Louis Carney

Senior Manager - Brisbane

Louis Carney is a highly experienced Senior Manager in Indirect Tax, based in Brisbane. 

With more than 20 years of international and domestic experience, he specialises in helping businesses navigate complex GST, VAT and customs duty obligations. 

Louis’s expertise spans tax governance, compliance processes and the use of advanced tax technology to improve efficiency, enhance accuracy and reduce risk. 

He works with large corporates, middle market enterprises and regional SMEs across Australia. Working to deliver tailored solutions that meet regulatory requirements while supporting long term business growth.

A self-described people person, Louis brings a collaborative, client first approach to every engagement. He is passionate about simplifying complexity for his clients. To help translate technical rules into practical, workable steps that finance and operations teams can implement with confidence. 

"I’m passionate about simplifying complex indirect tax challenges and using technology to deliver smarter, more efficient outcomes for clients.”

Louis advises across the full indirect tax lifecycle. From structuring and transactions, systems and controls, governance, and reviews, he works to help clients determine their GST obligations and credit entitlements on complex transactions. 

He is deeply experienced in preparing for and responding to Australian Taxation Office (ATO) reviews. This includes designing and executing fit for purpose control testing programs that strengthen tax governance ratings. 

He uses modern tax technology and data analytics to check if business systems and manual controls for GST/VAT are working properly. His practical approach ensures improvements are effective and easy to apply in daily operations.

Louis also advises on international trade flows and customs, helping clients assess tariff classification, duty rates, and entitlement to exemptions. 

Before joining RSM Australia, Louis spent 15 years with Big Four firms across South Africa and Australia, advising clients on all aspects of indirect tax. 

He also worked for a major oil and customs company in Norway, where he was responsible for indirect tax matters across the Africa and East regions. This global exposure gives Louis an understanding of international trade. Including cross border supply chains and the practical realities of customs regulation, which provide insights he can apply to help Australian businesses operate with confidence in international markets.

Louis has a proven track record of delivering measurable results. He has helped large international and Australian corporates, family owned businesses and SMEs better understand their GST obligations and credit entitlements. 

He is particularly passionate about designing robust control testing programs that help elevate tax governance ratings and withstand regulatory scrutiny.

One of his most notable achievements throughout his career was assisting a client to refine tariff classifications for their imported goods. With Louis’ help, the client received significant customs duty refunds and improved compliance processes for future transactions. 

While one of Louis’s proudest achievements was being admitted as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa, a milestone that reflects years of dedication and rigorous study. This accomplishment fuels his passion for delivering excellence in his professional career.

Louis thrives on problem solving and enjoys working directly with clients to resolve complex tax challenges. He values collaboration and is energised by RSM’s dynamic national team, which goes above and beyond to support clients and colleagues alike. 

Outside of work, you’ll find Louis on the golf course, riding his mountain bike, or spending time in the garden, often rounding out the weekend by barbecuing with family and friends. 
He’s also passionate about tax technology and will happily find any excuse to use visualisation tools over spreadsheets when it improves clarity and decision making.

Solutions LOUIS CARNEY provides

Louis provides expert knowledge in the following areas:

• GST advisory and credit entitlements
• ATO review preparation and response
• Customs duty exemptions
• Tax technology and data analytics 

Qualifications

• Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Law
• Masters in taxation