About Azab Business Advisory
Azab Business Advisory was founded by Phil Clarke in October 2013 to continue his passion of working with SME’s, individuals and the Not For Profit Sector after leaving PwC as the then current longest serving partner of PwC Australia. Phil has a track record over 50 years of delivering innovative results for his clients. Phil not only assists his Clients in strategy, he assists in driving the strategy through to successful implementation. With vast in-depth experience in both taxation and audit Phil is able to lead in providing a holistic experience.
To complement Azab Business Advisory’s client experience, Phil’s daughter, Alicia Clarke, joined the firm in August 2025 bringing to the firm expertise for large corporates and ASX listed entities on governance, risk management framework and controls design . Together, Phil and Alicia bring a unique combination of more than 70 years of Big 4 expertise and boutique agility.
As a boutique advisory, we are passionate about offering clients the depth and rigour of top-tier professional services, delivered with the personal attention and trusted relationships of a smaller firm. Every engagement is anchored in our clients’ success – ensuring pragmatic, hands-on solutions that create lasting value across every stage of growth.
Phil Clarke (Founder) B Ec. FCA,CTA
Phil’s Experience
Phil is the Managing Director of Azab Business Advisory. Phil was one of PwC’s most experienced partners with more than 50 years’ experience in the professional services environment, 28 years as a partner at PwC prior to his leaving in October 2013 to found Azab Business Advisory.
Phil’s experience is in the Private Client, Not for Profit and Government area and covers both taxation and audit.
He is a Life Member of the Townsville Chamber of Commerce.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Economics from the University of Sydney
- Fellow, CAANZ
- Certified Taxation Advisor
- Registered tax agent (since 1985)
- Commissioner of Declarations
Phil’s track record includes:
- 100% success representing clients at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and its predecessor The Taxation Board of Review.
- Advising taking a business from a partnership to a listed company.
- Advising on the then largest Australian Grazing M&A transaction.
- Foundation advisory Board member 1989-1993 Cowboys Rugby League Steering Committee and then Financial Advisor until 2001.
- Advising taking business from sole trader to $10M turnover.
- Advising taking small plumbing partnership to $20M Private Corporate Group.
- Advising on and assisting implementation on succession plan for large grazing family.
- Delivering significant taxation savings through use of superannuation for over 40 years.
In depth Industry experience:
- Primary Production
- Health, including Medical Practices, Pharmacies, Hospitals, Research and Allied Health
- Government and Local Government
- Franchising
- Mining & Mining Services
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Professional Services
- Not for Profit Organisations
- Superannuation Management
Alicia Clarke B Com, CA, RCA
Alicia’s experience
Alicia is an experienced adviser and assurance practitioner with over 20 years of experience spanning financial and sustainability assurance, governance, risk management, strategy and compliance. Alicia brings a wealth of experience to Azab Business Advisory and her clients through her experience as a former Partner Assurance and Advisory with PwC.
Alicia has worked with boards, executives, and teams to deliver regulatory confidence, governance excellence, and long-term value.
Alicia brings both a commercial lens and objective independence to boards, executives, and operational teams.
Alicia is passionate about turning regulatory change into opportunity and works with leaders to build resilient, future-ready organisations that perform financially and sustainably. Alicia’s style brings a collaborative, pragmatic approach that is open and authentic to organisations she works with.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting/ Finance) James Cook University
Member of CAANZ - PwC and INSEAD APAC Sustainability and Leadership Programme
- Registered Company Auditor with ASIC
- Exemplar Global Integrated Management Systems ISO 9001:205, ISO 14001: 2015 and AS/NZS 4801:2001/OHS 18001:2007
Alicia’s track record includes:
- Strengthening client’s governance, risk, and compliance framework
- Deliver climate and sustainability reporting (Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards) and shape ESG strategies that create both regulatory confidence and business value for a number of large corporates
- Improve processes and optimise compliance and assurance practices
- Provide independent audit and assurance as a Registered Company Auditor
- Train and upskill leaders and teams to embed new requirements
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