Accounting firms offer a variety of services to help business owners stay organized, tax-compliant, and ready for growth. They should be seen as business partners, not just bookkeeping cost-cutters. Most accounting firms provide bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, business valuation, financial planning, and more, with some specializing in tax strategy. Here are some of the most common services that an accounting firm can provide:
Accountancy firms can assist by working with bookkeepers to maintain accurate cash flow records, generate profit and loss statements, manage accounts receivable, and handle outgoing funds like vendor payments and payroll processing. They can also assist in completing the required federal paperwork for onboarding employees and independent contractors, ensuring the company can issue year-end payment documents.
- Tax preparation and planning
Accounting firms prepare corporate tax returns and year-end business documents and delegate authority to represent clients in ATO (the Australian Taxation Office), information requests, or audits. They also help identify the best tax scenarios for businesses and help create entities that make the most tax sense.
Accounting firms can assist in estate planning requirements and develop the right mix of business entity creation and family trust establishment. They collaborate with estate planning attorneys, financial planners, and insurance agents to develop long-term strategies for business transfers and estate tax mitigation. They also help identify specific estate planning requirements for businesses and their key owners.
- Business Growth and Valuation
Accounting firms are crucial for companies to create valuation reports, obtain audits, and obtain financing for loans or funding. They use the previous year’s revenues, book of business, and growth patterns to determine a reasonable value for a company. They also provide pro forma financial statements and projections to new businesses, used to secure initial funding or expand a business. These calculations are based on industry data and existing company financial history.
What are the different types of accounting firms?
Accounting firms are essential for businesses in Australia to handle critical financial tasks, adhering to ASIC and GAAP accounting rules. They audit financial statements and provide taxation, management consulting, mergers and acquisitions, and forensic accounting. The required firms are determined by a business’s needs and can offer tools and software like Reckon Accounting Packages for basic invoicing, billing, tax calculations, and project management.
- Tax accounting companies
Tax accounting firms cater to businesses and individuals, employing CPAs. They must stay updated on the tax laws established by the ATO. Employees are required to take continuing education courses to stay informed. Tax season is particularly busy, with employees working long hours.
- Firms that provide bookkeeping services
Bookkeeping firms provide basic accounting services for small and medium-sized businesses, including accounts receivable and payable, bank reconciliation, financial statement preparation, payroll, tax preparation, and loan package preparation.
- Firms of Public Accountants
Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) who work in audit, tax, and management consulting are common in public accounting firms.
- Forensic accounting firms
Forensic accounting firms use accounting skills and legal policies to uncover fraudulent activities, collaborate with law enforcement, and testify in court cases involving embezzlement, identity theft, money laundering, and stock price manipulation.
Conclusion
Finally, accounting firms’ responsibilities include providing financial advice, conducting audits, preparing tax returns, ensuring regulatory compliance, offering management consulting, and assisting businesses in making sound financial decisions.
THE AUTHOR: Jitin B
