#Accountant
Smoke, lasers & storytelling: Vanessa Stoykov on her business success in the finance sector
Over the past two decades, Vanessa Stoykov has carved out a successful career in the finance industry as a storyteller, TV host and entrepreneur. Her first business, Evolution Media Group, has become a multi-million-dollar production house off the back of demand for its educational video content about wealth. Meanwhile, No More Practice – Stoykov’s e-learning […]
Numbers don’t lie: why your SME is faltering
Over the years we’ve heard plenty of grandiose plans for businesses that never eventuate and untold numbers of excuses for not hitting the targets that were bragged about at the start of the year. As accountants, we’re not really interested in all of that, what we’re interested in is the numbers because they tell great […]
Death of the spreadsheet: It’s time businesses look to the cloud for a clear accounting view
It’s time to talk about spreadsheets. Or, as one financial modeling company called them, capitalism’s dirty secret. What’s going on between the (spread)sheets to earn the decades-old business application such a sordid reputation? Mistakes. Costly ones. Almost nine in 10 spreadsheets (88%*) contain errors. Yet what do most businesses base their decision making on? Spreadsheets. Consider […]
In the era of cloud software, accountants must improve their communication skills
Accountants have always suffered from a poor image. They have traditionally been predicted as dull, aloof and impersonal, and people assume they work on their own without much interference from others. They are typically right brained, methodical people who like details and numbers more than words, but having the ability to communicate well is critical […]
If you don’t know where you are going in business… any road will take you ‘there’
This may be a passage from Lewis Carroll’s novel Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland but it perfectly sums up the strategic approach of many Australian businesses… “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here” said Alice. “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to”, said the Cat. “I don’t much care […]
A new breed of CFO: The Chief Failure Officer
The days of the CFO sitting in the corner office counting beans are long gone. No longer just the most senior accountant, today we look to our finance leaders to embrace digital technologies and use data analytics to drive consistent and measurable growth for our business. Modern CFOs are increasingly expected to be key drivers of […]
Nearly 1 in 2 SMEs lack confidence in the Government to address relevant issues
The SME community is divided when it comes to confidence in the Turnbull Government to address the relevant issues, according to research from a mid-tier accounting and advisory firm. Bentleys Chartered Accountants undertook a poll of 328 SMEs from across Australia and found that 45% have either low or very low expectations of the Turnbull […]
Managing growth: the rise of outsourced CFOs
As your business grows, you shift from being a service/product provider to a capital manager. The shift is gradual but represents a significant challenge if you haven’t developed the necessary skills or don’t have any aptitude or interest in this new role. Most often the solution to any skills gap is to bring in expertise, which for capital management, is […]
SME owners losing personal time to EOFY prep
Small business operators are working weekends and nights to organize the paperwork necessary to meet their EOFY obligations, according to the latest MYOB Business Monitor – a bi-annual national survey of over 1,000 SME owners. “Many operators are making significant personal sacrifices over and above running their day-to-day business, making EOFY not only stressful but […]
EOFY 2016: the 3Rs to get you back in the black
The end of a financial year is just a date in a calendar. We use this date to draw a line in the sand and say to ourselves – this is how my business has performed. We then report that data to the relevant stakeholders and measure our performance, pay our tax, meet our banking covenants […]
Your business deserves more than a bean counter: Find a CPA that will help you thrive
Confusing isn’t it? Financial planning isn’t something most businesses know how to do well. But, a CPA can be a great addition to your team – keeping you out of legal and financial hot water. Here’s how to hire a bean counter that you can count on. Why You’d Want To Hire One There are […]
Why every business should take reporting seriously
Having your accountant do your reporting might cost you a little extra, but there are a number of serious benefits to having an experienced professional look closely at important business figures.
Don’t misjudge the importance of a good accountant
Every small business owner needs a good advisor and many need help to stay on top of record keeping, which is where a good accountant can lend a hand.
5 questions to ask a small business accountant
Successful entrepreneurs and business owners know their numbers and rely on their accountant to provide specialist help and leadership in this area.
The EOFY countdown begins
Happy June! The end of financial year ‘EOFY’ is almost upon us! I know that, for some of you, today signals added stress and more pressure. But that doesn’t need to be the case.
Anthony Bell: the celebrity accountant on small business advice
As well known for his own wealth as the celebrity clients whose assets he helps protect, accountant Anthony Bell is also a very smart businessman. But he hates being called a celebrity accountant. Whoops…
How to survive a tax audit
Does the thought of a tax audit make you break out in a cold sweat?
Switching accountants: why bother?
For most business owners, switching accountants is a painful thought. It is definitely one action which is not taken on a whim.
Top ten tax tips for individuals
We asked our expert blogger Adrian Raftery (aka Mr Taxman) for his top tips on strategies to implement before the end of this month to reduce your tax. Whether you’re a business owner or an employee, there’s something for everyone.
Top tax tips to (legitimately) reduce your business tax bill
We asked our expert blogger Adrian Raftery (aka Mr Taxman) for his top tips on strategies to implement to reduce your tax. Whether you’re a business owner or an employee, there’s something for everyone.
Majority of Australians to pay off credit card with tax return
Almost half of all Australians are planning on paying off their personal debt with their 2010 tax return, a survey undertaken by Officeworks has shown.
End of Financial Year fact sheet released
As the 30 June 2010 year end approaches, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (the Institute) has released practical guidance to address the key issues impacting preparers of financial reports, auditors and audit committees with their year end professional responsibilities.
EOFY planning tips for the next financial year
The end of the financial year can feel like a blur of papers, numbers and money, but it’s worth taking the time to reflect on your end of financial year results and put together a business plan for the new year.
How to make the most of your accountant at EOFY
As well as sorting out your books and taxes, your accountant can also provide help in the long-term planning of your business – and the start of a new financial year is the best time to think about this.