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FY2018 Annual Report · Elopak
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ELMO Software Limited
ACN 102 455 087

ANNUAL
REPORT
2018

Contents 
2 

  Meet our team of ELMOnians

30    Board of Directors

4 

6 

8 

  Co-founder and CEO message

32    Key Management Team

  The ELMO numbers and track record

34    Director’s Report

  Company history

43    Remuneration Report

10    The ELMO solution

18    Addressable market

19    Industry partnerships

20    Growth strategy

21    Recent acquisitions

22    ELMO at a glance 

24    Business model 

26    Our people

54    Auditor’s independent declaration

55    Financial statements

59    Notes to the financial statements

95    Director’s declaration

96    Independent auditor’s report

101   Shareholder information

105   Risk Management

108   Glossary

28    Environment, social and governance

IBC   Corporate directory

AGM Details

ELMO Software Limited (ELMO) advises that it will hold its 2018 Annual 
General Meeting on Thursday, 22 November 2018 at 2.00pm 
(Sydney time) at the ELMO office, Level 27, 580 George Street, Sydney. 

ELMO Annual Report 2018

ELMO IS ONE OF 
AUSTRALIA AND NEW 
ZEALAND’S LEADING 
INTEGRATED CLOUD 
HR AND PAYROLL 
SOLUTION, OFFERING:
ONE VENDOR
ONE DASHBOARD
ONE USER-EXPERIENCE

ELMO Annual Report 2018

1

Meet our team of ELMOnians

ONE
vendor

ONE
dashboard

ONE
user- 
experience

ONE

dashboard

Co-founder and CEO message

Dear Shareholder,

We are pleased to report that ELMO 
Software Limited (ELMO) performed well 
during FY18. 

We made good progress delivering on 
our growth strategy and we strengthened 
our position as the leading cloud, 
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), HR and 
payroll solutions provider in Australia 
and New Zealand.

ELMO develops, sells and implements 
Human Resource (HR) & payroll software 
solutions that enable organisations to 
automate many of the Human Capital 
Management (HCM) processes and 
functions, efficiently managing the stages 
of an employee’s life cycle from “hire to 
retire”, including pay. 

In FY18, we expanded our market leading 
product suite from 7 to 12 modules. 
We now provide a unified, intuitive, user-
friendly, single dashboard solution for 
recruitment, onboarding, performance 
management, learning and development, 
pre-built courses, succession planning, 
remuneration, HR surveys and employee 
administration (HR core). Payroll was 
added in February 2018 with the 
acquisition of Sky Payroll, unlocking a new 
and complementary $657 million market1. 

We also continue to deliver strong results 
financially, delivering on our upgraded 
guidance, with pro forma SaaS revenue of 
$29.8 million for the year. The underlying 
ELMO business performed well with 
organic SaaS revenues growing in FY18 
by 37% compared to FY17. Over 93% 
of our revenues are subscription-based 

SaaS revenues3, which are recurring in 
nature. Our customer retention in dollar 
terms was 119% in FY18, highlighting the 
successful cross-selling of our enlarged 
suite of solutions into our sticky customer 
base. We have supplemented this growth 
with 3 selective acquisitions to broaden 
our offering with complementary 
technology and/or a high quality 
customer base, that enhance our 
cross-sell potential.  

~$1.7 billion per annum due to the 
larger view we now have of the market. 
With roughly 9% market share based 
on customer numbers, and only a 
2.56 module penetration per customer 
and substantial cross-sell potential, we 
have significant scope for growth for 
many years to come. Encouragingly, the 
modules we recently acquired are also 
gaining traction with new customers and 
through our extended customer base. 

Other highlights include:

•  Total pro forma revenue including 

acquisitions of $31.9 million

•  Annual cash receipts of $28.2 million

•  145 product enhancements 

•  Successful completion of a $45 million 
equity placement to accelerate growth

•  Acquiring PeoplePulse, Live Salary, 

Sky Payroll and Pivot Software

•  Receiving numerous accolades 
including Deloitte Fast 500, 
SmartCompany – Smart50, and the 
Anthill Cool Company award

With the continuation of strong sales 
momentum, our customer base increased 
by 97% to 1,0312. The organic average 
SaaS revenue per customer increased 
to $34,500. Customer retention3 remains 
consistently high at 92% and the module 
penetration per customer has steadily 
grown to 2.563.

Importantly, we continue to lay the 
foundations for long term, sustainable 
growth. Our total addressable market 
opportunity is large and has grown 
substantially from ~$600 million to 

Furthermore, we have increased 
visibility on the opportunities in the lower 
mid-market and upper mid-market tiers, 
the former covering organisations with 
less than 200 employees and the latter 
more than 1,000 employees. With this 
wider view of the market, and a larger 
suite of solutions, we are organising and 
allocating our resources purposefully to 
optimise our results in these markets.  

2019 will be a year of investment in long 
term, sustainable growth. We expect 
to increase our capabilities, headcount, 
sales and marketing resources, and 
continue our commitment to develop 
technology and product leadership. 

Our guidance for FY19 assumes strong 
revenue growth to $39.5 million and 
an increase in investment with EBITDA 
expected to be $1.1 million. We are 
confident these investments will generate 
strong, long term returns for shareholders 
as we take full advantage of the wider 
view we now have of the market. 
Our FY18 SaaS revenue run rate reflects 
88%4 of forecast FY19 SaaS revenue, and 
our investment is to ensure long-term 
sustainable growth in FY20 and beyond.

NEW PRODUCT 
OFFERINGS

TECHNOLOGY 
ENHANCEMENTS

ACQUISITIONS

WORKFORCE

AWARDS

Cloud Payroll, 
Rewards & Recognition, 
HR Surveys, Salary 
Benchmarking and 
Remuneration

145 product 
enhancements

PeoplePulse 
LiveSalary Sky Payroll 
Pivot Software

193 employees2

Deloitte Fast 500 
2017 Smart50 
2017 Anthill Cool 
Company 2017

1.  Frost & Sullivan independent market report
2.  Includes PeoplePulse, LiveSalary, Sky Payroll and Pivot Software
3.  Excludes PeoplePulse, LiveSalary, Sky Payroll and Pivot Software
4.  June 2018 SaaS revenue annualised

4

ELMO Annual Report 2018In March 2018, 
successfully 
completed $45m 
institutional 
placement to 
accelerate growth.

ELMO is fortunate to have a deeply 
experienced management team that 
continues to successfully execute our 
accelerated growth strategy and deliver 
on expectations. 

We would also like to extend a warm 
welcome to Barry Lewin, who joined the 
ELMO board as non-executive director and 
independent Chair in October 2018. Barry 
is the current non-executive Chairman of 
ASX-listed Praemium  Limited (ASX:PPS) 
and brings a wealth of relevant and 
complementary experience to ELMO.  

We would also like to thank our customers 
for their much appreciated support and all 
our shareholders for their loyalty. We look 
forward to sharing further successes with you. 

Yours Sincerely,

Danny Lessem 
Co-founder and CEO 

SaaS revenue1

$37.8m

2019

2018

$37.8m

$29.8m

Total revenue1 

$39.5m

2019

2018

$39.5m

$31.9m

1.  Includes PeoplePulse, LiveSalary, Sky Payroll and Pivot Software

Key  
success  
FY18

5

ELMO Annual Report 2018The      numbers ...

$31.9m

FY18 pro forma total revenue1
Up 2.2% on upgraded guidance

$29.8m

FY18 pro forma SaaS revenue1
Up 0.3% on upgraded guidance

$5.7mPro forma EBITDA1

Delivered on upgraded guidance

1,031

Customer base2,3
Up 96.8% since 30 June 2017

2.56

Modules per customer3,4
Up from 2.29 since 30 June 2017

92.0%Customer retention rate4,5

119% customer retention in dollar terms6

1.  Includes PeoplePulse, LiveSalary, SkyPayroll and Pivot Software
2.  Includes 405 customers from PeoplePulse, LiveSalary, SkyPayroll and Pivot Software
3.  As at 30 June 2018 
4.  Excludes PeoplePulse, LiveSalary, SkyPayroll and Pivot Software
5.   Customer retention is calculated by dividing the number of customers in the reference period who were 
customers at the end of the prior period by the number of customers at the end of the prior period
6.   Customer retention in dollar terms measures the ratio of like for like revenue growth of customers who 

transacted in the current and the preceding year

6

ELMO Annual Report 2018Building on our track record

Pro forma historical and  
forecast revenue ($m)

Annual customer  
receipts ($m)

SaaS revenue        Other revenue

39.5

1.7

37.8

$14.6

$28.2

CAGR  
39%

$18.2

23.2

1.6

21.6

17.0

1.2

15.7

13.5

0.9

12.6

9.9

1.0

9.0

7.3

0.2

7.1

FY14

FY15

FY16

FY17

FY181

FY19E2

FY16

FY17

FY18

Recurring revenue

97%

90%

93%

93%

93%

SaaS revenue growth

37%

50%

31%

37%

ELMO’s customer base growth  
(including acquisitions)

ELMO’s employee growth  
(including acquisitions)

1,0314

193

5243

67

80

106

358

254

30 June 2015

30 June 2016

30 June 2017

30 June 2018

30 June 2015

30 June 2016

30 June 2017

30 June 2018

1.  Excludes acquisitions
2.  Includes acquisitions
3.  Includes 82 customers from Techniworks 
4.  Includes 405 customers from PeoplePulse, LiveSalary, SkyPayroll and Pivot Software

7

ELMO Annual Report 2018 
Onward and upward ...

Learning
Management 
System

Pre-Built 
Courses

Performance
Management

t
c
u
d
o
r
P

Course Builder

eLearning 
platform and 
customised 
content 

Commenced 
development 
of full suite 
of talent 
management 
solutions

2002

2013

Focus on customer 
orientated training 
solutions

ELMO founded in 
2002 by Danny Lessem 
and Manuel Garber

2011

2012

2014

Focus on
mid-market 
organisations

Australian Human 
Resources Institute

Approved supplier 
on Government 
Panel arrangements

1.  Includes 280 customers from PeoplePulse & LiveSalary
2.   Includes 405 customers from PeoplePulse, LiveSalary, Sky Payroll and Pivot Software

164
Customers

254
Customers

358
Customers

i

s
p
h
s
r
e
n
t
r
a
p
/
s
r
e
m
o
t
s
u
C

8

ELMO Annual Report 2018Recruitment

Succesion

HR Core

Rewards 
and 
Recognition

Onboarding

Listed  
June 29 2017

2015

Began expansion 
into New Zealand

2016

2017

2018

Acquisition of 
Techniworks

Human Resources 
Institute of 
New Zealand

Acquisition of 
Pivot Software

Acquisition of 
SkyPayroll

Acquisition of 
PeoplePulse and 
LiveSalary

472
Customers

524
Customers

8591
Customers

As at
31 December 2016

As at
30 June 2017

As at
31 December 2017 

1,0312
Customers

As at
30 June 2018

9

ELMO Annual Report 2018 
UNLOCK THE 
POTENTIAL 
OF YOUR 
ORGANISATION.

Leading integrated cloud  
HR & payroll platform

PAY

ENGAGE

Offer self-service 
functionality to managers 
and employees and provide 
real-time access to payroll 
and personal data from 
anywhere, anytime, on 
any device

Carry out core HR 
functions, including the 
ability to process and 
approve leave, timesheets 
and retrieve pay slips, 
and ensure HR initiatives 
are optimised with 
employee surveys

10

ELMO Annual Report 2018HIRE

RETAIN

DEVELOP

Set your new hires up for 
success from the start 
by streamlining talent 
identification, recruitment 
and onboarding processes

Improve retention by 
capturing performance 
feedback to identify star 
performers, manage career 
development plans and align 
compensation accordingly

Keep skills compliant 
and up-to-date with 
personalised learner plans, 
access to pre-built courses 
and the ability to customise 
learning content

11

ELMO Annual Report 2018The ELMO solution

ELMO provides a suite of cloud HR & payroll software solutions that aim to 
address and automate key HCM activities and pay processes. ELMO’s software 
modules cover all stages of an employee’s lifecycle, from ‘hire to retire’. Our modules 
can be used together or stand alone and are configurable to an organisation’s unique 
processes and workflow.

Leading integrated cloud HR and payroll solutions

PAY

ENGAGE

HIRE

RETAIN

DEVELOP

Payroll

Core HR

Recruitment

Performance 
Management

Learning  
Management

Self Service

HR Survey

Onboarding

Rewards &  
Recognition

Course Builder

Pivot  
Remuneration

Course Library

Succession  
Management

12

ELMO Annual Report 2018Offer self-service functionality 
to managers and employees 
and provide real-time access 
to payroll and personal data 
from anywhere, anytime, 
on any device

Payroll
•  Employee & manager self-service – 
Review leave balance and payment 
summaries, authorise leave requests, and 
eliminate paper-based timesheets

•  Enhanced compliance – From creating 

bank files to Single Touch Payroll (STP) or 
SuperStream compliance, ELMO Payroll 
covers all compliance needs

•  Tailored reporting – Generate audit, 
variance, payroll tax, compliance 
and other reports; export General 
Ledger journals; tap into historical and 
current payroll data to identify trends 
or anomalies

Self Service
•  Employee Self-Service – Ease HR’s 

administrative burden by empowering 
employees to obtain real-time leave 
balances, make leave requests, update 
KPIs, complete timesheets, and access 
payslips and payment summaries

•  Real-time data – Empower managers 
to make informed decisions based 
on data and provide self-service 
functionality to track employee absentee 
rates and performance, and approve 
leave requests

•  Streamline processes – Reduce cost, save 
time and go paper-free by digitising and 
automating admin tasks

13

PAYELMO Annual Report 2018Carry out core HR functions, including 
the ability to process and approve 
leave, timesheets and retrieve pay 
slips, and ensure HR initiatives are 
optimised with employee surveys

Core HR
•  Employee and manager self-service 
– Empower employees to access 
and update personal information, 
request leave and access pay slips; 
enable managers to access employee 
information and view team analytics

•  Leave management – Streamline leave 
requisition and authorisation workflows; 
allow managers to plan and forecast 
leave entitlements; integrate leave data 
with payroll

HR Survey
•  Collect, manage, analyse and compare 
data – Assess employee engagement 
levels and obtain actionable insight into 
their attitudes towards work; compare 
results by key demographics

•  HR Survey Library and Benchmarking 

– Use templates from ELMO’s 
Survey Library and compare results 
against similar organisations across 
benchmarked data points

•  Real-time updates and reporting – 

•  Organisation charts – Create an overview 
of organisational structure including roles 
and reporting lines, and provide tiered 
access to profile details

Access team analytics, dashboards and 
reports that can be instantly updated 
and generated, allowing for real-time 
data comparison and analysis

14

ENGAGEELMO Annual Report 2018Set your new hires up for 
success from the start 
by streamlining talent 
identification, recruitment 
and onboarding processes

Recruitment
•  Job requisition – Select the required 

job position, add specific requirements, 
alert the recruitment manager, track 
and monitor progress, and customise 
approval workflows

Onboarding
•  Personalised onboarding – Present new 
hires with their own onboarding portal, 
which can include company information, 
guidelines for onboarding process, task 
lists, and team member introductions

•  Talent pool – Search existing employees 
and the wider candidate database, 
match job criteria, and rank candidates

•  Job posting – Integrate with job boards 
and social media, pre-set posting rules, 
and track costs; or create a careers 
webpage with customised branding 
and corporate media, and post 
jobs automatically

•  Workflows and approvals – Configure 
processes and select stakeholders, 
prerequisites, time delays and 
conditions, and allocate courses for new 
recruits from the ELMO Course Library

•  Electronic forms – Lighten administrative 

workloads with configurable forms, 
document upload facility, and integration 
with ATO and other third parties

15

HIREELMO Annual Report 2018Improve retention by 
capturing performance 
feedback to identify star 
performers, manage career 
development plans and align 
compensation accordingly

Performance  
Management
•  Tailored performance 

appraisals – Gain access 
to pre-built goals, 
development objectives and 
a behavioural competency 
library, and obtain a holistic 
view of performance with 
360 reviews

•  Manager team view – Access 
reports to view the status 
of appraisals, utilise the 
search facility or collaborate 
using the export and 
print functions

•  Simplified and automated 
workflows – Incorporate 
appraisal cycle periods and 
implement more effective 
stakeholder management 
with automated sign-offs 
and approvals

Rewards and  
Recognition
•  Peer-to-peer recognition 
– Empower employees 
to recognise peers with 
recommendations and 
configurable badges

•  Customised trophies – 

Recognise an employee’s 
work anniversary or birthday, 
acknowledge course 
completion, or reward 
employees who achieve a 
pre-determined number 
of points by creating 
customised trophies, 
which can be displayed on 
employee profiles

•  Schedule awards – Create 
a customised workflow for 
awards such as Employee of 
the Month, including peer 
nominations and voting, and 
automated awarding

Pivot Remuneration
•  Streamlined processes – 
Manage all remuneration 
structures including 
discretionary or complex STI/
LTI plans, design efficient 
workflows, and automate 
production of final letters

•  Rules-based modelling – 

Create rules-based controls 
on spend and policy 
management, gain visibility 
of the entire process and 
those involved, and help 
ensure managers adhere 
to company policy

Succession Management
•  Manage succession plans 

• 

– Determine role criticality, 
increase bench strength for 
key positions, and mitigate 
flight risk by ensuring valued 
employees are developed

Identify high performers – 
Ensure business continuity 
by finding and developing 
top performers, matching 
employees to critical 
roles, and comparing 
candidate suitability by 
skills, performance, potential 
and aspirations

•  Real-time reporting – 

•  Career progression – 

Create real-time standard 
and customised reporting 
for all roles, and provide 
clarity for managers around 
remuneration decisions 
against budgets

Empower employees to 
view succession pathways, 
investigate desired 
career paths, identify 
skills gaps, and create 
development plans

16

RETAINELMO Annual Report 2018Keep skills compliant and 
up-to-date with personalised 
learner plans, access to pre-
built courses and the ability to 
customise learning content

Learning Management
•  Learner’s view – Offer personalised 

learning plans, eLearning courses and 
instructor-led training (ILT); generate 
policy acknowledgements, assessments 
and surveys; empower employees to 
track progress

•  Course catalogue – Provide self-directed 
learning with access to over 400 pre-built 
eLearning courses, use configurable 
enrolment rules, and configure and 
assign CPD plans

•  Manager team view – Access and 

generate direct and indirect reports, 
keep track of employee learning 
needs, course completion rates 
and compliance requirements

Course Builder
•  Create courses – Use simple editing 
tools – with no coding experience 
required – to create bespoke eLearning 
courses: insert images/movies, edit 
text, record voice-over, and include 
interactive features (buttons, rollovers, 
hotspots, etc.)

•  Create assessments – Challenge and 
engage learners with randomised 
assessment questions

•  Preview and publish – Customise 

content with corporate colours, logos 
and images; update content in real-
time; preview end-user view prior to 
publishing; publish to ELMO Learning 
or SCORM compliant LMS

Course Library
•  Best practice content – Gain access to 
over 400 courses covering compliance, 
soft skills and productivity training – all 
built using instructional design principles 
and updated monthly to stay compliant 
with Legislative changes

•  Tailored content – Copy and tailor 
content with Course Editor. Utilise 
corporate branding and access ELMO’s 
royalty free image library to bring 
multimedia-enabled, touch screen 
optimised content to life

•  Assessment features – Automatic 

marking, multiple question types, all 
modified with ELMO Course Editor

17

DEVELOPELMO Annual Report 2018Large and growing 
addressable market

The market for ELMO’s solutions across ANZ continues 
to grow with a target market size of over 12,000 
organisations and a $1.7 billion revenue opportunity

Total addressable market (TAM) for solutions in ANZ ~$1.7b1

HR Admin ~A$480m

Talent management ~A$562m

Payroll ~A$657m

ANZ target market size of ~12,029 
organisations1 ELMO currently has 
~9% market share in ANZ

ANZ HR & Payroll TAM ($m)1

1,699

1,817

1,576

1,927

1,318

1,452

ANZ market potential 
~12,029 organisations

penetration  
~9%

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019F

2020F

HR Administration       Talent Management       Payroll

1.  Frost & Sullivan independent market report

18

ELMO Annual Report 2018Industry partnerships

ELMO has forged a deep and exclusive relationship with the industry 
peak bodies in Australia and New Zealand. This enhances the ability 
of ELMO to access potential customers, increases industry recognition 
and enables ELMO to work closely with industry stakeholders to enhance 
current solutions and develop new solutions to meet their evolving needs.

ELMO has worked in partnership 
with AHRI, Australia’s peak HR 
industry association, since 2013. 
This relationship provides ELMO 
with unprecedented exposure to 
AHRI’s 20,000+ HR industry members 
through a series of national networking 
forums, conferences, the annual HR 
Awards and the flagship AHRI National 
Convention and Exhibition. AHRI 
also provide members with access 
to ELMO’s pre-built content library 
via their online portal and recently, 
has launched a HR Certification 
program designed to advance the HR 
profession within Australia.

ELMO has worked in partnership 
with HRINZ, New Zealand’s peak HR 
industry association since 2015. 45% 
of the New Zealand HR Industry (just 
over 3000 individuals) are current 
HRINZ members and through this 
membership, can access education 
and information services, conferences 
and seminars and participate in 
the annual NZ HR Awards. ELMO’s 
sponsorship of key events, and the 
provision of the ELMO solution via 
the HRINZ online portal offers 
exposure and brand awareness for our 
growing list of New Zealand clients.

RCSA is the peak association for 
the Australian and New Zealand 
recruitment industry with over 
3000 corporate and individual 
members. Members can access 
education, research and business 
advisory support. ELMO has been in 
partnership with the RCSA since 2015, 
ELMO’s sponsorship of key events and 
the provision of ELMO technology and 
content via the RCSA online portal 
offers exposure and brand awareness 
to potential clients working in the 
recruitment industry. 

