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What Drives Your Business Growth and Profits?

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Every business owner wants to grow their business and their profits.

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While there’s no secret formula or recipe, the fact is, business growth and improved profitability are outcomes achieved as a result of processes including marketing, your expertise, customer service and your team’s performance.Every business owner wants to grow their business and their profits. While there’s no secret formula or recipe, the fact is, business growth and improved profitability are outcomes achieved as a result of processes including marketing, your expertise, customer service and your team’s performance.

Let’s examine some of the key drivers of growth and profitability.

 

  • Planning – where do you see your business going in the future? What level of profit and growth are you targeting for next year? The definition of insanity in business is doing things the same way and expecting different results. Without a plan to achieve your targets you are just hoping all the moving parts of your business sync together. Unfortunately, hope is not a strategy that delivers growth.

What is your vision for the business and how do you plan to get there? Without a roadmap all roads lead to nowhere. Having a business plan including financial forecasts is really the start of the process because it should identify what resources you need, the equipment and finance requirements. Will you launch new products and services? To achieve the forecast growth, what level of staff will you need?

Another part of the planning process is to complete a SWOT Analysis to ascertain your business Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Nobody saw COVID-19 coming but pandemics and snap lockdowns are part of the landscape and you need a contingency plan to deal with such events. As they say, Failing to Prepare is Preparing to Fail.

  • Technology has been a game changer in many industries and the rate of change continues to accelerate, just look at what AI is doing and going to do in the future. Before the pandemic arrived a lot of business owners were contemplating some sort of digital transformation to keep up with their competitors and deliver a better customer experience. When COVID-19 arrived, remote working became an urgent priority to keep staff working. Businesses had to invest in technology to help staff transition from office-based to home-based employment and technology that was once considered a luxury became a necessity.

There’s been a massive shift in our daily business habits with face-to-face meetings replaced by video calls on platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. Going forward, these platforms may well become the default communication method for both internal and external meetings. Travel time has been slashed also but businesses are looking to get staff back into the office.  Significant change is afoot again.

Think about what technology you need to speed up your processes, improve productivity, reduce costs and produce better products and services. The right software (local or in the cloud) can save time, help manage your inventory, reduce waste, and generate repeat business with service reminders. It can also automate your marketing efforts. Most importantly, the right digital tools and resources let you keep your finger on the pulse of the business and monitor all the key financial data.

  • Marketing – Recent years have seen a significant shift in shopping habits away from retail brick-and-mortar sites such as shopping strips and centres to spending online.  The rise of Amazon is ample evidence of this change. With consumers confined to their homes during COVID they became far more familiar with, and keener on, the convenience of shopping online.  A trend that has continued after the pandemic.  E-commerce sales exploded and this massive shift to online sales is expected to stay for a long time.
     

To make the most of this shift in consumer behaviour it's time to review your website and, where appropriate, make sure you have an e-commerce store to satisfy customer demand. There are quite a few examples where a business has moved entirely from a retail shop to a totally online model. 

Increasing traffic to your site may be as simple as utilising the blog section of your website more effectively. Chances are there is already a blog or news section on your website but nobody is posting anything, or only rarely. If you struggle for what to write in your blog section, head to a question and answer site such as Whirlpool or Quora and find questions related to your industry, product or service and use that question as the title of your blog post and answer the question. Visitors to your site appreciate this content and it will increase the SEO attributes of your website.  SEO is important when it comes to Internet searches.

Engaging with your customers in this way and, as well as using social media channels, is no longer optional with your prospects and customers living online. It’s fair to say, for the majority of businesses, your marketing could be the difference between Doom, Gloom and Boom.

 

  • Team – In Michael Gerber’s book, The EMyth Revisited, a key message for business owners was the need to ‘work on the business, not just in the business’. This message should resonate with every business owner and you need to create a business that works independently of you. The purpose of your life is not to serve your business, it’s for the business to serve your life.

