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Former ATO veteran Michael Cranston joins law firm
Mr Cranston, who two weeks ago was found not guilty of misusing his position to benefit his son, has joined Waterhouse Lawyers as a tax consultant.
Jotham Lian
Tania Waterhouse, principal director at the firm, told Accountants Daily that she approached Mr Cranston after his acquittal, with the ATO veteran immediately accepting the role and beginning work this week.
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Ms Waterhouse, a former director at the ATO, said Mr Cranston’s 40 year experience at the Tax Office would well ensure taxpayers have a fair go during ATO audits.
“Michael will be helping clients being audited by the ATO. This will involve analysing the client’s tax affairs, considering the ATO position and liaising with the ATO. Michael’s skills and experience will be particularly valuable audits of high wealth individuals and those with a complex group structures,” said Ms Waterhouse.
“I am particularly thrilled because I believe Michael and I will make a dynamic team – I have very strong tax technical skills and Michael has very strong auditing skills – a perfect combination in the tax world.”
Having worked with Mr Cranston during her time at the Tax Office, Ms Waterhouse said she believed there was no case to answer as soon as the facts emerged at the beginning of the trial.
“Despite the charges brought against him, I believe Michael remains highly respected in the ATO, particularly at the junior levels. His 40 year experience with the ATO will guarantee that all taxpayers we represent will get a fair hearing at the ATO.”