Stronger 
together

ELMO has forged a deep and 
exclusive relationship with 
the industry peak bodies in 
Australia and New Zealand

19

ELMO Annual Report 2018Strong organic growth strategy 

Accelerated with selective acquisitions for 
complementary technology and /or customer lists

+ 

Greater usage 
from existing 
customers

•  Increasing 

New customers 
in existing 
markets
•  507 new customers 

penetration amongst 
existing customer 
base with average 
modules per 
customer of 2.56 
at 30 June 2018, 
up from 2.29 at 
30 June 20171

•  Consistently high 

customer retention, 
92% in FY182

•  Strong customer 

dollar value 
retention of 119% 
indicating cross-
selling of additional 
modules to existing 
customer base

added during 
FY18 (including 
acquisitions) 

•  Total customer 
base, including 
PeoplePulse, 
LiveSalary, Sky Payroll 
and Pivot Software 
of 1,031 as of 
30 June 2018

•  Continuation 

of strong sales 
momentum with 
broadened suite

•  Aim to further 

increase adoption 
amongst mid-market 
firms

•  Significant 

opportunity to further 
penetrate existing 
markets

Expand  
product line

•  Acquired and 

integrated cloud 
payroll, HR survey, and 
remuneration modules 

•  Rewards and 

Recognition launched 
in FY18

•  Spent 21.6% of FY18 
revenue on R&D3,4

•  Continuous 

development and 
deployment of new 
features on existing 
modules with 145 
enhancements 
released during FY18

•  New modules slated 

for release in the next 
2-3 years

Growth 
through 
acquisitions

•  Acquisition of 
PeoplePulse, 
LiveSalary, Sky Payroll 
and Pivot Software

•  Actively seeking 
complementary 
technology to 
augment ELMO’s 
value proposition 
or customer lists.

•  Disciplined 

approach, with 
significant resource 
and management 
expertise to complete 
integrations well 
and deliver synergy 
benefits

1.  Excludes PeoplePulse, LiveSalary, SkyPayroll and Pivot Software
2.   Customer retention is calculated by dividing the number of customers in the reference period who were 
customers at the end of the prior period by the number of customers at the end of the prior period

3.  Includes both expensed and capitalised research and development costs
4.  Based on pro forma revenue

20

ELMO Annual Report 2018Recent acquisitions

Broadening ELMO suite and increasing market share

HR Surveys

Salary Benchmarking

Cloud Payroll

Remuneration

Payroll is a critical function and 
represents a market opportunity of 
approximately $600m1 

Pivot Software is the leading provider 
of SaaS, cloud based Remuneration 
software in Australia and New Zealand

In December 2017, ELMO announced 
the acquisition of Sky Payroll, a native 
cloud-based Australian payroll software 
system

Total purchase price of $1.4m:

•  $1.0m upfront (50% in cash and 50% 

in scrip with 24 month escrow)

•  $0.4m deferred payment

•  120 customers

•  Annual revenues of $4.5m, with 86% 

recurring revenue

•  $8.8m initial purchase price and $2.4m 
conditional deferred payment should 
performance targets be met (settled 
with a combination of cash and scrip, 
subject to voluntary escrow)

•  EV/LTM2 revenue multiple of 2.0x, 

•  Additional consideration of $0.4m, 

before synergies

should performance targets 
be achieved

PeoplePulse is an online employee and 
customer feedback survey platform that 
includes specialised HR surveys such as 
staff pulse surveys, onboarding surveys, 
training evaluations, net promotor scores 
and exit surveys

LiveSalary is an online salary database 
and  benchmarking platform to assist 
customers better recruit, reward and 
retain employees

•  Purchase price $10m

 – $8m payable in cash upfront

 – $2m cash earn out payable on 
anniversary of completion

 – Additional $2m cash payable on 

the first anniversary of completion 
should stretch targets be met

•  Over 300 customer licenses

•  FY17 Revenue $4.1m, with over 90% 

recurring

•  EV/FY17 Revenue multiple 2.4x

November 2017

December 2017

February 2018 

Acquired modules gaining traction with ELMO’s growing customer base

1. Frost & Sullivan independent market report
2. Last 12 months to 31 Dec 2017 

21

ELMO Annual Report 2018 
ELMO at a glance ...

A leading provider 
of cloud HR & 
Payroll software in 
Australia & NZ 

Australia

193 people
in 6 offices

ELMO is one of Australia and 
New Zealand’s leading providers of 
integrated cloud human resources 
“HR” and payroll software solutions
ELMO’s SaaS, cloud-based platform provides organisations with 
a centralised approach to managing an employee’s lifecycle from  
‘hire to retire’ including payroll 

1.  As at 30 June 2018, includes PeoplePulse, LiveSalary, Sky Payroll and Pivot Software
2.  Includes 405 customers from PeoplePulse, LiveSalary, Sky Payroll and Pivot Software
3.   Includes construction and mining, education, finance, government, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, hospitality, industrials, 

IT, telecommunications and media, not for profit organisations, professional services, property, retail and transport

22

ELMO Annual Report 2018ELMO employees 193 people across 6 
offices in Australia and New Zealand1

Integrated cloud-based HR and Payroll 
software providing ‘hire to retire’ 
software solutions across 12 modules

Platform, technology, software 
solutions and learning content is 
developed and maintained in-house by 
ELMO’s Australian based team

New  
Zealand

Over 400 eLearning course content 
library covering a broad range of 
topics which has been developed 
for over 15 years

Customer base of 1,0312 
organisations and deployed 
across 133 different industries

Primarily targets  
mid-market organisations  
(100 – 1,000 employees)

Scalable SaaS, cloud-based 
platform, multi tenant 
infrastructure, single source code

ELMO’s customer base – consisting of more than 1,000 organisations 
spread across 13 different industries – all benefit from solutions 
that are developed and maintained in-house by the Australian and 
New Zealand ELMO team. Local knowledge and support has been 
a key part of ELMO’s ongoing success and today over 190 employees 
in 6 offices across Australia and New Zealand work tirelessly to 
ensure customer expectations are met and exceeded. 

ELMO primarily targets mid-market organisations (100-1000 employees), 
who stand to benefit by automating their HR and Payroll operations 
with ELMO’s constantly evolving suite of 12 integrated modules. 
Customers can also gain access to a library of over 400 eLearning 
courses covering a broad range of compliance, soft skills and technical 
skills – all of which are updated and curated by the local team.

23

ELMO Annual Report 2018Business model

Wider view of the market 
opportunity 
ELMO’s cloud HR & payroll software 
solutions and business model have 
been primarily built to address the 
HCM requirements of mid-market 
organisations. During FY18, ELMO’s 
module count increased from 7 to 
12. This has increased the market 
opportunity available from ~$600 
million to $1.7 billion1. In addition, with 
modules such as HR core and payroll, 
there has been increased interest from 
the lower mid-market for a unified 
solution (organisations with less than 
200 employees). As a result, ELMO has 
invested in fully commercialising this new 
opportunity by adopting a relevant sales 
and marketing strategy and adapting the 
solution to be user-friendly and intuitive 
for this group.

In addition, the Pivot acquisition in 
March 2018, provided ELMO with a 
customer base and product which 
is popular for upper mid-market 
organisations (over 1,000 employees), 

where ELMO is increasingly seeing new 
business opportunities.

Currently, most SaaS HR & payroll 
providers that offer a unified solution 
target large enterprise and government 
organisations. The HR & payroll solutions 
offered by these providers are typically 
costly to implement, require significant 
time investment and involve complex 
integration processes, making such 
solutions unsuited in addressing the 
HCM requirements of mid-market 
and lower mid-market organisations. 
Consequently, mid-market and lower 
mid-market organisations have limited 
HR solution options and many existing 
solution providers only address a single 
vertical of the various HR functions. 
In addition, the payroll landscape in 
this market is primarily dominated by 
legacy providers. As a result, ELMO 
believes a large underserviced market 
has emerged, which is growing as 
organisations increasingly recognise 
the strategic importance of HR & payroll 
and the need to adopt an efficient and 

scalable cloud solution. ELMO believes 
these organisations require more flexible 
and cost effective HR & payroll software 
solutions that can be delivered on shorter 
sales cycles, with simpler implementation 
processes than those currently provided 
by HR & payroll solution providers who 
are typically focused on larger enterprises.

Multi-jurisdictional and 
industry agnostic 
Thanks to a multi-jurisdictional and 
industry agnostic platform, ELMO’s 
cloud HR & payroll software solutions 
have been designed to be scalable on 
an international basis. ELMO currently 
provides HR & payroll software solutions 
to customers based principally in 
Australia and New Zealand; however, 
the platform can be translated into 
nearly any language and is multi-
jurisdiction compatible.

ELMO currently deploys its HR & payroll 
software solutions across 13 different 
industries.

INDUSTRIES ELMO HR & PAYROLL SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS ARE DEPLOYED IN

 Construction and mining 

Hospitality 

Professional services 

Education 

Industrials 

Finance 

Information Technology 
telecommunications and 
media 

Property 

Retail 

Government 

Logistics 

Healthcare and 
pharmaceuticals 

Not for profit 

Revenue generation
ELMO generated 93% of its FY18 pro forma revenue from subscription-based fees for its HR & payroll software solutions. Typically, 
customers enter into three-year contracts with ELMO for access to its solutions. It is customary for ELMO to be paid annually in 
advance by the customer, with revenue recognised evenly over the 12 months of the contract. The amount of the annual fee is 
dependent on the number of modules subscribed to by the customer and the number of users on the platform.

In addition to subscription-based fees, ELMO also generates revenue from charging professional service fees for providing non-
standard implementation, configuration, training and integration services, as well as other revenue including government grants.

1.  Frost & Sullivan independent market report

24

ELMO Annual Report 2018% of FY18
statutory 
revenue

~93%

Customer

Recurring 
revenue

Revenue model

Revenue recognition policy

Description

SaaS 
subscription 
fee

 – ELMO’s recurring revenue 
is recognised evenly on a 
monthly basis. The balance 
of the revenue received 
in advance is categorised 
as a liability (referred to as 
deferred income).

 – ELMO typically receives an annual 
fee, payable in advance over the 
term of the contract 

 – Amount of fee varies depending 
on the number of modules 
subscribed for and the number 
of users on the platform

 – Customers are invoiced on an 
annual basis throughout the 
term of the contract

Professional 
services fees

~7%

Consultation or 
integration fees

 – ELMO’s professional service 

 – ELMO receives a professional 

fees are recognised as revenue 
once delivery of the required 
services is completed

service fee associated with providing 
any additional implementation, 
configuration and integration 
services as well as other services

 –

Fees are typically invoiced during 
the first year of the contract
 – Amount of fee varies depending 
on the level of service provided 
and complexity of the process

Attractive cash flow profile
ELMO’s attractive financial and cash flow profile is supported by the high recurring revenue, strong customer retention rates and 
favourable payment terms as a result of the Company’s SaaS-based revenue model with long term contracts paid annually in 
advance, as explained below:

High recurring revenues 
ELMO has a high proportion of revenue that is classified as recurring in nature (recurring revenue), as shown below, which is a result 
of the subscription-based revenue model.

ELMO’S RECURRING REVENUE AS A PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL PRO FORMA REVENUE

90.3%

93.3%

93.0%

93.2%

FY15

FY16

FY17

FY18

From FY15 to FY18, ELMO has consistently achieved more than 90% in recurring subscription revenue. In FY18, 93.2% of ELMO’s 
pro forma revenue excluding acquisitions was recurring in nature, reflecting the SaaS business model and the Company’s focus on 
subscription revenue.

25

ELMO Annual Report 2018Our people

One 
team 
united

193 ELMOnians 
across 6 offices 
in Australia and 
New Zealand

Environment, social and 
governance

ELMO is focused on 
building a culture 
and environment that 
sustains our ELMOnians 
as people, engages them 
as part of a team, and 
encourages them to 
innovate and thrive. 

Supporting our 
ELMOnians
The ELMO team continues to grow both 
organically and through acquisitions 
across Australia and New Zealand. We 
now have offices in Sydney, Melbourne, 
Perth, and Brisbane, in addition to 
Auckland and Christchurch. On 1 July 
2018, ELMO launched our new head 
office in the heart of Sydney’s CBD with 
a focus on maximising our employee 
value proposition through engagement, 
wellbeing, productive spaces and 
community activities. 

We believe ELMO is an awesome place 
to be, because our ELMOnians are just 
that…AWESOME! We embrace the 
diversity of skills, experience, cultures 
and attributes that each ELMOnian 
brings and shares each day. We value 
everyone’s uniqueness and their personal 
contributions towards making ELMO a 
great place to work.

The ELMOnian employee 
value proposition (EVP)
ELMO’s leaders are working with each 
department to ensure we continuously 
introduce activities and initiatives that 
focus on supporting and retaining our 
amazing ELMOnians and help to attract 
the right people to join the team. As 
a part of our EVP we are focusing on 
activities that reflect what our ELMOnians 
need to sustain them as human beings. 
That means, in addition to compensation 
and benefits, we also provide:

•  Challenging and meaningful work

•  Opportunity for personal achievement

•  Amazing and engaging organisational 

culture

•  Career development.

Corporate Social 
Responsibility (CSR)
ELMO is committed to being actively 
involved in worthy causes within every 
community in which we are located. 
Our CSR activities target what matters 
most to our ELMOnians; the goal is to 
deliver initiatives they care about, while 
also supporting the wider Australian 
community and contributing to Australian 
economic development. 

This year ELMO supported:

•  Australian Farmers fundraising 

morning tea

•  RSPCA Million Paws Walk

•  Dry July

•  MS Swimathon

•  Firefighters Stair Climb

•  MS Rideathon

•  United Against Domestic Violence

•  Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea

•  RUOK Day morning tea.

ELMOnian Wellbeing and 
Engagement
ELMO prides itself on caring for the 
health and wellbeing of employees. 
Our workplace health and wellbeing 
programs not only have a positive impact 
on the wellbeing of ELMOnians, they 
have led to a significant increase in our 
team’s engagement, cohesiveness and 
overall productivity.

Our last employee engagement and 
welfare survey provided deep insight to 
the needs, feelings and “mood” of our 
team. The results have seen a multitude 
of engagement, community and 
wellbeing programs being explored and 
implemented. Some of these include:

•  Yoga

•  Mindful Meditation

•  Tough Mudder 

•  Toastmasters

•  City to Surf

•  ELMO Bake Off

•  Morning teas and shared lunches

28

ELMO Annual Report 2018•  Flexible working arrangements

•  Job sharing

•  Healthy food initiatives

•  Gratitude practice including badges, 

employee and CEO awards.

Our diverse programs are delivered 
throughout the year with the goal of 
improving the mind and body – and 
ultimately enhancing the work satisfaction 
and performance – of all ELMOnians.  

In addition, our Employee Assistance 
Program (EAP) offers free short-term 
counselling designed to help ELMOnians 
prevent or resolve personal, family and 
workplace problems affecting their 
wellbeing and job performance.

Toastmasters 
ELMO Melbourne and Sydney 
Toastmasters Club have moved into their 
second year, with new ELMOnians joining 
the team fortnightly. We have seen 
enormous success with the Toastmasters 
program helping to build communication 
and leadership skills across the business. 
Through Toastmasters our ELMOnians 
are encouraged to listen and answer, 
to plan and lead, to give feedback and 
to accept it, thereby becoming more 
effective communicators and leaders. 

Professional 
Development
ELMO recognises that organisation-
wide learning and development starts 
at the top. We are dedicated to the 
sustained growth of the business through 

development of our senior leadership 
and management teams, and we also 
believe in building the strength of all 
our teams. We know that having strong 
leaders who coach, counsel, mentor and 
model design thinking, questioning, 
continuous improvement, accountability, 
responsibility and clear communication 
means that our ELMOnians will in turn 
be supported and empowered to grow 
in their roles. 

To support individual and team 
development, ELMO invests in various 
training and professional development 
opportunities, some of which are 
listed below:

•  AHRI National Convention and State 

Conferences

•  National and State HR Summits

•  HR Tech Summit 

•  HR Tech Fest

•  HR Leaders’ Summit

•  Reimagine HR

•  Third Sector Live

•  Women in Leadership

•  Courageous Leaders readiness for 

change programs

•  Toastmasters

•  Sydney University Centre for 

Continuing Education short courses 

•  AHRI short courses

•  AIM short courses

Environment
With ELMO’s continued growth, we are 
looking for opportunities to improve our 
operations and environmental footprint. 
To build a long-term, sustainable 
business, ELMO is endeavouring to move 
its operations to work environments 
that have an up to date Building Energy 
Efficiency Certificate, and NABERS rating. 
In July 2018, ELMO relocated the HQ 
from Bondi Junction to a building with 
a 4.5 NABERS rating in Sydney’s CBD. 
ELMO has subsequently established 
an office in Brisbane’s CBD with a 
3.5 NABERS rating, and has relocated 
the Perth team into a new office space 
with a 4 NABERS rating. 

Policy Update
ELMO has invested in on our Quality 
Management System and streamlining 
policies and processes. This will assist 
with ensuring policies and processes 
support business activity and enable the 
business to operate in a productive, safe 
and agile manner. 

Corporate Governance 
ELMO takes a deliberate and 
focused approach to corporate 
governance. Our compliance with the 
Corporate Governance Principles and 
Recommendations of the ASX Corporate 
Governance Council is described in 
our Corporate Governance Statement, 
which is available from our website: 
http://investors.elmotalent.com.au/
Investors/?page=Corporate-Governance

29

ELMO Annual Report 2018Board of Directors

1. Barry Lewin
Chairman and Independent  
Non-executive Director

2. Danny Lessem
CEO, Executive Director and  
Co-founder

Mr Barry Lewin is non-executive Chairman of ELMO, 
having been appointed to the position on 10 October 2018. 
Barry is the founder and Managing Director of Melbourne-
based corporate advisory firm SLM Corporate Pty Ltd 
where he advises public and private companies on mergers, 
acquisitions, transaction structuring, debt and equity issues, 
business sales and on all aspects of corporate governance. 

Prior to establishing SLM Corporate in 1999, Barry spent 
12 years as an in-house counsel to a number of ASX-
listed companies.

Barry is non-executive Chairman of ASX-listed Praemium 
Limited (ASX:PPS), and has held previous directorships 
at ASX-listed Senetas Corporation Limited (ASX:SEN) 
and Clean TeQ Holdings Limited (ASX:CLQ), where he 
also served as Chairman of the Audit Committee. 

He has degrees in Commerce and Law and holds an 
MBA from Swinburne University.

Mr Danny Lessem is the CEO, Executive Director and 
co-founder of ELMO. Member of the Audit and Risk 
Management Committee.

Danny is responsible for leading the development and 
execution of the Company’s long term strategy and 
delivering on growth objectives for the business. Danny 
also plays a key part in the day-to-day management of 
the Company’s operations and has been critical to the 
success of ELMO, including the strategy underpinning 
the development of the Company’s full suite of talent 
management software solutions.

Danny has extensive experience in the technology industry 
having led SaaS companies for over 15 years in senior roles, 
including Compu Technologies where he was the CEO 
and was responsible for overseeing the transition of the 
Company’s primary business from a digital agency to an 
eLearning content provider. Danny holds a Bachelor of Laws 
(LL.B.) and Bachelors of Arts and Law from the University of 
Witwatersrand, South Africa.

30

ELMO Annual Report 20183. Trevor Lonstein
Chief Financial Officer

4. Kate Hill
Independent Non-executive Director

Mr Trevor Lonstein is the CFO and Executive Director of 
ELMO and joined the Company in 2014. Member of the 
Nomination and Remuneration Committee. Trevor has over 
15 years of experience in accounting and finance. Trevor is 
responsible for all aspects of the accounting and finance 
function, from ensuring efficient, controlled and timely 
recording and reporting systems, to budgeting, forecasting, 
and cash flow analysis.

Prior to joining ELMO, Trevor owned and operated 
Adrite Digital Colour Printing and held senior roles as 
Senior IT Project Manager at Allens Arthur Robinson, Ships 
Financial Controller at Orient Cruise Lines – MV Marco Polo 
and a career of over eight years in auditing with Deloitte 
Touche Tohmatsu’s member firms in England and Australia.

Trevor holds a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accounting 
and Finance from the University of Cape Town in South 
Africa and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accounts 
in England and Wales.

Ms Kate Hill is an independent Non-executive Director 
of ELMO, Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee and 
member of Nomination and Remuneration Committee. 
She has over 20 years’ experience as an audit partner with 
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, working with ASX listed and 
privately owned clients. She has worked extensively in 
regulated environments including assisting with Initial Public 
Offerings, capital raising and general compliance, as well as 
operating in an audit environment.

Kate is also an independent Non-executive Director of 
CountPlus Limited (ASX:CUP) where she serves as Chair 
of the Audit and Risk Committee and is a member of the 
Acquisitions Committee. She is the Company Secretary of 
Kazia Therapeutics Limited (ASX:KZA, Nasdaq: KZIA). She 
held a variety of leadership and executive roles in Deloitte 
and served for a period on the Board of Partners of the 
Australian firm.

Kate holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) from Bristol 
University, is a member of the Institute of Chartered 
Accountants in Australia and New Zealand, and a graduate 
of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

31

ELMO Annual Report 2018Key Management Team

Samuel Sun
Chief Technology Officer

Darryl Garber
Chief Commercial Officer

Mr Samuel Sun is the Chief Technology 
Officer (CTO) of ELMO and joined the 
Company in 2010. Samuel has over 
10 years of experience in software 
development roles.

As CTO at ELMO, Samuel is responsible 
for setting the overall direction for the 
organisation’s software and technology, 
and manages the strategy, architecture, 
engineering, design, governance and 
information security functions of ELMO’s 
solutions and platform.

Prior to joining ELMO as a Research 
and Technical Development Manager, 
Samuel was a Lead Developer at 
Scholani Education College and a 
Software Developer at IBM.

Samuel holds a Masters in Information 
Technology from the University of NSW 
and a Bachelor of Telecommunication 
Engineering from Tongji University, China.

Mr Darryl Garber is ELMO’s Chief 
Commercial Officer (CCO). Darryl joined 
ELMO in 2011 and has over 8 years of 
experience in roles encompassing business 
development, marketing, corporate 
finance, management and strategy. 

As CCO, Darryl’s core objective is to 
develop, evaluate and execute ELMO’s 
growth strategy. This includes pursuing 
and driving merger & acquisition activities, 
securing financing, launching go-to-market 
products and investigating new markets. 
Darryl is also responsible for ELMO’s 
investor relations activities.

Darryl played a critical role during ELMO’s 
2017/18 period of expansion by acting as 
project lead for the IPO and subsequent 
capital raising. His past experience working 
across a number of ELMO departments has 
been invaluable during this transformative 
period. Darryl is adept at managing rapid 
change, scaling operations and driving 
strategy. 

Darryl holds a Graduate Diploma in 
Applied Finance from Kaplan University and 
an MBA (Dean’s List) from Bond University.

Monica Watt
General Manager Human Resources

Mrs Monica Watt is General Manager 
Human Resources at ELMO. Monica 
has over 10 years of experience 
working across Compliance and Human 
Resource roles.

