Many small business-owners experience this feeling when they look at their books. You work hard, money comes in but it all just seems to disappear. Why?
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Profit versus Cash Flow
Firstly, let’s get some basics out of the way and look at what profit and cash flow actually are. It seems too many small business owners find these two confusing.
In its simplest form, profit is what is left over after subtracting your expenses from your revenue (sales). A simple Profit & Loss report in an accounting package clearly gives this information. However, comparing sales and expenses every now and again on a piece of paper can be far more confusing. Profit is usually the first number a business owner will look at to determine if all the effort they put in is worth it. It is also the number, with some adjustments, that you pay tax on.
On the other hand, cash flow refers to the balance of cash moving in and out of a business. If more cash comes in, then you have a positive cash flow and vice versa. While maybe not as eye catching as a good net profit, cash flow is just as important, if not more so. The time it takes for your clients to pay is critical to cash flow.
There may only be a subtle difference when looking at profit compared to cash flow and they can often reflect each other, but this isn’t necessarily the case and high profits don’t always produce positive cashflows. One isn’t more important than the other, but managing both well is essential to running a successful business.
Why the difference?
There are some key differences between profit and cash flow that usually explains why they aren’t the same. Here are some examples of where these two differ:
Having your business’ funds at your fingertips can make it too easy to withdraw money out at any time to meet your personal needs. While this may sound self-explanatory, many small businesses fall into this trap. To help avoid this trap:
Taxes and Super
Knowing when your tax and employee obligations are due to be paid will allow more effective planning and budgeting for your business. With the different timings of when all these payments are due, it can be easy to lose track. To assist in managing your tax and super obligations:
Excessive Debtors
Slow customers payments will negatively affect your business’ cashflow. Fortunately, there are ways that this can be avoided:
New Business and Expansion
If you are just starting a business or looking to expand, it is inevitable that you will be experiencing higher cash outgoings. This can be good in the long run but understanding and managing your cash flow during this period is extremely important.
The differences between profit and cashflow can easily be misleading when managing the operations of your business. In brief, best practise is to plan in advance for the upcoming costs and monitoring cash flow regularly.
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We believe accounting services should be straight forward and stress-free. By providing cutting edge bookkeeping, accounting, taxation and financial solutions and using the right products for your record keeping, our team at Guests Accounting will work with you to understand your needs and help you achieve your goals, making it easier for you to manage your cash flow and meet your tax obligations.
While fiscal compliance is of the upmost importance, we at Guests Accounting also believe in offering management advice and support at all levels of our services. We are committed to offering the highest level of friendly and professional service and welcome the opportunity to work with you.
The areas we specialise in are as follows:
Concentrate on running your business and let Guests Accounting take care of all your business accounting and taxation requirements.
Some of the services we can offer your business include:
We offer a range of Personal Accounting services for individual employees. Our most popular Personal Accounting service is assisting with completing tax returns for individuals.
Tax returns can be complex and there are allowable tax deductions and expense claims that can be made that you may not be aware of. We can help you minimise your payable tax and potentially increase your tax return and make sure your tax return is lodged on time.
We also offer advice on:
One of the most important steps in the preparation of financial information is the data entry. It is the vital part of your accounting process, ensuring that your financial information is up to date and accurate.
Our highly experienced team of bookkeepers will get the job done efficiently by using cloud based products and software shortcuts, leaving you more time to concentrate on your business.
Guests Accounting can take over all, or some of your bookkeeping activities allowing you to concentrate on growing your business. We can:
Helping our clients grow, strengthen and develop their businesses is our main aim. Whether small, medium or large receiving expert help in areas such as strategy development, management accounting, cost analysis and budgeting is very important to attaining a business’s short and long objectives.
Our aim is to enable you and your business to maximise potential and profitability. We do this by providing the highest level of technical and commercial solutions to resolve issues that might impair the attainment of these outcomes.
We also have particular expertise in advising our private clients with family succession strategies that allows for the effective transfer of wealth to future generations.
