To have a successful business you must plan ahead but the pressures of daily business can often mean that strategic planning takes a back seat. We'll help you establish a strategic plan that looks at where you want your business to be in the next 3-5 years and exactly how you and your team can achieve these aims and objectives.

Your strategic plan will:

• Define the characteristics of your company in 3-5 years
• Identify your competitors
• Define your objectives and financial goals
• Include an effective implementation plan to achieve your goals
• Include a budget that sets financial targets and measures performance
• Identify areas of risk and how they can be mitigated

The techniques we utilise in the formation of financial projections will allow you to consider future scenarios and provide goals to strive for in your business. There are many types of budgets and we can help you design the right budget for your needs and requirements.

In addition to goal-setting value, budgets will often improve your chances of acquiring funding. Financers often require budgets as a prerequisite for funding approval.

Succession Planning 

In ensuring the long-term success of your business, it is critical to establish a well-designed succession plan. Coordination of the transition of your business to your successors can be an arduous process. However, with our years of experience we can address the complex issues of business continuation, taking the stress off your shoulders. 

Contact us for more information on forming a plan that allows for a hassle free continuation of your business. 

Risk Management

Your strategic plan needs to take into account risk management. A multitude of risks exist in today's business environment. At Rochdale Accounting & Business Advisory we pride ourselves on our proven ability to accurately assess risk and to protect you from vulnerabilities inherent in your enterprise. An effective risk management strategy will improve performance, allow completion of goals, and protect the value of your business.
A risk assessment includes:

• Assembling relevant information about your business and its market
• Identifying major risks facing your organisation
• Developing a risk strategy
• Implementation of the risk management procedures as part of your strategic plan

Let us show you how strategic planning, understanding risk and proactively budgeting can help you to create a vision for your business.

Have you ever wondered how your business performs compared to your competitors? What is their average bottom line? Are you spending enough on advertising? Are you paying too much rent? Are your staff costs too high?

Surviving in today's business climate requires you to spend more time working on your business than in it. We can provide you with accurate, timely, informative benchmarking reports that enable you to:

• See how your business compares to your competitors
• Understand more about how the rest of your industry works
• Analyse the key performance indicators in your industry

Equipped with this information, we'll work with you to develop action strategies that improve your bottom line.

Modern business demands up-to-date accurate financial information.

The team at Rochdale can relieve you and your staff of an enormous burden by taking care of all your bookkeeping and accounting needs, including the preparation of your annual accounts and periodic management accounts for tax, business appraisal and planning purposes.

We will discuss your requirements with you and provide you with tailored information and constructive advice on a regular basis.

Software and systems

We can also help you make the right choice when it comes to accounting software. An appropriate, effective accounting system will help you keep track of your cash flow and give you the option to complete GST returns easily.

Choosing the right system for your business can be a difficult one - after all there are over sixty different accounting packages available in Australia. Here at Rochdale we have invested considerable resources into ongoing staff training to ensure we are can recommend the best accounting solution for your business.

With payroll and employment legislation growing increasingly complex, administration of an efficient payroll system can save time and allow you to focus on the core activities of your business. As part of a systems approach to your business needs, Rochdale can provide comprehensive payroll advice on the following:

• Customised payslips
• Administration of PAYG, statutory sick pay, annual leave etc.
• ATO filing
• Summaries and analyses of staff costs
• Administration of incentive schemes, bonuses and termination payments

Navigating your way through the complex legal and governance requirements to start your own business can be challenging. Let us help you turn your business idea into a reality with minimal stress.

We can help you:

• Decide on the most suitable structure for your business - sole trader, partnership, or limited company
• Prepare a business plan, cash flow 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 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

Have you ever wondered if you are holding too much inventory? Is this the right time to expand your business? Are you going to have enough cash to pay all expenses every month?

You can’t run a business without cash and even a profitable business cannot operate sustainably without good cash flow. Managing cash flow involves understanding your cash flow patterns, identifying where problems may arise and forecasting where your cash flow levels may be at an identified point in the future.

We can assist you to implement and maintain cash flow forecasting to provide insights into how cash flow is affected by creditor days, debtor days, capital payments, personal withdrawals, diminished profitability and/or squeezed margins, along with any expansion plans.

The accurate and timely cashflow forecasting reports provided by Rochdale can help you:

• Realise and understand when cash is available
• Plan and prepare for expansion, stock control, and taxes
• Analyse and anticipate key expenses

Armed with this information, we'll work with you to develop action strategies to improve your bottom line.

For an insight from Rochdale CEO, Troy Furness about the value of cash flow forecasting, see Troy's blog post, Is a cash flow worth the paper it's written on?