Sounds good and easy in theory and the key is finding the right people to run the operational side of the business to free you up. Experienced and trained people who can follow your systems and procedures allow you to delegate tasks you don’t have to do. Rather than manning the sales desk, phones or warehouse you can spend time on the key business drivers like marketing. Wages are often the biggest expense in a business for a reason and their performance can have a massive impact on your growth and profitability. Leadership usually includes managing the team and innovating - that means providing the right tools so the team can perform their tasks in efficiently.

Running a business remains a constant work in progress. To drive better financial outcomes you need to explore ways to continuously improve your business systems and processes. This necessitates planning, the implementation of technology and, today, the adoption of digital marketing techniques. You also need the support of your staff and small improvements can have a compounding effect.

Ultimately the value of a business is linked to factors like revenue, profits and growth rate. It makes a lot of sense to focus on these areas and if you want to discuss the key profit and growth drivers in your business we invite you to contact us today.

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Tax and BAS returns

Taxation

The implementation of effective tax strategies is an integral part of the financial planning process. Structuring the way in which you receive your salary, superannuation contributions, investments, risk and debt management can significantly minimise your tax implications and are an essential component of your wealth creation and retirement strategy.
At Clear Picture, we want you to accomplish your financial objectives in the most tax-efficient manner as other aspects of your financial plan become easier to implement when your tax liability is minimised.
Our strategies are tested, proven and successful. We offer a broad range of taxation advisory services including:
  • Income Tax
  • Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
  • Superannuation & Transition To Retirement
  • Salary Packaging and Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)
  • Land Tax and Stamp Duty
  • There are numerous tax effective financial planning strategies that may be appropriate for your circumstances and enhance your tax, retirement and wealth objectives. Contact our team to discuss the possibilities.

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BAS

Lodging your BAS correctly and on time can be a difficult and confusing process. You can avoid risk and stress simply by being confident that your ATO tax liabilities and obligations are sorted and your BAS lodgement is correct every time.
It’s not surprising that peace of mind for many business owners comes with appointing an experienced agent to look after their BAS services for them.
Our friendly, service orientated team offer a range of BAS services and lodgement options to suit all small business owners so you have more time to do what you do best – running your business and earning money.
Services include:
  • Preparation of Business Activity Statements from business data
  • Electronic Lodgement of Business Activity Statements
  • Personalised advice on BAS provisions (including GST, PAYG, Withholdings and Instalments, Fringe Benefits Tax, Fuel Tax Credits and more)
  • Preparation of Instalment Activity Statements and Employee Payment Summaries
  • Management of financial data files and preparation of reports for business tax returns
  • Handle payroll and superannuation obligations including Reportable Employer Super Contributions
Contact Us

Accounting

Straight forward and stress-free accounting services are what businesses of all sizes need form their accountants and we believe we provide exactly that. By providing cutting edge accounting and taxation services, and using the right products for your record keeping, our team at XX will work closely with you to ensur we understand your needs. Only in this way can we help you achieve your goals, help you manage your cash flow and help you meet your tax obligations.
While fiscal compliance is of the upmost importance, we also believe in offering professional management advice and support at all times. 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:
  • Accounting & Tax Consultancy Services
  • Personal & Business Tax Returns
  • Annual Reporting
  • Business and Tax Advisory
  • Business ‘start up’ advice
  • Prepare Business plans and financial budgets and review these regularly
  • Measure your performance against industry benchmarks
  • Trust & company structures
  • ATO correspondence Management
  • Taxation – GST & PAYE advice, BAS preparation
  • Liaise with the ATO on your behalf
  • Self-Managed Super auditing
  • Accounting software advice and assistance