Monica is responsible for optimising the 
business performance through innovation 
and people engagement and elevating 
team performance through innovative 
leadership. Monica has a broad range 
of experience in leading organisational 
transformations, driving large scale 
growth, talent acquisition, leadership 
development, and succession planning.

Prior to joining ELMO, Monica was 
previously Senior Compliance Manager 
at Open Colleges and Instructional 
Designer for SkillsDMC, Transpacific 
Industries and TAFE NSW. She is 
also currently appointed as Officer 
Commanding of 204 Army Cadet Unit, 
Timor Barracks, Dundas, and holds the 
rank of Captain (AAC) in the Australian 
Army Cadets.

32

ELMO Annual Report 2018Trevor Lonstein
Chief Financial Officer

Gordon Starkey
Chief Operating Officer

Mr Trevor Lonstein is the CFO and 
Executive Director of ELMO and joined 
the Company in 2014. Member of 
the Nomination and Remuneration 
Committee. Trevor has over 15 years of 
experience in accounting and finance. 
Trevor is responsible for all aspects of 
the accounting and finance function, 
from ensuring efficient, controlled and 
timely recording and reporting systems, 
to budgeting, forecasting, and cash 
flow analysis.

Prior to joining ELMO, Trevor owned 
and operated Adrite Digital Colour 
Printing and held senior roles as Senior 
IT Project Manager at Allens Arthur 
Robinson, Ships Financial Controller at 
Orient Cruise Lines – MV Marco Polo and 
a career of over eight years in auditing 
with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu’s member 
firms in England and Australia.

Trevor holds a Bachelor of Commerce 
(BCom) in Accounting and Finance from 
the University of Cape Town in South 
Africa and is a Fellow of the Institute 
of Chartered Accounts in England 
and Wales.

Mr Gordon Starkey is the COO of 
ELMO and joined the Company in 2007. 
Gordon has extensive experience across 
enterprise SaaS solutions, including 
roles with responsibilities across general 
management, business development, 
product design, financial management 
and strategy.

Gordon is responsible for overseeing 
ELMO’s business development, sales 
and marketing, product and client 
services. Gordon is essential to driving 
the strategic direction of the Company 
and managing partnership alignment 
with ELMO’s customers.

Prior to joining ELMO as an eLearning/
LMS Consultant, Gordon served in 
various teaching, consulting and research 
roles at Macquarie University.

Gordon holds a Bachelor of Business 
Administration (Hons) and a Bachelor of 
Psychology from Macquarie University.

Danny Lessem
CEO, Executive Director and  
Co-founder

Mr Danny Lessem is the CEO, 
Executive Director and co-founder of 
ELMO. Member of the Audit and Risk 
Management Committee.

Danny is responsible for leading the 
development and execution of the 
Company’s long term strategy and 
delivering on growth objectives for the 
business. Danny also plays a key part in the 
day-to-day management of the Company’s 
operations and has been critical to the 
success of ELMO, including the strategy 
underpinning the development of the 
Company’s full suite of talent management 
software solutions.

Danny has extensive experience in the 
technology industry having led SaaS 
companies for over 15 years in senior roles, 
including Compu Technologies where 
he was the CEO and was responsible for 
overseeing the transition of the Company’s 
primary business from a digital agency to 
an eLearning content provider. Danny holds 
a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and Bachelors 
of Arts and Law from the University of 
Witwatersrand, South Africa.

ELMO Annual Report 2018

33

Directors’ Report 

The directors present their report, together with the financial statements, on the consolidated entity (referred to hereafter as the 
‘consolidated entity’) consisting of ELMO Software Limited (referred to hereafter as the ‘company’ or ‘parent entity’) and the entities 
it controlled at the end of, or during, the year ended 30 June 2018.

Directors
The following persons were directors of ELMO Software Limited during the whole of the financial year and up to the date of this 
report, unless otherwise stated:

James David McKerlie
Danny Isaac Lessem
David Charles Hancock (resigned on 8 June 2018)
Trevor Rael Lonstein
Catherine Jane Hill (appointed on 8 June 2018)

Dividends
No dividend was paid during the financial year ended 30 June 2018 (2017: $nil).

Operating and financial review
ELMO is one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading providers of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), cloud-based human resources and 
payroll solutions.

ELMO’s human resources and payroll management software solutions enable organisations to manage the lifecycle of an 
employee from hire to retire on a single integrated platform. The Company develops, sells and implements a range of modular 
software applications to efficiently manage human resource (HR) and payroll related processes including recruitment, onboarding, 
performance management, learning and development, rewards and recognition, remuneration, succession planning and payroll.

ELMO also provides HR Core, a software module which organisations use for people management and employee self-service, and 
HR Survey for internal staff and external customer surveys. ELMO’s solutions assist organisations to better address and adapt to the 
complexities of the Human Capital Management (HCM) industry while increasing their productivity and reducing costs.

Significant changes to the business
During the year ended 30 June 2018 the following acquisitions were made by the Group:

Quinntessential Marketing Consulting
On 15 November 2017, ELMO Software Limited acquired the net assets of two complementary HR software solutions, PeoplePulse 
and LiveSalary (Quinntessential Marketing Consulting) for a total maximum consideration of $12.1m (see note 15). The acquisition 
included the assets and employee entitlements provisions of the following two specialised, SaaS based, HR management 
software solutions:

•  PeoplePulse, an online employee and customer feedback survey platform that includes specialised HR surveys such as staff pulse 

surveys, onboarding surveys, training evaluations, net promotor scores and exit surveys; and

•  LiveSalary, an online salary database and benchmarking platform to assist customers to better recruit, reward and 

retain employees.

PeoplePulse and LiveSalary’s highly scalable modules accelerate ELMO’s product release program. In addition, the acquisition 
represents a logical and complementary fit into ELMO’s integrated HR Administration and Talent Management product suite. 
Goodwill has arisen through this acquisition based on these benefits gained.

34

ELMO Annual Report 2018Sky Payroll
On 1 February 2018 the Company completed the purchase of Sky Payroll, a native cloud-based Australian SaaS payroll 
software system whose revenue model holds similar attributes to ELMO’s core business for a total maximum consideration of 
$1.8m (see note 15).

Established in 2014, Sky Payroll is a pure HR cloud based payroll software solution for the Australian market. Payroll is central 
to HR administration and presents as a logical, strategic and highly complementary fit to ELMO’s current suite of modules. 
The addition of Sky payroll has provided a more enhanced and integrated product suite to offer to its current and future 
customer base whilst enabling ELMO to leverage existing relationships for cross-sell opportunities as well as fostering new ones. 
The acquisition enables ELMO to enter into the cloud software payroll market with considerable timing and cost advantages over a 
‘build in-house’ approach as well as positioning ELMO to benefit from the industry shift to Single Touch Payroll Reporting (STPR).

Goodwill has arisen from these synergies and the opportunities for cross-selling in the market.

Pivot Software
On 13 March 2018 ELMO acquired Pivot Remesys Group (Pivot Software), a leading provider of remuneration software in Australia 
and New Zealand, for a total maximum consideration of $11.4m (including shareholders loan repayments) (see note 15).

ELMO aims to accelerate the growth in the remuneration management SaaS software sector through its strong brand and advanced 
distribution network. Following the acquisition of Pivot Software, ELMO is able to provide its customers with a solution to manage 
salary increases, bonuses and complex LTI/STI issues. ELMO plans to offer its existing customer base a dedicated remuneration 
module which offers high quality reporting as part of a single integrated platform to automate HR and payroll functions. 
Goodwill has arisen through this acquisition based on these benefits gained.

Review of operations during the year
Certain financial information in the review of operations section below referencing Statutory Earnings Before Interest, Tax, 
Depreciation and Amortisation (“EBITDA) has been derived from the audited financial statements. The pro forma EBITDA, 
pro forma revenue and pro forma operating expenses are non-IFRS financial information and as such have not been audited in 
accordance with Australian Accounting Standards.

For the full year ended 30 June 2018, ELMO reported statutory revenue of $26.5m (FY2017: $16.6m). ELMO’s statutory earnings 
before income tax, finance expenses, depreciation and amortisation was $1.2m (FY2017: $0.7m excluding discontinued operations) 
and its statutory net loss after tax was $3.0m (FY2017: loss $0.9m including discontinued operations).

In the original ASX listing prospectus, ELMO reported financial results and forecasts on a pro forma basis. Pro forma adjustments 
have been made to the current year’s results eliminating the contribution of the acquisitions of Quintessential Marketing Consulting, 
Sky Payroll, Pivot Software, relating acquisition costs and other non-recurring items. Further pro forma adjustments related to one 
off integration costs have also been made to the current year’s results. For FY17 pro forma adjustments included the impact of 
the acquisition of Techni Works, the RTO discontinued operations, IPO offer costs, standalone public company costs and other 
non-recurring items.

For the full year ended 30 June 2018, ELMO’s pro forma revenue was $23.2m (FY2017: $17.0m), which is 3.4% ahead of Prospectus 
forecast of $22.4m. ELMO’s pro forma earnings before income tax, finance expenses, depreciation and amortisation was 
$2.7m (FY2017: $1.2m), which is 1.4% ahead of Prospectus forecast.

35

ELMO Annual Report 2018A reconciliation between statutory EBITDA and pro forma EBITDA is provided below:

Reconciliation of EBITDA

Statutory EBITDA (excluding discontinued operations)

Add/(less) net effects of:

EBITDA from acquisitions during the year 

Transaction costs

One-off IPO costs

Additional listed company cost

Other non-recurring items

Pro forma EBITDA

Year ended 
30 June 2018
$000’s

Year ended 
30 June 2017
$000’s

1,200

(95)

1,156

–

–

460

2,721

656

275

–

1,635

(1,115)

(229)

1,222

The growth in statutory and pro forma revenue during the period was driven by:

•  Strong recurring revenues of 93.2% and high revenue dollar retention rates of over 100%;

•  Expansion of ELMO’s customer base to 626 organisations (excluding QMC, Sky and Pivot customers);

• 

Increased investment into ELMO’s sales and marketing team;

•  Enhanced brand awareness and reputation of ELMO and its product offering;

• 

Increased traction in new modules, resulting in more cross-sell and upsell opportunities amongst ELMO’s customer base;

•  Continued expansion of ELMO’s operations in New Zealand.

There was an additional growth in the statutory revenue due to growth through acquisitions by the Group during the year.

For the year ended 30 June 2018, ELMO reported statutory operating expenses of $27.6m (2017: $16.8m excluding discontinued 
operations) and adjusting for the impact of acquisitions and other non-recurring items the total pro forma operating expenses 
(excluding depreciation and amortisation) were $18.5m (FY2017: $14.1m). The key driver for the increase in operating expenses 
was ELMOs continued investment in current years and future years growth, primarily resulting in a significant increase in pro forma 
employment costs to $10.6m (2017: $6.5m).

36

Directors’ Report ELMO Annual Report 2018Financial position
As at 30 June 2018, ELMO has no debt and a net cash balance of $46m. The consolidated entity’s strong cash position is due to the 
following factors:

• 

Institutional placement: During the year ELMO issued 8,333,334 ordinary shares under an institutional placement at a price of 
$5.40 per share raising $45m. An additional $1m was raised at the same time through an issue of shares to existing shareholders.

•  Payment of license fees in advance resulting in positive cashflow: ELMO operates its business under a SaaS-based revenue 

model whereby customers typically enter into three year contracts and pay annual license fees in advance.

The consolidated entity’s working capital, being current assets less current liabilities was a positive position of 
$31.6m (30 June 2017: $17.3m). Due to growth through acquisitions, intangible assets have increased to $35.8m (note 13).

As a result of the above, the Directors believe the consolidated entity is in a strong and stable position to expand and grow its 
current operations.

Business growth strategy and likely developments
•  Greater usage from existing customers

ELMO aims to increase usage of its solutions amongst the existing customer base by encouraging customers to subscribe 
to additional modules. ELMO plans to support this via further investment into sales and marketing and broadening its talent 
management software offering.

• 

Increasing market penetration in Australia and New Zealand
ELMO plans to accelerate its market penetration across Australia and New Zealand by increasing investment into its sales and 
marketing capabilities and initiatives to drive new customer wins.

•  Expand product offering

ELMO recently launched its succession and HR administration module (HR Core) to expand its solutions offering and aims to 
launch two new modules within the next two years.

•  Acquisitions

ELMO believes that there is an opportunity to gain additional market share and/or acquire complementary technology through 
targeted acquisitions of other HR management software companies.

Matters subsequent to the end of the financial year
Matters subsequent to the end of the financial year include the resignation of James David McKerlie on 19 September 2018 and the 
appointment of Barry Lewin on 10 October 2018.

No other matter or circumstance has arisen since 30 June 2018 that has significantly affected, or may significantly affect the 
consolidated entity’s operations, the results of those operations, or the consolidated entity’s state of affairs in future financial years.

Environmental regulation
The consolidated entity is not subject to any significant environmental regulation under Australian Commonwealth or State law.

37

ELMO Annual Report 2018Information on directors
Name:

James (Jim) McKerlie

Title:

Qualifications:

Experience and expertise:

Chairman and Independent Non-executive Director

Bachelor of Economics (B.Ec) and a Diploma in Financial Management from the University of 
New England. He is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Australian Institute of 
Company Directors and Institute of Management Consultants.

Jim has over 30 years of experience across digital, media, technology, energy and 
professional services industries. Jim has held senior roles as Partner in Charge at Deloitte 
Touche Tohmatsu, Managing Partner at KPMG, Chairman of onthehouse.com.au, 
Executive Chairman of Bullseye and Chairman of Acer Energy and Ambassador Energy.

Other current directorships:

Chairman of Bambu Digital. Independent Non-Executive Director of Beach Energy

Former directorships (last 3 years):

Chairman of Manalto Limited, Lithium Consolidated Minerals Exploration Limited and 
Drillsearch Energy prior to it being acquired by Beach Energy (BPT.ASX).

Special responsibilities:

Chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and Member of the Audit and 
Risk Management Committee

Interests in shares:

50,000 fully paid ordinary shares

Interests in options:

Contractual rights to shares:

None

None

Name:

Title:

Qualifications:

Experience and expertise:

Danny Lessem

Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director and Co-Founder of ELMO

Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and Bachelor of Arts and Law from the University of Witwatersrand, 
South Africa

Danny is responsible for leading the development and execution of the Company’s long 
term strategy and delivering on growth objectives for the business. Danny also plays a key 
part in the day-to-day management of the Company’s operations and has been critical to the 
success of ELMO, including the strategy underpinning the development of the Company’s 
full suite of talent management software solutions.

Danny has extensive experience in the technology industry having led SaaS companies for 
over 15 years in senior roles, including Compu Technologies where he was the CEO and was 
responsible for overseeing the transition of the Company’s primary business from a digital 
agency to an eLearning content provider.

Other current directorships:

None

Former directorships (last 3 years):

None

Special responsibilities:

Member of the Audit and Risk Management Committee

Interests in shares:

11,989,816 fully paid ordinary shares

Interests in options:

Contractual rights to shares:

None

None

38

Directors’ Report ELMO Annual Report 2018Name:

Title:

Qualifications:

Experience and expertise:

Other current directorships:

David Hancock (resigned on 8 June 2018)

Independent Non-executive Director

Bachelor of Business from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and a member of 
the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)

David has over 25 years’ experience in financial services and a variety of governance roles. 
David has been an Executive General Manager at the Commonwealth Bank (CBA.ASX) and 
was Managing Director and Head of Asia/Australia/Japan Equities for JP Morgan.

Chairman of Freedom Insurance Group Limited (FIG.ASX), Chairman of Finclear Pty Limited, 
an ASX general and clearing participant, Non-executive Director at Tower Insurance 
(TWR.ASX) and Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee at 
Afterpay (AFY.ASX).

Former directorships (last 3 years):

None

Special responsibilities:

Chairman of the Audit and Risk Management Committee and Member of the Nomination 
and Remuneration Committee – prior to resignation on 8 June 2018

Interests in shares:

Interests in options:

Contractual rights to shares:

None

None

None

Name:

Title:

Qualifications:

Experience and expertise:

Trevor Lonstein

Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) in Accounting and Finance from University of Cape Town, 
South Africa and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Trevor is responsible for all aspects of the accounting and finance function, from ensuring 
efficient, controlled and timely recording and reporting systems, to budgeting, forecasting, 
and cash flow analysis.

Prior to joining ELMO, Trevor owned and operated Adrite Digital Colour Printing and 
held senior roles as Senior IT Project Manager at Allens Arthur Robinson, Ships Financial 
Controller at Orient Cruise Lines – MV Marco Polo and a career of over eight years in 
auditing with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu’s member firms in England and Australia.

Other current directorships:

None

Former directorships (last 3 years):

None

Special responsibilities:

Member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee

Interests in shares:

420,695 fully paid ordinary shares

Interests in options:

119,019 options

Contractual rights to shares:

None

39

ELMO Annual Report 2018Name:

Title:

Qualifications:

Experience and expertise:

Catherine (Kate) Hill (appointed on 8 June 2018)

Independent Non-Executive Director 

Bachelor of Science – Honours, Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Bristol, 
England, a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and New Zealand, 
and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. 

Kate has over 20 years’ experience as a former audit partner with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, 
advising privately owned and small cap ASX listed clients. She has worked extensively in 
regulated environments including assisting with Initial Public Offerings, capital raising and 
general compliance, as well as operating in an audit environment.

She also held several leadership positions within Deloitte Australia and built an audit practice 
serving private clients in the Western Sydney office. She served on the Deloitte Australia 
board of partners for 2 years.

Other current directorships:

Non-Executive Director of Countplus Limited (CUP.ASX), Chair of their Audit and Risk 
Committee and a member of the Acquisitions Committee. 

Former directorships (last 3 years):

None

Special responsibilities:

Chair of the Audit and Risk Management Committee and Member of the Nomination and 
Remuneration Committee 

Interests in shares:

Interests in options:

Contractual rights to shares:

None

None

None

Company secretary
Anna Sandham has held the role of Company Secretary since 1 May 2017. Anna is an experienced company secretary and 
governance professional with over 20 years’ experience in various large and small, public and private, listed and unlisted companies. 
Anna has previously worked for companies including AMP Financial Services, Westpac Banking Corporation, BT Financial Group 
and NRMA Limited. Anna holds a Bachelor of Economics (University of Sydney) and a Graduate Diploma of Applied Corporate 
Governance (Governance Institute of Australia) and is a Chartered Secretary and a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.

Meetings of directors
The number of directors’ meetings (including meetings of the committees of directors) and number of meetings attended by each 
of the Directors of the company during the year ended 30 June 2018 were:

Jim McKerlie

Danny Lessem

David Hancock

Trevor Lonstein

Kate Hill

Board meeting

Nomination and  
Remuneration Committee

Audit and Risk  
Management Committee

A

13

13

12

13

1

B

13

13

11

13

1

A

4

–

4

4

–

B

4

–

4

4

–

A

3

3

3

–

–

B

3

3

3

–

–

A – Number of meetings held when director was eligible to attend during the year.
B – Number of meetings attended during the time the director held office during the year.

40

Directors’ Report ELMO Annual Report 2018Directors’ interests

Directors

Danny Lessem

Trevor Lonstein 

Jim McKerlie

David Hancock

Kate Hill

Options granted to the 5 most highly remunerated officers of the company,  
being senior management or directors:

Director or ‘senior management’

Danny Lessem

Trevor Lonstein

Gordon Starkey

Xin Sun

Darryl Garber

Number of  
options granted

–

119,019

130,920

119,019

79,345

Fully paid 
ordinary 
shares 
Number

11,989,816

Share 
options 
Number

–

420,695

119,019

50,000

–

–

–

–

–

Issuing entity

ELMO Software Limited

ELMO Software Limited

ELMO Software Limited

ELMO Software Limited

ELMO Software Limited

Shares under option or issued on exercise of options:

Issuing entity

ELMO Software Limited

ELMO Software Limited

ELMO Software Limited

ELMO Software Limited

ELMO Software Limited

ELMO Software Limited

Share option 
plan

Number of shares 
under option

SEEP

SEEP

HPEP

HPEP

HPEP

HPEP

398,712

119,019

202,902

8,735

22,260

8,820

Class of shares

Ordinary shares

Ordinary shares

Ordinary shares

Ordinary shares

Ordinary shares

Ordinary shares

Exercise price  
of option

Expiry date of options

$2.51

$2.51

$2.51

$2.51

$5.08

$5.08

17 October 2027

7 December 2027

17 October 2027

11 December 2027

9 March 2028

12 June 2028

Indemnity and insurance of officers
The company has indemnified the directors and executives of the company for costs incurred, in their capacity as a director or 
executive, for which they may be held personally liable, except where there is a lack of good faith.

During the financial year, the company paid a premium in respect of a contract to insure the directors and executives of the 
company against a liability to the extent permitted by the Corporations Act 2001. The contract of insurance prohibits disclosure of 
the nature of the liability and the amount of the premium.

41

ELMO Annual Report 2018Indemnity and insurance of auditor
The company has not, during or since the end of the financial year, indemnified or agreed to indemnify the auditor of the company 
or any related entity against a liability incurred by the auditor.

During the financial year, the company has not paid a premium in respect of a contract to insure the auditor of the company or any 
related entity.

Proceedings on behalf of the company
No person has applied to the Court under section 237 of the Corporations Act 2001 for leave to bring proceedings on behalf of the 
company, or to intervene in any proceedings to which the company is a party for the purpose of taking responsibility on behalf of 
the company for all or part of those proceedings.

Non-audit services
Details of the amounts paid or payable to the auditor for non-audit services provided during the financial year by the auditor are 
outlined in note 25 to the financial statements.

The directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services during the financial year, by the auditor (or by another 
person or firm on the auditor’s behalf), is compatible with the general standard of independence for auditors imposed by the 
Corporations Act 2001.

The directors are of the opinion that the services as disclosed in note 25 to the financial statements do not compromise the external 
auditor’s independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 for the following reasons:

•  all non-audit services have been reviewed and approved to ensure that they do not impact the integrity and objectivity of the 

auditor; and

•  none of the services undermine the general principles relating to auditor independence as set out in APES 110 Code of Ethics 

for Professional Accountants issued by the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board, including reviewing or auditing 
the auditor’s own work, acting in a management or decision-making capacity for the company, acting as advocate for the 
company or jointly sharing economic risks and rewards.

Officers of the company who are former partners of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
No officer of the company was a former partner of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, being the auditors during the financial year, at a time 
when the audit firm undertook an audit of the company.

Rounding of amounts
The company is of a kind referred to in Corporations Instrument 2016/191, issued by the Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission, relating to ‘rounding-off’. Amounts in this report have been rounded off in accordance with that Corporations 
Instrument to the nearest thousand dollars, or in certain cases, the nearest dollar.

