Workplace Gender Equality Agency Reporting

Posted on 25 March 2024 | by Allan Hall

WGEA Reporting or Pay Secrecy

Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) has published the 2022-2023 median gender pay gaps for private sector businesses with 100 or more employees, encompassing both base salary and total remuneration.

Some notable findings include:

30% of employers have a median gender pay gap between the target range of -5% and +5%
62% of median employer gender pay gaps are over 5% and in favour of men
The remaining (8%) are less than -5% and in favour of women
Across all employers, 50% have a gender pay gap of over 9.1%.

The above findings suggest that there is still a large gap between gender pay equality with only 30% of businesses within the target range. This is largely demonstrated by the statistic that 62% of employers are currently paying men over 5% more than women across the business.

Who needs to complete an annual WGEA report?

All private sector businesses with 100 or more employees are required to complete their WGEA report between 1 April and 31 May of each year. The report must provide data from the previous year for the date ranges of 1 April through to 31 March.

For more information about who needs to report and how to complete the WGEA report, please click:

WGEA EMPLOYER PORTAL

Even if your company has fewer than 100 employees, it is important to be proactive in identifying potential inequalities within the workplace. Conducting a payroll audit and internal salary benchmarking are important steps to take.

How does pay secrecy impact gender pay inequality?

Pay secrecy can play a big part when it comes to gender inequality in the workplace. Pay secrecy, where employees are prohibited from discussing their pay, hampers transparency and can conceal gender-based pay disparities. For this reason, changes have been made from 7 December 2022 to remove the permittance of pay secrecy clauses within contractual agreements. This change aims to advocate for transparency in pay practices to ensure that all employees, regardless of gender, are fairly compensated for their work.

MORE INFORMATION ON PAY SECRECY

Need HR Assistance?

At Allan Hall HR, we have a team of experienced HR consultants. To learn more about our services, please click here. Alternatively, please feel free to call us on 1300 916 764 or contact us to discuss any questions you may have in regard to WGEA Reporting or Pay Secrecy.

audits, benchmarks, employees, employer, HR Services, human resources, payroll, remuneration, reporting

Allan Hall named Financial Planning High Achievers

Posted on 29 September 2023 | by Allan Hall

Consultum Announces Winners of 2023 Reward & Recognition Program

Consultum Financial Advisers, a full-service licensee providing support to a national network of financial advisers across Australia, announced the distinguished recipients of their 2023 Reward & Recognition program, unveiled during the National Conference ‘Connect 2023’ held in Auckland, New Zealand this month.

The Consultum Reward & Recognition awards program is a testament to excellence and dedication within the Consultum community. They spotlight the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and practices that have consistently excelled throughout the year.

This year’s program witnessed an exceptional level of competitiveness, featuring an array of nominations that showcased Consultum’s member talent pool. This year’s Consultum’s High Achieving members were recognised with 10 Financial Planning firms across Australia.

Allan Hall Financial Adviser Rob Bell expressed congratulations to all who participated, underscoring the spirit of collective recognition within the network.

“We remain grateful for the ongoing dedication and passion of our team, whose collective efforts propel our performance to new heights,” Rob said.

Last year, Allan Hall Financial Planning was recognised by Consultum by naming Laura Staddon Support Person of the Year 2022.

CONTACT ALLAN HALL FINANCIAL PLANNING

Allan Hall name Business Advisory Firm of the Year

Allan Hall named 2023 Accounting Award Winners

Posted on 3 July 2023 | by Allan Hall

Allan Hall wins Business Advisory Firm of the Year at the 2023 Australian Accounting Awards

Allan Hall Business Advisors is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious title of Business Advisory Firm of the Year at the 2023 Australian Accounting Awards.

Allan Hall has continued to excel in its commitment to supporting and servicing clients.

Director Scott Jago expressed his delight at receiving this esteemed accolade.

“Receiving this award creates a sense of achievement and deep satisfaction, validating that Allan Hall is on the right path,” he said.

Allan Hall’s success can be attributed to its ‘One Allan Hall’ multiservice approach, which provides clients with a comprehensive range of services under one roof. Recognising that clients desire more than just compliance-related assistance, the firm has continuously adapted and expanded its service offerings, ensuring it remains well-positioned to give clients what they want.

This notable recognition reaffirms Allan Hall’s dedication to delivering exceptional business advisory services and its ongoing commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses across Sydney’s Northern Beaches and beyond.

