Kurt Baker, Partner at ESV Business advice and accounting, the TIAG member firm in New South Wales, Australia. In this feature, we will gain an "Up Close & Personal" view of Kurt, both professionally and personally.
Fast Facts about Kurt Baker
Firm: ESV Business advice and accounting
Jurisdiction & Alliance: New South Wales, Australia - TIAG
Member Since: 2003
Fun Facts about Kurt Baker
Favorite Food: Eye fillet steak, cooked medium-rare, served with peppercorn sauce.
Favorite Travel Destination: The Rocky Mountains in Canada
Do you have any pets? The family does—my wife has a dog, as does my daughter. One is called Banjo, and the other is Clancy. They’re trying to persuade me that I need a dog as well, but they haven’t won that battle—at least, not yet.
When you are not working, how do you enjoy spending your time?
Spending time with my family is really important to me. I enjoy traveling and eating out with friends. I also enjoy bushwalking in my local national park—I live in the foothills of Sydney’s spectacular Blue Mountains.
A Closer Look at Kurt Baker
What does being an accountant and advisor mean to you?
I suppose it’s part of my DNA—this world has always been part of my professional life. It’s a profession that has accommodated my family and life and enriched me personally and professionally.
What value do you and your firm receive from TAG Alliances membership?
The enduring relationships I have built through TAG Alliances membership have benefited me both personally and professionally. Professionally, I am able to offer my clients global expertise—a key point of difference as I strive to be a ‘beyond trusted advisor.’ Personally, many of the people I now consider good friends are those I met through TAG Alliances. Since attending my first conference in Madrid in 2004, I have been fortunate to forge deep and valuable friendships with people from all all parts of the globe.
What is something unique about your firm?
I have been with ESV since the day it came to life. As I reflect, I see that while we have many wonderful traditions and a rich history, it is the people who will always be at the heart of everything we do. Now in our 33rd year, we are proud to still serve a number of clients who have been with us since 1991. We have walked alongside them on their business journeys, and in many cases, we are now supporting the next generation—the children of our original clients.
Over time, business changes, and the world changes—ESV has always been conscious of adapting our service to deliver what our clients need today and in the future. The long tenure of many of our clients is a testament to our expertise in this area.
Do you have a favorite memory about a TAG Alliances Conference or interaction/collaboration with another TAG Alliances member?
The conference in Edinburgh was my favorite. The topics were interesting, the guest speakers were ‘on point,’ it was well attended, and the social/networking activities were awesome. It was topped off by the Gala Dinner with all the men wearing kilts (some traditional). We enjoyed a warm Scottish welcome and a sample of haggis, and the night culminated in fireworks as we all stood out on the grounds, reflecting on how lucky we were to be in this special part of the world with our colleagues!.