Auditor’s independence declaration
A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as required under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out 
immediately after this directors’ report.

Auditor
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu continues in office in accordance with section 327 of the Corporations Act 2001.

42

Directors’ Report ELMO Annual Report 2018Remuneration report (audited)
The remuneration report details the key management personnel remuneration arrangements for the consolidated entity, in 
accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and its Regulations.

The remuneration report is set out under the following main headings:

•  Remuneration governance

•  Key management personnel

•  Human resource strategy and remuneration policy

•  Remuneration payments and link between performance and reward

•  Remuneration of key management personnel

•  Share-option plan

•  Key terms of employment contracts

•  Key management personnel equity holdings

Remuneration governance
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee is responsible for reviewing the remuneration arrangements for its Directors and 
Executives and making recommendations to the Board. The Nomination and Remuneration Committee has two key functions:

•  The purpose of the nomination function is to review and make recommendations to the Board with respect to identifying 

nominees for directorships and key executive appointments; considering the composition of the Board, ensuring that effective 
induction and education procedures exist for new Board appointees, key executives and senior management; ensuring that 
appropriate procedures exist to assess and review the performance of the Chairman, Non-executive Directors and senior 
executives. The responsibility for the Company’s remuneration policy rests with the full Board notwithstanding the establishment 
of the Committee.

•  The purpose of the remuneration function is to provide advice, recommendations and assistance to the Board in relation 

to the Company’s remuneration policies and remuneration packages of senior executives, Executive Directors and 
Non-executive Directors.

Further information regarding the Committee’s responsibilities is set out in the Nomination and Remuneration Committee Charter 
available at http://investors.elmosoftware.com.au/Investors/?page=Corporate-Governance.

Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling 
the activities of the consolidated entity, directly or indirectly, including all directors (non-executive and executive) of the 
consolidated entity.

43

ELMO Annual Report 2018Key management personnel
The directors and other key management personnel of the consolidated entity during or since the end of the financial year were:

Non-Executive Directors

Position

James (Jim) McKerlie

Chair of the Board, Chair of Nomination & Remuneration Committee and 
member of Audit & Risk Management Committee

David Hancock (resigned 8 June 2018)

Chair of the Audit & Risk Management Committee and member of Nomination 
& Remuneration Committee up until 8 June 2018

Catherine (Kate) Hill (appointed 8 June 2018)

Chair of the Audit & Risk Management Committee and member of Nomination 
& Remuneration Committee from 8 June 2018

Executive Directors

Position

Danny Lessem

Trevor Lonstein

Chief Executive Officer and member of Audit & Risk Committee

Chief Financial Officer and member of Nomination & Remuneration Committee

Other Key Management Personnel

Position

Gordon Starkey

Xin Sun 

Darryl Garber 

Monica Watt

Chief Operating Officer

Chief Technology Officer

Chief Commercial Officer

General Manager: Human Resources and Administration

Human resource strategy and remuneration policy
The framework aligns executive reward with the achievement of strategic objectives and the creation of value for shareholders, and 
it is considered to be based on market best practice for the delivery of reward. The Board of Directors (‘the Board’) ensures that 
executive reward satisfies the following key criteria for good reward governance practices:

•  competitiveness and reasonableness

•  acceptability to shareholders

•  performance linkage/alignment of executive compensation

•  transparency

Remuneration payments and link between performance and reward
ELMO’s remuneration strategy is designed to assist ELMO to achieve its corporate objectives through appropriate fixed and 
performance-based remuneration as detailed below:

Executive remuneration
The consolidated entity aims to reward executives based on their position and responsibility, with a level and mix of remuneration 
which has both fixed and variable components.

The executive remuneration and reward framework for the current year included:

•  cash salary

•  sales commission and bonus where relevant to specified individuals

•  superannuation

•  short-term incentive

• 

long-term incentive (share options)

44

Directors’ Report ELMO Annual Report 2018The combination of these comprises the executive’s total remuneration as detailed under ‘Key terms of employment 
contracts’ below.

Fixed remuneration, consisting of base salary, fees and superannuation is reviewed annually by the Nomination and Remuneration 
Committee based on individual and business performance, the overall performance of the consolidated entity and comparable 
market remunerations.

Short term incentive plan (STI Plan)
ELMO has established a short term incentive plan under which employees may be provided with a cash bonus for achievement 
against key performance metrics.

Participation in the STI Plan is determined at the discretion of the Board. Key performance metrics will generally relate to conditions 
that are within the control of the employee, for example divisional profit targets, strategic measures or other such conditions as 
ELMO may decide as relevant to the specific executive role. Subject to the discretion of the Board, the STI Plan has been structured 
based on the overall remuneration structure adopted by ELMO such that 60% of an employee’s total package consists of fixed pay 
and 40% as performance pay, with the performance pay component divided such that 60% is based on short term performance and 
40% of long term performance. The quantum of any reward is determined by the Board.

Amounts to be paid to employees under the STI Plan will typically be paid after the release of full financial year audited results, and 
in accordance with the annual review process.

Long-term incentive program (LTI Program)
ELMO has established both a Senior Executive Equity Plan (SEEP) and a High Performer Equity Plan (HPEP) as part of its 
LTI Program for the year ending 30 June 2018. During the year key management personnel received awards granted in accordance 
with the SEEP only.

The Senior Executive Equity Plan (SEEP)
Equity incentives under the SEEP may be granted to employees (or such other person that the Board determines is eligible 
to participate) in respect of FY18 and beyond. Offers will be made at the discretion of the Board. The terms of the incentives 
granted under this plan will be determined by the Board at grant and may therefore vary over time. ELMO will regularly assess the 
appropriateness of its incentive plans and may amend or replace, suspend or cease using the SEEP if considered appropriate by 
the Board.

The SEEP is intended to align the interests of the senior executives with Shareholders. Awards under the SEEP have been structured 
as an option to receive shares at a future date subject to the recipient paying the exercise price (SEEP Option).

Grants under the SEEP are made annually and are made to the senior executive team and such other executives as the Board may 
determine from time to time. Any grants are made subject to the ASX Listing Rules, to the extent applicable.

The table on the next page details the fixed, variable, short and long term incentives in relation to executive remuneration and the 
link to the Group’s performance.

45

ELMO Annual Report 2018Component

Performance measures

Strategic objective/Performance link

Fixed remuneration

The position description of each Executive 
includes a set of individual performance 
measures which are reviewed and evaluated 
each financial year.

Each Executives’ individual performance 
measures are specifically designed to ensure 
alignment with the Group’s strategic plans for 
the year.

Remuneration is set competitively in  
order to:
•  Recruit:  Attract the best talent to ELMO 

to ensure sustainable growth

•  Retain:  Ensure talent is not lured away by 
well financed technology organisations or 
direct competitors.

Fixed remuneration is based on:

•  Role and responsibility
•  Capability and competencies
•  Comparable market remunerations

Performance-based remuneration (STIs and LTIs)

ELMO’s performance pay consists of short and long-term incentives which are designed to:

•  Motivate:  to achieve financial and non-financial corporate objectives
•  Reward:  create performance culture that recognises and rewards outstanding performance
•  Retain:  through the Senior Executive Equity Plan (SEEP) and the subsequent tenure required for options to vest

Ensures each Executive is held accountable 
for the outcomes that are under their control. 
These outcomes are designed to support the 
overall Group objectives.

STI’s motivate individuals, create a high-
performance culture and increase employee 
engagement.

Ensures a direct link between the performance 
of the KMP and their departments with the 
creation of shareholder value.

Short-term incentive plan (STI)  
being cash award

Long-term incentive plan (LTI) 
under the (SEEP) being share 
options

The personal Key Performance metrics of each 
Executive relate to conditions that are within 
the control of the employee which include 
but are not limited to divisional revenue and 
expense targets, strategic initiatives and such 
other conditions as the Group requires.

STIs are cash-based payments
•  Quantum of STI – % of performance relative 
to an individual’s key performance metrics

Participants must be employed on vesting 
date for the options to vest. Options will be 
tested against a Relative Total Shareholder 
Return (TSR) performance condition.

Performance will be tested at the end of each 
vesting period (years 1, 2, and 3) to determine 
the extent to which the Company has satisfied 
the TSR performance condition.

Vesting against this target will apply if the 
following is met:
•  100% of the Options will vest if the 

company ranks at or above the 75th 
percentile;

•  Straight line vesting will occur if the 
Company ranks between the 50th 
percentile and the 75th percentile;

•  65% of the Options will vest if the Company 

ranks at the 50th percentile;

•  0% of the Options will vest if the Company 

ranks below the 50th percentile.

Performance will be tested relative to a peer 
group comprising the constituent companies 
of the S&P/ASX 300 excluding mining and 
energy companies.

The TSR of each company will be measured 
from the start of the performance period to 
the end of the performance period.

46

Directors’ Report ELMO Annual Report 2018For FY18 performance measures for the STI’s were based on revenue and cost targets for each Executive with individual 
performance reviews conducted at the end of the year. Due to the successful performance of the group in the first year as a listed 
entity 100% STI’s were approved.

ELMO is committed to continue evolving the key performance indicators for Executives ensuring meaningful stretch targets on 
which to be assessed.

Non-Executive Directors’ remuneration
Each of the Non-Executive Directors has entered into appointment letters with ELMO, confirming the terms of their appointment 
and their roles and responsibilities.

Under the Constitution, the Board decides the total amount paid to each of the Non-executive Directors as remuneration for 
their services as a Director. However, under the ASX Listing Rules, the total amount of fees paid to all Directors for their services 
(excluding, for these purposes, the salary of any Executive Director) must not exceed in aggregate in any financial year the amount 
fixed by the Company in general meeting.

This amount has been fixed by the Company at $750,000 per annum (inclusive of superannuation). Any change to that aggregated 
annual sum needs to be approved by the Shareholders. The aggregate sum does not include any special and additional 
remuneration for special exertions and additional services performed by a Director as determined appropriate by the Board.

Chair and independent Non-Executive Director, Jim McKerlie’s annual director fee was $150,000 (inclusive of superannuation) 
per annum plus an amount of $75,000 for additional services provided to the company. Non-executive Director, David Hancock’s 
annual fee was $100,000 (inclusive of superannuation) prior to his resignation on 8 June 2018 and Kate Hill will receive an annual fee 
of $100,000 per annum (inclusive of superannuation) for her role as a non-executive director, Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee 
and a member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.

Directors may also be reimbursed for expenses properly incurred by the Directors in connection with the affairs of the Company 
including travel and other expenses in attending to the Company’s affairs. The Directors’ fees do not include a commission on, or a 
percentage of, profits or income.

If a Director renders or is called on to perform extra services or to make any special exertions in connection with the affairs of the 
Company, the Board may arrange for special remuneration to be paid to that Director, either in addition to or in substitution for that 
Director’s remuneration set out above.

There are no contractual redundancy or retirement benefit schemes for Non-executive Directors, other than statutory 
superannuation contributions.

47

ELMO Annual Report 2018Remuneration of key management personnel
The tables below detail remuneration of key management personnel based on the policies previously discussed for the years ended 
30 June 2018 and 30 June 2017.

Cash 
salary  
and fees 
$

Sales  
commission 
$

STI(iv) 
$

Bonus 
$

Other 
benefits(v)
$

Super-
annuation
$

Share  
Options(vi)
$

Total
$

Year ended 30 June 2018

Non-executive Directors

James McKerlie (Chairman)

225,000

David Hancock(i)

Kate Hill(i)

Executive Directors

Danny Lessem

Trevor Lonstein

Other Key  
Management Personnel

83,710

6,300

475,000

274,960

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

120,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

7,953

–

78,557

25,000

–

–

–

–

225,000

91,663

6,300

578,557

11,669

25,000

31,638

463,267

Gordon Starkey(ii)

309,952

33,878

132,000

15,000

28,525

20,048

34,802

574,205

Xin Sun(iii)

Monica Watt

Darryl Garber

274,960

159,817

182,648

–

–

–

120,000

70,000

80,000

–

–

–

29,116

25,000

31,638

480,714

8,605

8,429

15,183

18,456

272,061

17,352

21,092

309,521

1,992,347

33,878

522,000

15,000

164,901

135,536

137,626

3,001,288

(i)  On 8 June 2018, David Hancock resigned as Non-Executive Director and Kate Hill was appointed as Non-Executive Director on the same day. 

The remuneration for each has thereby been disclosed as appropriate until/from this date.

(ii)  Gordon Starkey, Chief Operating Officer who has an agreed benefits package including a sales commission of 2% received on new business and an 

additional $15,000 for a target-related bonus in relation to FY17.

(iii)  Xin (Samuel) Sun received $90,444 holiday payout included within other benefits due to an accumulation of accrued annual leave.
(iv)  Short-term incentives were approved by the Board post year-end but accrued in the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2018 and were 

therefore disclosed.

(v)  Other benefits include annual leave, long service leave and holiday payout.
(vi)  The value of the share options granted to key management personnel as part of their remuneration is calculated at the grant date using a Monte Carlo 

simulation approach subject to the relative total shareholder returns performance conditions.

48

Directors’ Report ELMO Annual Report 2018Year ended 30 June 2017

Non-executive Directors

Jim McKerlie (Chairman)(i)

David Hancock(i)

Executive Directors

Danny Lessem

Manuel Garber 

Trevor Lonstein

Other Key  
Management Personnel 

Trevor Lonstein(ii)

Gordon Starkey(ii)

Xin Sun

Monica Watt

Darryl Garber

Cash  
salary  
and fees 
$

Sales  
commission 
$

Bonus  
$

Other  
benefits  
$

Super- 
annuation  
$

Share  
options  
$

12,500

8,333

500,000

272,500

76,923

139,401

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

30,000

–

220,899

158,208

45,662

256,833

150,685

74,063

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

806

38,531

10,492

966

6,515

–

–

–

–

7,308

13,243

38,151

24,399

14,315

6,997

1,712,137

158,208

75,662

57,310

104,413

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Total  
$

12,500

8,333

500,000

272,500

114,231

153,450

501,451

291,724

165,966

87,575

2,107,730

(i)  On 5 June 2017 the Non-Executive Directors, James McKerlie and David Hancock were only appointed as Directors of the Company and Manuel Garber 

resigned as an Executive Director, and the remuneration has thereby been disclosed as appropriate from/until this date.

(ii)  Sales commission and bonus for the year ended 30 June 2017 were only recognised in the following cases:

•  Gordon Starkey, Chief Operating Officer who has an agreed benefits package including a sales commission of 2% received on new business and a cash 

bonus based on revenue targets as agreed by the Board.

•  Trevor Lonstein, Chief Financial Officer received a bonus of $30,000 upon the successful listing of the company. Trevor was appointed as Executive 

Director on 6 March 2017, before which time he was a member of other key management personnel.

For the year to 30 June 2017 there was no link between Company performance and KMP remuneration with the exception of those 
individuals disclosed separately above.

49

ELMO Annual Report 2018Share-option plan
Details on the options over ordinary shares in the Company that were granted as compensation to each key management personnel 
during the reporting period are as follows:

Option tranches

Vesting date

Grant date(i)

Tranche 1

Tranche 2 

Tranche 3

31 August 2018

17 October 2017

31 August 2019

17 October 2017

31 August 2020

17 October 2017

Fair value at 
grant date(ii)

Exercise 
price

0.51

0.66

0.78

$2.51

$2.51

$2.51

Expiry date(i)

17 October 2027

17 October 2027

17 October 2027

(i)  The grant and expiry dates noted apply to all key management personnel with the exception of Trevor Lonstein where the grant date is 7 December 2017 

and the expiry date is 7 December 2027.

(ii)  The weighted average fair value for the three tranches is $0.69.

Executive Directors

Trevor Lonstein

Other Key Management Personnel

Gordon Starkey

Xin Sun

Monica Watt

Darryl Garber

Balance as at  
1 July 2017

Number

Granted as compensation

Number

Balance as at 
30 June 2018

Number

Tranche 1

Tranche 2

Tranche 3

Nil

31,373

36,364

51,282

119,019

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

34,510

31,373

18,301

20,915

40,000

36,364

21,212

24,242

56,410

51,282

29,915

34,188

130,920

119,019

69,428

79,345

In addition to a continuing employment service condition, vesting is conditional on the Group achieving certain performance 
hurdles relating to total shareholder return (TSR). TSR is a measurement of investment return in percentage terms, adjusted for any 
dividend or capital movements, from the start to the end of the relevant performance period.

The share options have been valued using a Monte Carlo simulation approach subject to the relative total shareholder returns 
performance conditions.

There were nil ordinary shares of ELMO Software Limited issued during the year ended 30 June 2018 to key management personnel 
and up to the date of this report resulting from the exercise of options.

50

Directors’ Report ELMO Annual Report 2018Key terms of employment contracts

Name:

Title:

Details:

Name:

Title:

Details:

Name:

Title:

Details:

Name:

Title:

Details:

Name:

Title:

Details:

Name:

Title:

Details:

Danny Lessem

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer

Base salary for the year ending 30 June 2018 of $500,000 including superannuation, to be reviewed 
annually by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee with a 6 month termination notice by 
either party.

Trevor Lonstein

Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer

Base salary for the year ending 30 June 2018 of $300,000 including superannuation, to be reviewed 
annually by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee with a 6 month termination notice by 
either party. Trevor was eligible to participate in the short and long term incentive programs for the 
year ending 30 June 2018.

Gordon Starkey

Chief Operating Officer

Base salary for the year ending 30 June 2018 of $330,000 including superannuation, to be reviewed 
annually by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee with a 1 month termination notice by 
either party. Gordon was eligible for short term and long term incentive benefit.

Xin Sun

Chief Technology Officer

Base salary for the year ending 30 June 2018 of $300,000 including superannuation, to be reviewed 
annually by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee with a 30 day termination notice by either 
party. Xin was eligible for short term and long term incentive benefit.

Monica Watt

General Manager: Human Resources

Base salary for the year ending 30 June 2018 of $175,000 including superannuation, to be reviewed 
annually by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee with a 30 day termination notice by either 
party. Monica was eligible for short term and long term incentive benefit.

Darryl Garber

Chief Commercial Officer

Base salary for the year ending 30 June 2018 of $200,000 including superannuation, to be reviewed 
annually by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee with a 6 month termination notice by 
either party. Darryl was eligible for short term and long term incentive benefit.

51

ELMO Annual Report 2018Key management personnel equity holdings

Year ended 30 June 2018

Non-Executive Directors

Jim McKerlie

David Hancock(i)

Kate Hill(ii)

Executive Directors

Danny Lessem

Trevor Lonstein

Other Key Management Personnel

Gordon Starkey

Xin Sun

Monica Watt

Darryl Garber

(i)  David Hancock resigned as a Director on 8 June 2018.
(ii)  Kate Hill was appointed as a Director on 8 June 2018.

Balance as at  
1 July 2017
Number

Purchased/
other changes 
during the year
Number

Balance as at  
30 June 2018
Number

50,000

–

–

11,989,816

420,695

510,945

425,695

1,250

460,945

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

50,000

–

–

11,989,816

420,695

510,945

425,695

1,250

460,945

Year ended 30 June 2017

Non-Executive Directors

Jim McKerlie

David Hancock

Executive Directors

Danny Lessem

Trevor Lonstein

Manuel Garber

Other Key  
Management Personnel

Gordon Starkey

Xin Sun

Monica Watt

Darryl Garber

Balance as at 
1 July 2016 
Number

Share  
subdivision(i)

Issued  
during  
the year 
Number

Post share 
split(ii)

Purchased 
during IPO

Balance as at 
30 June 2017 
Number

–

–

12

–

12

–

–

–

–

–

–

285

–

285

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

10

–

10

10

–

10

–

–

11,989,816

420,695

–(iii)

50,000

50,000

–

–

–

–

–

11,989,816

420,695

–

420,695

420,695

–

90,250

5,000

1,250

510,945

425,695

1,250

420,695

40,250

460,945

(i)  The Company undertook a share subdivision with a ratio of 23.75 for each of its ordinary shares.
(ii)  The Company undertook a share split with a ratio of 42,069.53 for each of its ordinary shares.
(iii)  No further disclosures have been made with regard to Manuel Garber as he resigned as director on 5 June 2017 prior to the IPO taking place.

52

Directors’ Report ELMO Annual Report 2018This report is made in accordance with a resolution of directors, pursuant to section 298(2)(a) of the Corporations Act 2001.

On behalf of the directors

James McKerlie 
Chairman 

29 August 2018
Sydney

Danny Lessem
Director

53

ELMO Annual Report 2018 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu 
ABN 74 490 121 060 
Grosvenor Place 
225 George Street 
Sydney, NSW, 2000 
Australia 

Phone: +61 2 9322 7000 
www.deloitte.com.au 

29 August 2018 

The Board of Directors 
Elmo Software Limited 
Level 27, 580 George Street 
SYDNEY, NSW 2000 

Dear Board Members 

Elmo Software Limited 

In accordance with section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001, I am pleased to provide the following declaration 
of independence to the directors of Elmo Software Limited. 

As lead audit partner for the audit of the financial statements of Elmo Software Limited for the financial year 
ended 30 June 2018, I declare that to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been no contraventions 
of: 

the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and 

(i) 
(ii)  any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. 

