John Temple-Cole

John is a partner in our forensic group. He is a CA Forensic Accounting Specialist, and has over 25 years’ experience in the field of forensic accounting. He specialises in large scale and complex financial investigations and disputes relating to quantification, loss of profit/damages, and accounting irregularities. He has led numerous engagements requiring careful project management, including:

• financial investigations and ‘Forensic audit’
• investigation of accounting irregularities
• fraud investigations
• tax avoidance investigations
• flow of funds and asset tracing
• loss of profit/damages in commercial disputes, international arbitration and class actions.

John has given evidence in a range of Australian Courts and tribunals, the High Court of Singapore and in domestic and international arbitration proceedings. He has a reputation for being upfront about the issues and is constantly in contact with clients.
John is passionate about coaching and mentoring members of his team and helping them deliver on engagements to achieve their professional goals.
Who’s Who Legal/Global Investigations Review – Thought Leaders, 2020, Investigations – Forensic Accountants, 2020, Consulting Experts – Forensic Accountants, 2020..

Significant engagements

• Dick Smith. Preparation of expert reports in response to the expert evidence of the plaintiffs in two Class Actions, relating to alleged irregularities in the accounting for inventory and inventory provisions.
• Licence dispute between Aircraft manufacturer and Chinese license partner. Preparation of expert reports relating to loss of profits, and provision of oral evidence at hearing in an ICC international arbitration matter.
• Consumer products, China master franchise dispute. Preparation of expert’s reports in ICC international arbitration hearing.
• Acciona Australia v Transport for New South Wales. Costs analysis in proceedings alleging misleading and deceptive conduct for the Design and Construct contract for the $1.5 billion Sydney Light Rail project.
• Oswals v Commissioner of Taxation. Expert’s reports on behalf of Commissioner in a CGT dispute, concerning verification of costs.
• Emirates Park. Expert’s report and evidence in criminal proceedings following investigation of an invoicing fraud. The accused was found guilty on all 14 charges, covering approximately four years and $13 million, and sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Languages

• Working proficiency in spoken and written Chinese (Mandarin).

Memberships

• Fellow Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (FCA)
• Fellow Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (FCA, UK).