Frequently Asked Questions about our practice
Q. What experience do we offer your business and personal affairs?
Geoff Gartly, Chartered Accountant, is the Principal of the practice and has over 20 years in public practice. The practice specialises in assisting small business and service a large range of businesses dealing with all issues from taxes, payroll issues to general practical business advice.
Q. How long has the practice been operating?
Geoff commenced the practice June 2000. The business enjoys steady growth. We are part of the Ormond Shops and community and have made our new premises our permanent home. The practice occupies the building in which “Stacks of Slax” operated for many years. We now affectionately refer to the building as “Stax of Tax”
Q. What kind of clients do we mostly see?
Most of our clients are small businesses, operating in a variety of professional, manufacturing or trade related industries, conducting their business using a company, trust, partnership structure or as sole traders. Many of our Clients are based locally, however we have some in regional Victoria and interstate. With the internet and fast planes, no client is too far away for us to help them.
We also cater for those who require individual taxation returns and advice and can assist you in salary packaging, capital gains tax and other taxation matters. We assist many high worth individuals as well as those in business.
Q. What kind of services do we most frequently offer small business clients?
Our practice provides a variety of services ranging from:
- Affordable taxation advice
- Annual, Quarterly or monthly reporting of results
- Accounting software advice , mainly MYOB or QUICKEN
- Profit and business performance management and coaching
- Cash-flow analysis and direction
- Advice in relation to Self managed superannuation funds
- Estate planning & business succession
- We also have a range of other professionals that we work closely with
Q. How can you make my Business Simple and More Profitable?
Our practice uses “the Beyond Numbers reporting” to help you understand and control your business better and faster than ever before!
Our unique report initially shows you how your business has performed and allows us to supply you with a "Health Check" of your business. These reports highlight quickly and in an easy to understand form, the pluses and minuses of the business over the last year!
You can then look forward to building on your strengths and minimising your weaknesses as highlighted by the Health Check!
Imagine having instant answers to complex questions like:
- What if sales improve by 10%?
- What is the financial impact on cash-flow if I increase my volume?
- How can I improve my cash-flow?
We provide you with the reports that give you the power to answer such questions in just a few seconds.
Q. How do we keep track of a clients business and understand their circumstances?
We make it a point to:
- Ask Questions about you, your business and direction
- Visit you and meet your staff
- Attend your business and staff conferences where applicable
- Invite you to our client seminars
- Encourage you to use our reporting services and sit down with us over a coffee and review your result.
Our practice has invested in state of the art Financial Modelling Software which allows us to ensure you know the answer to any financial strategy questions before making a decision to implement the strategy.
Q. What is the basis on which fees are charged?
Our Fees are charge on time basis. We use a different set of rates to ensure the best value for your accounting fee. Basic calls and telephone chats may not be charged, however where the client has received advice and the call is significant, the call will be charged.
At our initial interview will be happy to discuss with you how we charge and our payment terms
Q. Who will look after my business most of the time?
Our practice is based on the ability of you to be able to communicate with all levels of our service. Where possible Geoff makes himself available for telephone calls and interviews. Where a matter is easily handled by our staff, we encourage you to talk to them first.(Especially if it is a simple MYOB or Quicken question). We also have regular staff meetings to discuss the progress of our work.
Q. Will my affairs remain confidential?
Yes, most definitely! Your affairs remain confidential between you and our office personnel. We keep your affairs and records for five years and after this we destroy what is no longer required.
Q. What sort of access will I be given to the data you hold about my business?
We assist you to understand the reports we produce for you. Our records are backed up regularly to ensure the integrity of the system. Where an item requires clarification we will provide you with additional workings and advice.
Q. Do you provide advice on investments and assistance with business & personal financing?
Our practice is not licensed to give financial advice but we will point you in the right direction to a relevant professional to assist you.
We can assist you in applying for a loan and having the financial modelling software, used by the banks, allows us to present your application in a manner they understand.
Q. Will you return my calls within a reasonable time?
We try to return all calls by the end of the day if possible or at least within a twenty four hour period.
Q. Are you familiar with the accounting/software package I use in my business?
All our staff can use the MYOB, Xero, Quicken or Cash-flow manager software. In many cases we can also use industry based software after a short tutorial from you.
Q. Do you have a newsletter or some form of communication to inform me of issues of interests to my business?
We provide clients with our quarterly newsletter titled “Beyond Numbers”. This newsletter provides both taxation and business advice.
A newsletter titled “Beyond Tax” is distributed to those clients not in business, half yearly.
Back issues can be found on our web site.
Q. Does my accountant have to keep up to date?
Yes, all Chartered Accountants must complete a minimum number of hours per year on various forms of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). As Chartered Accountants we are obliged to, and consider it most important to keep up-to date, to ensure we provide accurate advice to our clients.
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