About us

Anthony Cerantonio has become synonymous with saving small business owners from financial failures and personal breakdowns.

As the founder of Forensic Accounting Group, Anthony draws on his own vast experiences in building and running small businesses, including newspapers, entertainment centres and function venues to multicultural markets, night clubs, health spas and accommodation resorts, to deliver clients with out of the box, legally compliant and financially responsible solutions.

Anthony’s expertise in accounts management and continued advocacy for Australia’s small business market has positioned him as one of the nation’s most well-regarded and in-demand small business specialists and management consultants.

THE EARLY YEARS

1972: Established accounting firm, A Cerantonio & Associates. Within a few years the business opened offices in Sunshine, St Albans, Footscray and Sunbury

1974: Established the Italo-Australian Social Club (today Club Italia) and secured 10 acres of land in Furlong Rd for a peppercorn rent of $1.00 per annum, for 100 years. The venue is today

one of the largest Italian clubs in Victoria, with soccer grounds, poker machines, restaurant, function room, bocce pavilion, sports bar

1984: Successful in securing a $235,000 grant from the Federal Government to construct a secondary hall and to update the car parking facilities for the Club

1977: Appointed to the National Ethnic Broadcasting Advisory Council by the Federal Minister for Immigration and under chairperson, Sir Arvi Parbo, to provide advice on establishng ethnic radio and television in Australia. In the same year, he received the ‘Scogliera Argento Award’, sponsored by the Italian newspapers in Italy, for his achievement and contributions to the Italian community in Australia

1978: One of five young Australians to WIN “Young Victorian and YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR Award” for his contribution to the Italian & Australian communities. Completed post-graduate studies in Management Accounting & Taxation (Victoria University and Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology)

1986: Converted a major industrial site into a thriving business centre known as “The Melbourne Westend Complex”, consisting of some 700 market stalls and a variety of fresh produce, nightclub, entertainment centre, restaurants, reception centre, sports bar and a 100 machine Tattersall’s gaming venue

1987: Established the Western Independent Group of Newspapers to promote the positive aspects of the Western Suburbs of Melbourne. Began writing a weekly column, “Anthony’s View” that focussed on business, political and social issues concerning the Western Region of Melbourne. The publication was eventually bought by the Fairfax Group.

1994: Appointed to the Board of the Victorian Dairy Industry Authority

THE NEXT CHAPTER

1997: Received substantial grant from the Federal Government to establish practical management training centres to assist family businesses to become more efficient, productive and profitable. His research in this field coupled with the subsequent workshops and seminars enabled Anthony to write his first book, “Business Success”. This was followed up with a second book, “Business Success Without Stress.”

1996 to 1998: Coached the Under 10 and 12 Keilor Football Teams

1999: Appointed by Crown Entertainment Melbourne to organise the entertainment venue’s inaugural and enormously successful, Italia Fest, promoting Italy’s rich culture, customs and traditions in Melbourne.

During the ensuing years, Anthony worked closely with his son Damien, and his wife, Caryn (pictured left) to develop the Great Ocean Road Resort in Anglesea. What was originally a small caravan park, has today been successfully transformed into a thriving holiday resort to include 35 Luxury Accommodation Units, a Trampoline Park, Restaurant, Conference Facilities, Day Spa, Indoor Heated Pool and Tennis Courts. Anthony now regularly hosts small business seminars and retreats at the property for clients.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

2019 to 2024: Following significant growth of Forensic Accounting Group, Anthony expanded his management accounting services to include a licensed finance broking arm, Forensic Finance Brokers, and established new offices for the business in the heart of Torquay VIC 3228.