Like you, we at CGH Accounting Services are excited about 2022 and a fresh new, positive direction. We’re saying Sayōnara to the frustrating times which were the last 2 years. Bring on much happier days… We reckon this decade is only going to get better from here on in, and that’s worth celebrating. At CGH Accounting we like to celebrate the good things in life, and we have some fantastic news to cheer about – more on that below.
This year we’re going to post a blog once a month to keep our excellent clients up to date with developments in our business and the industry – and provide a few tips – so stay tuned. Welcome one and all, to this new year – from everyone at CGH Accounting. Thank you for your continued support of our business; we hope to see in many more new years helping support your businesses and families.
There’s a lot that your accountant can do to make life easier you know. Below we discuss a few ways you can make the most of the relationship. But first to the news room, or should we say, new rooms!
COMING THROUGH COVID
It has been a tricky time for us, like everyone else. We have been busy looking after your tax affairs, but to keep things safe and simple (and in compliance with mandates), staff worked almost entirely from home over the last couple of years. We managed to make this function exceedingly well; in fact, we probably handled it better than many small businesses, as we were effectively already set-up to do so. We had work from home procedures and protocols well established – since 2013 actually. That’s when we created our own remote operations capacity for staff and clients. We were very grateful to have this in place. CGH Accounting was able to make the switch swiftly and smoothly when Covid19 hit the fan! We’ve navigated the treacherous straits of Coronavirus with skill, and the good ship CGH is all about smooth sailing now. CGH plans to continue to improve our online processes, to ensure that our accounting services are provided as seamlessly and simply as possible.
CGH ACCOUNTING MOVING INTO FANTASTIC NEW OFFICE SPACE
We are seeing a lot more of staff already, but currently our new office is under construction, so for the time being remote working continues to be best – for that reason – but thankfully not due to stay at home orders anymore. The new two storey structure is coming along very nicely indeed. See progress photos below. Ballarat builder Hamish McGregor of McGregor Building is overseeing the project. He is an old friend and an old school craftsman. We can’t wait to see the finished product. It will be a state of the art, boutique office space. It will make coming to work an absolute pleasure for CGH staff, and will be a terrific location for meeting up with our clients. The build is expected to be completed in June. New year, new offices, new chapters to be written…
HOW TO GET THE MOST MILEAGE OUT OF YOUR ACCOUNTANTS
Having a top-notch accountant is crucial to the success of your business and personal affairs. Your accountant is an advisor, a consultant and just might be a saviour at times. We are a valuable resource for all your planning and tax issues. We can assist you with just about all operational matters. Knowing you have the right accountant is important. You’ll often need to work closely with them, so seeing eye to eye is critical. But there’s actually more that you can do – in collaboration with your accountant – to really grow and finesse your business. The connection can be your most rewarding business relationship. It can be more like a partnership. It’s a two-way street though; you need to know how to maximise the benefits of the alliance. We share our 5 top tips below:
1. A MAN’S GOT TO KNOW HIS LIMITATIONS
So said our favourite actor, Clint Eastwood (Magnum Force, 1973). We all have our strengths and well, our areas with room for improvement. There’s a specialist for everything. You wouldn’t try to fix the faulty air conditioner yourself, would you? Better to have someone who knows what they’re doing, who will sort it out swiftly; whose work is efficient and cost-effective. The same goes with your business. You don’t want to be wasting time and money on things which aren’t within your expertise. It’s far more prudent to spend that time applying your particular skill set to your business: whether it’s sales, management, admin, marketing, operations or whatever. If you are not a specialist in tax planning, capital gains taxation, financial analysis etc., then defer to the people who are.
2. HELP ME HELP YOU!
Another favourite line from a movie – Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire. Next, you’ll be demanding, “Show me the money!” Which is exactly what we want to do for you, actually. We also want to add value to your enterprise. You’re paying us for our knowledge and skills and application. Get organised. The more tidy your affairs are when you bring them to us, the faster we’ll get it all sorted. This will give us more time to focus on the bigger picture, which is growing your business. Give us the full picture. Don’t cause us to re-visit this and that; re-do stuff. That wastes our time and your money. Use checklists (we can help you with this). If we ask you for information, we need it. Get us that info. It’s in your best interests. When we recommend certain courses of action, please heed the advice. Ask us for our suggestions when you’ve got problems. A stitch in time saves nine.
3. GET READY TO GO
Do your homework before meetings with your accountant. Be ready with the questions you want answered. Explain your goals to us. Tell us what you’re expecting in terms of outcomes. Prepare the paperwork properly, so it’s good to go. Have an overarching understanding of what your accountants are going to do for your business, or personal affairs. Let’s get on with it!
4. WE’LL GIVE YOU A TIP FOR FREE
Accountants will often give you free advice and consultations. Use up your freebies! You’ll need to know exactly what it is you need to unpack or find a solution to. As mentioned above, being prepared is key. Give us a heads up too; we will do the background checks and balances from our end, prior to imparting our wisdom, gratis. You’re welcome!
5. CHECK WITH US FIRST
Some enthusiastic business owners jump head long into financial situations which go pear shaped, without having sought advice from their accountants first. This can be a massive headache for all parties, and could have been avoided just with a quick call or email. We’ve got your back. We need to know what’s going on though, so please keep us in the loop.