Bookkeeping and Payroll


Bookkeeping

Clear Picture can take over all, or some of your bookkeeping activities allowing you to concentrate on growing your business.
We can:
  • Design, establish and review accounting systems and software
  • Perform checks, reconciliations and end of financial year reports
  • Manage your accounts receivable and accounts payable
  • Ensure your business is up to speed with legislative requirements and management reports
  • Undertake payroll duties and compliance
  • Prepare and lodge BAS statements
  • GST & PAYE advice
  • BAS Lodgement
  • GST Reconciliation
  • PAYG Withholding & Superannuation reports
  • Completing expense reports
  • Direct to bank account transactions
  • Organising your documents and records
  • Data / ledger entry
  • Paying bills
  • Completing expense reports
  • Direct to bank account transactions
  • Provide general business administrative support

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Payroll

We can assist you with all facets of payroll and reportable contractor payments. Our professional team are fully versed in all legislative requirements and the processes required in managing this crucial part of your business.
The primary objective of payroll processing is to ensure that employees receive all the financial entitlements they are owed in a timely manner.
Poor payroll processing can be very detrimental to a business as it can significantly impact net income and lead to disgruntled staff. With an abundance of legislation, payment methods and withholdings, payroll management can be a difficult and time-consuming process.
Payroll processing services include:
  • General Payroll – ensure your staff are paid the correct rates and paid according to the correct hours worked.
  • Payslips – Our team can prepare your staffs payslips on your behalf and email them directly to you or your staff along with
  • PAYG Withholdings – Any business that has employees or pays employees of another business must withhold an amount from payments made to them. Any payments made to a business that doesn’t quote an ABN on an invoice or other documentation must also have an amount withheld from payments.
  • Taxable payments reporting – Businesses in the building and construction industry need to report the total payments they make to each contractor for building and construction services each year. These payments need to be reported to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on the Taxable Payments Annual Report, or electronically.
  • Entitlements – calculation of leave including holiday, personal, long service and rostered days off.
  • Payroll Tax, Workers Compensation Insurance, Employment Forms – some or all of these may be needed for your business.
  • Efficient and Electronic systems – these should simplify all processing and provide greater security for you and your staff.
  • Superannuation should be calculated and paid – this is a compulsory whereby employers are required to pay a percentage on top of “ordinary time’s earnings” to a nominated superannuation fund. These contributions need to be made at least once every three months and penalties for late payment are very severe.
  • End of Payroll Year Processing – Reconciling, Generation and Lodgement of employment group certificate’s and payment summaries, taxable payment summaries, reportable fringe benefits and lump sum amounts

Business start ups

There are four main business structures commonly used by 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 that is 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, requires 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.
Before commencing a new business, the following are some of the key items that need to be considered:
  • Decide on the most suitable structure for your business – sole trader, partnership, trust or company
  • Prepare a business plan, cashflow projections, budgets, and trading forecasts
  • Assess your finance requirements, advise on the best sources of finance, and draw up the necessary proposals
  • Establish a good working relationship with your bank
  • Register for a Tax File Number and an Australian Business Number with the ATO
  • Complete registration procedures with Australian Securities and Investments Commission
  • Deal with company secretarial issues
  • Set up a recording system for your internal use and for complying with statutory requirements

Each new business is different and needs to be considered in relation to your individual circumstances and our experience can ensure you are maximising your opportunities.

Consulting

Tax & Accounting Consultancy Services

Management Accounting includes the preparation of management reports and accounts that provide accurate and timely financial and statistical information. Information required by managers to make day-to-day and short-term decisions more efficiently and effectively to achieve desired outcomes such as increasing profit or delivering improved services.
Unlike financial accounting, which produces tax returns and annual reports, management accounting generates monthly or weekly reports for an organization's management and decision makers. These reports typically show items such as available cash, sales revenue, orders in hand, accounts payable and accounts receivable, and outstanding debts. An important aspect of Management accounting is determining what information management needs and communicating this effectively.
Clear Picture can assist with all aspects of management reporting including:
  • Strategic advice to managers about the financial implications of projects
  • KPI reporting
  • Explaining the financial consequences of business decisions
  • Formulating business budgets and business plans and strategies
  • Monitoring spending, financial control and Cashflow projection
  • Conducting internal business audits
  • Monthly/quarterly management reports
  • Product costing reviews.

