Accountants Australia

Bookkeeping quality and cash flow

Cash flow is a central worry for small businesses, and the firm argues that bookkeeping is where it is controlled. A business that keeps clear, in-depth records can consolidate, watch its finances closely and make sound decisions. Poor records have consequences the firm lists: a business cannot forecast profit, loss and cash flow reliably, may not know its break-even point, may lack the documents a lender asks for, and can miss tax benefits at the end of the financial year. Stock can end up too large or too small, and late payments can lead to debt.

Bookkeepers trained by CPAs

Accountants Australia calls itself a CPA practice and says its bookkeepers are qualified and trained by CPAs. The bookkeepers are described as analysing figures and structuring them to help the company, not just recording them. They specialise in MYOB, Xero, Reckon and QuickBooks, and the firm says it aims to get the bookkeeping right the first time. The firm also says that a lower hourly rate does not always save money, since a bookkeeper without accountant supervision can produce poor results.

Questions to ask before hiring a bookkeeper

The firm suggests a short test for anyone considering a bookkeeper: their qualifications and experience, their attention to detail, whether their information can support sound decisions, and whether a qualified accountant would approve of how they work.

Tax work, business plans and self-managed super

Tax consulting covers tax planning and the preparation of returns, aimed at businesses that are not operating as tax-effectively as they could. Business plans and advice are for people starting a business and for owners who feel their business could be doing better. Self-managed super funds suit people who want more control over their superannuation, and the firm also gives advice on other retirement planning options.

Management consulting and personal financial planning

Management consulting is offered at any stage of a business, with the firm helping to put changes and strategies into practice so that the company meets its goals. Wealth creation and financial planning covers people in the workforce, business owners, people about to retire and people already retired. The site asks readers to think about their finances now rather than later.

One-on-one support and fixed-fee packages

Bookkeeping clients can call the team at any time, and the firm says each client is given one-on-one support. The firm offers low-cost, fixed-fee monthly or one-off packages, which it says mean there are no unexpected accounting bills. Free email advice is available, and a free downloadable checklist sets out an end-of-month process for data the business can rely on. The firm says its tax, accounting, financial and business expertise together give clients a comprehensive approach to their business accounts.