Melbourne has no shortage of accountants, which can make choosing where to start difficult.
The right firm may also depend heavily on what you actually need. An individual with a relatively straightforward tax return may be looking for something very different from a business owner managing payroll, GST, bookkeeping and planning requirements. Property developers, investors and SMSF trustees can have another set of considerations again.
EWM Accountants provides services across several of these areas, allowing prospective clients to investigate a broader accounting and advisory offering through one practice.
According to the business, its approach begins with understanding how each client operates rather than placing everyone into the same service model. Arrangements can therefore differ depending on the client’s reporting requirements, financial structure and preferred way of working.
That may be particularly relevant if you are looking for ongoing accounting support rather than simply completing a single annual lodgement.
Accounting and Taxation Services from EWM Accountants
EWM Accountants provides general accounting services including financial statements, management accounts and financial reporting intended to help clients better understand their financial position.
Its taxation work covers individual and business tax returns as well as tax planning and advisory services.
For businesses, the practical value of accounting information often lies in having it available when decisions need to be made. Current figures can help business owners review profitability, cash flow and performance rather than relying entirely on historical information prepared after the financial year has ended.
Tax circumstances can also vary significantly between individuals and businesses. Before engaging any accountant, it is sensible to discuss the type of entities, investments, business activities or other financial arrangements involved and confirm that the firm regularly handles comparable work.
Bookkeeping, Xero and MYOB Support
Keeping financial records accurate throughout the year can make tax reporting and business management considerably easier.
EWM Accountants offers bookkeeping services including payroll processing, reconciliations and assistance with Xero and MYOB cloud accounting systems.
For small and medium businesses, bookkeeping can affect much more than year-end compliance. Accurate records can influence BAS preparation, payroll administration, cash-flow visibility and the quality of financial information available to owners.
If you are comparing Melbourne bookkeeping or accounting providers, it may be useful to ask how responsibilities are divided between your own staff and the accountant, how frequently records are reviewed and which cloud accounting platform will be used.
EWM Accountants for Property Developers and Investors
Property and investment structures can introduce taxation questions that are more complicated than those associated with a straightforward individual return.
EWM Accountants identifies property developers and investors among the clients it serves. The firm states that its work in this area can involve matters relating to capital gains tax, GST and trust structures.
Director Anna Eydlish also has a legal and corporate background, which the firm brings into its broader approach to business structure, compliance, risk and financial decision-making.
Readers considering accounting advice for property development or investment should still confirm that any accountant’s specific experience is appropriate for their circumstances. Depending on the transaction, separate legal, financial, lending or other professional advice may also be required.
SMSF Accounting, Taxation and Audit Services
Self-managed superannuation funds come with ongoing administration and compliance obligations.
EWM Accountants provides SMSF accounting and taxation services as well as audit-related services, covering areas such as fund administration and tax lodgements.
Anyone operating or considering an SMSF should understand that different professionals may have different responsibilities and regulatory requirements. Before proceeding, confirm exactly which services EWM Accountants will provide, what documentation is required and whether any additional licensed financial advice is needed for decisions outside the scope of accounting and taxation work.
Support During ATO Reviews and Audits
Receiving correspondence about an Australian Taxation Office review or audit can create uncertainty, particularly for business owners dealing with complex records or transactions.
EWM Accountants offers ATO audit assistance and professional representation during reviews and audits.
The firm describes this process not only as a compliance exercise but also as an opportunity to review existing accounting systems and business practices.
If you require help with an ATO matter, ask about the scope of representation, expected costs, required records and whether any legal or specialist taxation advice may also be appropriate.
Business Planning, Finance and Advisory Services
One feature that distinguishes some accounting firms from basic compliance providers is the range of advisory work available alongside accounting and taxation.
EWM Accountants provides business review and planning services covering areas including buying or selling a business, performance reviews, business planning and succession planning.
The firm also offers assistance relating to business finance and insurance.
For Melbourne business owners, these services may be relevant during periods of growth, restructuring, succession or major investment. They can also provide an opportunity to examine how accounting information connects with broader commercial decisions.
As always, prospective clients should establish which services are being provided directly by the accounting firm and whether finance, insurance or other recommendations involve third-party providers or additional professional requirements.
A Personalised Rather Than High-Volume Approach
EWM Accountants describes itself as a specialist practice rather than a volume accounting firm.
Its stated approach is to maintain a manageable client base so the team can spend more time understanding individual businesses, financial circumstances and longer-term objectives.
The firm says this can include adapting practical arrangements such as how information is shared and how frequently financial accounts are reviewed.
That model may appeal to people who want regular contact and more detailed involvement from their accountant. It may be less relevant to someone whose main priority is finding the lowest-cost option for a relatively simple return.
When comparing accountants, it can therefore help to consider not only the fee but also the level of service you actually expect to receive.
Long-Term Client Relationships
EWM Accountants publishes testimonials from clients across a number of industries, including professional services, property, finance and safety equipment.
Some of those testimonials describe relationships extending for more than a decade.
The business cites clients including Steve Mancer of Summit Workwear and Safety, Tony Height of Quantum Business Finance, Ilya Furman of Franchise Legal and Peter Cass of Rider Levett Bucknall.
Their published comments refer to areas such as professional service, practical accounting advice, attention to business operations and Anna Eydlish’s corporate and legal background.
Testimonials can provide useful context when researching a provider, but they should form only one part of the decision. You may also want to consider the firm’s services, qualifications, communication style, fees and suitability for your particular financial circumstances.
What to Check Before Choosing an Accountant in Melbourne
Choosing an accountant can affect tax compliance, business reporting and important financial decisions, so it is worth doing your own checks before engaging a firm.
Ask what services are included, how fees are structured and how often you will communicate with the accountant. If your circumstances involve property development, trusts, SMSFs or complex business structures, confirm that the accountant regularly handles that type of work.
It is also sensible to verify current professional registrations or qualifications where relevant and to clarify which advice falls within the firm’s professional scope.
Business information can change, so current services, personnel, availability and pricing should always be confirmed directly with the provider.
Is EWM Accountants Worth Considering?
If you are researching accountants in Melbourne, EWM Accountants is one business worth considering, particularly if you are looking for more than basic annual tax preparation.
Its service offering covers accounting, taxation, bookkeeping, SMSF work, ATO audit assistance and business advisory services, with particular relevance to businesses, investors, property developers and individuals with more involved financial arrangements.
The firm also emphasises a personalised approach and ongoing client relationships rather than a high-volume accounting model. Visit ewmaccountants.com.au to review its current services and decide whether its approach suits your circumstances.
Whether that approach is right for you will depend on your circumstances, budget and the type of assistance you need. Review the firm’s current services, speak with the team about your requirements and compare your options before making a decision.