Yours sincerely 

DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU 

Joshua Tanchel 
Partner 
Chartered Accountants 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited  

19 

54

ELMO Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of profit or loss 
and other comprehensive income

for the year ended 30 June 2018

Revenue from rendering of services

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Interest income

Other income

Amortisation expenses

Employment expenses

General and administrative expenses

Research and development expenses

Sales and marketing expenses

Loss before income tax expense/benefit from continuing operations

Income tax (expense)/benefit

Loss after tax from continuing operations 

Loss after tax from discontinued operations 

Loss after income tax expense/benefit for the year

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive loss for the year attributable  
to the owners of ELMO Software Limited

Earnings per share

From continuing operations

Basic earnings 

Diluted earnings 

Earnings per share

From discontinued operations

Basic earnings 

Diluted earnings 

Consolidated

2018
$’000

26,520

(2,245)

24,275

265

127

(4,250)

(12,721)

(7,325)

(14)

(3,330)

(2,973)

(15)

(2,988)

–

(2,988)

2017
$’000

16,564

 (1,679)

14,885

31

125

(2,225)

(7,119)

(5,379)

–

(2,043)

(1,725) 

978

(747) 

(173)

(920)

–

–

(2,988)

(920) 

Cents

Cents

(5.29)

(5.29)

(1.79)

(1.79)

–

–

(0.41)

(0.41)

Note

3

4

5

5

6

7

32

32

32

32

The above statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes 

55

ELMO Annual Report 2018Consolidated statement of financial position

as at 30 June 2018

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Income tax refundable

Other current assets

Lease incentive receivable

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Deferred tax

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets and capitalised costs

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Lease payables and incentives

Deferred and contingent consideration

Employee benefits

Deferred revenue

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Deferred and contingent consideration

Deferred tax

Employee benefits

Lease payables and incentives

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

 Net assets

Equity

Share capital

Reserves

Accumulated losses

Equity attributable to the owners of ELMO Software Limited

Consolidated

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

Note

8

9

10

11

12

18

12

13

14

15

16

17

15

18

19

21

21

22

45,995

6,460

7

1,099

4,164

26,601

3,568

503

372

–

57,725

31,044

–

5,789

35,815

41,604

99,329

4,636

925

5,735

1,010

13,782

26,088

400

801

128

3,700

5,029

31,117

68,212

72,340

158

(4,286)

68,212

99

506

5,971

6,576

37,620

3,014

–

1,000

654

9,072

13,740

–

–

115

–

115

13,855

23,765 

25,110

(47)

(1,298)

23,765

Total equity

68,212

23,765

The above statement of financial position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

56

ELMO Annual Report 2018Consolidated statement of changes in equity

for the year ended 30 June 2018

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserves 
$’000

Share 
option 
reserves 
$’000

Accumulated
losses 
$’000

Total equity 
$’000

Consolidated

Balance at 1 July 2016

Loss after income tax benefit for the year

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Issued 
capital 
$’000

350 

–

–

–

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Issue of shares to the public on IPO (net of issue costs)

23,515

Issue of employees gift shares

Issue of F Class share capital

Reserves:

Translation movement during the year

Balance at 30 June 2017

Consolidated

Balance at 1 July 2017

Loss after income tax benefit for the year

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive loss for the year

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:

Issue of shares to the public via Institutional Placement 
and Share Purchase Plan (net of issue costs and tax) 

Issue of shares under business combinations

Reserves:

Translation movement during the year

Equity settled share-based payment

45

1,200

–

25,110 

Issued 
capital 
$’000

25,110 

–

–

–

45,080

2,150

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(47)

(47)

Foreign 
currency 
translation 
reserves 
$’000

(47)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Balance at 30 June 2018

72,340 

(47)

The above statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(378)

(920)

–

(920)

–

–

–

–

(28)

(920)

–

(920)

23,515

45

1,200

(47)

(1,298)

23,765

Share 
option 
reserves 
$’000

Accumulated 
losses 
$’000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

205

205

Total equity 
$’000

23,765

(2,988)

–

(1,298)

(2,988)

–

(2,988)

(2,988)

–

–

–

–

45,080

2,150

–

205

(4,286)

68,212

57

ELMO Annual Report 2018 
 
Consolidated statement of cash flows

for the year ended 30 June 2018

Consolidated

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

Note

28,623

18,527

(24,655)

(15,529)

3,968

2,998

–

150

(21)

578

31

4,118

3,555

265

(5,628)

(4,845)

(17,564)

(27,772)

46,023

(2,975)

43,048

19,394

26,601

45,995

31

(308)

(2,764)

(1,046)

(4,087)

26,200

(2,084)

24,116

23,584

3,017

26,601

Cash flows from operating activities 

Receipts from customers (inclusive of GST)

Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST)

Interest and other finance costs paid

Income taxes refunded

Net cash from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Interest received

Payments for property, plant and equipment

Payments for intangibles

Payment for acquisitions of businesses and subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from issue of shares

Share issue transaction costs (net of tax)

Net cash from financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year

8

The above statement of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes

58

ELMO Annual Report 2018 
 
Notes to the financial statements

30 June 2018

Note 1.  Significant accounting policies
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below. These policies have 
been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.

New or amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations adopted
The consolidated entity has adopted all of the new or amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian 
Accounting Standards Board (‘AASB’) that are mandatory for the current reporting period.

Basis of preparation
These general purpose financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and 
Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (‘AASB’) and the Corporations Act 2001, as appropriate for 
for-profit oriented entities. These financial statements also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by 
the International Accounting Standards Board (‘IASB’).

Historical cost convention
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Critical accounting estimates
The preparation of the financial statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to 
exercise its judgement in the process of applying the consolidated entity’s accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree 
of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements, are disclosed 
in note 2.

Parent entity information
In accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, these financial statements present the results of the consolidated entity only. 
Supplementary information about the parent entity is disclosed in note 28.

Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets and liabilities of all subsidiaries of ELMO Software Limited (‘company’ 
or ‘parent entity’) as at 30 June 2018 and the results of all subsidiaries for the year then ended. ELMO Software Limited and its 
subsidiaries together are referred to in these financial statements as the ‘consolidated entity’.

Subsidiaries are all those entities over which the consolidated entity has control. The consolidated entity controls an entity when 
the consolidated entity is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to 
affect those returns through its power to direct the activities of the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which 
control is transferred to the consolidated entity. They are de-consolidated from the date that control ceases.

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains on transactions between entities in the consolidated entity are 
eliminated. Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of the impairment of the asset 
transferred. Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where necessary to ensure consistency with the policies 
adopted by the consolidated entity.

59

ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 1.  Significant accounting policies (continued)
Business combinations
The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for business combinations regardless of whether equity instruments or 
other assets are acquired when the control is transferred to the group.

The consideration transferred is the sum of the acquisition-date fair values of the assets transferred, equity instruments issued or 
liabilities incurred by the acquirer to former owners of the acquiree and the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree. 
For each business combination, the non-controlling interest in the acquiree is measured at either fair value or at the proportionate 
share of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets. All acquisition costs are expensed as incurred to profit or loss.

On the acquisition of a business, the consolidated entity assesses the financial assets acquired and liabilities assumed for 
appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic conditions, the consolidated entity’s 
operating or accounting policies and other pertinent conditions in existence at the acquisition-date.

Where the business combination is achieved in stages, the consolidated entity remeasures its previously held equity interest in the 
acquiree at the acquisition-date fair value and the difference between the fair value and the previous carrying amount is recognised 
in profit or loss.

Contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer is recognised at the acquisition-date fair value. Subsequent 
changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration classified as an asset or liability is recognised in profit or loss. 
Contingent consideration classified as equity is not remeasured and its subsequent settlement is accounted for within equity.

The difference between the acquisition-date fair value of assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in 
the acquiree and the fair value of the consideration transferred and the fair value of any pre-existing investment in the acquiree is 
recognised as goodwill. If the consideration transferred and the pre-existing fair value is less than the fair value of the identifiable 
net assets acquired, being a bargain purchase to the acquirer, the difference is recognised as a gain directly in profit or loss by the 
acquirer on the acquisition-date, but only after a reassessment of the identification and measurement of the net assets acquired, 
the non-controlling interest in the acquiree, if any, the consideration transferred and the acquirer’s previously held equity interest in 
the acquirer.

Operating segments
Operating segments are presented using the ‘management approach’, where the information presented is on the same basis as 
the internal reports provided to the Chief Operating Decision Makers (‘CODM’). The CODM is responsible for the allocation of 
resources to operating segments and assessing their performance.

Foreign currency translation
The financial statements are presented in Australian dollars, which is ELMO Software Limited’s functional and presentation currency.

Foreign currency transactions
Foreign currency transactions are translated into Australian dollars using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the 
transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at 
financial year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in profit 
or loss.

Foreign operations
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into Australian dollars using the exchange rates at the reporting date. 
The revenues and expenses of foreign operations are translated into Australian dollars using the average exchange rates, which 
approximate the rates at the dates of the transactions, for the period. All resulting foreign exchange differences are recognised in 
other comprehensive income through the foreign currency reserve in equity.

60

Notes to the financial statements30 June 2018ELMO Annual Report 2018Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognised when it is probable that the economic benefit will flow to the consolidated entity and the revenue can be 
reliably measured. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable.

Rendering of services
Services revenue is predominantly from recurring revenues associated with the cloud-based Talent Management Software Solutions. 
The agreements with customers do not include general rights of return and do not provide customers with the right to take 
possession of the software supporting the services being provided. As such, revenue is recognized in equal monthly amounts over 
the life of the agreement, usually a 3 year term, when all of the following criteria are achieved:

•  There is persuasive evidence of an agreement;

•  The service has been provided to the customer;

•  Collection of the fees is reasonably assured; and

•  The amount of fees to be paid by the customer is fixed or determinable. 

Professional service revenue (integration, implementation and training services) is recognised once the service has been provided. 

Interest
Interest revenue is recognised as interest accrues using the effective interest method. This is a method of calculating the amortised 
cost of a financial asset and allocating the interest income over the relevant period using the effective interest rate, which is the rate 
that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to the net carrying amount of 
the financial asset.

Other revenue
Other revenue is recognised when it is received or when the right to receive payment is established.

Government grants
Government grants, including non-monetary grants at fair value, are only recognised when there is reasonable assurance that: 

(a) all conditions attaching to the Government grant will be complied with;

(b) the value of the grant can be determined with reasonable certainty;

(c) the grant will be received. 

Government grants are recognised as revenue during the period, or periods in which the expenses for which the grants are 
intended to compensate are recognised.

If the Government grant cannot be determined with reasonable certainty, then the grant is recognised as revenue when it 
is received.

Cost of sales
Cost of sales includes wages, salaries and other expenses of employees who carry out implementation, training and support 
of software for customers. Cost of sales also includes third party hosting costs. 

61

ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 1.  Significant accounting policies (continued)
Income tax
The income tax expense or benefit for the period is the tax payable on that period’s taxable income based on the applicable 
income tax rate for each jurisdiction, adjusted by the changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary 
differences, unused tax losses and the adjustment recognised for prior periods, where applicable.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised for temporary differences at the tax rates expected to be applied when the assets 
are recovered or liabilities are settled, based on those tax rates that are enacted or substantively enacted, except for:

•  When the deferred income tax asset or liability arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or an asset or liability in a 

transaction that is not a business combination and that, at the time of the transaction, affects neither the accounting nor taxable 
profits; or

•  When the taxable temporary difference is associated with interests in subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, and the timing 
of the reversal can be controlled and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets are recognised for deductible temporary differences and unused tax losses only if it is probable that future 
taxable amounts will be available to utilise those temporary differences and losses.

The carrying amount of recognised and unrecognised deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date. Deferred tax assets 
recognised are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that future taxable profits will be available for the carrying 
amount to be recovered. Previously unrecognised deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that there are 
future taxable profits available to recover the asset.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset only where there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current 
tax liabilities and deferred tax assets against deferred tax liabilities; and they relate to the same taxable authority on either the same 
taxable entity or different taxable entities which intend to settle simultaneously.

Current and non-current classification
Assets and liabilities are presented in the statement of financial position based on current and non-current classification. 

An asset is classified as current when: it is either expected to be realised or intended to be sold or consumed in the consolidated 
entity’s normal operating cycle; it is held primarily for the purpose of trading; it is expected to be realised within 12 months after 
the reporting period; or the asset is cash or cash equivalent unless restricted from being exchanged or used to settle a liability for 
at least 12 months after the reporting period. All other assets are classified as non-current.

A liability is classified as current when: it is either expected to be settled in the consolidated entity’s normal operating cycle; 
it is held primarily for the purpose of trading; it is due to be settled within 12 months after the reporting period; or there is no 
unconditional right to defer the settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period. All other liabilities 
are classified as non-current.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are always classified as non-current.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash at bank. 

62

Notes to the financial statements30 June 2018ELMO Annual Report 2018Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables are initially recognised at cost being their carrying value which is a reasonable approximation of their fair value. 
Trade receivables are generally due for settlement within 30 days.

Collectability of trade receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts which are known to be uncollectable are written 
off by reducing the carrying amount directly. A provision for impairment of trade receivables is raised when there is objective 
evidence that the consolidated entity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. 
Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation and default 
or delinquency in payments (more than 60 days overdue) are considered indicators that the trade receivable may be impaired. 
The amount of the impairment allowance is the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated 
future cash flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate. Cash flows relating to short-term receivables are not discounted 
if the effect of discounting is immaterial.

Other receivables are recognised at amortised cost, less any provision for impairment.

Property, plant and equipment
Plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Historical cost includes expenditure 
that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items.

Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis to write off the net cost of each item of property, plant and equipment (excluding 
land) over their expected useful lives as follows:

Leasehold improvements 
Plant and equipment 
Computer equipment 

3-8 years
3-7 years
2-4 years

The residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each reporting date.

Leasehold improvements and plant and equipment under lease are depreciated over the unexpired period of the lease or the 
estimated useful life of the assets, whichever is shorter.

An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when there is no future economic benefit to the 
consolidated entity. Gains and losses between the carrying amount and the disposal proceeds are taken to profit or loss. 
Any revaluation surplus reserve relating to the item disposed of is transferred directly to retained profits.

Leases
The determination of whether an arrangement is or contains a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement and requires an 
assessment of whether the fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets and the arrangement 
conveys a right to use the asset.

A distinction is made between finance leases, which effectively transfer from the lessor to the lessee substantially all the risks and 
benefits incidental to the ownership of leased assets, and operating leases, under which the lessor effectively retains substantially 
all such risks and benefits.

Operating lease payments, net of any incentives received from the lessor, are charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over 
the term of the lease.

63

ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 1.  Significant accounting policies (continued)
Intangible assets
Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination, other than goodwill, are initially measured at their fair value at the 
date of the acquisition. Intangible assets acquired separately are initially recognised at cost. Indefinite life intangible assets are 
not amortised and are subsequently measured at cost less any impairment. Finite life intangible assets are subsequently measured 
at cost less amortisation and any impairment. The gains or losses recognised in profit or loss arising from the derecognition of 
intangible assets are measured as the difference between net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the intangible asset. 
The method and useful lives of finite life intangible assets are reviewed annually. Changes in the expected pattern of consumption 
or useful life are accounted for prospectively by changing the amortisation method or period.

Goodwill
Goodwill arises on the acquisition of a business. Goodwill is not amortised. Instead, goodwill is tested annually for impairment, or 
more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired, and is carried at cost less accumulated 
impairment losses. Impairment losses on goodwill are taken to profit or loss and are not subsequently reversed.

Software development costs – Research and development
Research costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. Development costs are capitalised when it is probable that 
the project will be a success considering its commercial and technical feasibility; the consolidated entity is able to use or sell the 
asset; the consolidated entity has sufficient resources; and intent to complete the development and its costs can be measured 
reliably. 

Software development costs have a finite life and are amortised on a systematic basis matched to the future economic benefits, 
which for software the expected useful life is 3 years.

Capitalised sales commission costs
Commission costs paid to employees as a remuneration for securing a new contract are amortised on a straight-line basis over the 
period of the contract (1-3 years).

Customer lists
Acquired customer lists are amortised over management’s best estimate of their useful life which is 7 years on a straight-line basis.

Trademark
The trademark is treated as having an indefinite useful life because it is expected to contribute to net cash flows indefinitely and 
thus the trademark is not amortised until its useful life is determined to be finite. It will be tested for impairment annually and 
whenever there is an indication that it may be impaired.

Impairment of assets
Goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for 
impairment, or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate that they might be impaired. Other assets are 
reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. 
An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. 
The recoverable amount is the higher of the assets fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing 
impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows which are largely 
independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets (cash-generating units). Non-financial assets other than 
goodwill that suffered an impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date.

Trade and other payables
These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the consolidated entity prior to the end of the financial year 
and which are unpaid. Due to their short-term nature they are measured at amortised cost and are not discounted. The amounts are 
unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

64

Notes to the financial statements30 June 2018ELMO Annual Report 2018Borrowings
Loans and borrowings are initially recognised at the fair value of the consideration received, net of transaction costs. They are 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Finance costs
Finance costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.

Employee benefits

Short-term employee benefits
Short-term benefits are expensed as the relative service is provided. A liability is recognised for the amount expected to be paid 
if the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the employee 
and the obligation can be estimated reliably.

Share-based payment arrangements
The grant-date fair value of equity-settled share-based payment arrangements granted to employees is generally recognised as an 
expense, with a corresponding increase in equity, to the share option reserve, over the vesting period of the awards. The fair value 
of the share options has been determined as detailed in note 33.

Other long-term employee benefits
The Group’s obligation in respect of long-term service benefits is the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return 
for their service in the current and prior periods. The obligation is calculated using expected future increases in wage and salary 
rates including related on-costs and expected settlement dates, and is discounted using the rates attached to the high quality 
corporate bonds at the statement of financial position date which maturity approximating to the terms of the Group’s obligations.

Fair value measurement
When an asset or liability, financial or non-financial, is measured at fair value for recognition or disclosure purposes, the fair value 
is based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market 
participants at the measurement date; and assumes that the transaction will take place either: in the principal market; or in the 
absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market.

Fair value is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming 
they act in their economic best interests. For non-financial assets, the fair value measurement is based on its highest and best use. 
Valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, are 
used, maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified into three levels using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of 
the inputs used in making the measurements. Classifications are reviewed at each reporting date and transfers between levels are 
determined based on a reassessment of the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

For recurring and non-recurring fair value measurements, external valuers may be used when internal expertise is either not 
available or when the valuation is deemed to be significant. External valuers are selected based on market knowledge and 
reputation. Where there is a significant change in fair value of an asset or liability from one period to another, an analysis is 
undertaken, which includes a verification of the major inputs applied in the latest valuation and a comparison, where applicable, 
with external sources of data.

Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity.

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from 
the proceeds.

Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the tax authority.

65

ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 1.  Significant accounting policies (continued)
Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to the owners of Elmo Software Limited, excluding 
any costs of servicing equity other than ordinary shares, by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the 
financial year, adjusted for bonus elements in ordinary shares issued during the financial year.

Diluted earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the determination of basic earnings per share to take into account the after 
income tax effect of interest and other financing costs associated with dilutive potential ordinary shares and the weighted average 
number of shares assumed to have been issued for no consideration in relation to dilutive potential ordinary shares.

Goods and Services Tax (‘GST’) and other similar taxes
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of associated GST, unless the GST incurred is not recoverable 
from the tax authority. In this case it is recognised as part of the cost of the acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense.

Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the amount of GST receivable or payable. The net amount of GST recoverable 
from, or payable to, the tax authority is included in other receivables or other payables in the statement of financial position.

Cash flows are presented on a gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from investing or financing activities which 
are recoverable from, or payable to the tax authority, are presented as operating cash flows.

Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the tax authority.

Rounding of amounts
The company is of a kind referred to in Corporations Instrument 2016/191, issued by the Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission, relating to ‘rounding-off’. Amounts in this report have been rounded off in accordance with that Corporations 
Instrument to the nearest thousand dollars, or in certain cases, the nearest dollar.

New Accounting Standards and Interpretations not yet mandatory or early adopted
Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations that have been issued or amended but are not yet mandatory, have not been 
early adopted by the consolidated entity for the annual reporting period ended 30 June 2018. The consolidated entity’s assessment 
of the impact of these new or amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations, most relevant to the consolidated entity, is set 
out below.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
The consolidated entity is required to adopt this standard from 1 July 2018. The standard replaces all previous versions of IFRS 9 
and completes the project to replace IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’. 

Classification: IFRS 9 introduces new classification and measurement models for financial assets. A financial asset shall be measured 
at amortised cost, if it is held within a business model whose objective is to hold assets in order to collect contractual cash flows, 
which arise on specified dates and solely principal and interest. All other financial instrument assets are to be classified and 
measured at fair value through profit or loss unless the entity makes an irrevocable election on initial recognition to present gains 
and losses on equity instruments (that are not held-for-trading) in other comprehensive income (‘OCI’). For financial liabilities, the 
standard requires the portion of the change in fair value that relates to the entity’s own credit risk to be presented in OCI (unless 
it would create an accounting mismatch). New simpler hedge accounting requirements are intended to more closely align the 
accounting treatment with the risk management activities of the entity.

Based on its assessment of IFRS 9 and the function of the balance sheet including cash, trade receivables and liabilities with no 
assets held as available for sale, debt or equity securities, the Group does not believe that the classification requirements will have a 
material impact.

66

Notes to the financial statements30 June 2018ELMO Annual Report 2018Impairment: New impairment requirements will use an ‘expected credit loss’ (‘ECL’) model to recognise an allowance. 
Impairment will be measured under a 12-month ECL method unless the credit risk on a financial instrument has increased 
significantly since initial recognition in which case the lifetime ECL method is adopted. The standard introduces additional new 
disclosures where relevant. 

The Group has assessed the effect of this requirement upon the trade receivables being the only relevant asset grouping. It has 
been the policy of the Group to continually assess the collectability of all trade receivables including the assessment of credit risk at 
the outset of a sale and relevant past experience. It is not expected that there will be a material impact on the accounting treatment 
of the impairment of trade receivables in the continuation of this current policy. The Group will continue to monitor this under the 
new requirements of IFRS 9 considering actual credit loss experience and any changes to exposure of external factors including 
geographic and economic conditions with additional disclosure where required.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
The consolidated entity is required to adopt this standard from 1 July 2018. The standard provides a single standard for 
revenue recognition. 

The core principle of IFRS 15 is that an entity should recognise revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to 
customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or 
services. Specifically, the Standard introduces a 5-step approach to revenue recognition: 

•  Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer

•  Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract

•  Step 3: Determine the transaction price

•  Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract

•  Step 5: Recognise revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation

Under IFRS 15, an entity recognises revenue when (or as) a performance obligation is satisfied, i.e. when ‘control’ of the goods or 
services underlying the particular performance obligation is transferred to the customer. 

The Group has performed an assessment of current revenue contracts in light of the requirements of IFRS 15 and as an entity 
operating in the software industry highlighted the following areas for consideration:

•  Performance obligations: consideration given to whether multiple performance obligations exist within each contract. Included 
within all current contracts are the components of licence, implementation, technical support and training. These products and 
services are not classified as being distinct and cannot be supplied by another provider. They therefore represent one single 
performance obligation and are not required to be accounted for separately.

•  Licences: the standard requires an entity to assess whether the licence represents a ‘right of use’ and recognised at a point in 
time or ‘right of access’ and recognised over the term of the contract. For all contracts the entity continues to be involved in 
maintaining and significantly improving the underlying software over the licence period therefore the licence grants a right of 
access to the customer and the revenue will be recognised over the licence period under the IFRS 15.

•  Non-refundable upfront fees: there are no additional non-refundable upfront fees to be recognised over time so no significant 

accounting impact.