Our expertise and time will help you attain your goals.
We specialise in the following:
Choosing your business structure is an important decision and we can advise you on the best structure for your requirements. There are four main business structures commonly used by small businesses in Australia and we can help with them all:
Sole trader: an individual operating as the sole person legally responsible for all aspects of the business.
Partnership: an association of people or entities running a business together, but not as a company. A partnership is relatively inexpensive to set up and operate.
Company: a legal entity separate from its shareholders.
Trust: an entity that holds property or income for the benefit of others. Trusts require a formal trust deed that outlines how the trust operates, require the trustee to undertake formal yearly administrative tasks and if you operate your business as a trust, the trustee is legally responsible for its operations. A trustee of a trust can be a company, providing some asset protection.
It is important to note that you can change your business structure throughout the life of your business.
We can help with the following:
Cloud accounting is essentially your accounting software stored and accessed from an online server which allows upgrading of software, tax tables for payroll, also data backups are managed remotely and automatically by the software provider. This is a great time saver for any small to medium business owner.
Our solutions will help your business take advantage of an eco-system where your accounting software is the centre of all your information. From manufacturing, inventory, to customer relationship management (CRM), rostering/timesheets to payroll, you will be in control of every aspect of your business represented by a thorough reporting system.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for an obligation free consultation session on business software solutions. Our well-trained staff will provide you with the best solution that suits your needs and budget. With customised solutions, discounted software subscription, hands-on and personal training, we are committed to deliver you a quality of service that will meet and exceed your expectations.
There are many reasons why a business or association may need to be audited. These include audits regulated by ASIC, government departments and licensing authorities.
You may wish for your business to be audited to ensure your financials are all correct, up to date and compliant with Australian accounting standards.
We offer ongoing support for annual audits and can discuss audit insurance for your business.
Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) are required to be audited annually.
Our business auditing services include:
Whether you’re just starting out, experiencing rapid growth or sustaining a mature company we have the solutions for your payroll needs. We know that accrual and recording of annual and sick leave is a headache most employers can do without.
At Guests we offer a cost saving service that will keep your company compliant with all relevant legislation and will processes your payroll on time and accurately.
We will save you time, reduce costs and offer flexible options.
We can assist with the preparation of:
We have been working closely with a number of leading migration lawyers and agents to assist our clients to obtain Business Migration Visas (Visa subclass 188, Subclass 132, Subclass 888), Employer sponsored skill migration visas (the old 457 visa or the new TSS visa program).
– Prepare financial reports and Business Plan in a compliant format for migration purposes.
– Prepare statements of financial position of the Applicant and Sponsoring Employer.
– Undertaking due diligence on business and asset purchases.
– Buy/Sell Agreement and Negotiations
– Provide insights on compliance with the Points System necessary for the Government visa requirements.
– Provide tax and business advisory services in order for holders of the subclass 188 visa to meet the requirements of Permanent visa subclass 888.
Primary contact: Ms. Ha Nguyen. Email: hn@guests.com.au
This is an industry with high levels of competition, hard won competitive advantage, and global influences that are constantly changing. Guests Accounting’s experience in this industry is extensive and we have the expertise and provide the range of services that are delivering the results our clients want.
While our accounting skills are very important in delivering the financial analysis and interpretation needed for better strategy development and implementation it is how we use these skills and experience in the following areas that make our efforts even more productive.
The accommodation and hospitality industry is subject to many rules and regulations and it is part of our role to ensure our clients are kept abreast of changes and the financial impact that can accompany such change.
Our experience in this industry means you can be confident we’ll provide the financial guidance you need while you focus on what you do best, provide customer satisfaction.
Work as a barrister or solicitor can be incredibly time consuming. Potentially long hours and long work weeks, keeping up to date with constantly changing legal paradigms and working through client cases can leave little time for yourself.