A wide range of financing options exist, all with their pros and cons. At Rochdale Accounting & Business Advisory we know the financial market, and have the experience to assist you in securing the best financing option for your personal and business goals. Our experience in the market means we are also able to structure debt upon acquisition to maximise tax advantages.

Our aim is to ensure your business achieves its potential. We have the know-how and experience to help you run your business more effectively.

We are practised in acting as a sounding board for management, bringing years of experience in business growth to the relationship. Together we can identify key performance indicators for your business, which will help you to track progress and achieve your goals.

We check that your business is as competitive, focused, and profitable as it can be, and offer flexible strategies, designed to address the issues affecting your business.

Let us give your business a health check! Take the practical advice we can provide to ensure the ongoing success of your venture.

Selling a business can be a difficult, often disheartening time. As a result, the tasks involved in selling a business can seem particularly arduous. Here at Rochdale we are able to relieve that stress for you.

The services we provide in relation to organising the selling of a business include:

• Obtaining comparative results
• Establishing a realistic sale price
• Taking the business to the market
• Negotiating with potential purchasers
• Drafting a contract

Our friendly and professional team is able to assist you so a maximum return for your business can be achieved.

Rochdale provides a thorough systems review service, assisting our clients to review their strategic and operational plans. This can be done as part of the audit process or as a separate service.

A system review can help identify areas of potential improvement across the spectrum of your business including finance, operations, human resources and procurement. This can assist you to improve efficiency, reduce expenditure and ensure the integration of all areas of your business.

Often processes and procedures are in place but not documented, creating a level of risk in the case of staff turnover. We can help you prepare documentation that can be shared with staff and used as a training tool as well as aid succession planning.

Speak with one of our superannuation specialists today

We can ensure you make the right decisions with your superannuation through a combination of investment and strategic advice.

Superannuation can help you meet your retirement goals and we’ll help you to review whether you are using it effectively. The Rochdale Accounting & Financial Services Financial Planning team prides itself on having the most current information available to help you make smart and timely decisions about your superannuation.

We can guide you through:

• Contribution and withdrawal issues
• Taxation considerations
• Transition to retirement strategies
• Investment of your superannuation
• Gauging and managing the right level of risk for you

Self Managed Superannuation Funds

An increasing number of Australians are choosing to build wealth and provide for their retirement through Self Managed Superannuation Funds.

But is a Self Managed Superannuation Fund for you? What is involved? What would you invest in? What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Rochdale Senior Financial Planners, Nick Rose and David Shume can answer all your questions about SMSFs and help advise on the best strategy to meet your investment goals. Read Nick's blog post on SMSFs.

Both Nick and David are accredited SMSF Specialist Advisors™, a certification granted only by the SPAA (Self Managed Super Fund Professional’s Association of Australia). Advisors with this designation have undergone independent accreditation and make an ongoing commitment to professional development and excellence in the SMSF sector.

Rochdale Accounting & Financial Services Pty Ltd is a corporate authorised representative (303378) of Capstone Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFSL 223135. ?For more information on Capstone Financial Planning refer to their website www.capstonefp.com.au, call 1300 306 900, fax (03) 8622 0799 or email info@capstonefp.com.au

Most people make the mistake of leaving their retirement planning until it's too late. The earlier you start planning the easier it will be to reach your goals.

Do you know the answer to the following questions:

• How much cash and assets do you need to acquire to retire comfortably?
• How much will you have available to spend in retirement?
• WHat amount of money should you put aside each week to fund your retirement?
• When can you afford to retire?
• Will you get an Age Pension?
• Is there a better balance between “have now” and “have later”?
• What investment vehicle should you be using to fund your retirement?
• What will your lifestyle be like if you don’t plan for your retirement?
• What role should superannuation play in your retirement plans?
• Is investing in superannuation a better idea than negative gearing?

We can help you to answer all of these questions and more importantly set some goals regarding your retirement. Once the goals are set we can assist you in developing a plan to achieve them.

Rochdale Accounting & Financial Services Pty Ltd is a corporate authorised representative (303378) of Capstone Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFSL 223135. ?For more information on Capstone Financial Planning refer to their website www.capstonefp.com.au, call 1300 306 900, fax (03) 8622 0799 or email info@capstonefp.com.au

Taxation is a key consideration in your Financial Plan.

What are the tax consequences of your financial decisions and what impact will this have on your long-term wealth accumulation?

What taxation implications should you consider with your superannuation, investments, life insurance and estate plan?

What is the after-tax return of your investment?

We can work with you to ensure that you are aware of the taxation consequences of your financial plan and develop a plan that takes advantage of the taxation concessions available to you.