•  Financing components: all annual contracts are paid in advance so there is no accounting effect for a financing component.

Based on its initial assessment of the above considerations the Group has determined that its professional services fee revenue 
stream (relating to integration, implementation and training) may be impacted by a partial deferral in the timing of revenue 
recognition under IFRS 15. Currently all professional services fee revenue is recognised when the service has been provided. 

The Group is in the process of determining whether there is a requirement under IFRS 15 to bundle professional services fee 
revenue with the licence fees and amortise both revenue streams over the licence fee term. In FY18 Professional service fees 
totalled $1.6m out of total revenue of $26.5m (6% of total revenue). 

The Group is in the process of finalising its analysis of the implications of IFRS 15, but based on its procedures to date it does not 
believe that the introduction of IFRS 15 will lead to a material impact on the Group’s FY19 revenue. 

67

ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 1.  Significant accounting policies (continued)
New Accounting Standards and Interpretations not yet mandatory or early adopted (continued)

IFRS 16 Leases
This standard is applicable to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019. The standard replaces 
AASB 117 ‘Leases’ and for lessees will eliminate the classifications of operating leases and finance leases. 

Subject to exceptions, a ‘right-of-use’ asset will be capitalised in the statement of financial position, measured at the present value 
of the unavoidable future lease payments to be made over the lease term. The exceptions relate to short-term leases of 12 months 
or less and leases of low-value assets (such as personal computers and small office furniture) where an accounting policy choice 
exists whereby either a ‘right-of-use’ asset is recognised or lease payments are expensed to profit or loss as incurred. 

A liability corresponding to the capitalised lease will also be recognised, adjusted for lease prepayments, lease incentives received, 
initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of any future restoration, removal or dismantling costs. 

In addition straight-line operating lease expense recognition will be replaced with a depreciation charge for the leased asset 
(included in operating costs) and an interest expense on the recognised lease liability (included in finance costs). In the earlier 
periods of the lease, the expenses associated with the lease under IFRS 16 will be expected to be higher when compared to lease 
expenses under AASB 117. However EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation) results will be improved 
as the operating expense is replaced by interest expense and depreciation in profit or loss under AASB 16. For classification within 
the statement of cash flows, the lease payments will be separated into both a principal (financing activities) and interest (either 
operating or financing activities) component. 

The Group has commenced an initial assessment of the potential impact on its consolidated financial statements but has not 
yet completed its detailed assessment. The actual impact of applying IFRS 16 on the financial statements in the period of initial 
application will depend on future economic conditions, including the Group’s borrowing rate at 1 January 2019, the composition 
of the Group’s lease portfolio at that date, the Group’s latest assessment of whether it will exercise any lease renewal options and 
the extent to which the Group chooses to use practical expedients and recognition exemptions. So far, the most significant impact 
identified is that the Group will recognise new assets and liabilities but this is yet to be quantified.

Other amended standards and interpretations
The following amended standards and interpretations are not expected to have a significant impact on the Group’s consolidated 
financial statements. 

•  Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014-2016 Cycle – Amendments to IFRS 1 and IAS 28

•  Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment Transactions (Amendments to IFRS 2)

• 

IFRIC 22 Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration

• 

IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments

68

Notes to the financial statements30 June 2018ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 2.  Critical accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the 
reported amounts in the financial statements. Management continually evaluates its judgements and estimates in relation to assets, 
liabilities, contingent liabilities, revenue and expenses. Management bases its judgements, estimates and assumptions on historical 
experience and on other various factors, including expectations of future events, management believes to be reasonable under the 
circumstances. The resulting accounting judgements and estimates will seldom equal the related actual results. The judgements, 
estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and 
liabilities (refer to the respective notes) within the next financial year are discussed below.

Business combinations
As discussed in note 1, business combinations are initially accounted for on a provisional basis. The fair value of assets acquired, 
liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed are initially estimated by the consolidated entity taking into consideration all available 
information at the reporting date. Fair value adjustments on the finalisation of the business combination accounting is retrospective, 
where applicable, to the period the combination occurred and may have an impact on the assets and liabilities, depreciation and 
amortisation reported. 

There is significant judgement involved including determining the fair value of consideration and critically valuing the intangible 
assets for each business combination. Several factors are taken into consideration in valuing intangibles including revenue growth 
assumptions and discount rates underlying the valuation of customer lists.

Goodwill, other indefinite life intangible assets and annual impairment assessment
The consolidated entity tests annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate impairment, whether 
goodwill and other indefinite life intangible assets have suffered any impairment, in accordance with the accounting policy stated in 
note 1. The recoverable amount of ELMO as a single cash generating unit has been determined based on the fair value less cost of 
disposal calculations.

Impairment of non-financial assets other than goodwill and other indefinite life intangible assets
The consolidated entity assesses impairment of non-financial assets other than goodwill and other indefinite life intangible assets 
at each reporting date by evaluating conditions specific to the consolidated entity and to the particular asset that may lead to 
impairment. If an impairment trigger exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined. This involves fair value less costs of 
disposal or value-in-use calculations, which incorporate a number of key estimates and assumptions.

Capitalisation of Software Development costs 
As discussed in Note 1 internally generated software development costs are capitalised when it is probable that the project will be a 
success considering its commercial and technical feasibility; the consolidated entity is able to use or sell the asset; the consolidated 
entity has sufficient resources; and intent to complete the development and its costs can be measured reliably. 

Estimation of useful lives of assets
The consolidated entity determines the estimated useful lives and related depreciation and amortisation charges for its property, 
plant and equipment and finite life intangible assets. The useful lives could change significantly as a result of technical innovations 
or some other event. The depreciation and amortisation charge will increase where the useful lives are less than previously 
estimated lives, or technically obsolete or non-strategic assets that have been abandoned or sold will be written off or written down.

69

ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 3.  Revenue from rendering of services
Identification of reportable operating segments
The Group operates in one segment, based on the internal reports that are reviewed and used by the Board of Directors 
(who are identified as the Chief Operating Decision Makers (CODM)) in assessing performance and in determining the allocation 
of resources. 

As a result, the operating segment information is disclosed in the statements and notes to the financial statements. 

Geographical information

Australia

New Zealand

Singapore

Revenue from  
external customers

Geographical  
non-current assets

2018
$’000

2017
$’000

25,423

16,396

892

205

–

168

2018
$’000

35,593

6,011

–

2017
$’000

6,439

32

6

26,520

16,564

41,604

6,477

The majority of the Group’s revenue is generated from sales contracts with Australia, Singapore and New Zealand companies. 
The geographic split of this revenue across all companies is: a) Australia (89.7%, 2017: 93.3%); b) New Zealand (8.40%, 2017: 5.3%); 
c) Singapore (0.9%, 2017:1.0%) and d) Other (1.0%, 2017: 0.4%)

The geographical non-current assets above are exclusive of, where applicable, financial instruments, deferred tax assets, post-
employment benefits assets and rights under insurance contracts.

70

Notes to the financial statements30 June 2018ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 4.  Other income

Government grants

Other income

Note 5.  Expenses

Employment expenses

Sales and marketing

Research and development

General and administrative

Included in general and administrative expenses

Consultancy and subcontractor expenses

Depreciation expenses

IPO related costs

Rental expenses

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

2017 
$’000

93

34

127

72

53

125

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

2017 
$’000

5,369

792

6,560

12,721

1,651

187

–

1,514

4,354

338

2,427

7,119

108

187

1,635

553

71

ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 6.  Income tax benefit

Income tax (expense)/benefit

Current tax expense

Deferred tax – origination and reversal of temporary differences

Adjustment recognised for prior periods

Aggregate income tax (expense)/benefit

Income tax (expense)/benefit is attributable to:

Loss from continuing operations

Loss from discontinued operations

Aggregate income tax (expense)/benefit

Deferred tax included in income tax expense comprises:

Increase in deferred tax assets (note 18)

Deferred tax – origination and reversal of temporary differences

Numerical reconciliation of income tax benefit and tax at the statutory rate

Loss before income tax (expense)/benefit from continuing operations

Loss before income tax (expense)/benefit from discontinued operations

Loss before income tax (expense)/benefit

Tax at the statutory tax rate of 30%

Tax effect amounts which are not deductible in calculating taxable income:

Effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit

Effect of tax concession (Research and Development Tax Incentives)

Adjustment recognised for prior periods

Income tax (expense)/benefit

Amounts credited directly to equity

Deferred tax liabilities (note 18)

72

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

2017 
$’000

6

107

(128)

(15)

(15)

–

(15)

107

107

 422

630

–

1,052

978

74

1,052

630

630

(2,988)

–

(2,988)

(1,725)

(247)

(1,972)

(896)

(592)

381

628

113

(128)

(15)

114

900

422

–

1,052

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

2017 
$’000

(1,040)

(1,040)

 –

–

Notes to the financial statements30 June 2018ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 7.  Discontinued operations
The Company completed the wind down of its Registered Training Organisation (RTO) division on 13 January 2017. The division has 
been disclosed as a discontinued operation. There is no discontinued operation for the year ended 30 June 2018.

Results of discontinued operations 

Revenue from rendering of services

Cost of sales

Gross loss

Sales and marketing expenses

General and administrative expenses

Operating loss from discontinued operation

Income tax benefit

Loss after income tax benefit from discontinued operations

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

2017 
$’000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(10)

(101)

(111)

(35)

(101)

(247)

74

(173)

The loss after income tax benefit from the discontinued operation of $173,193 for the year ended 30 June 2017 is attributable 
entirely to the owners of the Company.

Note 8.  Current assets – cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

45,995

2017 
$’000

26,601

73

ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 9.  Current assets – trade and other receivables

Trade receivables

Allowance for doubtful debts

Other receivables

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

7,326

(902)

6,424

36

6,460

2017 
$’000

4,402

(914)

3,488

80

3,568

Impairment of receivables
The consolidated entity has recognised a loss of $786,971 (2017: $101,816) in profit or loss in respect of impairment of receivables 
for the year ended 30 June 2018.

Information about the Group’s exposure to credit and market risk is detailed in note 20.

The ageing of the impaired receivables provided for above are as follows:

0 to 3 months overdue

3 to 6 months overdue

The ageing of the receivables not impaired including those past due are as follows:

Neither past due nor impaired

Past due but not impaired

0 to 3 months overdue

3 to 6 months overdue

Movements in the provision for impairment of receivables are as follows:

Opening balance

(Reduction in)/additional net provisions recognised

Closing balance

74

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

128

973

1,101

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

3,395

2,238

592

2,830

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

914

(12)

902

2017 
$’000

515

399

914

2017 
$’000

1,889

715

884

1,599

2017 
$’000

851

63

914

Notes to the financial statements30 June 2018ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 10.  Current assets – income tax refundable

Income tax refundable

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

7

2017 
$’000

503

In the prior year as the Group revenue was less than $20m, the income tax refundable for the Group amounted to $502,772 which is 
mostly from the R&D tax incentive refundable available to the parent entity. However for the year ended 30 June 2018 as the Group 
revenue has now exceeded the threshold of $20m, there will be a non-refundable tax offset carried forward of $841,312 available to 
the parent entity.

The income tax refundable for the year ended 30 June 2018 of $7,339 comprises of tax refund owing to the subsidiaries in 
the Group. 

Note 11.  Current assets – other

Prepayments

Other debtors

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

1,096

3

1,099

2017 
$’000

259

113

372

75

ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 12.  Non-current assets – property, plant and equipment

Plant and equipment – at cost

Accumulated depreciation

Computer equipment – at cost

Accumulated depreciation

Leasehold improvements – at cost

Accumulated depreciation

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

2017 
$’000

518

(296)

222

855

(541)

314

5,253

–

5,253

5,789

396

(243)

153

606

(436)

170

233

(50)

183

506

Reconciliations
Reconciliations of the written down values at the beginning and end of the current and previous financial year are set out below:

Consolidated

Balance at 1 July 2016

Additions

Depreciation expense

Balance at 30 June 2017

Additions

Additions through business combinations

Disposals

Depreciation expense

Balance at 30 June 2018

Plant and 
equipment 
$’000

Computer 
equipment 
$’000

Leasehold 
improvements 
$’000

51 

143

(41)

153

97

25

(1)

(52)

222

215 

70

(115)

170

197

52

–

(105)

314

Total 
$’000

385 

308

(187)

506

119 

95

(31)

183

5,257

5,551

–

(157)

(30)

77

(158)

(187)

5,253

5,789

The leasehold improvements of $5.3m recognised in the year were in relation to the relocation of ELMO’s offices with a 
corresponding leasehold incentive receivable of $4.2m. The leasehold improvements from the previous Bondi Junction office had 
been written off during the year. 

76

Notes to the financial statements30 June 2018ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 13.  Non-current assets – intangible assets and capitalised costs

Software development costs

Accumulated amortisation

Capitalised sales commission costs 

Accumulated amortisation

Customer lists (acquired through business combinations)

Accumulated amortisation

Goodwill (acquired through business combinations)

Trademarks (acquired through business combinations)

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

13,606

(6,633)

6,973

2,338

(1,588)

750

6,995

(525)

6,470

21,380

242

35,815

2017 
$’000

6,293

(3,521)

2,772

1,692

(930)

762

410

(44)

762

2,071

–

5,971

Reconciliations
Reconciliations of the written down values at the beginning and end of the current and previous financial year are set out below:

Consolidated

Balance at 1 July 2016

Additions

Additions through business 
combinations (note 15)

Amortisation expense

Balance at 30 June 2017

Additions

Additions through business 
combinations (note 15)

Amortisation expense

Balance at 30 June 2018

Software 
development
costs 
$’000

Capitalised 
Commission 
costs 
$’000

Customer 
list 
$’000

Goodwill 
$’000

Trademarks 
$’000

2,241

2,225

–

(1,694)

2,772

4,200

3,113

(3,112)

6,973

710

539

–

(487)

762

645

–

(657)

750

–

–

410

(44)

366

–

6,585

(481)

6,470

–

–

2,071

–

2,071

–

19,309

–

21,380

–

–

–

–

–

–

242

–

242

Total 
$’000

2,951

2,764

2,481

(2,225)

5,971

4,845

29,249

(4,250)

35,815

Goodwill arose through the acquisition of Quinntessential Marketing Consulting Pty Limited, Sky Payroll and Pivot Software; refer to 
Note 15 for further details. 

An impairment loss, if any, is recognised for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. 
The recoverable amount is determined on a Fair Value Less Cost of Disposal Basis and as at 30 June 2018 there are no indicators to 
suggest that an impairment would occur. 

77

ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 14.  Current liabilities – trade and other payables

Trade payables and accruals

Other payables

Loans from a related party

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

3,773

838

25

2017 
$’000

2,390

599

25

4,636

3,014

Note 15.  Business combinations and acquisitions of business assets
During the year the Company acquired interests in Quinntessential Marketing Consulting (QMC), Sky Payroll and Pivot Software as 
detailed below. Key information on the acquisitions is summarised in the table below: 

Net fixed assets

Cash

Customer list intangible asset

Software intangible asset

Trademark intangible asset

Other assets

Deferred revenue

Deferred tax liability

Loans repaid to previous shareholders

Other liabilities

Net identifiable (liabilities)/assets acquired

Goodwill on acquisition

Acquisition-date fair value of the total consideration transferred

Techni Works 
(Acquired 
in FY2017) 
$’000

22

–

410

–

–

147

(465)

(123)

–

–

(9)

2,071

2,062

QMC 
$’000

14

10

3,020

1,053

134

599

(1,501)

(946)

–

(50)

2,333

9,718

12,051

Sky 
Payroll 
$’000

Pivot 
Software 
$’000

–

–

–

324

–

–

–

–

–

–

324

1,476

1,800

63

481

3,565

1,736

108

697

(1,779)

(1,102)

(3,551)

(463)

(245)

8,115

7,870

78

Notes to the financial statements30 June 2018ELMO Annual Report 2018Acquisitions in FY2017

Techni Works Pty Limited
On 7 October 2016, Elmo Software Ltd acquired 100% of the ordinary shares of Techni Works Pty Ltd and its controlled subsidiary, 
Techni Works Action Learning Pty Ltd for the total consideration transferred of $2,062,360.

Techni Works is an Australian eLearning company specialising in the provision of Australian focused cloud based eLearning courses. 
The strategic rationale underpinning the acquisition of Techni Works and resulting in goodwill on acquisition included:

•  Margin expansion from synergy cost savings as a result of a significant reduction in operational costs;

•  Low integration risk and ability to extract significant operational efficiencies from leveraging ELMO’s existing infrastructure;

• 

Increasing market share with an enlarged customer base of 82 additional customer. This allows ELMO account managers to 
leverage existing Techni Works customer relationships to establish new contracts from upselling and cross-selling of ELMO’s 
full suite of talent management software solutions; and 

•  Expanding ELMO’s learning module platform with the addition of new eLearning courses.

Acquisitions in FY2018

Quinntessential Marketing Consulting
On 15 November 2017, ELMO Software Limited acquired the assets of Quinntessential Marketing Consulting under the terms of 
a sale and purchase agreement. The acquisition included the assets and employee entitlements provisions of the following two 
specialised, SaaS based, HR management software solutions:

•  PeoplePulse, an online employee and customer feedback survey platform that includes specialised HR surveys such as staff pulse 

surveys, onboarding surveys, training evaluations, net promotor scores and exit surveys; and

•  LiveSalary, an online salary database and benchmarking platform to assist customers to better recruit, reward and 

retain employees.

PeoplePulse and LiveSalary’s highly scalable modules accelerate ELMO’s product development program. In addition, the acquisition 
represents a logical and complementary fit into ELMO’s integrated HR Administration and Talent Management product suite.

The agreed consideration for the acquisition was a total cash amount of $10,051,369, of which $8,051,369 was paid on completion 
of the transaction and $2m to be paid on the first year anniversary from completion. Conditional consideration to a maximum of 
$2m will be made dependent on revenue performance targets being achieved in the first 12 months from completion. 

Goodwill has arisen from synergies expected to be achieved from the acquisition which include the integration of PeoplePulse and 
LiveSalary and the cross sell opportunities with the ELMO cloud based suite of products. 

Sky Payroll
On 1 February 2018 the Company completed the purchase of the assets of Sky Payroll, a native cloud-based Australian SaaS payroll 
software system whose revenue model holds similar attributes to ELMO’s core business.

Established in 2014, Sky Payroll is a pure HR cloud based payroll software solution for the Australian market. Payroll is central 
to HR administration and presents as a logical, strategic and highly complementary fit to ELMO’s current suite of modules. 
The addition of Sky payroll has provided a more enhanced and integrated product suite to offer to its current and future 
customer base whilst enabling ELMO to leverage existing relationships for cross-sell opportunities as well as fostering new ones. 
The acquisition enables ELMO to enter into the cloud software payroll market with considerable timing and cost advantages over 
a ‘build in-house’ approach as well as positioning ELMO to benefit from the industry shift to Single Touch Payroll Reporting (STPR). 

The agreed consideration for the acquisition was $1.0m initial purchase price settled 50/50 in cash and shares and a $0.4m deferred 
payment (payable as $0.2m within 15 days of 1 February 2019 and $0.2m within 15 days of 1 February 2020). Additionally, there are 
2 tranches of conditional consideration with a maximum of $0.2m per tranche should revenue performance targets be achieved 
payable within the same timelines as the contingent consideration. 

Goodwill has arisen from these synergies and the opportunities for cross-selling in the market. 

79

ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 15.  Business combinations and acquisitions of business assets (continued)
Acquisitions in FY2018 (continued)

Pivot Software
On 13 March 2018 ELMO acquired 100% of the share capital and voting rights of Pivot Remesys Group (Pivot Software), a leading 
provider of remuneration software in Australia and New Zealand.

The agreed consideration for the purchase of Pivot Software was $11.4m total consideration (including loan repayments). 
Excluding $3.55m loan repayments, this consisted of $4.0m cash paid and $1.65m shares issued during the financial year. 
Contingent consideration amounting to $1.8m cash and $0.4m shares is expected to be settled during the financial year ending 
30 June 2019 subject to key customer retention.

ELMO aims to accelerate the growth in the remuneration management SaaS software sector through its strong brand and advanced 
distribution network. Following the acquisition of Pivot Software, ELMO is able to provide its customers with a solution to manage 
salary increases, bonuses and complex LTI/STI issues. ELMO plans to offer its existing customer base a dedicated remuneration 
module which offers high quality reporting as part of a single integrated platform to automate HR and payroll functions. 
Goodwill has arisen through this acquisition based on these benefits gained.

Results for each acquisition included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the reporting period since the 
appropriate acquisition date for each transaction as stated above are as follows:

QMC

Sky Payroll

Pivot Software

Revenue 
$’000

Loss after 
tax 
$’000

2,161

61

1,235

(206)

(315)

(263)

If the acquisition date for all acquisitions that occurred during the year had been as of the beginning of the annual reporting 
period the results for ELMO Software Limited (being the combined entity including a full year of results for QMC, Sky Payroll 
and Pivot Software) would have been:

•  Revenue: $31.8m

•  Loss before tax: $1.9m

The Group incurred costs of $1.16m in relation to all acquisitions made during the year. These costs have been included in business 
acquisition expenses.

80

Notes to the financial statements30 June 2018ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 16.  Current liabilities – employee benefits

Employee benefits

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

1,010

2017 
$’000

654 

Amounts not expected to be settled within the next 12 months
The current provision for employee benefits includes all unconditional entitlements where employees have completed the required 
period of service and also those where employees are entitled to pro-rata payments in certain circumstances. The entire amount is 
presented as current, since the consolidated entity does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement. 

