Accounting is one of the essential services of any business, be it small or big.
Businesses are often forced to spend a lot on the accounting department. There are various approaches that a business can take when it comes to their accounting needs. It is a good idea to go through the different options and choose the one that will provide the most benefits without having to cost your business a lot of money.
One of the most common options people take is hiring an accounting firm.
The accounting firms take care of all the tax and accounting needs of the business and give you the chance to focus on important tasks that help increase sales and grow your company.
What Are Accounting Firms? Why Are They Important For Your Business?
An accounting firm mainly offers services like accounting and auditing for your business. It produces financial records so that you can easily track your revenues and expenses. Providing consulting on your businesss overall financial health is yet another important service that an accounting firm offers.
It helps you with long-range planning, such as buying property or upgrading your infrastructure. You will be, hence, able to determine how to break even and what your cash-flow needs are.
Accounting firms conduct audits by examining not only financial records, but also the processes and controls in place to ensure records are being properly kept, policies are being adhered to, and your financial practices help support your business goals and are the most efficient way to do so.
Many accounting firms offer a range of tax services. The firms accountants can help you figure out a new tax code to help ensure your financial reporting practices comply with current IRS regulations, determine your companys tax liability, and make sure you meet filing requirements and deadlines.
With these services, you can plan your next moves, figure out whether you are making a profit, and make decisions about your companys growth.
How To Choose An Accounting Firm For Your Small Business?
Whether youre a business requiring a complete accountancy service or an individual in need of tax advice, choosing the right firm is important.
1. Know your business needs
You need first to understand the kind of work or responsibilities you want the accounting firm to handle for your business. If you need monthly financial statements and bookkeeping tasks, a non-certified accountant or bookkeeper can be hired. But to get tax planning advice, tax returns prepared, or audited financial statements, you need a CPA or certified public accountant. Check the type of accountants the firm has.
2. Look for small business experience
Large accounting firms like the Big 4 often charge higher fees than small to mid-sized firms. That may not be beneficial if you are a small business and have just started. You need someone who works with small businesses, and it could also be a bonus if the accountant works with businesses in your industry. While working for clients from a specific industry for a long time, some accountants get to know the related challenges very well.
3. Fees
Fees are an important consideration after all, your accounting firms fees need to fit in with your business or personal budget.
Most firms calculate their fees in one of two ways either per hour or at a fixed rate. How fees are calculated and the overall amount charged depends on the firm, so make sure you clarify how much everything is going to cost before agreeing to move forward.
4. Ask About Accounting Software
Before you choose an accountant, youll want to ask what software they recommend for their small business customers. You may find some accountants who are using the same old desktop accounting software. They do not want to switch to the latest online accounting solutions. You want to invest in an accounting software system that you can grow into in 3-5 years.
5. Decide Whether You Need an Accountant or a CPA Firm
Many small business owners start by managing their taxes on their own. Unlike in the past, it has become much easier for business owners to do simple bookkeeping tasks with the help of advanced software like ProfitBooks, Xero, Sage, and similar others.
But after a certain point in time, it does make sense to hire a professional or a team of accountants to handle accounting, payroll, and tax responsibilities. Whether you need a CPA or a solo accounting firm depends on the scale of your business and the number of transactions you do per month.
6. Range of accounting services
For businesses in particular, you want an accounting firm that offers a range of services such as financial management, auditing/reporting, cash flow analysis, and succession planning.
This type of firm will do far more than complete your tax return; theyll be able to provide you with advice regarding your businesss financial situation. Its also far more efficient to be dealing with one firm for all your financial needs.
Overview of Accounting Firms in Australia
Australia has its own three recognized professional accounting bodies that decide the accounting rules and regulations for Australian accounting firms. These three bodies are the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), CPA Australia, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia (ICAA).
When it comes to accounting, although the Big 4 has a name and a well-deserved reputation, companies can get the same expertise and, oftentimes, better service at substantially lower fees when hiring a mid-sized regional accounting firm. If you own a small business, your accounting needs can be fulfilled by smaller firms with greater accessibility.
We have listed the top 8 accounting firms in Australia for small businesses. Lets check them out:
1. Hall Chadwick
Hall Chadwick – Accounting Firm
Hall Chadwick is one of the largest and most experienced accounting groups in Australia servicing clients in every major capital city and many regional centres. Their business advisors and tax experts add value to your business through the use of leading-edge techniques and immediate access to the resources of their international network. They have offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Darwin, and Adelaide.
Hall Chadwick’s key services include:
- Auditing
- Business Services
- Financial Planning
- Insolvency & Business Recovery
- Personal Insolvency
- Taxation
- Corporate Services
- Property Industry
2. ShineWing Australia
ShineWing – Accounting Firms
Shining is an Australian-owned advisory and accounting firm with an 80-year history that understands relationships make all the difference in creating opportunities and delivering great outcomes for their clients. They have access to a global network and a team of over 10,000 professionals in 57 offices across 13 countries. When you’re starting a new business, you need assurance that your financial information is accurate, their assurance advisors will work with you to review your business operations and financial viability to give you an accurate picture of your performance so you can approach the future with greater certainty.