Tax advice, tax planning and structuring advice

Tax Planning

Tax time is coming up. Are you prepared?
When the time comes to deal with your own taxation and accounts, it can be stressful and hassling. Though through good preparation and planning, you can make tax time work for you and potentially reduce the impact of tax, while keeping up to date.
Clear Picture are specialists at accounting and taxation. Based in XXX, we aim to provide our clients with comprehensive tax planning advice and strategies, all at competitive prices.
We provide assistance for:
  • Individuals
  • Families
  • Artists
  • Trusts
  • Businesses and
  • Organisations (non-profit and commercial)

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Tax Planning

Tax time is coming up. Are you prepared?
When the time comes to deal with your own taxation and accounts, it can be stressful and hassling. Though through good preparation and planning, you can make tax time work for you and potentially reduce the impact of tax, while keeping up to date.
Clear Picture are specialists at accounting and taxation. Based in XXX, we aim to provide our clients with comprehensive tax planning advice and strategies, all at competitive prices.
We provide assistance for:
  • Individuals
  • Families
  • Artists
  • Trusts
  • Businesses and
  • Organisations (non-profit and commercial)

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Structure

A client needs to put in place the right strategies and structures, to create wealth and then review these strategies and structures on a regular basis. That is because your circumstances and goals will change and so will the economy and the legislation relating to how your affairs are structured.
There are many paths that may be more appropriate than others such as:
  • Selecting the best tax structure;
  • Using gearing;
  • Reducing debt;
  • Using Shares, managed funds or other types of assets. Indeed it may be a combination of many to properly meet your needs.

Rental properties

Like any form of business, property ownership can be less than hoped for. However, rental income, gearing, purchase, borrowings, management, appropriate structures, and advice are how XX help clients who rent commercial and residential properties.
Our aim is to ensure such investments generate the appropriate returns.
We assist in a variety of ways:
  • Advice on funding
  • Advice with purchasing
  • Cash flow analysis of property investment
  • Guidance in tax related areas including negative gearing and capital gains tax
  • Advice on ownership structures
  • Preparation of initial land tax returns and land tax variation returns

Trusts

Trust Advice

A trust provides a valuable way of protecting the assets you have accumulated for the benefit of yourself and others. A trust can also be an effective structure for running your business.
We have extensive experience with trusts and are able to offer specialist advice on establishment and compliance, ensuring that all statutory requirements are met.
Clear Picture are also able to organise for the preparation and execution of documentation involved in Trust formation.
Our Trust administration service includes:
  • Minute keeping service
  • Annual accounts
  • Taxation
  • Maintenance of CGT register
  • Income distribution
We know the issues and requirements involved with managing Trusts and can help ensure these tasks are undertaken properly.

NZ Clients and temporary residency

NZ Clients and temporary residency

Clear Picture help New Zealand individuals and businesses — including temporary residents and recent arrivals — manage tax, compliance and financial planning so you can focus on settling in and growing your activities.

Services for NZ clients & temporary residents

  • Tax residency assessment and advice (determine NZ tax residency and obligations)
  • Income tax planning for residents and part-year taxfilers
  • PAYE, GST and IRD registration and compliance
  • Withholding taxes, foreign income disclosure and double tax relief guidance
  • Property tax, rental income and bright-line rule support
  • KiwiSaver advice, provisional tax and payroll setup for employers
  • Cross-border structuring and tax-efficient repatriation of funds
  • End-of-year tax returns, tax credits, and liaison with Inland Revenue

Get in touch for a tailored consultation to clarify your NZ tax position and compliance obligations.

Tax Diary

General Calculators

 

Accounting Videos

Secure File Transfer

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.

Login to Secure File Transfer, or contact us if you require a username and password.