Mr Ronald Pitcher AM commenced his career in a management accounting environment with W. Kirkhope & Co. around 1955. His life time mentor was the legendary Ernest Niemann, a Burma Railway survivor, who from day one emphasized the roles of communication to clients on the basis of management accounting outputs and data to assist them in making strategic decisions.
Mr Pitcher was educated at his local technical school and the head teacher advised his parents of their son’s potential in a career in Accounting. His career took off, and with his diligent approach to both study and work, he was qualified for admission as a Chartered Accountant by age 19; but recognition was delayed by Institute Rules until he turned 21.
Mr Pitcher was admitted to partnership at the young age of 27 indicating his talent and potential. His employer achieved National and International status as Hungerford, Spooner and Kirkhope; and later Hungerfords.
His career in management accounting extended to a wide range of Industries including, newspaper and media publications, sawmilling and timber trading, lighting, clothing, medical, engineering, retail and wholesale trading, various manufacturing activities and agriculture.
Today the firm founded by Mr Pitcher and several associates in 1991 is Pitcher Partners, a national and international firm where the basics of management accounting are a key part of the culture of the firm – which is now Australia’s largest “middle market” Accounting Advisory Firm.
On retirement from the firm that carries his name, Mr Pitcher not surprisingly extended his portfolio of directorships. His service to the well-being of his clients and generous community serviced was recognized with the award of Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
His unlisted directorships included Peter Isaacson Publications Group, Yakka Clothing Group, Gunnersen Timber Group; his listed company directorships included Reece Limited as Audit and Remuneration Committee Chair, Cellestis Limited as Chair, McMillan Shakespeare Limited as Chair and National Can Limited.
The Institute of Certified Management Accountants is honoured to induct Mr. Ronald Pitcher to the Global Accounting Hall of Fame® for his services to the profession in Australia.
