John Bland

Director - Brisbane

John Bland is a Director in the Brisbane Tax division.

With a tax career spanning of almost 40 years, John's journey has been one of constant evolution and dedication to his profession. John has a wealth of experience in navigating the shifting landscape of professional services, emphasising the importance of client focus and people development in driving success.

John is a seasoned expert in international tax and transfer pricing services, offering many decades of knowledge and experience to his clients. He has experience across various specialised areas, including business restructures, with a focus on optimising structural changes to ensure tax efficiency and compliance. John also has expertise in debt pricing, advising clients on financial instruments to achieve favourable tax outcomes while adhering to regulatory requirements.

In the field of commodity marketing and trading, John provides insights and strategies to navigate the complex tax implications of global transactions. His deep understanding of intangibles, such as intellectual property and trademarks, enables him to assist clients in achieving transfer pricing models that maximise value and minimise tax risks.

John has much experience assisting clients in Advanced Pricing Arrangements (APA), where he negotiates and secures agreements with tax authorities to provide certainty and prevent disputes over transfer pricing methodologies. Additionally, John works closely with clients in transfer pricing audit defence, leveraging his extensive experience and technical knowledge to effectively represent and defend clients during tax audits, ensuring their interests are well-protected.

John’s comprehensive approach and dedication to excellence make him a trusted adviser in the field of international tax and transfer pricing services, consistently delivering outcomes that meet the unique needs of his diverse clientele.

"I prioritise working closely with my clients to help them ensure compliance and maximise value."

John is motivated by collaborating with smart, driven individuals. He thrives on the energy and ideas that come from working with talented colleagues and clients. Helping them achieve their ambitions is incredibly rewarding for him. 

Whether it's guiding a team member to reach their full potential or assisting a client in realising their goals, John is passionate about making a positive impact. This dedication to supporting and uplifting others is a key factor that drives his professional satisfaction and success.

Before joining RSM, John's tax career began in 1985 at the ATO. In 1998, he transitioned to a prominent global professional services firm, specialising in Transfer Pricing. 

Over the next 23 years, he honed his expertise in both the UK and Australia, leading the Queensland Transfer Pricing practice for 17 years, including 13 years as a partner and 5 years as the lead partner of the overall Queensland Tax team. In 2021, John returned to the ATO as a Transfer Pricing Specialist in the International Tax Structuring team, serving as the Australian competent authority on numerous large and complex Transfer Pricing cases.

When John is not at work and enjoying his spare time, he is a huge fan of 1980s alternative music, often calling himself a "tragic" for the era. For him, it's more than just a hobby—it's a big part of who he is and something that brings him a lot of joy and nostalgia.

Outside his professional commitments, it's not just about the numbers for John. With a family of five kids and roots firmly planted in Brisbane, he understands the importance of balancing professional success with personal fulfilment. He cherishes quality time with his family, whether it's exploring the natural beauty of Australia, enjoying local festivals, or simply spending a quiet evening at home. John's commitment to his family and community adds a rich, personal dimension to his professional life, reinforcing his belief in the value of holistic success.

Solutions John Bland provides

John provides expert knowledge in the following areas:

•    Business restructures
•    Debt pricing
•    Commodity trading
•    Intangibles
•    Advanced Pricing Arrangements (APA)
•    Audit defence
•    Tax Services in Brisbane

significant projects

•    Assisted numerous Australian businesses in establishing offshore activities that are supported by appropriate pricing policies.
•    Assisted inbound foreign owned businesses to establish their Australian operations in compliance with the Australian rules.

Associations

•    Member, Certified Practising Accountants Australia (CPA)
•    Member, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ)

Qualifications

•    Graduate Diploma - Taxation Law (University of Melbourne)
•    Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting and Finance (Griffith University)
•    Bachelor of Arts (Griffith University)