Kristina Popova joins Grant Thornton’s tax practice as a partner

Grant Thornton has strengthened its Tax division with Kristina Popova, who will lead the national Stamp Duty and Land Tax practice.

Kristina Popova joins the mid-tier accounting and consulting firm from Deloitte, where she spent the past three years advising clients on stamp duty implications in transactions, revenue investigations, corporate reconstruction exemptions, and private rulings and exemptions.

Earlier, Popova spent close to a decade in the legal industry, serving Ashurst, Allens and King & Wood Mallesons, among others.

Throughout her career, Popova gained extensive experience across a broad range of (state) tax issues in industries including major projects, funds, retail, real estate and construction, utilities and resources. She has acted on indirect tax disputes in the Supreme Court of Victoria, the Federal Court of Australia, the Victoria Civil and Administrative Tribunal, and the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Now based out of the Melbourne office of Grant Thornton, Popova will lead the national Stamp Duty and Land Tax practice.

“State taxes is a highly technical, complex and changing landscape. It is essential that clients are aware of their obligations and the revenue law consequences and opportunities of their transactions,” she said.

“Having provided advice across a number of diverse industries on matters of all sizes, I understand the importance of providing clients with timely, clear and concise communication that deconstructs the technical and complex nature of state taxes,” Popova continued.

Elizabeth Lucas, Partner and Head of National Specialist Tax at Grant Thornton, said: “In addition to being a stamp duty specialist, Kristina’s experience spans across land tax and various state specific taxes. She has worked in Big Four accounting and top tier law firm environments, and brings with her a wealth of experience which will be of direct benefit to our clients.”