Carla Frino

Member’s name: Carla Frino
Date of Hearing: 17 September 2026
Division: Australian Capital Territory
Tribunal: Disciplinary

On 17 September 2026 the Disciplinary Tribunal found Miss Carla Frino breached CPA Australia’s 11 May 2022 Constitution (“the Constitution”) Article 36(a) in that she had “committed, participated in or been involved with an Adverse Event” as defined in:

Complaint 1

Article 76(l) of the Constitution in that she was “Closely Associated with a Practice Entity: (i) which has become Insolvent: (A) at the time when it became Insolvent; or (B) at any time during the two years prior to it becoming Insolvent” by reason of her role as a member of M Plus Advisers Pty Ltd ACN 651 417 784 (M Plus) trading as Prowess Partners, holding more than 15% of the issued share capital of the Company, in which voluntary administrators were appointed on 19 September 2025 and liquidators appointed on 31 December 2025.

Background

Ms Frino was Closely Associated with M Plus Advisers Pty Ltd (M Plus) at the time it became insolvent. Her “Close Association” was primarily established through the holding of more than 15% of shares of M Plus at the relevant time.

Liquidators were appointed 19 September 2025, and on 31 March 2026, the Liquidators issued their Liquidators' Report to Creditors in respect of M Plus.

Complaint 2 

Article 76(c) of the Constitution in that she “breached this Constitution (or a constitution of the Company in force from time to time before the Amending Date), By-Laws, Code of Professional Conduct or the Applicable Regulations” by failing to comply with By-Law 9.1(a), by providing Public Accounting Services within the Commonwealth of Australia without holding a current Public Practice Certificate.

Background

Ms Frino has been a registered tax agent from 30 January 2025 and has been the sole director and secretary of Tally HQ Pty Ltd (Tally) which holds tax agent registration from 24 February 2025. Tally offers Public Accounting Services.

Ms Frino’s membership status has always been designated as an Associate; she has never progressed to the membership status of Certified Practising Accountant.

CPA Australia’s By-Law 9.1(a) requires that Members only provide Public Accounting Services within or for the Commonwealth of Australia or New Zealand (whether or not for reward) if the Member holds a current Public Practice Certificate in the relevant jurisdiction. 

Ms Frino has never held a CPA Australia Public Practice Certificate.

Decision

Miss Frino attended the Disciplinary Tribunal Hearing and denied Complaint 1 and admitted Complaint 2. Based on the evidence before it, the Disciplinary Tribunal found the Complaints sustained, noting that the Constitution does not distinguish the capacity in which the shares are held, including whether they are held beneficially or on behalf of a third party. Based on the plain meaning of the definition of “Closely Associated with a Practice Entity”, the Member falls within that definition by holding, or having held, at least 15% of the shares in the Practice Entity at the relevant time.

Penalty and Conditions: 

The Disciplinary Tribunal took into consideration the Member’s submission that she was not a director of M Plus at the relevant time, however as the Member was closely associated with the Practice Entity, the Tribunal found that the insolvency of a Practice Entity is not consistent with the objects of CPA Australia.

The Disciplinary Tribunal also considered that the Member knew, or ought to have known that it was necessary for her to hold a Public Practice Certificate to provide Public Accounting Services and imposed the following penalties:

Complaint 1:

• Forfeiture of Membership for a period of 2 years from the date of the hearing.

Complaint 2: 

• Forfeiture of Membership for a period of 2 years from the date of the hearing. The periods of forfeiture are to be served concurrently.

Prior to seeking readmission, Ms Frino must complete the CPA Program as non-member. If she intends to offer Public Accounting Services, she must obtain a CPA Australia Public Practice Certificate.

Costs:

The Member was ordered to pay CPA Australia’s costs of $ 18240.13.