motion
• Defects

With each area of waste identified you try and estimate the $$ impact and the ease of implementing the change.

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Renee then presented on the Client Experience.  Each of us had to identify a change that would improve the Client Experience at Harris Black, and we each had to take turns trying to “sell” someone else’s idea to another staff member.  Each idea was scored with the top changes becoming apparent.  Some fantastic ideas floated to the top, many of them very simple yet effective.

We then broke for lunch and enjoyed some time out on the upper deck of Ronald McDonald House in the winter sun, with cracker views over South Bank and the City.

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The afternoon session was hosted by Character Builders.  Character Builders work with a huge array of corporates, schools, and leadership groups.  The founder Damon Joseph had an outstanding ability to remember people’s names, engage quickly with people and draw out the best from even the shyest of us all.  The interactions were very genuine, and the end of their session included each of us giving a “Big Up” to someone at Harris Black that we don’t necessarily deal with on a daily basis, ensuring  we all ended the day on a high. We all walked through South Bank with a pit stop at the Plough Inn before dinner at Chu the Phat. Brilliant food and a few drinks were a great way to end the 2023 HB Staff Day.

Allow us to introduce Michelle Ward, a remarkable addition to the Harris Black team. Her distinct blend of style, passion, and enthusiasm infuses a unique touch into our workplace.

Michelle’s discerning taste extends to her ultimate meal choice – Fresh Moreton Bay bugs, reflecting her appreciation for life’s finer things. Her practicality shines in her desert island essentials: a hat, sunscreen, and a good book – a combination of survival and leisure. Beyond work, her interests span tennis, movies, and the thrill of attending major tennis tournaments.

Michelle’s appreciation for style is mirrored in her dream car, a classic Mini Cooper in British racing green. Her vibrant spirit is matched by her anticipation of a Disney cruise in December. Culinary talents emerge as she crafts sophisticated dishes like Peking duck pancakes and pairs them with the elegance of champagne and a delightful cheesecake.

Michelle’s ideal dining companions would include the legendary Coco Chanel, the visionary Karl Lagerfeld, the influential Anna Wintour, and the tennis icon Roger Federer. This diverse quartet embodies her admiration for style, creativity, and excellence, promising engaging conversations across fields.

Her diverse interests are exemplified by a recent sip and pearl birthday party she hosted, showcasing her creativity and personal touch. Emojis capture her personality – a smiley face, puppy dog, champagne, and shopping bags.

Flight, her chosen superpower, embodies personal freedom and extending help to those in need. Walt Disney’s quote, “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing,” resonates deeply with Michelle’s proactive approach.

Michelle values authenticity, reflecting on high school years and wishing she’d embraced her uniqueness sooner. Adding to her talents, her voice impersonations, especially Disney characters, are a charming asset.

Michelle’s presence enhances Harris Black, promising innovation, glamour, and vibrancy.