Note 17.  Current liabilities – Deferred revenue 

Deferred revenue

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

13,782

2017 
$’000

9,072

81

ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 18.  Non-current liabilities – deferred tax

As at 
1 July 2017 
$’000

Recognised in 
profit or loss 
(Note 6) 
$’000

Recognised in 
equity 
(Note 6) 
$’000

Acquired in 
business 
combinations 
$’000

As at 
30 June 2018 
$’000

135

–

34

(1,060)

758

–

–

(110)

–

–

71

40

231

–

99

37

(2)

(35)

(454)

(745)

108

(119)

144

59

–

13

149

111

841

107

–

–

–

–

–

446

595

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

172

(2)

(1)

(1,514)

13

554

476

(1,975)

(1,941)

–

(73)

–

–

–

–

59

(73)

84

189

342

841

(801)

1,040

(2,048)

As at 
1 July 2016 
$’000

Recognised in 
profit or loss 
(Note 6) 
$’000

Acquired in 
business 
combinations 
$’000

As at 
30 June 2017 
$’000

58

9

37

(885)

27

–

54

122

170

(408)

77

(9)

(3)

(175)

731

13

17

(82)

61

630

–

–

–

–

–

(123)

–

–

–

(123)

135

–

34

(1,060)

758

(110)

71

40

231

99

Year ended 30 June 2018

Provision for doubtful debts

Prepayments

Property, plant and equipment

Intangibles

Blackhole expenses 

IPO costs

Transaction costs on share issue

Acquired on business combination:

Customer list

Capitalised software development costs 

Trademarks

Superannuation payables

Accruals

Provision for employee benefits

Carried forward non-refundable  
R&D tax incentive

Deferred tax assets/(deferred tax liabilities)

Year ended 30 June 2017

Provision for doubtful debts

Prepayments

Property, plant and equipment

Intangibles

Blackhole expenses 

Customer list

Superannuation payables

Accruals

Provision for employee benefits

(Deferred tax liabilities)/deferred tax assets

82

Notes to the financial statements30 June 2018ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 19.  Non-current liabilities – employee benefits

Employee benefits

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

128

2017 
$’000

115

Note 20.  Financial risk management 
Credit risk 
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the consolidated entity if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument fails to meet 
its contractual obligations.

The maximum exposure to credit risk at balance date to recognised financial assets is the carrying amount of the customer’s 
outstanding balances less any provision for impairment of those assets, as disclosed in the Consolidated statement of financial 
position. These predominantly relate to trade receivables for which the credit risks are considered on an ongoing basis based on 
customer knowledge and prior experience.

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the consolidated entity will encounter difficulty in meeting the obligations associated with its financial 
liabilities that are settled by cash or other financial asset. The consolidated entity’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, 
as far as possible, that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities when they are due, under both normal and stressed 
conditions, without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the consolidated entity’s reputation. This risk is managed 
through constant monitoring of cash resources and future obligations.

Market risk: Currency risk 
ELMO’s financial statements are presented in Australian Dollars with only a small proportion of sales denominated in overseas 
currencies as denoted under note 3 Revenue from rendering of services and these transactions are conducted at spot rates as 
necessary in normal operations. At the current time therefore the risk due to foreign exchange movements is determined to be 
immaterial; however, this risk will continue to be assessed in future years in relation to the proportion of overseas activity.

83

ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 21.  Equity – share capital and reserves

Ordinary shares issued and fully paid

Shares

$’000

At 1 July 2016

Shares subdivision

Issue of F class shares and conversion to ordinary shares

Balance pre-share split and IPO

Share split under IPO

Shares issued to the public on IPO 

Less capitalised IPO costs

Gift shares issued

At 30 June 2017

At 1 July 2017

Shares issued under business combinations 

Shares issued under Institutional Placement

Shares issued under Share Purchase Plan

Less: Capitalised share placement costs (net of tax)

At 30 June 2018

Ordinary shares

40 

910

40

990

41,648,834

12,500,000

–

22,750

350

–

1,200

1,550

–

25,000

(1,485)

45

54,171,584

25,110

54,171,584

465,827

8,333,334

189,341

–

25,110

2,150

45,000

1,022

(942)

63,160,086

72,340

Issue of ordinary shares
During the year ended 30 June 2018, ordinary shares were issued as a result of the following acquisitions (2017: nil):

1 February 2018

13 March 2018

30 April 2018

Sky Payroll

Pivot Software (1)

Pivot Software (2)

Number

Issue price

141,643

290,429

33,755

465,827

$3.53

$5.05

$5.43

$’000

500

1,467

183

2,150

See note 15 for further detail regarding acquisitions during the year.

On 28 March 2018, the Company issued 8,333,334 ordinary shares under an institutional placement at a price of $5.40 per share.

Additionally, 189,341 shares were issued under the share purchase plan for eligible existing shareholders at a price of $5.40. 
On 5 April 2018, the company offered existing ELMO shareholders the opportunity to acquire additional shares in ELMO at a fixed 
price of $5.40 per share. Existing shareholders with registered addresses in Australia or New Zealand on 26 March 2018 being the 
record date will be entitled to subscribe for up to $15,000 in new ELMO shares through the share purchase plan.

84

Notes to the financial statements30 June 2018ELMO Annual Report 2018Ordinary shares
Ordinary shares entitle the holder to participate in dividends and the proceeds on the winding up of the company in proportion to 
the number of and amounts paid on the shares held. The fully paid ordinary shares have no par value and the company does not 
have a limited amount of authorised capital.

On a show of hands every member present at a meeting in person or by proxy shall have one vote and upon a poll each share shall 
have one vote.

Share buy-back
There is no current on-market share buy-back.

Capital risk management
The consolidated entity’s objectives when managing capital is to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, so that it can 
provide returns for shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders and to maintain an optimum capital structure to reduce the 
cost of capital.

Capital is regarded as total equity, as recognised in the statement of financial position, plus net debt. Net debt is calculated as total 
borrowings less cash and cash equivalents.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the consolidated entity may adjust the amount of dividends paid to 
shareholders, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

The consolidated entity would look to raise capital when an opportunity to invest in a business or company was seen as value 
adding relative to the current company’s share price at the time of the investment. 

The consolidated entity is subject to certain financing arrangements covenants and meeting these is given priority in all capital risk 
management decisions. There have been no events of default on the financing arrangements during the financial year.

The capital risk management policy remains unchanged from the 30 June 2017 Annual Report.

Nature and purpose of reserves

Reserves

Foreign exchange translation reserve

Share options reserve

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

(47)

205

158

2017 
$’000

(47)

–

(47)

85

ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 22.  Equity – accumulated losses

Accumulated losses at the beginning of the financial year

Loss after income tax benefit for the year

Accumulated losses at the end of the financial year

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

(1,298)

(2,988)

(4,286)

2017 
$’000

(378)

(920)

(1,298)

Note 23.  Equity – dividends
There were no dividends paid or proposed for the year ended 30 June 2018 (2017 $nil). 

Note 24.  Key management personnel disclosures
Compensation
The aggregate compensation made to directors and key management personnel of the consolidated entity is set out below:

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Share-based payment

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

2,727

136

138

2017 
$’000

1,997

104

–

3,001

2,101

86

Notes to the financial statements30 June 2018ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 25.  Remuneration of auditors
During the financial year the following fees were paid or payable for services provided by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, the auditor of 
the company, its network firms and unrelated firms:

Audit services – Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Audit of the financial statements

Other due diligence services – Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

Audit services – UHY Haines Norton

Audit of the financial statements

Other services – UHY Haines Norton

Assistance in preparation of financial statements, tax return and other consultancy services

Consolidated

2018 
$

2017 
$

103,000

148,000

330,000

325,000

433,000

473,000

–

75,000

34,265

34,265

96,000

171,000

During the financials year the following fees are payable for services provided by Mann & Associates 
PAC, the accountants and auditors of the ELMO Talent Management Software Pte Limited:

Audit services – unrelated firms

Audit of the financial statements for ELMO Talent Management Software Pte Limited

4,800

3,000

Other services 

Accountancy fees for ELMO Talent Management Software Pte Limited

7,400

12,200

9,000

12,000

87

ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 26.  Commitments

Lease commitments – operating

Committed at the reporting date but not recognised as liabilities, payable:

Within one year

One to five years

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

2017 
$’000

3,035

11,027

14,062

530

571

1,101

Operating lease commitments includes contracted amounts for offices and equipment under non-cancellable operating leases 
expiring within one to ten years with, in some cases, options to extend. The leases have various escalation clauses. On renewal, the 
terms of the leases are renegotiated.

Note 27.  Related party transactions
Parent entity
ELMO Software Limited is the parent entity.

Subsidiaries
Interests in subsidiaries are set out in note 29.

Key management personnel
Disclosures relating to key management personnel are set out in note 24 and the remuneration report included in the 
directors’ report.

Loans to/from related parties
The Company had a loan payable of $24,564 with one of its shareholders in the 2018 and 2017 financial year. The Company repaid 
$3.551m loans to the former shareholders of Pivot. 

Terms and conditions
All transactions were made on normal commercial terms and conditions and at market rates.

88

Notes to the financial statements30 June 2018ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 28.  Parent entity information
Set out below is the supplementary information about the parent entity.

Statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income

Loss after income tax benefit

Total comprehensive loss

Statement of financial position

Total current assets

Total assets

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Equity

Issued capital

Reserves

Accumulated losses

Total equity

Parent

2018 
$’000

(1,361)

(1,361)

2017 
$’000

(927)

(927)

Parent

2018 
$’000

61,417

97,426

24,181

26,968

2017 
$’000

30,317

37,911

13,412

13,527

72,340

25,110

205

(2,087)

70,458

–

(726)

24,384

Contingent liabilities
The parent entity had no contingent liabilities as at 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2017.

Capital commitments – Property, plant and equipment
The parent entity had no capital commitments for property, plant and equipment as at 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2017.

Significant accounting policies
The accounting policies of the parent entity are consistent with those of the consolidated entity, as disclosed in note 1, except for 
the following:

• 

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for at cost, less any impairment, in the parent entity.

•  Dividends received from subsidiaries are recognised as other income by the parent entity.

89

ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 29.  Interests in subsidiaries
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets, liabilities and results of the following wholly-owned subsidiaries in 
accordance with the accounting policy described in note 1:

Name

ELMO Accredited Pty Limited

ELMO Talent Management Software Pty Limited

International Colleges Pty Limited

Studywell College Pty Limited

Techni Works Pty Limited

Techniworks Action Learning Pty Limited

Quinntessential Marketing Consulting Pty Limited

Principal place of business/ 
Country of incorporation

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

ELMO Talent Management Software Pte Limited

Singapore

ELMO Software Limited

ELMO New Zealand Holdings Limited

Pivot Remesys Group Holdings Limited

Pivot Remesys IP Limited

Pivot Remesys Limited

Pivot Remesys Pty Limited

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand

Australia

Ownership interest

2018 
%

2017 
%

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00%

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00% 

–

100.00% 

100.00% 

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

–

–

–

–

–

Note 30.  Events after the reporting period
There is no other matter or circumstance has arisen since 30 June 2018 that has significantly affected, or may significantly affect the 
consolidated entity’s operations, the results of those operations, or the consolidated entity’s state of affairs in future financial years.

90

Notes to the financial statements30 June 2018ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 31.   Reconciliation of loss after income tax to net cash from 

operating activities

Consolidated

Loss after income tax benefit for the year 

Adjustments for:

Amortisation and depreciation

Bad debt expense

Foreign exchange gain

IPO costs

Loss on disposal of assets

Rental expenses 

Share based payment 

Other expenses

Interest received 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

Increase in trade and other receivables

Increase in other assets

Increase in intangibles

Decrease in income tax refundable

Increase in deferred tax liabilities

Increase in trade and other payables

Increase in employee benefits

Increase in deferred revenue

Net cash from operating activities

2018 
$’000

(2,988)

4,438

787

–

–

158

460

205

(354)

(265)

(3,415)

(727)

–

396

(231)

2,236

369

3,049

4,118

2017 
$’000

(920)

2,412

101

(47)

1,635

–

–

–

(11)

(31)

(1,442)

(128)

(424)

33

(507)

577

201

2,106

3,555

91

ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 32.  Earnings per share

Earnings per share for profit from continuing operations

Loss after income tax

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Earnings per share for profit from discontinued operations

Loss after income tax

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

2017 
$’000

(2,988)

(747)

Cents

(5.29)

(5.29)

Cents

(1.79)

(1.79)

Consolidated

2018 
$’000

2017 
$’000

–

(173)

Cents

–

–

Cents

(0.41)

(0.41)

Number

Number

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating basic earnings per share

56,517,696

41,699,592

Adjustments for calculation of diluted earnings per share:

Options over ordinary shares

–

–

Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating diluted earnings per share

56,517,696

41,699,592

The weighted average number of ordinary shares used in calculating the earnings per share for 2017 has been amended to reflect 
the share split as detailed in note 21.

92

Notes to the financial statements30 June 2018ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 33.  Share-based payment arrangement
Description of share-based payment arrangement
As at 30 June 2018 the Group had the following share-based payment arrangements in place.

Share options (equity-settled)
ELMO has established both a Senior Executive Plan (SEEP) and a High Performer Equity Plan (HPEP) as part of its long term 
incentive (LTI) Program.

Equity incentives under the SEEP or the HPEP may be granted to employees (or such other person that the Board determines is 
eligible to participate) in respect of FY18 and beyond. Offers will be made at the discretion of the Board. The terms of the incentives 
granted under these plans will be determined by the Board at grant and may therefore vary over time. ELMO will regularly assess 
the appropriateness of its incentive plans and may amend or replace, suspend or cease using either or both of the SEEP or HPEP 
if considered appropriate by the Board.

The Senior Executive Equity Plan (SEEP)
The SEEP is intended to align the interests of the senior executives with Shareholders. Awards under the SEEP will be structured as 
an option to receive Shares at a future date subject to the recipient paying the exercise price (SEEP Option). The rules of the SEEP 
will provide the Board with the flexibility to award restricted shares, performance rights and options, and to cash settle any award, 
at the discretion of the Board.

Grants under the SEEP are expected to be made annually and will be made to the senior executive team and such other executives 
as the Board may determine from time to time. Any grants will be made subject to the ASX Listing Rules, to the extent applicable.

The High Performer Equity Plan (HPEP)
The Plan is designed to link to performance, encourage retention, reward tenure and provide High Performers with participation 
in the Company. 

Awards under the Plan will be structured as an option to receive shares on a certain date in the future subject to the participant 
paying the exercise price. The Plan rules will provide the Board the flexibility to award restricted shares, performance rights 
and options, and to cash settle any Award. Grants will be made to the High Performers and such other executives as the Board 
may determine.

Options granted to key management personnel under SEEP

On 17 October 2017

On 7 December 2017

Options granted to personnel under HPEP

On 17 October 2017

On 11 December 2017

On 9 March 2018

On 12 June 2018

No. of options 
granted in FY18

No. of options  
outstanding as at  
30 June 2018

398,712

119,019

398,712

119,019

No. of options 
granted in FY18

No. of options 
outstanding as at 
30 June 2018

202,902

8,735

22,260

8,820

202,902

8,735

22,260

8,820

There is a vesting condition relevant to all share options under the SEEP and HPEP that the participant must be employed at the 
vesting date. The conceptual life of the options/maximum term is 10 years.

As at 30 June 2018 none of the options have vested and are not exercisable.

An expense of $204,889 in relation to the share options granted has been recognised in the statement of profit or loss with a 
corresponding increase to the share payment reserve in the year ended 30 June 2018 (2017: $nil). 

93

ELMO Annual Report 2018Note 33.  Share-based payment arrangement (continued)
Measurement of fair values

Share options (equity-settled)
The fair value of the employee share options under the SEEP has been measured using the Monte Carlo simulation approach 
subject to the total shareholder returns (TSR) performance criteria.

The fair value of the employee share options under the HPEP has been measured using the Binomial option pricing model. 
Non-market performance conditions attached to the arrangements were not taken into account in measuring fair value in 
accordance with accounting standards.

The inputs used in the measurement of the fair values at grant date of the equity-settled share-based payment plans were 
as follows:

Share option plans

SEEP

HPEP Grant date

For the year ended  
30 June 2018

Fair value at grant date

Share price at grant date

Exercise price

Expected volatility 
(weighted-average)

Tranche 1

Tranche 2

Tranche 3

17 Oct 2017 11 Dec 2017

9 Mar 2018

12 Jun 2018

$0.51

$2.50

$2.51

$0.66

$2.50

$2.51

$0.78

$2.50

$2.51

$0.79

$2.50

$2.50

$0.79

$3.60

$2.50

$1.44

$5.80

$5.08

$1.44

$5.50

$5.08

40%

40%

40%

40%

40%

40%

40%

Expected life

2.7 years

3.7 years

4.7 years

2.7 years

2.7 years

2.7 years

2.7 years

Expected dividends

Risk-free interest rate

0%

1.88%

0%

2.02%

0%

2.14%

0%

1.88%

0%

1.88%

0%

1.88%

0%

1.88%

Volatility is a measure of price variation of a financial instrument over the life of the award. Since ELMO is newly listed on the ASX, 
there is no sufficient market data to measure the historical volatility and there are no publicly traded options over the company’s 
ordinary shares. Therefore this valuation has based the expected volatility on average annualised historical volatility of constituents 
in S&P/ASX 300 Software & Services Industry Index over the three year period to the valuation date. 

ELMO’s current policy is not to distribute dividends but rather reinvest in the growth of the company hence zero dividend yield is 
used in this valuation report.

94

Notes to the financial statements30 June 2018ELMO Annual Report 2018Directors’ declaration 

In the directors’ opinion:

•  the attached financial statements and notes comply with the Corporations Act 2001, the Accounting Standards, the 

Corporations Regulations 2001 and other mandatory professional reporting requirements;

•  the attached financial statements and notes comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the 

International Accounting Standards Board as described in note 1 to the financial statements;

•  the attached financial statements and notes give a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 

30 June 2018 and of its performance for the financial year ended on that date;

•  there are reasonable grounds to believe that the company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and 

payable; and

The directors have been given the declarations required by section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of directors made pursuant to section 295(5)(a) of the Corporations Act 2001.

On behalf of the directors

James McKerlie 
Chairman 

29 August 2018
Sydney

Danny Lessem
Director 

95

ELMO Annual Report 2018 
Independent auditor’s report
to the members of ELMO Software Limited

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu 
ABN 74 490 121 060 
Grosvenor Place 
225 George Street 
Sydney, NSW, 2000 
Australia 

Phone: +61 2 9322 7000 
www.deloitte.com.au 

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members  
of Elmo Software Limited 

Report on the Audit of the Financial Report  

Opinion 

We  have  audited  the  financial  report  of  Elmo  Software  Limited  (the  “Company”)  and  its  subsidiaries  (the 
“Group”),  which  comprises  the  consolidated  statement  of  financial  position  as  at  30  June  2018,  the 
consolidated  statement  of  profit  or  loss  and  other  comprehensive  income,  the  consolidated  statement  of 
changes  in  equity  and  the  consolidated  statement  of  cash  flows  for  the  year  then ended,  and  notes  to  the 
consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies, and the directors’ 
declaration. 

In  our  opinion,  the  accompanying  financial  report  of  the  Group  is  in  accordance  with  the  Corporations  Act 
2001, including: 

(i) 

giving  a  true  and  fair  view  of  the  Group’s  financial  position  as  at  30  June  2018  and  of  its  financial 
performance for the year then ended; and 

(ii) 

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulation 2001. 

Basis for Opinion 

We  conducted  our  audit  in accordance  with Australian Auditing  Standards.  Our  responsibilities  under  those 
standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of 
our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical 
requirements  of  the  Accounting  Professional  and  Ethical  Standards  Board's  APES  110  Code  of  Ethics  for 
Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have 
also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code. 

We confirm that the independence declaration required by the Corporations Act 2001, which has been given 
to the directors of the Company, would be in the same terms if given to the directors as at the time of this 
auditor's report. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our 
opinion.  

Key Audit Matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit 
of the financial report for the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the 
financial report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on 
these matters. 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. 

Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited  

55

96

ELMO Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key Audit Matters 

Revenue  Recognition  –  rendering  of  services 
($26.5m) 

Refer to the description of accounting principles and Note 
3. 

For  the  year  ended  30  June  2018,  $26.5  million  was 
recognised by the Group from rendering of services.   

How the scope of our audit responded to the 
Key Audit Matter 
Our  audit  procedures  included,  but  were  not 
limited to: 

(cid:120) Obtaining  an  understanding  of  the  revenue 
streams  and  the  appropriateness  of  the 
Group’s  principles  in  determining  that  the 
revenue recognized is in accordance with the 
criteria  outlined  in  the  relevant  accounting 
standards; 

As  the  Group  continues  to  expand,  and  its  software 
offering  evolves,  there  is  a  considerable  risk  associated 
with recognizing its services revenue.  

(cid:120) Assessing the key controls in relation to the 
recognition and measurement of revenue; 

A  significant  level  of  judgment  is  required  in  complying 
with applicable accounting standards relevant to revenue 
recognition. This judgment along with the manual nature 
of the calculations, could affect the timing and quantum 
of revenue recognized in each period. 

(cid:120) Testing  on  a  sample  basis, 

revenue 
transactions  by  assessing  management’s 
calculations against the relevant criteria and 
tracing to agreements with clients;  

(cid:120) Testing  journal  entries  posted  to  revenue 

accounts to identify any unusual items; 

(cid:120) Testing on a sample basis the completeness 
of credit notes issued post year end; and 

(cid:120) Reconciling the deferred revenue balance as 
invoice 
any 

June  2018  using 

the 
noting 

schedule, 

at  30 
amortisation 
exceptions. 

Business combinations 

Refer to Note 15. 

During the financial year ended 30 June 2018, the Group 
acquired the following: 

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

(cid:120)

on 15 November 2017, the assets of Quinntessential 
Marketing  Consulting  under  the  terms  of  a  sale  and 
purchase agreement for a total consideration of $12.1 
million,  

on  1  February  2018,  the assets  of  Sky Payroll  for  a 
total consideration of $1.8 million, and  

on 13 March 2018, 100% of the voting rights of Pivot 
Remesys  Group  (Pivot  Software), 
for  a  total 
consideration of $7.9 million.  

56

We  also  assessed  the  appropriateness  of  the 
disclosures in Note 3 to the financial statements.  

Our  audit  procedures  included,  but  were  not 
limited to: 

(cid:120) Understanding 

the  sales  and  purchase 
agreement  terms  and  conditions  of  the 
acquisition  and  evaluating  management’s 
application  in  accordance  with  the  relevant 
accounting standard; 

(cid:120) Engaging our valuation specialists to evaluate 
the methodology and assumptions utilised to 
identify  and  determine  the  fair  value  of 
separately  identified  intangible  assets.  This 
primarily  represented  consideration  of  the 
reasonableness of: 

(cid:190)

(cid:190)

Attrition 
rates,  Contributory  Asset 
Charges    and  Earnings  Before  Interest 
Tax  margins  of  existing  customer 
contracts; and 

Discount rates underlying the valuation 
of  the  separately  identifiable  customer 
relationship intangible. 

97

ELMO Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key Audit Matters 

The accounting for a business combination can  
be complex and involves a number of significant  
judgments and estimates including: 

(cid:120) The determination of the fair value of the contingent 

consideration;  

(cid:120) The determination of separately identifiable intangible 

assets; and  

(cid:120) Measurement of the separately identifiable intangible 
assets  including  customer  relationships,  trademarks  
and Software.  

Goodwill impairment  

As  disclosed  in  Note  13  the  Group  has  $21.4  million  of 
Goodwill as at 30 June 2018. 

