More than just Bean Counters!

By Joe Smith

In recent research carried out by one of the big four banks, accountants were rated as the most important professional to small and medium businesses in terms of the performance of their business.  While we were rated above lawyers/solicitors, consultants and professional networks, the report also noted some areas where SME’s would like additional advice and services from accountants.

One of the quotes from a business owner was that they wanted to ‘find an accountant who wants to design the future, not write up history’.  I almost cheered when I read this as it is something that we strive to do for our clients. 

While it is still extremely important to meet compliance obligations for businesses through the preparation of financial statements, tax returns and activity statements, working with clients to design the future for their businesses is where we really get our kicks!

Assistance with business planning, strategy and the financial direction of businesses is an area where some business owners may not fully utilise the services of their accountant.  However these are some of the most important services that can be provided to ensure the ongoing growth and success of a business.

Keeping up with changes in technology is another area that business owners need to be on top of with cloud based bookkeeping, payroll, stock, scheduling and employee management software being a few key examples of where we can help reduce business owners time working ‘in’ the business to free up time to work ‘on’ their businesses.

With the business environment and conditions changing at an ever increasing pace, the value of talking to and working with your accountant on a regular basis is essential to the success of your business.  And using software that can keep you up to date by the minute, as opposed to writing up the historical financial performance of the business once per year, can only help improve the performance of your business and maybe even free up time to do something you love outside of the business!

If you would like assistance designing the future of your business, please call or email us at Sothertons Gladstone on 4972 1300 or email sothertons@sothertonsgld.com.au and we will work with you to ensure future business success!