David Friend

Director - Sydney

With more than 15 years of experience in the accounting and advisory industry, David Friend is a Director in RSM Australia’s Audit & Assurance division.

Based in Australia, David works with a diverse range of large corporate entities and listed companies across industries including technology, retail, energy, mining, and education.

David’s focus is on helping clients meet their reporting requirements and comply with auditing and assurance standards, while also finding opportunities to strengthen their business operations, improve cash flow, and achieve their strategic goals. He takes pride in offering high-level, practical insights that go beyond the audit process — supporting clients as they grow, evolve, and adapt in an ever-changing market.

David’s audit approach combines strong technical knowledge with clear and effective communication. He is passionate about actively listening to his clients, understanding their challenges, and delivering solutions that are both compliant and commercially focused. His ability to translate complex accounting concepts into plain language helps management teams make confident, informed decisions.

He has extensive experience working with management teams to enhance reporting processes, streamline supply chains, and strengthen internal controls. David also supports clients with cash flow forecasting and strategic financial planning, helping them identify ways to optimise liquidity and maintain resilience in changing economic conditions.

"I thrive on helping clients understand their business from every angle — using the audit process not just as a requirement, but as a real opportunity to drive improvement and growth."

Before joining RSM, David worked in the retail industry, where he developed strong interpersonal and customer service skills. He learned the importance of eye contact, genuine conversation, and clear communication — skills that continue to define his professional approach today. These early experiences shaped his people-first mindset, helping him connect with clients across industries and at every level of business.

David joined RSM in 2011 and has since built a reputation for being a trusted advisor who genuinely cares about his clients’ success. He believes that effective auditing is not just about ticking boxes — it’s about providing insights that add value and help clients manage risk while supporting their strategic direction.

Over his career, David has guided several Australian businesses through complex types of acquisition, large-scale restructures, and new compliance environments. His experience spans both regulatory compliance and strategic advisory, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the opportunities and challenges his clients face.

David particularly enjoys helping start-ups and fast-growing businesses through their first audit. He understands that for many companies, the audit process can be daunting, so he focuses on making it clear, efficient, and supportive. By breaking down financial and operational requirements — including cash flow management, supply chain efficiencies, and technology integration — David helps clients strengthen their internal processes while building confidence in their financial reporting.

Throughout his time at RSM, David has continued to expand his expertise in auditing standards, risk management, and financial reporting. He has also played an active role in RSM’s internal operations, contributing to technology adoption and process improvement initiatives that have enhanced audit quality and efficiency.

David’s clients often describe him as approachable, reliable, and highly responsive. He believes in developing long-term partnerships built on trust and open dialogue. His ability to blend technical precision with a practical, business-oriented outlook allows him to guide clients confidently through complex reporting landscapes and organisational change.

Away from the office, David is an early riser who enjoys starting his day with a walk, a good breakfast, or a strong coffee. He is passionate about sport, particularly the NFL and EPL, and often wakes early to catch live games. Outside of work, he loves spending time with family and friends and believes that maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life is key to staying focused and energised.