Rochdale Accounting & Financial Services Pty Ltd is a corporate authorised representative (303378) of Capstone Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFSL 223135. ?For more information on Capstone Financial Planning refer to their website www.capstonefp.com.au, call 1300 306 900, fax (03) 8622 0799 or email info@capstonefp.com.au

The specialists at Rochdale Accounting & Financial Services provide you with a portfolio management service through which handling your investments can be easy! We provide the people, tools, and methods you require to effectively manage your investment portfolio.

Your portfolio manager will keep abreast of the changes in the investment market so you don't have to. You maintain control of your investments while eliminating unnecessary risks and delegating the everyday tasks and complex decisions to your experienced investment manager.

We can guide you through all aspects of the investment decision-making process including:

• Your investment time-frame
• The options available to you
• Whether you can realistically afford to make the investment
• Taxation implications, now and later
• Risks, including economic and legislative

At Rochdale Accounting & Financial Services we design and manage portfolios with your individual requirements and objectives in mind. This means your investments are handled in the most efficient manner possible and ensures your goals are met.

Rochdale Accounting & Financial Services Pty Ltd is a corporate authorised representative (303378) of Capstone Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFSL 223135. ?For more information on Capstone Financial Planning refer to their website www.capstonefp.com.au, call 1300 306 900, fax (03) 8622 0799 or email info@capstonefp.com.au

In its simplest form, an estate plan requires you to have a Will, but there is much more to estate planning that simply stating who you wish to leave your assets to.

Do you know what the taxation consequences are of leaving your superannuation to your adult children?

Did you know that your superannuation assets can bypass your Will and be paid directly to you nominated beneficiaries?

Have you considered who would control your assets if you were mentally incapacitated?

Have you heard of a Testamentary Trust and do you know the advantages and disadvantages?

Whilst we are not solicitors and cannot give legal advice, we can, in conjunction with your solicitor assist you in structuring an appropriate estate plan.

Rochdale Accounting & Financial Services Pty Ltd is a corporate authorised representative (303378) of Capstone Financial Planning Pty Ltd AFSL 223135. ?For more information on Capstone Financial Planning refer to their website www.capstonefp.com.au, call 1300 306 900, fax (03) 8622 0799 or email info@capstonefp.com.au

The GST system is a complex and confusing one. For this reason Rochdale Accounting & Business Advisory ensures its staff are continuously up to date on the changes, and able to offer you accurate advice.

Every transaction now brings with it a GST issue. We have experience with these issues and are able to offer expert advice on the implications of GST for your business. The GST-related services we offer include, but are not limited to:

• Advice on registering for GST
• Filing and adjusting GST returns
• ATO audit assistance

At Rochdale Accounting & Business Advisory we offer a full range of taxation services. Our taxation consulting division is nationally recognised which means we can offer advice based on proven knowledge and experience. Our proactive approach ensures we deliver a consistent service and build solid relationships that stand the test of time.

Taxation can be a major cost to your business. We will work in partnership with you to minimise your tax and help you achieve your key objectives.

We provide a complete service of help and advice in all of the following areas:

• Preparation of activity statements and advice on payment of tax
• GST/FBT obligations
• Advice on and implementation of tax effective trust structures for asset protection and tax minimisation
• Management of any ATO Audits or disputes 

We specialise in audit and assurance services for incorporated associations. The audit and assurance services we offer include, but are not limited to:

• Financial Year Audits
• Internal Control Reviews
• Other special assurance assignments

Now more than ever, individuals, businesses and Self Managed Superannuation Funds are at risk of being selected for a random audit by the ATO or other agency.

The cost of being properly represented in these matters can be considerable depending on the time involved in preparing accurate and timely responses to requests for information.

Most clients who are audited by the ATO prefer us to manage the process on their behalf as it reduces the stress associated with being audited and we have the knowledge in-house to ask the right questions and produce the most appropriate responses.

Even if there are no adjustments to your return/s, the costs associated with preparation of materials and managing the response process can be proportionate to the complexity of your financial situation.

Guard against these unbudgeted costs by taking up Audit Insurance. Audit Insurance covers the professional fees incurred in preparing relevant documentation and responses to the ATO or any other Government Agency conducting an audit, review or investigation.

Rochdale's Audit Shield policy, underwritten by Vero Insurance Ltd, a division of Suncorp Ltd, covers costs (up to a prescribed limit) for any audits, reviews or investigations relating to the current and all previous years. This service is an effective and relatively inexpensive way to be prepared for the possibility of audit, review or investigation.

The cost of Audit Insurance is fully tax deductible. Please note that while this insurance covers the cost of responding to the ATO, it does not cover tax, penalties or interest in the case of a breach.

For more information about this service, please contact us.

There are many scenarios in which you might wish to attain a business enterprise. Whatever the situation, Rochdale Accounting & Business Advisory is able to eliminate the stress and maximise the opportunity for you.