With so much on your plate, the last thing you may want to worry about are your taxes and accounting requirements. By using an accountant to assist in handling your taxes and other relative finances, you could reduce your taxation workload and potentially claim more of your expenses, plus you could have more time to focus on your career and your personal life.
Guests Accounting have been providing accountancy and taxation services to clients throughout Melbourne for many years. We focus on developing strong client relationships, identifying each client’s individual scenario along with their goals, and helping them achieve their accountancy requirements.
We offer a broad range of business services for individuals and small to large firms. Whether you’re managing an established business or starting up one of your own, we can assist you with your accounting and tax needs, from the preparation of certain financial documents, claiming expenses, your tax returns and much more.
If you have any questions, please contact us to discuss your options. Staff at Guests Accounting are more than happy to answer any queries you may have.
The process of running a construction business can be profitable though extremely time-consuming at points. Client deadlines, management of construction supplies, Occupational Health and Safety on site, along with overseeing staff and subcontractors is a lot to deal with it as it is.
Effective management of your cash flow and other financial requirements such as taxation can make the difference between your building business flourishing or struggling. Using a professional accountant that understands the financial issues of running a business can provide a benefit to you and your business, such as giving you more time to focus on your business and personal life, rather than worrying heavily about taxation.
With years of industry experience, Guests Accounting has provided accounting services to building businesses in the suburbs of Melbourne, delivering comprehensive tax services and knowledge in the industry.
We provide a wide range of accounting services and advice to businesses and individuals, including:
Whatever direction you’re looking to take your business or contracting, we’re here to help with your taxation and accounting needs. It’s a common situation where builders, trades people and businesses are using software that is beyond their requirements, potentially leading to confusion along with a waste of time and money. We can provide advice with record keeping in regards to your expenses and income, based on your accounting skill level and what is appropriate for your business and goals.
If you’re interested in finding out how we can help you and your business with your taxes, give us a call today or email your enquiry. Staff are happy to answer any questions you may have in relation to our services and appointments.
Working in the medical industry can be incredibly fulfilling though also extremely time consuming. Potentially long and extended hours, keeping up to date with patient or client details, travelling and on call jobs can leave you exhausted.
With all this on your plate, worrying about parts of your taxes shouldn’t be an issue. A professional accountant can assist you with your taxes and accountancy, giving you more time to focus on your career and personal life. Not only can accountants reduce your taxation work load but they can also assist with evaluating your expenses to reduce the amount of tax payable or enhance your tax return depending on your situation.
Guests Accounting have helped a range of doctors and medical professionals with their accounting and taxation needs for years in Melbourne. With a devoted team of accounting experts, we focus on providing great service and support for all our clients, whether an individual, small practice, organisation or large business.
Not only do we provide accounting services to doctors but also a large range of medical professionals and careers, such as the following:
Staff at Guests Accounting are happy to answer any questions you may have about our services or the taxation and accounting process. If you would like to book an appointment or have a query, please contact us today.
Working closely with our clients and providing professional specialised accounting and management expertise is why many quality manufacturing firms have employed our services for generations. The benefits of working with a firm that knows what it’s like to be at the ‘coal face’ can’t be overstated.
It’s this approach, passion, professionalism, skill-set and dedication to our task that has given many large Australian businesses the confidence to employ our services.
Manufacturing is the one of the more complex forms of business and made all the more difficult because competition, competiveness and global trends are constantly changing. Managing this change is what makes or breaks companies but we know our extensive experience across industries and accounting issues has helped many manage their way through problems and others build on their success.
Whatever the situation Guests Accounting has the expertise and experience to help you get the job done.
The services we offer to help you deliver the outcomes your company and stakeholders want are as follows:
Providing financial reporting is one thing but it is how this data is interpreted and used to implement strategy is at the core of Guests Accounting’s value to your firm.
Advertising agencies, marketing consultancies, designers and digital innovators collectively represent one of the fastest growing business segments. They create brands, build websites and deliver marketing campaigns.
