Providing value in an economy of many moving parts
In our new series celebrating local businesses, we interview business owners to learn about their business and what makes them tick. Every business’s story is different – as are their goals and plans for the future. We’ll delve into the story of how the business came about – from it’s humble beginnings to today. Today we’re talking to Graeme Bailey, the director of Envision Forensics. As a forensic accountant who has worked overseas and in the big 4 accounting firms, Graeme understands the importance of accuracy, transparency and providing value to clients. Envision Forensics covers the full spectrum of forensic accounting from fraud investigations, to business valuations and preparing expert reports in litigation matters.
Interview with Graeme Bailey from Envision Forensics
1. To start, tell us a bit about what your business does
We are a boutique Forensic Accounting Firm the website says Business Strategy, Valuations and Expert witness but we do much more. By leveraging our extensive network of professional contacts, we are able to bring to the table the expertise required for the assignment on point, on time and on budget. We are an innovative, agile and niche accounting firm looking to leverage opportunities in an economy of many moving parts. My role is managing the many moving parts of the business to ensure we meet and exceed expectations.
I have learnt one of the most important roles is to only engage with stakeholders that understand and practice strong corporate governance and see the long-term success of Envision Forensics in alignment with their own values.
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2. Why did you start Envision Forensics?
I wanted to bring more to the table than just a Forensic Accounting firm, it was the opportunity to establish something that I could leverage my experience to benefit clients not just in the Forensic Accounting space but as the Logo suggests the Business Strategy space.
Independence is the concept that underpins APES 215 Forensic Accounting Services and the opportunity to be independent to create value and seek opportunities that may not traditionally be in the province of established Forensic Practices.
3. What does an average day look like for you?
One of the things I am learning when you start your own business is that no two days are the same and despite having plans put in place and the must do’s top of the list. There always something from left field that changes that. That is one of the challenges but every day is an opportunity to learn something new that can benefit our clients.
4. What are some of your key milestones and successes?
It’s early days – our biggest achievement is yet to come.
5. Who inspires you?
I like to read a lot and stay current through local and international publications. There’s so much available with just a couple of key strokes. If I had to name one person that’s continually popped up in my ‘thinking’ over many years, it’d be Seth Godin. He was a pioneer and is still as relevant today as he was 15 years ago.
I would also say I look up to Richard Branson because I would like to own an island in Noosa Heads one day as well. I believe as he does you can’t dwell on your mistakes for long, new plans should be developed quickly when things don’t work out. Who else has signed the Rolling Stones, Sex Pistols and Culture Club to their record label?
And he’s the source of a few of my favourite quotes:
“It doesn’t matter if you are David acing Goliath, if you have a clear purpose, you can achieve great things.”
Or
“Clients do not come first, employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.”
6. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
The book I have read recently and constantly drawn back to is Marcus Arelius and meditations. Whilst written almost two thousand years ago it applies even more today on my opinion. When confronted with a problem or I just need some time out I often pick the book up of my desk and some words of wisdom or a different insight will pop up with whatever I am thinking of or working on.
I like this one p73 p13: “Constantly test your mental impressions – each one individually, if you can: investigate the cause, identify the emotion, apply the analysis of logic”
That’s at the core of most matters I am instructed on. However, if you want a complex, thought-provoking and five-star thriller try … the RUIN by Dervla Mc Tiernan.
7. What are your plans for the future?
To take a leaf out of Lawpath to challenge the traditional way of offering Forensic Accounting Services by adopting technology in an innovative and transparent manner to lower the cost and time in providing the solutions our clients seek.
8. Finally, what words of advice do you have for budding business owners?
Be kind, be clear and be honest.
