GFA Business

Family-owned businesses in Perth, Western Australia, are the core clients of GFA Business, an accounting and advisory practice that combines tax, compliance and strategic support. The firm presents itself as offering large-firm skills with a personal touch, and says it works with business owners to improve their accounting so that reporting is timely, decisions are better informed and costs fall.

Accounting and tax for family businesses

Tax planning, tax preparation and lodgement are handled so that the business stays compliant with the Australian Taxation Office while legally minimising its tax bill. The firm says it looks for proactive tax planning before each year end, keeps clients up to date with new tax strategies, and focuses on practical financial reporting. It also says it understands how family businesses work, including their dynamics, challenges and rewards.

Fees agreed before the work starts

The firm agrees a reasonable fee with clients before work begins, so that there are no unexpected bills, and it offers flexible payment terms. Clients who prefer to know the year's cost in advance can take a monthly package, with the work and the fee agreed up front. Phone calls for advice are not charged, which the firm presents as part of an open working relationship.

An outside finance director for owners who need support

The firm describes itself as a business partner that can act as an external chief financial officer. It offers steady ideas and advice on growth, decisions and problems, with support to help changes happen, and it says that sometimes a little extra help is all an owner needs.

Wealth, super and succession

Financial strategies aim to build, manage and protect personal wealth, and the firm offers estate and succession planning to plan the transfer of a business and its assets to the next generation. Superannuation and retirement planning help owners prepare to step back, and the firm says its advice is impartial and tailored to each family's position.

Who looks after the account and in which sectors

Each client has two dedicated contacts for questions, with queries answered within 48 hours, and the firm proactively offers insights so that help arrives before it is asked for. The team is Perth-based, and the firm says it does not send work overseas. It favours Xero but works with other accounting packages, so clients need not change software they already use. Sectors the firm says it knows well include mining services, civil and construction, family business groups, medical practices and agribusiness.