Allan Hall named 2023 Accounting Award Winners 1

Allan Hall named 2023 Accounting Award Winners 2

The Business Advisory Firm of the Year award highlights outstanding performance and acknowledges the firm in the accounting industry that effectively showcased its business advisory services and client impact. See the full list of 2023 Winners and Finalists here: https://www.accountantsdaily.com.au/australian-accounting-awards/winners/2023-winners-and-finalists

In addition to this recent accolade, Allan Hall was also named Multiservice Firm of the Year and SMSF Firm of the Year Finalists in 2023. The firm’s previous achievements include being named the Best Business Advisory Firm by the 2023 Beaton Client Choice Awards and winning the Australian Accounting Awards for Wellness Program of the Year (2022) and Firm of the Year (2021). These accolades reflect Allan Hall’s consistent dedication to innovation, client service and community involvement.

CONTACT ALLAN HALL BUSINESS ADVISORS

National Minimum Wage rise effective 1 July 2023

Posted on 5 June 2023 | by Allan Hall

The Fair Work Commission has announced this year’s Annual Wage Review Decision

National Minimum Wage Increase

Effective from 1 July 2023, the National Minimum Wage will increase by 5.75%.

In addition to the percentage increase, the Commission has also increased the wage level that the minimum wage had traditionally been based on under certain Modern Awards.

Together these two changes mean that those employees in receipt of the minimum wage will receive the following rates before tax:

$23.23 per hour, and
$882.80 per week (based on a 38-hour week for a full-time employee).

This increase will see an extra $70.20 ‘in the pocket’ each week.

Modern Award Rate Increase

Similar to the National Minimum Wage increase, all 121 Modern Awards will also increase by 5.75% on 1 July 2023.

The Fair Work Commission will release updated Pay Guides in line with the effective date.

Modern Awards can be complex. If you need help determining if a Modern Award applies to your employees or you understand what Awards apply but you need assistance understanding the specific Classification they fall under, contact the Allan Hall Human Resources Team on 1300 675 393.

Non-Award Employees

It is important to note that if you have non-award covered employees receiving payment which is above the national minimum wage, you are not obliged to increase their salary/wages. However, with the current Australian job market being so competitive and a shortage of potential employees available, it may be worth undertaking a salary benchmarking exercise and considering if an increase would be suitable during your next salary review.   

At Allan Hall HR we can provide you with Salary Benchmarking reports, based on data from a range of current and reputable reporting sources. If you want to know what the market is doing, contact us to gain access to salary insights based on a range of factors such as industry, turnover, headcount and location!

Changes to Superannuation from 1 July 2023

As a reminder, the Super Guarantee rate will rise from 1 July 2023. This will rise by another half per cent, taking the minimum super guarantee from 10.5% to 11%.

The Super Guarantee rate will continue to rise by an additional 0.5% at the start of each financial year until it reaches 12% in 2025.

Next Steps

Check if your employees are covered by the national minimum wage or a Modern Award.  
Should a Modern Award apply to your employees, ensure you have correctly classified your employees under the relevant award, and confirm the minimum rates of pay that will apply.   
Review the current rates of pay for your employees and, if required, adjust their pay rates from their first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2023.
Ensure you start applying the new Superannuation Guarantee rate of 11% from 1 July 2023.

Our experienced HR Consultants at Allan Hall HR are available to answer your queries regarding the wage rise and assist you with clarification of awards, salary benchmarking or any other employee-related matters. Feel free to get in touch with us today on 1300 675 393.

CONTACT ALLAN HALL HUMAN RESOURCES

Allan Hall named Best Business Advisory Firm

Posted on 29 March 2023 | by Allan Hall

Beaton Client Choice Awards 2023

Allan Hall has been named Best Business Advisory Firm (<$30M revenue) in the Accounting & Consulting Services Specialists category.

This was a highly competitive year that saw 276 firms benchmarked from across Australia and New Zealand.

A total of 17,413 individual client ratings were submitted to Beaton for benchmarking and analysed to determine the best firms in each category, with strong competition and incredibly tight margins between overall client service scores.

SEE ALL 2023 WINNERS

Allan Hall Director Scott Jago said, “Following our prior success as 2022 Winners in three Client Choice Award specialist categories for firms with up to $30M revenue — Best Business Advice Firm, Best Self-Managed Super Fund Firm and Best Auditing Firm — we are delighted to be recognised for another year.”

“These awards benchmark some of the best talent and professional firms in the country. To come out with a Business Advisory award is an achievement that we are extremely proud of, and reflects the hard work that has been put in by our Director Group, Client Managers and all of our wonderful staff this past 12 months and beyond.”

Chairman of Beaton, George Beaton added, “The number and calibre of entrants to the Client Choice Awards continues to improve year on year. For 20 years, Beaton has watched the professional services industry drive up client service standards in every sector.”