At Guests Accounting we believe that accounting is an important and necessary piece of every digital agency’s strategic framework. Accounting is more than balancing books and making sure you’re ready for next year’s taxes. It’s planning for future growth and success.
The specialised services Guests Accounting offer include:
Many of Australia’s best and most successful businesses are privately owned but such ownership comes with its own unique needs and challenges. Guests Accounting have many years experience working in this area and understand well the unique challenges facing owners of family businesses.
While family businesses face the normal ups and downs of business life there is always the added complexity of family relationships that can make business decisions more difficult. At Guests Accounting we are able to manage all businesses aspects of such ventures due to our long experience working with family businesses that means we look to address other issues that might impact more heavily than they should. Issues such as:
We pride ourselves on the strength of the relationships we build with our clients and the depth of knowledge and understanding we develop over time. Nowhere is this more important than with our family business clients.
Managing a farm is a time consuming task. Overseeing staff and ensuring your day to day operations are running smoothly can take up enough time as it is; the last thing you may want to deal with is financial paper work and tax.
A professional accountant can help you efficiently manage your accounting, bookkeeping and taxation requirements, while also providing you with advice and strategies to help effectively grow your business. This can give you more time to focus on what’s important to you, such as handling tasks on your farm and enjoying life outside of work.
For over 60 years we have been providing accounting services for primary producers and farmers throughout Victoria. We understand what farmers require to effectively manage the finances of their farming operations and endeavour to provide all of our farming clients with effective advice and services to do such.
Time is money—two things that accountants can save for you. A professional accountant has the expertise and industry experience to help you efficiently, effectively and quickly manage your accounts, all while helping you save money and reduce tax.
Here at Guests Accounting, we can help you with:
Whether a small or medium sized business farm, our team at Guests Accounting have the expertise to help you with all of your tax, accounting, GST and business advice needs.
Contact us today for comprehensive services at affordable prices, and advice you can trust.
Managing a retail business can be a time consuming and complex task. You have to make sure that your staff can perform well, are receiving appropriate payment in regards to their wage and superannuation, plus then there’s the range of OH&S and compliance issues that must be followed.
Guests Accounting understands the financial implications that retailers have to deal with. We offer you professional experience, technical knowledge and support with your taxes and accounting.
Our services for retailers include:
Over time, you may want to change the direction your business is heading and this could lead to financial issues. Financial advice and services from professionals could help you and your business keep on track with your goals and evolve positively. Guests Accounting can provide professional accounting advice and services as your business progresses and changes.
If you setting up a new retail business or looking to take your current business to the next level, please contact us today.
The technology industry faces very rapid change. The extent and variety of this change in the last twenty years alone has been hugely diverse and at a pace that sees companies come and go in very short periods of time.
This risk and instability has also been accompanied by amazing opportunities and finding the best way forward is always complex and difficult. However, even amongst so much disruption the basic principles of good business are still the guiding light.
Guests Accounting’s expertise, industry knowledge, stability and experience is helping our clients navigate the best way through these opportunities and threats. Clients include information technology, big data, telecommunications, computer networking, software development and hardware development businesses.
Added into the mix is an ever increasing regulatory framework that has to be understood and managed. Our experience in this area is extensive and allows our technology clients to stay ahead.
When operating in your trade or business, you want to be able to focus on your client’s needs and help them, rather than becoming bogged down with tax, accounting and finances of your own. The friendly team at Guests Accounting provide professional accounting services for trades people.
Apart from your typical builder, plumber, carpenter and electrician we also service clients in a range of other trades including:
Guests Accounting are here to help you with your accounting; whether you’re looking to grow a business of your own or just sort out your own finances and taxation.
Many self employed tradesmen use accounting and finance software that is beyond their business needs, potentially leading to confusion along with wasting time and money. We can provide advice with what software or methods would be appropriate for your needs, along with what would be easy to use for you, giving you more time to focus on your work.
If you’re looking for a professional accountant who is dedicated to helping your trades business, please contact us today.
