Liam Telford

Partner , Tax Technical

Liam Telford is a Partner at RSM in Perth in Tax Technical and has over 15 years of tax experience.

With more than two decades of experience across industry, government and public practice, Liam brings a unique perspective to his position as Partner, Tax Technical in RSM Australia’s Tax Technical division.

Liam’s career has spanned Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region, giving him a depth of insight that few in the industry can match. Having worked on both sides of the regulatory landscape, including positions within the Australian Taxation Office and major corporate groups, Liam has developed an approach that balances technical precision with practical, commercially-focused advice.

Liam’s professional journey has taken him through some of the most complex corporate tax environments in Australia and abroad. Over several years in Singapore, he held significant regional responsibilities at Standard Chartered Bank and BHP, working closely with stakeholders across Asia to address intricate domestic and cross-border tax issues. These experiences deepened his understanding of international tax frameworks and strengthened his ability to reconcile the often-competing perspectives of clients, regulators, and tax authorities.

Today, Liam works primarily with large corporate entities that require sophisticated tax strategies and robust tax governance frameworks. He understands that these organisations face increasing scrutiny, and must navigate evolving tax laws, regulatory expectations, and risk environments. Liam’s focus is on helping clients uncover opportunities that support their long-term objectives while ensuring their tax positions remain defensible, compliant, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Whether advising on complex transactions or designing governance frameworks that withstand review, his guidance is grounded in deep expertise and shaped by real-world experience.

"I enjoy developing and supporting those around me, along with collaborating with my clients to achieve the right outcome that appropriately takes into account commercial considerations."

Throughout his career, Liam has led and contributed to transformative tax projects that improved governance outcomes, reduced risk exposure, and supported large-scale organisational change. In his current role, he leads RSM Australia’s tax governance and tax technical practices, drawing on his extensive knowledge to continually elevate the firm’s national tax capability. His work ensures that clients receive advice that is not only technically robust, but also forward-looking and tailored to their commercial realities.

Some of the most meaningful moments in Liam’s career have been those where he could help clients navigate and resolve difficult or sensitive situations. He recalls several instances where his support enabled clients to successfully extricate themselves from challenging ATO reviews. For Liam, the ability to help clients regain control, reduce stress, and protect the future of their business represents the true value of his work. These experiences reinforce his commitment to delivering tax solutions that create stability and confidence in even the most complex circumstances.

Liam is motivated by the intellectual challenge of tax and the constant evolution of the profession. He enjoys the analytical nature of the work but equally values the human side, the relationships formed with clients, colleagues and stakeholders across the industry. He sees every engagement as an opportunity to understand a client’s business more deeply and to contribute meaningfully to their success. For him, tax is not simply about compliance but also creating clarity, reducing risk and unlocking opportunity.

His proudest professional achievement is his appointment as a Partner at RSM Australia a milestone reflecting years of dedication, continuous learning and commitment to providing thoughtful, high-quality solutions. It also represents his passion for the profession and his drive to lead by example within the firm and the broader tax community.

Outside of work, Liam brings a down-to-earth and relatable energy to everything he does. A passionate follower of the Premier League and AFL, he also enjoys spending time with his family and indulging in the lighter side of life. One of the more unusual facts about Liam and one that always sparks conversation, is that he has an artificial tear duct, the result of removing his own tear duct as a toddler while sitting in a supermarket trolley. It’s a story that adds a quirky and memorable dimension to his otherwise polished professional persona.

Clients rely on Liam not only for his technical expertise, but for his balanced judgment, international perspective, and commitment to delivering tax solutions that stand up to scrutiny while supporting sustainable business growth.

SOLUTIONS LIAM PROVIDES

Liam provides tax technical advisory services to a diverse range of clients and industries in both the public and private sector, with a particular focus on mining and mining services, property and construction, and energy and utility companies.
Tax Services in Perth