The Group performed an impairment assessment over the 
goodwill balance by: 

(cid:120)

Determining the cash generating unit (CGU) and the 
amount  of  goodwill  attributed 
from  business 
combinations 

How the scope of our audit responded to the 
Key Audit Matter 

(cid:120) Assessing  the useful  economic  life  of  the 
customer  relationship  intangible  acquired; 
and 

(cid:120) Confirming  the  estimation  of  the  contingent 
consideration was in accordance with the sale 
and  purchase  agreement 
terms  and 
conditions,  including  challenging  the  key 
assumptions  such  as  revenue  growth  rates 
used in the forecasts. 

We  also  assessed  the  appropriateness  of  the 
financial 
disclosures 
statements.  
Our procedures included, but were not limited to: 

in  Note  15 

the 

to 

(cid:120) Assessing the valuation methodology applied 
was consistent with the basis required by the 
relevant accounting standards; 

(cid:120) Evaluating  the  Group’s  categorization  of 
CGUs  and  the  allocation  of  goodwill  to  the 
carrying  value  of  a  CGU  based  on  our 
understanding  of  the  Group’s  business.  This 
evaluation included performing an analysis of 
the Group’s internal reporting; and 

(cid:120) Engaging  with  our  valuation  specialists  to 

assist with: 

(cid:190)

Challenging 
the  key  assumptions 
adopted  by  management  in  their  Fair 
to  sell  valuation 
Value 
approach. 

less  cost 

We  also  assessed  the  appropriateness  of  the 
financial 
disclosures 
statements.  

in  Note  13 

the 

to 

Other Information  

The  directors  are  responsible  for  the  other  information.  The  other  information  comprises  the  information 
included in the Directors’ Report and ASX Additional Information, which we obtained prior to the date of this 
auditor’s report, and also includes the following information which will be included in the annual report (but 
does  not  include  the  financial  report  and  our  auditor’s  report  thereon):  Company  Description,  Chairman’s 
message, CEO’s overview and other Company information, which is expected to be made available to us after 
that date.  

Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of 
assurance conclusion thereon.  

57

98

Independent auditor’s reportto the members of ELMO Software LimitedELMO Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in 
doing  so,  consider  whether  the  other  information  is  materially  inconsistent  with  the  financial  report  or  our 
knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we 
have performed on the other information that we obtained prior to the date of this auditor’s report, we conclude 
that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have 
nothing to report in this regard.  

When  we  read  the  Company  Description,  Chairman’s  message,  CEO’s  overview  and  other  Company 
information, if we conclude that there is a material misstatement therein, we are required to communicate the 
matter to the directors and use our professional judgement to determine the appropriate action. 

Responsibilities of the Directors for the Financial Report 

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and 
fair  view  in  accordance  with  Australian  Accounting  Standards  and  the  Corporations  Act  2001  and  for  such 
internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that 
gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the ability of the Group to continue 
as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern 
basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or has no 
realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. 
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance 
with  the  Australian  Auditing  Standards  will  always  detect  a  material  misstatement  when  it  exists. 
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, 
they  could  reasonably  be  expected  to  influence  the  economic  decisions  of  users  taken  on  the  basis  of  this 
financial report. 

As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional judgement 
and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or 
error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is 
sufficient  and  appropriate  to  provide  a  basis  for  our  opinion.  The  risk  of  not  detecting  a  material 
misstatement  resulting  from  fraud  is  higher  than  for  one  resulting  from  error,  as  fraud  may  involve 
collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. 
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures 
that  are  appropriate  in  the  circumstances,  but  not  for  the  purpose  of  expressing  an  opinion  on  the 
effectiveness of the Group's internal control. 

Evaluate  the  appropriateness  of  accounting  policies  used  and  the  reasonableness  of  accounting 
estimates and related disclosures made by the directors. 

Conclude  on  the appropriateness  of  the  directors'  use of  the  going  concern  basis of  accounting and, 
based  on  the  audit  evidence  obtained,  whether  a  material  uncertainty  exists  related  to  events  or 
conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group's ability to continue as a going concern. If we 
conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor's report to 
the  related  disclosures  in  the  financial  report  or,  if  such  disclosures  are  inadequate,  to  modify  our 
opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor's report. 
However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern. 

58

99

ELMO Annual Report 2018 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•

•

Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the disclosures,
and whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions and events in a manner that
achieves fair presentation.

Obtain  sufficient  appropriate  evidence  regarding  the  financial  information  of  the  entities  or  business
activities within the Group to express an opinion on the financial report.   We are responsible for the
direction, supervision and performance of the Group audit.  We remain solely responsible for our audit
opinion.

We  communicate  with  the  directors  regarding,  among  other  matters,  the  planned  scope  and  timing  of  the 
audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify 
during our audit. 

We  also  provide  the  directors  with  a  statement  that  we  have  complied  with  relevant  ethical  requirements 
regarding  independence,  and  to  communicate  with  them  all  relationships  and  other  matters  that  may 
reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards. 

From the matters communicated with the directors, we determine those matters that were of most significance 
in the audit of the financial report of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe 
these matters in our auditor's report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or 
when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report 
because the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest 
benefits of such communication. 

Report on the Remuneration Report 

Opinion on the Remuneration Report 

We  have  audited  the  Remuneration  Report  included  in  pages  43  to  53  of  the  Directors'  Report  for  the 
year  ended 30 June 2018. 

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Elmo Software Limited, for the year ended 30 June 2018, complies 
with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Responsibilities 

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the Remuneration Report 
in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on 
the Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. 

DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU 

Joshua Tanchel 
Partner, Chartered Accountants 
Sydney, 29 August 2018 

59

100

Independent auditor’s reportto the members of ELMO Software LimitedELMO Annual Report 2018Shareholder information

As at 5 October 2018 

Shareholder Information required by the Australian Securities Exchange Limited (ASX) Listing Rules and not disclosed elsewhere in 
the Report is set out below. 

1. 

In accordance with the 3rd edition ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Principles and Recommendations, the 2018 
Corporate Governance Statement, as approved by the Board, is available on the Company’s website at: http://investors.
elmotalent.com.au/Investors/?page=Corporate-Governance. The Corporate Governance Statement sets out the extent to 
which ELMO Software Limited has followed the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s 29 Recommendations during the 2018 
financial year.

2.  Substantial shareholders 

The number of securities held by substantial shareholders and their associates (as disclosed to the ASX) are set out below: 

Name 

JLAB Investments (No. 2) Pty Limited

Lessem Trading Pty Ltd

Bessie Garber and Manuel Garber as trustees of the Garber Family Trust

Immersion Capital Master Fund Ltd

*% of issued capital as at the date the notice was lodged

3.  Number of security holders and securities on issue 

Number

15,986,422

11,989,816

11,989,816

8,922,201

%*

25.4

19.05

19.05

14.17

Date lodged

05/04/2018

04/04/2018

04/04/2018

03/04/2018

ELMO Software Limited has issued the following securities: 63,201,187 fully paid ordinary shares held by 2,523 shareholders. 

4.  Voting rights 

Ordinary shares 
In accordance with the EMLO Software Limited Constitution and subject to any rights or restrictions attached to any class of shares, 
at a meeting of members:

•  on a show of hands, each shareholder has 1 vote; and

•  on a poll, each fully paid share held by a shareholder has 1 vote.

5.  Distribution of security holders

(a)  Quoted and unquoted securities

Category

Fully paid Ordinary shares (quoted and unquoted)

1 - 1,000

1,001 - 5,000

5,001 - 10,000

10,001 - 100,000

100,001 and over 

Total 

Holders

1,694

668

67

78

16

2,523

Shares 

783,137

1,529,597

470,270

2,061,935

58,356,248

63,201,187

%

1.24%

2.42%

0.74%

3.26%

92.33%

100%

101

ELMO Annual Report 2018(b)  Quoted securities

Category

Fully paid Ordinary shares (quoted)

1 - 1,000

1,001 - 5,000

5,001 - 10,000

10,001 - 100,000

100,001 and over 

Total 

Holders

1,694

670

67

80

17

2,528

Shares 

783,137

1,537,374

470,270

2,182,185

18,166,480

23,139,436

%

3.38%

6.64%

2.03%

9.43%

78.51%

100

6.  Unmarketable parcel of shares 

The number of shareholders holding less than a marketable parcel of ordinary shares is nil (0) based on ELMO Software Limited’s 
closing share price of $6.33, on 5 October 2018.

7.  Twenty largest shareholders of quoted and unquoted equity securities 

Fully paid ordinary shares 

Details of the 20 largest shareholders by registered shareholding are:

Rank Name

JLAB INVESTMENTS (NO.2) PTY LTD 

MANUEL GARBER & BESSIE GARBER 

LESSEM TRADING PTY LTD 

J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA LIMITED 

NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED 

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 

GORDON STARKEY 

MR DARRYL JUSTIN GARBER 

XIN SUN 

TREVOR LONSTEIN 

WASHINGTON H SOUL PATTINSON AND COMPANY LIMITED

TRUEBELL CAPITAL PTY LTD 

CHRISTOPHER JAMES YOUNGMAN & PAUL ROGER HARTLAND & PHILLIPA JOANNE 
YOUNGMAN 

BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD 

THE AUSSIE MALL PTY LTD 

BOND STREET CUSTODIANS LTD 

MR ROBERT LESSEM 

LAUMARK PTY LTD 

HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED - A/C 2 

ENFEL INVESTMENTS PTY LIMITED 

NEWECONOMY COM AU NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 

05 Oct 2018

15,989,199

11,989,816

11,989,816

10,257,063

3,124,705

1,890,501

510,945

450,695

425,695

420,695

350,000

280,537

245,897

169,460

141,643

119,581

96,884

80,902

79,903

76,878

67,640

%IC

25.30

18.97

18.97

16.23

4.94

2.99

0.81

0.71

0.67

0.67

0.55

0.44

0.39

0.27

0.22

0.19

0.15

0.13

0.13

0.12

0.11

Total

58,758,455

92.97

Balance of register

4,442,732

7.03

Grand total

63,201,187

100.00

1

2

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

102

Shareholder informationAs at 5 October 2018 ELMO Annual Report 20188.  Name of the Company Secretary: Anna Sandham. 

9.  The details of the Company’s registered office are:

Address: Level 12, 680 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

Telephone: 02 8280 7355

The details of the Company’s principal administrative office are:

Address: Level 27, 580 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000

10. The address and telephone number of the office at which a register of securities is kept:

Link Market Services Limited

Address: Level 12, 680 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Telephone: 02 8280 7288

11. ELMO Software Limited securities are not quoted on any other stock exchanges other than the ASX.

12. The number and class of restricted securities or securities subject to voluntary escrow that are on issue and the date that the 

escrow period ends are set out below:

Class of Securities

No. of shares

Escrow period

Fully paid ordinary shares

Fully paid ordinary shares

774,995

24 months from the date of quotation (ie until 29 June 2019)

812,088

24 months from the date of quotation (i.e. until 29 June 2019)

13. Unquoted securities 

Details of the unquoted securities on issue are as follows:

a)  ASX restricted securities

Category

Fully paid Ordinary shares (quoted)

Holders

Shares 

1 - 1,000

1,001 - 5,000

5,001 - 10,000

10,001 - 100,000

100,001 and over 

Total 

–

–

–

–

4

4

–

–

–

–

40,061,751

40,061,751

%

–

–

–

–

100%

100%

Details of those holders who hold more than 20% or more of the equity securities in the ASX restricted securities class are as follows:

Name of holder

JLAB Investments (No.2) Pty Limited

Lessem Trading Pty Ltd

Manuel Garber and Bessie Garber

Number held

15,811,423

11,989,816

11,989,816

103

ELMO Annual Report 2018a)  ASX restricted securities

Category

1 – 1,000

1,001 – 5,000

5,001 – 10,000

10,001 – 100,000

100,001 and over 

Total 

Holders

–

–

2

15

5

22

Options (unquoted)

Shares 

–

–

17,555

225,162

517,731

760,448

%

–

–

2.31%

29.61%

68.08%

100%

14. Review of operations and activities

A review of ELMO Software Limited’s operations during the period is provided within the Directors’ Report of the Annual Report.

15. On market buy-back 

There is no current on market buy-back. 

16. Statement regarding use of cash and assets.

During the period between 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2018, ELMO Software Limited has used its cash and assets readily convertible 
to cash that it had at the time of ASX admission in a way consistent with its business objectives set out in the prospectus dated 
6 June 2017. 

17. Details of investments 

N/A - ELMO Software Limited is not an investment company.

18. The following is a summary of any issues of securities approved for the purposes of Item 7 of section 611 of the 

  Corporations Act which have not yet been completed.

N/A

19. No securities were purchased on-market during the reporting period.

104

Shareholder informationAs at 5 October 2018 ELMO Annual Report 2018Risk Management

Risk Management:
The Group’s operations and financial results are subject to a number of risks. Some of these risks are not directly under ELMO’s 
control. The key risks affecting ELMO, and the steps taken to mitigate these risks are described below, in no particular order. These 
risks are a summary only of some of the risks that ELMO considers to be key to its business, and the summary is not, and it does 
not purport to be, an exhaustive list of all of the risks associated with the Group or an investment in ELMO shares. There is no 
guarantee or assurance that the risks will not change or that other risks or matters that may adversely impact ELMO’s business, the 
industry in which it operates or an investment in ELMO shares, will not emerge. Should this arise, ELMO is under no obligation to 
update its summary of key risks and investors are urged to exercise caution before investing in ELMO shares.

Failure to retain 
existing customers 
and attract new 
customers

The success of ELMO’s business relies on its ability to attract new customers and to retain and increase 
revenue from existing customers.

ELMO’s customers have no obligation to renew their service offering when their contract term ends and ELMO 
cannot guarantee that all or any of its customers will renew their current service offering after the completion 
of their contract term. ELMO also cannot guarantee that it will successfully increase revenue from its existing 
customers through the ability to cross-sell other modules to the same customers. 

If customers do not continue to use ELMO’s platform and do not increase their usage over time, and if new 
customers do not choose to use ELMO’s platform, the growth in ELMO’s revenue may slow, or decline, which 
will have an adverse impact on ELMO’s operating and financial performance. 

Ability to attract 
and retain key 
personnel

A perceived critical component of the success of the Company is the ongoing retention of key personnel, 
specifically, founder and CEO, Danny Lessem, and members of the senior management, sales and product 
research and development teams. 

There is a risk ELMO may not be able to attract and retain key personnel or be able to find effective 
replacements for those key personnel in a timely manner. The loss of such personnel, or any delay in their 
replacement, could have a significant negative impact on management’s ability to operate the business and 
achieve financial performance targets and strategic growth objectives.

Reliance on 
ELMO’s software 
solutions and 
failure to 
adequately 
maintain and 
develop it

ELMO’s business model depends on ELMO’s ability to continue to ensure that ELMO’s customers are satisfied 
with the functionality of ELMO’s talent management software solutions. The market for talent management 
software solutions is subject to evolving industry standards, changing regulations as well as ever changing 
customer needs, requirements and preferences. ELMO’s success will depend on its ability to adapt and 
respond effectively to these changes on a timely basis. There is a risk that ELMO may fail to maintain its 
software platform adequately or that future updates may introduce errors and performance issues causing 
customer satisfaction to fall. Any of these factors may result in reduced sales and usage of ELMO’s solutions, 
loss of customers, damage to ELMO’s reputation and an inability to attract new customers.

Reliance on up-
take of SaaS-based 
talent management 
software solutions

ELMO’s future revenue and growth depends on the increasing adoption of SaaS-based talent management 
software solutions. It may be difficult for ELMO to persuade potential customers to change their existing 
legacy on premise, manual paper-based or point solution and adopt SaaS-based talent management solutions 
like ELMO’s. If ELMO’s solutions are not accepted and used by more mid-market organisations or if the market 
for talent management solutions fails to grow as expected, ELMO’s platform could be adversely affected and 
revenue growth may slow, which could negatively impact ELMO’s operating and financial performance.

105

ELMO Annual Report 2018Risk Management

Failure to 
effectively manage 
growth

ELMO has experienced a period of considerable growth in both revenue, employee numbers and customer 
base. Based on ELMO’s projections, ELMO expects further growth in the future which could place significant 
strain on the current management, operational and finance resources as well as the infrastructure supporting 
ELMO’s platform. Failure to appropriately manage growth could result in failure to retain existing customers 
and a failure to attract new customers which could adversely affect ELMO’s operating and financial 
performance.

Future expansion by acquisition may be affected by factors beyond ELMO’s control (including without 
limitation, commercial or regulatory changes). There is a risk that the integration requires significantly more 
financial and management resources, or time to complete, than originally planned. Acquisitions may fail to 
meet ELMO’s strategic and financial objectives, generate the synergies and benefits that ELMO expected, 
or provide an adequate return on the purchase price and resources invested in them. There is a risk that in 
any acquisition appropriate warranties or indemnities cannot be obtained or that ELMO’s due diligence and 
analysis may be incomplete or inaccurate. Any of these factors, either individually or in combination, may have 
an adverse impact on ELMO’s operating and financial performance.

Failure to realise 
benefits from 
product research 
and development

Developing software and technology is expensive and often involves an extended period of time to achieve 
a return on investment. ELMO believes that it must continue to dedicate resources to ELMO’s innovation 
efforts to develop ELMO’s software and technology product offering and maintain the Company’s competitive 
position. 

Disruption 
or failure of 
technology and 
software systems

Loss or theft of 
data and failure 
of data security 
systems

ELMO may not however, receive benefits from these investments for several years or may not receive benefits 
from these investments at all. There is a risk that ELMO may fail to realise benefits from its innovation and 
product development related costs

ELMO and its customers are dependent on the performance, reliability and availability of ELMO’s platform, 
data centres and communications systems (including servers, the internet, hosting services and the cloud 
environment in which ELMO provides its solutions). 

Any disruption or failure of ELMO’s technology and software systems could potentially lead to a loss of 
customers, legal claims by customers, and an inability to attract new customers, any of which could adversely 
impact ELMO’s operating and financial performance.

ELMO’s products involve the storage of customers’ confidential and proprietary information including 
information regarding their employees. ELMO’s business could be materially impacted by security breaches 
of customer data either by unauthorised access, theft, destruction, loss of information or misappropriation or 
release of confidential customer data. There is a risk that any measures taken may not be sufficient to prevent 
or detect unauthorised access to, or disclosure of, such confidential or proprietary information, and any of 
these events may cause significant disruption to ELMO’s business and operations. This may also expose ELMO 
to reputational damage, regulatory scrutiny and fines, any of which could materially impact ELMO’s operating 
and financial performance.

Success of sales 
and marketing 
strategy

ELMO’s future success is partly dependent on the realisation of benefits from investment spent on sales and 
marketing campaigns and initiatives. Failure to realise intended benefits from sales and marketing investment 
could negatively impact ELMO’s ability to attract new customers and adversely impact ELMO’s operating and 
financial performance.

106

ELMO Annual Report 2018Revenue 
recognised 
throughout term of 
customer contracts

ELMO invoices customers annually in advance and recognises revenue monthly on a pro-rated basis 
throughout the term of the contract. As a result, most of the revenue realised in any given period relates to 
agreements entered into during previous periods. Consequently, a shortfall in demand for ELMO’s solutions or 
losses in the existing customer base may not be reflected in the revenue results of that period but are likely to 
negatively impact revenue in subsequent periods. Accordingly, the effect of a shortfall in revenue from ELMO’s 
platform may not be fully reflected in the financial performance until future periods.

Competition

Funding

The HR & Payroll software industry is rapidly evolving and becoming increasingly competitive. Some of 
ELMO’s existing and potential competitors have significantly more resources than ELMO does. Due to 
competitive factors, ELMO may compete less effectively which may reduce the Company’s market share 
and ability to develop or secure new business. This would have an adverse impact on ELMO’s operating and 
financial performance.

ELMO may in the future require further funding with respect to its business, for either ongoing operations or 
to fund acquisitions. This funding may take the form of debt financing or raising more capital from existing 
shareholders or new investors. There is no guarantee that any such funding will be available, or available on 
terms that are acceptable to ELMO. Any capital raising may dilute existing shareholders equity.

107

ELMO Annual Report 2018Glossary

Term 

AASB

ASX

Meaning

Australian Accounting Standards Board

Australian Securities Exchange

Australian Accounting 
Standards

Australian Accounting Standards and other authoritative pronouncements issued by the 
Australian Accounting Standards Board and Urgent Issues Group interpretations

Australian Accounting
Standards Board

The AASB is an Australian Government agency under the Australian Securities and Investments 
Commission Act 2001

Board

CEO

CFO

The board of directors of the Company

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Company 

ELMO Software Limited

Corporations Act

Corporations Act 2001

Customer retention in 
dollar terms

Customer retention in dollar terms measures the ratio of like for like revenue growth of customers 
who transacted in the current and the preceding year

Customer retention rate

Customer retention is calculated by dividing the number of customers in the reference period who 
were customers at the end of the prior period by the number of customers at the end of the prior 
period

Directors

EBITDA

ELMO

Free cash flows

FY

IPO

KMP

The directors of the Company from time to time

Earnings before interest, income tax, depreciation and amortisation

ELMO Software Limited

EBITDA after the removal of non-cash items in EBITDA such as bad debts and changes in 
working capital less capitalised software development and commission costs and other capital 
expenditure

Financial year ending

Initial Public Offering

Key management personnel

Prospectus

The prospectus dated 6 June 2017 issued as part of the IPO

Recurring revenue

Recurring revenue is the portion of a company’s revenue that is highly likely to continue in the 
future

SaaS

Share

Software-as-a-Service

A fully paid ordinary share in the Company

108

ELMO Annual Report 2018Stock exchange listing
ELMO Software Limited shares are listed on the 
Australian Securities Exchange (ASX code: ELO)

Website
www.elmosoftware.com.au

Corporate governance statement
https://investors.elmosoftware.com.au/
Investors/?page=Corporate-Governance

Corporate directory

Directors
Barry Lewin
Danny Lessem
Trevor Lonstein
Catherine Hill

Company secretary
Anna Sandham

Registered office
Level 12
680 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 02 8280 7100

Principal place of business
Level 27 
580 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 02 8305 4600

Share register
Link Market Services Pty Limited
Level 12
680 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 02 8280 7100

Auditor
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
Grosvenor Place
225 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Solicitors
Mills Oakley
Level 12
400 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000

Financial adviser
Blackpeak Capital Pty Ltd
Level 5
55 Harrington Street
The Rocks NSW 2000

ELMO Annual Report 2018