“It is impressive and fascinating to see the heights to which firms can soar by listening to client feedback and drawing on benchmarks to produce excellent client service.”

Allan Hall was also a Finalist in the Best Accounting and Consulting Services Firm (<$30M revenue) in the 2023 Client Choice Awards program.

About the Client Choice Awards

The process of choosing winners in Client Choice Awards is objective and data-driven, based on client feedback submitted directly to Beaton in the entry process. For more information on how this benchmarking process is conducted, click here »

CONTACT ALLAN HALL BUSINESS ADVISORS

Allan Hall Top 100 Accountants in 2022

Posted on 9 November 2022 | by Allan Hall

Allan Hall named a Top 100 Accounting Firm by Australian Financial Review (AFR)

Brookvale accountants and business advisers Allan Hall have made the Australian Financial Review’s (AFR) Top 100 Accountants list for another year!

Allan Hall are award-winning Chartered Accountants and specialist business advisors. With nine Directors and around 90 staff, Allan Hall has become one of Australia’s largest non-CBD integrated firms offering tax, accounting and compliance plus a range business advisory services.

Allan Hall has carved a reputation for creating opportunity and growth that positively impacts staff, clients and the local Northern Beaches community with a focus on technology improvements.

The results speak for themselves, with Allan Hall clients recommending the firm for three Client Choice Awards in April. Then in June the Allan Hall team were recognised with a Wellness Program of the Year win at the Australian Accounting Awards.

This year, Allan Hall is one of only 18 ‘Top 100’ independent Sydney accounting firms to make the cut, ranked again in the top 50. Director Scott Jago said they were thrilled once again to be recognised amongst the very best accounting firms in the country.

“This is a culmination of hard work, perseverance, a dynamic director group, wonderful staff and, very importantly, great clients.”

About the AFR Top 100 Accounting Firms

Each year the AFR surveys Australian public practice accountants and compiles their rank of top-performing firms across the country. The AFR invites comment on financial performance and demographic changes over the past year, along with other business and economic-related questions. This year the AFR survey focussed on workforce issues, regulatory red tape and the challenges of running a business.

Review the AFR’s Top 100 Accounting Firms 2022 here — please note this is subscriber-only content.

CONTACT ALLAN HALL

Allan Hall team poses at Australian Accounting Awards

Australian Accounting Awards 2022 winners

Posted on 17 June 2022 | by Allan Hall

Allan Hall Business Advisors wins Wellness Program of the Year at Australian Accounting Awards

AccountantsDaily announced the Australian Accounting Awards winners at the ninth gala event in Sydney. In a record field of 652 submissions and 297 finalists in 2022, Allan Hall Business Advisors took out one of only 14 National Group awards, winning the Wellness Program of the Year.

Wellness Program award seal — Allan Hall named 2022 Wellness Program of the Year award winners

Demonstrating how employee initiatives enrich the understanding and importance of wellness among Australia’s accounting industry was key to being acknowledged in this award category.

Allan Hall has been actively advocating health and wellness initiatives, events and activities within the business and wider community for many years, recognising that the key to success is not only supporting clients but also the people within.

This made the award win a very special one as it provides industry recognition of the emphasis the firm places on its employees and their wellbeing.

Accepting the award, Allan Hall HR Director, Janelle Parish said, “To win this particular award would be special at any time but we are extremely proud to have won it this year, to be recognised nationally for our support of staff with our wellness initiatives over such a challenging period.”

“Our firm has a fabulous, collaborative culture with Directors and Managers who are all very supportive of employee wellbeing and any wellness initiatives put forward.”

“Promoting health and wellbeing has been an essential aspect of our HR management through our ‘Thrive’ wellbeing program which follows four pillars of mind, body, spirit and work culture. Our Thrive wellbeing committee was able to adjust our approach over the past 12 months to the challenging COVID-19 climate to ensure our employees’ physical and mental wellbeing remained a major focus.”

The Australian Accounting Awards are known as the benchmark for excellence nationally as they focus on professional development and innovation, and recognise the successes of accountants, bookkeepers, partners, superannuation specialists, thought leaders, executives, as well as rising stars of tomorrow.

In his opening address, Accountants Daily editor Philip King said the Australian Accountants Awards offer a moment to pause and honour the best of the best in the profession. View the full list of winners here »

Allan Hall Business Advisors was named Australian Accounting Awards Firm of the Year in 2021.

