Questions About Business Finance? We've Got Answers
Running a business in Australia means dealing with finance questions daily. Some are straightforward. Others keep you up at night. We've gathered the most common ones we hear from business owners across Sydney and beyond—and we're breaking down the answers in plain language.
Callum Bjornstad
Business Finance Specialist
"Most businesses don't fail because of bad ideas. They struggle because cash flow wasn't managed properly from day one. It's about understanding your numbers before they become problems."
Siobhan Kerrigan
Tax & Compliance Advisor
"The ATO questions I get asked most? They're usually about deductions that business owners miss entirely. Small things add up—vehicle logs, home office setups, equipment depreciation."
Petra Lundqvist
Financial Operations Strategist
"When business owners ask me about scaling, I always start with their financial operations. You can't grow sustainably if your backend processes are held together with spreadsheets and hope."
Common Questions We Handle Every Week
These are real questions from business owners we work with. No jargon, no corporate speak—just honest answers based on what actually works.
How do I know if my cash flow is actually healthy?
Look at your operating cycle. Can you cover three months of expenses without new revenue? If not, you're running tight. We help businesses build cash reserves that give them breathing room when clients pay late or unexpected costs hit.
What business expenses can I actually claim?
Anything you use exclusively for business. The grey area is mixed-use items—your car, phone, home office. That's where proper documentation matters. We walk through your specific situation and identify legitimate deductions you might be missing.
Should I be registered for GST yet?
Required once you hit $75,000 in annual turnover. But some businesses register earlier to claim GST credits on startup costs. It depends on your industry and whether you're buying expensive equipment upfront. We can run the numbers with you.
How often should I review my business finances?
Monthly minimum. Weekly if you're growing fast or managing tight margins. A quick review keeps small issues from becoming expensive problems. We set up dashboards that let you see key metrics without diving into full reports every time.
What's the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?
Bookkeepers handle daily transactions and keep records organized. Accountants analyze those records, provide strategic advice, and handle tax compliance. Most businesses need both—though when you're small, a good accountant often covers the basics of both roles.
When should I consider hiring a CFO or financial advisor?
When you're making decisions that could significantly impact your business trajectory—expanding locations, hiring multiple staff, taking on debt, or preparing for sale. If financial strategy is keeping you awake at night, it's time to bring in expertise.
Still Have Questions About Your Specific Situation?
Every business is different. What works for a retail shop in Maroubra won't necessarily apply to a consulting firm in the CBD. We don't do cookie-cutter advice.
Book a conversation with our team. We'll look at your actual numbers, your industry context, and what you're trying to achieve. Then we'll give you straight answers about what makes sense for your business.
Get Your Questions Answered