Managing a transport & logistics business can be a time consuming and complex task. You have to make sure that your staff can perform well, are receiving appropriate payment in regards to their wage and superannuation, plus then there’s the range of OH&S and compliance issues that must be followed.
Guests Accounting understands the financial implications that transport and logistic industries have to deal with. We offer you professional experience, technical knowledge and support with your taxes and accounting.
Our services for Transport and Logistics Professionals include:
Over time, you may want to change the direction your business is heading and this could lead to financial issues. Financial advice and services from professionals could help you and your business keep on track with your goals and evolve positively. Guests Accounting can provide professional accounting advice and services as your business progresses, grows and changes.
If you setting up a new Transport and Logistics business or looking to take your current business to the next level, please contact us today.
Avi Paluch became a partner in 1975. His client base comprises of professionals in a diverse range of industries, sole traders, national, multi-national and international groups in relation to taxation and management issues.
His clients also include large family groups and high net worth individuals. In addition, he is involved in a range of audits. Avi currently involves himself in various community boards in the capacity of honorary treasurer.
His other interests are being with his family and attending sports events.
Andrew Goldberger joined Guests in 1987. Prior to that he occupied a senior position with the Australia Taxation Office. As well as looking after a diverse range of groups of SMEs and high wealth individuals, Andrew is an expert in taxation. He has been involved in a number of Large Income Tax and State Revenue Audits and provides advice on various technical tax issues and areas of tax planning. Andrew also consults to other practitioners in these areas.
Andrew has also written articles for various taxation publications including CCH and participated in taxation focus groups. He is regularly called on to address various public practitioner groups on taxation matters and has conducted training sessions for CPA Australia.
Moshe joined Guests Accounting in 1985 and has more than 40 years of extensive experience. He has an indepth understanding of business and is responsible for a diverse group of clients and is in charge of the Superannuation Team and the Audit of superannuation funds.
Moshe’s knowledge in many different areas including business structuring, accounting, taxation, auditing, SMSFs and business planning in various industries enables him to provide advice on ‘the big picture’, taking into account both present and future needs of clients.
Moshe has been involved in various not-for-profit organisations during his career in an honorary capacity. This has given him a good grounding in the corporate governance area. Moshe continues his interest in the new regulatory environment of the not-for-profit sector.
Mory graduated from Monash University in 1979 and joined our team with more than 20 years experience. He is a member of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants and the CPA and a Fellow of the Association of Taxation and Management Accountants.
After more than 18 years experience with a Chartered firm, Mory travelled to the United Kingdom and gained invaluable experience working with various Accounting and Legal firms in London, developing operating systems and in investigative accounting roles.
Mory joined Guests in March 2002 and became a partner in July 2005, specialising in Taxation and Business Services. Mory has also served on the executive of community boards and not-for-profit organisations.
Gary Bryfman is a FCPA, having a Masters Degree in Taxation. His earlier accounting background was in industry, specialising in costing and budget preparations.
He has been a partner of Guests for 31 years. Gary has been involved in a number of Jewish organisations, including JCCV as honorary treasurer; CSG, JEMP and advisor to MDA executive.
Boruch brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our team, having demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in accounting and taxation matters over the years. His commitment to providing outstanding client service that is solution- and results-focused has been attributed to our clients’ success.
Boruch’s leadership extends beyond his technical skills, he is also known for his ability to mentor and inspire his colleagues, fostering a collaborative environment within the practice.
Outside of work, Boruch enjoys spending quality time with his young family. His passion for outdoor adventures and family life reflects his balanced approach to both personal and professional endeavours.
Secure File Transfer is a facility that allows the safe and secure exchange of confidential files or documents between you and us.
Email is very convenient in our business world, there is no doubting that. However email messages and attachments can be intercepted by third parties, putting your privacy and identity at risk if used to send confidential files or documents. Secure File Transfer eliminates this risk.
Please enjoy the links to these free tools supplied by MoneySmart - a great resource for general financial information. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss any questions that you may have as a result of using these calculators.
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