Whether you are considering buying a business or merging with another business, we have the experience and the expertise you need. We ask the right questions, and find the necessary answers. Are you getting a good deal? Is the business right for you? Can you afford it? Have all avenues for future growth been investigated?

The services we provide incorporate every stage of the process - from identifying potential acquisitions, to the negotiations of the commercial elements of the transaction, through to forecasting the future of the business. Incorporated in this is:

• A review of your goals and objectives
• Due diligence services 
• Preparation of financial forecasts
• Advice on potential pitfalls and rewards involved in a merger
• Assistance with purchase negotiations
• Advice on financing
• Assistance with preparation of a business plan

Let Rochdale Accounting & Business Advisory show you how our experience can save you from stress, and provide you with the great opportunity a business acquisition or merger can be.

Charitable trusts are trusts set up to hold money or assets and carry out activities for the benefit of the community. In Australia, five main types of charitable trusts exist:

• Australian charitable trust
• General charitable trust
• Prescribed charitable trust
• Deductible gift recipient
• Prescribed private fund

Each type of charitable trust brings with it different requirements and benefits. At Rochdale Accounting & Business Advisory we know the practicalities of charitable trusts. We are able to assist you by:

• Preparing the trust deed
• Applying to the ATO for an ABN
• Organising tax exemptions where applicable

Most importantly, our experiences enable us to ensure that your trust is used to effectively reach your charitable goals.

Company legislation requires businesses to perform many administration tasks take up a lot of valuable company time. The last thing you need as a business owner is to be stressed out trying to ensure you are complying with the Corporations Law.

The possible threat of penalties for failing to keep up with the changing rules is too great a risk to take. At Rochdale Accounting & Business Advisory we are able to relieve this burden for you. Our services include:

• General advice on company law
• Company formations
• Filing of annual returns on your behalf
• Preparation of all documentation related to minutes and resolutions
• Maintenance of statutory books
• Assistance in changes of directors, shareholders, addresses, and office details
• Bonus Issues
• Share transfers
• Registered Office Facility

Please contact us for further information on how we can help you to get back to the task of running your business.

Farm accounting involves specific business, financial, and taxation issues, and as such requires a specialist understanding of the industry. At Rochdale Accounting & Business Advisory we keep abreast of the developments in both the farming and accounting industries, putting us in a position to provide up-to-date and accurate advice.

Our services include:

• Farm budgeting and cash flows
• Farm sales and purchases
• Ownership structures
• Preparation of financial statements
• Taxation
• Seasonal planning
• Succession planning

The key to avoiding insolvency is to seek professional help as soon as the first signs of difficulty appear. The experienced professionals at Rochdale Accounting & Business Advisory are able to assist in identifying problem areas, and suggest solutions to improve the position of the company. Timely and expert advice may be able to save your business from liquidation or receivership.

Receivership entails someone being appointed to raise funds within the company to repay a financer. In the case so many of the company assets are sold it is unable to continue daily business, liquidation is necessary. A liquidator disposes of all the assets of the company and repays creditors. Upon liquidation the company ceases to exist.

In the event that liquidation or receivership is necessary, the team at Rochdale Accounting & Business Advisory also has the experience and skills required to assist.

If your business is struggling under financial and operational difficulties, proactive and insightful action is vital for avoidance or minimisation of the ramifications. Contact us today for an appointment and expert advice to aid your situation.

At Rochdale Accounting & Business Advisory we have the necessary expertise to assist in a variety of areas in relation to residential and commercial property.

The services we offer our clients include:

• Advice on the purchasing of a property
• Reviews of lease agreements
• Advice on funding
• Guidance in tax minimisation
• Advice on ownership structure

Periodic reviews to ensure returns are maximised

A trust provides a valuable way of protecting the assets you have accumulated for the benefit of others.

We have extensive experience and so are able to offer specialist advice on Trust formation, ensuring that all statutory requirements are met. Obligations for trustees can often be onerous, and our assistance in Trust administration will also be invaluable.

We are able to:

• Prepare and execute the vital documentation involved in Trust formation
• Attend to the special requirements involved in reporting for Trusts
• Trust administration
• Minute keeping service
• Annual accounts
• Taxation
• Asset management
• Investment monitoring
• Income distribution

Contact us today to ensure that your trust is formed and administered as effectively as possible, covering all legal requirements allowing it to fulfill its purpose.

An independent valuation provides you with answers to the questions you often need to ask about the value of a business or property. Am I getting the best price for the sale of my business? Is the asking price too much?

We are trained and experienced in business valuations and are able to provide you with simple guidelines and formulae for evaluating the worth of a business. We are also able to appear in court and in arbitration as expert witnesses in relation to business valuations.

Choose Rochdale Accounting & Business Advisory for a professional and accurate valuation service.