ShineWing’s key services include:
- Assurance and Advisory
- Corporate Finance, Business Services
- Private Clients
- Wealth and Taxation
3. Accru
Accru is one of the leading network of award-winning accounting firms. They combine the personalized approach of a local firm with the skills and networks of larger-scale organizations to create positive financial solutions for their clients. Accru has six offices in the major capital cities within Australia and is also a member of one of the largest independent accounting and advisory associations in the world, CPA Associates International (CPAAI).
accrues key services include:
- Accounting
- Taxation
- Wealth Management
- Business and Corporate Advisor
- Audit and Assurance
- Business Support
- International Business
- Finance & Insurance
4. Accounts Automated
Accounts Automated – Accounting Firms
Founded in 2013, Accounts Automated specializes in both software-based and manual bookkeeping services and is well-versed with the latest accounting software like Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks. BAS agents and accountants working at Accounts Automated are result-oriented and tech-savvy and they carry out result-driven bookkeeping and accounting services like Xero accounting and payroll services and small business bookkeeping services. Experts at Accounting Automated pay close attention to details and always keep the clients interest at the forefront.
Accounts Automated’s key services include:
- Bookkeeping services
- Payroll
- BAS Services
- End Of Year Services
5. NumbersTalk
Numbers Talk Accounting Firm
At Numbers Talk, they have a team of experienced and forward-thinking accountants, tax experts, and business advisors who strive to provide the highest level of service to ensure every effort is made to provide client service excellence.
As a professional business accounting services provider and a full member of Certified Practicing Accountant, they have been involved in providing accounting services to a large number of small to medium-sized businesses in various industries including retail and wholesale services, property development, and investment, international trading, hospitality, IT and migration agencies. Numbers Talk provides specialized accounting services to businesses in and around Melbourne CBD.
They are committed to forming close partnerships with clients, enabling them to provide a customized service that suits your unique requirement.
Numbers Talk’s key accounting services include:
- Preparation of Annual Financial Statements
- Preparation of Periodic Management Accounts
- Accounting Package Advice and Setup
- Bookkeeping Services
- Maintaining PAYG and GST Records and Associated Returns
Melbourne Accounting Partners – Accounting Firm in Australia
- Taxation: Helping individuals and businesses save money and lodge tax returns.
- Accounting: Measurement, processing, and communication of financial information about economic entities such as businesses and corporations.
- GST Analysis and reporting of the broad-based goods and services tax.
- Superannuation: Guidance and support in managing your super fund to support your financial needs in retirement.
- Business Consulting: Examination of previous business performance, offering solutions and strategies to achieve the results you want for your business.
- Succession Planning: Identifying and developing methods to plan for the future of your business.
7. Charltons Accountants
Charltons – Accounting Firms Home Page
Charlton’s accountants are based in Sydney. They provide specialist tax expertise, accounting, and business advisory services. For 35 years Charltons has partnered with and advised clients from all over Australia. Their accounting firm is in the heart of Sydneys CBD and provides a customer-focused accounting experience.
They will help you to run and grow your business. Their accounting firm is with you at every stage of your business journey, from growing a business to the transition to retirement. They work with businesses and individuals to ensure their taxes, finances, and records are up to date and meet all requirements. As a forward-thinking practice, they offer the latest cloud-based technologies including Xero and MYOB Cloud.
Charltons wealth of knowledge and personal collaboration makes them one of the leading Chartered Accountants in the country.
Charlton Accountants’ key services include:
- Cloud Accounting
- Tax Advisory, SMSF, Structures & Estates
- Forensic, Audit & Valuation
- Strategic Advice
- Wealth Education & Coaching
- Finance Strategies
8. Allan Hall Business Advisors
Alan Hall Business Advisors – Website
Allan Hall Business Advisors is a firm of Chartered Accountants and specialist business advisors established on the Northern Beaches in 1957. They are currently ranked 44th in the country in the highly regarded Australian Financial Review Top 100 Accounting Firms.
With eight partners and around 90 staff, and recently opened satellite offices in Brisbane and Adelaide, they have grown to become one of the largest, non-CBD, integrated chartered accounting and business advisory firms in the region.
Allan Hall Business Advisors’ key features include:
- Business Advisory
- Taxation and Accounting
- Bookkeeping
- International services
- Superannuation
- Financial planning
- Audit and assurance
- Finance
Final Words
An accounting firm is a crucial aspect of your business. You need a firm that is experienced, reliable, and ready to be there for you whenever a need arises. They will not only manage the accounting tasks but also offer practical business advice to support your business planning and growth. Good accounting firms help companies grow, by managing complex financial work and offering advice on practical business issues. This will be guaranteed to save you money in the short and long term. If you choose an accounting firm based on these tips, you reduce your risk of making the wrong choice for your small business.
We hope we have solved your difficulty in finding the best accounting companies in Australia. Along with the fundamental process of accounting, these companies play an important role in acting as the best financial advisors that ease the decision-making process. The above-listed companies are reliable in every aspect and are gauged on crucial factors and parameters so that you do not have to think twice before selecting one.
Also Read:-
Top 10 Free Accounting Software For Small Business
Top Accounting Firms in South Africa for Small Businesses