CONTACT ALLAN HALL

National Minimum Wage Rise

Posted on 17 June 2022 | by Allan Hall

The Fair Work Commission has announced two substantial increases to minimum wages

National Minimum Wage Increase

The National Minimum Wage will increase by 5.2%, amounting to $40 a week.

The new minimum wage will be $812.60 per week or $21.38 per hour.

Award minimum wage increase

The increase to award minimum wages is 4.6%. This is subject to a minimum increase for award classifications of $40 per week and based on a 38-hour week for full-time employees.

This means the minimum award wages:

Above $869.60 per week, will get a 4.6% increase
Below $869.60 per week, will get a $40 increase

When do these changes come into effect?

National Minimum Wage

The new National Minimum Wage will apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2022.

Awards

For most award-covered employees, minimum wages will increase from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2022.

However, for employees covered under the awards listed below the increase will be effective from 1 October 2022:

Aviation

Aircraft Cabin Crew Award
Airline Operations – Ground Staff Award
Air Pilots Award
Airport Employees Award

Air Services Australia Enterprise Award 2016

Hospitality

Hospitality Industry (General) Award
Registered and Licensed Clubs Award
Restaurant Industry Award

Tourism

Marine Tourism and Charter Vessels Award
Alpine Resorts Award

Which employees will receive this increase? 

Employees whose minimum wage entitlements are set by:   

The national minimum wage   
A modern award    
A registered agreement (in some circumstances)

Non-award covered employees

It is important to note that if you have non-award covered employees on a salary which is above the national minimum wage, you are not obliged to increase their salary. However, with the current job market being so competitive and a shortage of potential employees available in the Australian market, it may be worth undertaking salary benchmarking and considering an increase when undertaking your next salary review process.   

Next steps

Check whether your employees are covered by the national minimum wage, or a modern award.

Should a modern award apply to your employees, ensure you have correctly classified employees under the relevant award, and confirm the minimum rates of pay that will apply.

Review the current rates of pay for your employees and, if required, adjust their pay rates from their first full pay period starting on or after the appropriate date as it applies to your modern award.

Changes to Superannuation from 1 July 2022

It is important to also note that the increase in the super guarantee rate from 10% to 10.5% will be effective from 1 July 2022. Read more about the changes to superannuation here.

Contact us

Our experienced HR Consultants at Allan Hall HR are available to answer your queries regarding the wage rise and assist you with salary benchmarking, clarification of awards or any other employee-related matters. Please get in touch with us today on 1300 675 393 or at [email protected] .

Expand your Business Internationally and Reap the Rewards of Our Global Alliance Partnership

Posted on 18 November 2020 | by Allan Hall

At Allan Hall, we are proud members of an award-winning global networking group – Alliott Global Alliance.

The Alliott Global Alliance (previously known as Alliott Group), is a fast-growing alliance of independent accounting, law and specialist advisory firms, with a global footprint across every continent. As part of this alliance, our team at Allan Hall has access to other like-minded professionals, committed to providing the highest standard of service and expertise in the international market of your choice.

Benefits of the Global Alliance to Our Clients

Through this global alliance group, our team at Allan Hall can connect with like-minded members of Alliott Global Alliance in other jurisdictions to support and advise our clients who are wishing to explore and develop business opportunities both locally and internationally.

With a culture of sharing, contributing and co-operation, Alliott Global Alliance members focus on maximising simplicity for cross border business and performing international benchmarking to provide the highest standard of service to our clients with international tax, accounting and business needs.

Together as One

The reach of Alliott Global Alliance extends from our Asia Pacific region into Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North America and Latin America. We are more than just colleagues or members; we are a global family of professionals, working #TogetherasOne to provide solutions to the multi-jurisdictional challenges of businesses and high net worth individuals; particularly important during times like these.

We are proud to be an integral member of this Alliance, and thus can capitalise on the strengths, qualities and values set out by all Alliott members, extending and enhancing our knowledge as a firm, to better advise our clients. As a member of the Alliott Global Alliance we can participate in collaborative business opportunities for our clients with open communication, the sharing of resources and contributing to the success of business initiatives, on a global scale.

Need More Information?

With the assistance of the Alliott Global Alliance member firms, we can help you meet your cross-border needs by providing a fully coordinated multi-disciplinary service; helping you explore opportunities, develop an international presence and take advantage of economic prosperity in any region.

Find out more about our International Services at Allan Hall or contact our International Services team to determine how we can help you with advice for Australians doing business overseas.

For more information regarding our Alliott Global Alliance, please visit www.alliottglobal.com or watch the video below for an insight into what it means to be a part of the Alliott Global Alliance.

Introduction to Alliott Global Alliance