Tonia Murphy

From cadet to trusted advisor

Tonia Murphy joined Pitcher Partners as a cadet in February 2012, fresh out of school and just beginning her commerce degree at UNSW. More than a decade on, she is a Chartered Accountant, Mental Health First Aider, CA Mentor, Xero Advisor and currently a participant in the firm’s Pitcher Pathways leadership program. 

What began as a cadetship quickly became the foundation for a long-term career. 

A decision shaped by trust

Tonia’s decision to join was simple. Someone she trusted had joined the cadetship program the year before and spoke highly of both the work and the people. 

“Everyone I met during the interview process was approachable and friendly,” she recalls.  

“That really aligned with what I was looking for early in my career. I wanted to be in a collaborative environment with a great culture where I could learn, grow and build relationships early on.” 

Hands on from day one

Tonia began her career in the outsourcing team, and 14 years on, it’s still where you’ll find her. From day one, the role was hands-on covering everything from management accounting and bookkeeping to BAS reporting, compliance and whatever else clients needed. 

“It gave me a really strong foundation for taking on more complex work later on. You see how everything connects,” she says. 

That early exposure to the full end-to-end process gave Tonia something beyond technical skills. She developed a practical understanding of how businesses operate and how the numbers translate into real commercial outcomes. 

Stepping into the bigger picture

Today, Tonia’s role has evolved from being a preparer to a trusted advisor. She leads her team, reviews client engagements, and delivers commercially focused advisory services. She also works closely with the Partners on business development, including proposals and growth opportunities. 

What she enjoys most is when clients begin to see the team as an extension of their own business. 

“When clients start to see you as part of their business, not just their accountant, that’s when the work becomes really meaningful,” she says. 

She is also passionate about driving continuous improvement, whether that’s refining internal processes or helping clients strengthen their own systems and reporting. 

It comes down to people

Ask Tonia what has kept her at Pitcher Partners for 14 years and the answer is consistent: the people. 

Supportive partners, strong teams and a culture that prioritises growth and connection have all played a role in her journey.  

“The work can be the same anywhere you go,” she says. “But the people you work with make all the difference.” 

A new chapter

After taking parental leave in 2024, Tonia returned in 2025 and transitioned back to full time in 2026. Balancing a leadership role with being a first-time mum brought new challenges and perspective. 

The flexibility offered by Pitcher Partners, including adjusted hours and hybrid working, made that transition significantly easier. The prioritisation skills she developed as a cadet (who was juggling university, work and social life) proved just as valuable in this new stage. 

One of her proudest achievements in her return to work has been how seamlessly she reconnected with her team and clients while continuing to build new relationships. 

Beyond the role

Tonia is actively involved in the firm’s community initiatives including Dress for Success, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and Clean Up Australia Day. 

Outside of work, she recharges with reformer Pilates and time with her family. Her two-year-old son, she says, keeps her firmly on her toes. His excitement about new adventures from zoo trips to visits to the bus depot, is the best kind of perspective reset after a busy week. 

What’s next for Tonia

Currently part of the Pitcher Pathways program, Tonia is focused on continuing to build her leadership capability and mentoring the next generation of professionals. 

“I embrace change and find it exciting,” she says. “I’m always on the lookout for ways to improve what we do and how we can deliver it better.” 

More than a decade in, she’s still learning and growing here at Pitcher Partners.