our history

From humble beginnings, in the New South Wales Riverina town of Temora, James F J Auswild (later Sir James) began a Chartered Accountancy practice in 1931, specialising in Deeds of Inspectorships and Bankrupt Estates. Over the next thirty years the practice expanded into other fields including Local Government, Auditing and Taxation. It was during this period that James Auswild's brother, Ronald, joined the practice.

In 1955, with the practice firmly established, James Auswild accepted the challenge offered by General Motors-Holden's Pty Limited and General Motors Acceptance Corporation to reconstruct and assist many of their Dealers throughout Australia. In the ensuing years the practice assisted GMH with the installation of a Standard Accounting System and through timely and innovative taxation advice and planning, provided many of its dealers with much needed cash flow savings.

Control of the practice was moved from Temora to Sydney in the early 1960s to enable the practice to provide a better service to its growing clientele throughout the Eastern States, Northern Territory and South Australia. During the 1970s, Sir James and his brother, Ronald, reduced their involvement in the accounting practice to concentrate on their own investment and business activities. It was during this period that moves were made to make the accountancy practice more independent from the Auswild businesses. Changes were made for the introduction of new Partners and for those Partners to determine their own future and hence, the future of the practice.

What is now known as Auswild & Co evolved from the former practice based in Double Bay of James F J Auswild and Co (Branch No 1). The practice maintains associate arrangements with practices under the name of James F J Auswild & Co at Temora, Canberra and Melbourne. In May 1988 the practice of Auswild & Co moved to 50 Montgomery Street, Kogarah and in August 2010 relocated to its current premises at 33 Rocky Point Road, Kogarah.

Sir James heard the following quotation as a young man:

"I shall pass through this world but once,

Any good thing therefore that I can do

Or any kindness that I can show

Let me do it now, let me not defer or neglect it

For I shall not pass this way again."

This has been a strong influence on our practice and has been responsible for much of the success our practice enjoys today.