Stephen Carroll
Director – R&D Tax, RSM Australia
EXPERIENCE
- Director, R&D Tax at RSM Australia, offering expert advice on Research & Development Tax Incentives, Innovation and Commercialisation.
- Current judge and former Committee Member, WA Innovator of the Year
- Former Director, KPMG, assisting companies undertaking R&D to identify and maximise grants and tax benefits. Helping companies to understand all levels of innovation in their businesses and how to manage their innovations for efficiency and results.
- Former Business Development Manager, Centrix Engineering
- Former R&D Grants and Incentives Manager, Hayes Knight GTO
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Stephen is a partner of the Perth Tax Services division of RSM Australia, providing specialist R&D tax incentive and innovation consulting services.
Since commencing his career in 1999, he has provided advice across Australia to a diverse range of industries, from startup innovators to large multinational corporations.
Stephen has experience in all aspects of the R&D claims process:
- educating clients on the R&D eligibility criteria, both technical and financial
- running workshops and project interviews to gather appropriate information to assess, prepare and defend R&D tax claims
- preparing appropriate R&D registration documentation
- allocation of R&D costs
- conducting reviews and audits for clients with AusIndustry and the ATO
- advising and implementing R&D management practices
MOTIVATION
Stephen is very motivated by being a part of developing the WA ecosystem and thinks Unearthed is a fantastic mining industry initiative.
He appreciates that it can sometimes be difficult to engage bigger companies in conversations around innovation, and therefore enjoys helping startups achieve this.
GIVING BACK
Being witness to the advancement of projects is extremely rewarding for Stephen.
In addition to being an Unearthed Accelerator Program Mentor, he also:
- Mentors for the Founder Institute
- Has been a presenter and panellist for Ignition since 2011
- Runs advisory sessions for the WA Innovation Centre
- Runs workshops, judging sessions and panels for Innovation Pitch events
- Supports the Asia Pacific OzApp awards
- Chairman of the National LESANZ 2014 Conference
SUCCESS STORY
Stephen has assisted numerous startups in accessing the R&D tax rebate in order to progress with their project.
Without this, many companies would have had to close their doors, and he has therefore enabled them to continue and have a better chance of success.
Major projects Stephen has been responsible for include:
- 100% successful outcome when assisting a software development company with an AusIndustry audit of a project spanning seven years
- Taking clients with R&D history and significantly growing R&D claims by providing a more thorough and detailed approach than previous R&D advisers
- Working on thought leadership publications for the new R&D tax incentive
- Innovation consulting
- Significant input and roles within the innovation community and provides expert advice in project evaluation and selection
For more information on how Unearthed can help you get access to amazing industry mentors like Stephen, visit our Accelerator Program page.