History
The key moments that have built the accounting firm you see today
Conception and Birth of the Firm
1969
Bill Stanley leaves J.G. Biddlecombe & Co and joins forces with his old friend John Gibb to form Gibb Stanley & Co, based at 32 York St, Sydney. This firm would later become Stanley & Williamson.
Early 1970s
Weston Williamson, a friend of John Gibb’s, who had been in share broking, joins them and soon becomes the third partner in the firm. Soon after, they’re joined by a young Sam Shun, who had swum the Yellow River on his father’s back as a 4-year-old to escape from China.
Mid 1970s
The firm moves into King George Tower (now the American Express Building) as one of the original tenants.
They look after mining exploration companies during the mining boom; Bill also becomes one of the most experienced accountants in the advertising industry – many of these clients are still with us.
They are also the original accountants for World Series Cricket, and John even gets involved in the movie Crocodile Dundee – exciting times!
A New Name, New Location and New Faces
1980
Stanley & Williamson (S&W) is born, established by the three continuing partners and still residing in the American Express Building.
1983
In January, the firm moves to 34 Burton St, Kirribilli, once again the original tenants (and we’ve been there ever since).
1984
Michael Goodrick, our current Managing Partner, joins in 1984, a 19-year-old university student with a massive moustache!
1987
Wes Williamson resigns and moves to England and France, where he remains today, still in close contact with us.
Bill and Sam remain the common denominators in the firm throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
1999
After a couple of partnership retirements and changes, the partners in charge are Bill, Sam and Michael.
2002
Darren joins the firm after previous stints at mid tier firms - he becomes partner a couple of years later. Quang joins the firm as a keen junior accountant.
2003
After joining the firm in 1996, Ben is appointed partner in 2003. He is involved in most of the firm's audit and assurance work.
Going International
2010
The firm joins Kreston Global network – a worldwide association of accountants, providing access to overseas expertise in over 120 countries across the world. This has helped the firm grow significantly in recent years.
2012
Sam Shun resigns as a partner but stays with the firm as a consultant.
2014
Bill Stanley resigns as a partner and has also remained as a consultant, now working 2-3 days a week on client and internal affairs.
2017
Kamal Thakkar joins the firm, bringing a new depth to the auditing capability with experience in Australia and the UK. He becomes a partner in 2018.
The firm has reached its fiftieth year and we’re still going strong. We still retain clients dating back to my days with J.G. Biddlecombe & Co.
In fact, the majority of our clients have been with us for a long time and include families of original clients and referrals – a testament to the level of continuity and care we provide here.
But you can never rest on your laurels. We believe that we need to maintain these high standards over the next 50 years too.
Bill Stanley
Founding Partner
