Behind Resolve with David Harvey
In this instalment of our Behind Resolve series, meet David Harvey – devoted dad, husband and float tank enthusiast.
He’s also the Director of Resolve Advisory – though the title alone doesn’t do justice to the man who’s just as comfortable in a boardroom as he is rolling up his sleeves to jump on a tractor during a client visit.
What David's clients will tell you is this: he's a straight shooter who listens. He's highly attuned to what drives his clients, what keeps them up at night and what they're trying to build. That balance of warmth and honesty is exactly why clients have worked with him for years.
He’s a passionate leader who set out to create something different – and in doing so, established the culture and philosophy that define Resolve today.
This is his story.
Meet David Harvey
Who is David Harvey?
I'm a husband to my beautiful wife and dad to two awesome kids – and a Great Dane named Rooby Doo.
I’ve been in Canberra since I was six years old – trading the beach in Wollongong for the place that I now call home.
What drew you to your current role and field? Tell us your origin story.
I always thought I would end up in Advertising and Marketing.
When I was in Year 12, I attended the University of Canberra’s Open Day. That was when I realised how much writing was involved in Advertising and Marketing. I didn’t love it. So, I decided that day I was a numbers person instead!
In my third year of university, I started working at a boutique local accounting firm and never looked back.
For me, a big corporate accounting firm was never going to be the right fit. The relationships you build when clients see you as their trusted advisor – there's nothing quite like them.
Let’s get personal
Where do you go or what do you do to feel grounded?
Float tanks. There is something about feeling completely disconnected for an hour that really resets my soul – and it’s where I get a lot of problem solving done!
Tell us about a moment that redirected your path in life and how you navigated it.
I could think of two moments:
6 days after my 21st birthday I was involved in a horrible car accident. I ended up in ICU and came out with a neck brace for an extended period. I had to re-check my ability to walk, talk and think. It was a stark reminder that I wasn’t invincible, and that my actions impacted those around me.
The day my daughter was born (and subsequently my son). Everything I do is for them – they’re the most incredible achievements in my life. Plus, they definitely keep me humble!
Both of these occasions completely changed who I am, the way I think and the way I show up in the world.
On a professional note
Describe a day or moment when the work felt exactly right - when did it all make sense?
I was visiting a client's farm for their monthly Advisory meeting, but instead, I spent the afternoon in a tractor helping prepare their land for planting. Being there, doing the actual work they do – that's when I truly understood what drove them and what this business meant to them.
As I was driving out of their farm, I saw the sunset and it hit me: this is why I do what I do.
When I can truly understand a client's motivation, the work becomes so much more personal.
How do you approach your work when things don't go to plan?
Fresh eyes fix everything.
Instead of banging my head against the wall, I do something else and give my brain a break and a chance to reset. Then, the next morning, it all seems to click!
If you could give someone just starting out in accounting one piece of advice, what would it be?
The study and the technical components build the foundation – but it's the relationships that separate good accountants from great ones.
Make sure you get to know everything you can about your clients – what motivates them and what their goals and pain points are. Once you know this, you’ll know exactly what to consider in every decision you make with them moving forward.
Finally…
Why did you decide to open your own accounting firm instead of working for someone else?
Over the years I’ve noticed that many accounting firms traditionally focus on things that neither improve the quality of work, nor the client experience. These things include – but are not limited to – wearing suits and ties, focusing on staff input instead of output and sticking to strict office hours for all staff all the time.
Instead of doing the same old thing, I wanted to build something a little different – a firm that would attract like-minded, results-driven staff and clients who value deep long-term relationships over the rigidity of traditional corporate culture. I wanted to be the change.
With Resolve, we've been able to create that culture. Our team has the autonomy to do their best work, and our clients get a more personal, responsive experience.
In Year 12, David made a simple call: he was a numbers person. But his career has taught him something different. From that initial choice to that sunset epiphany (and everything in between), David discovered that accounting isn't just about numbers at all – it's about the people behind them.
For David, purpose is grounded in two things: his family, who remind him what matters most, and his clients, with whom he serves. His outlook and philosophy runs through everything that is Resolve: challenging tradition, building authentic relationships and creating an environment where his team is trusted and valued.
David's story is a reminder that when you prioritise what truly matters, both in life and in work, everything else falls into place
To connect with David, find him on LinkedIn.