Help SMEs Navigate Growth with Business Planning

Every successful journey starts with a destination – and a clear roadmap to get there. For SMEs, the business plan is that map. Without it, how can business owners monitor progress, anticipate roadblocks, or seize opportunities?

As an accountant, bookkeeper or business advisor, you’re in the ideal position to help your clients shift from reactive to strategic thinking – and that starts with structured planning, predictive insights, and ongoing performance monitoring.

Plan: Create Clarity and Direction

Start with the SME Needs Analysis – a powerful tool to uncover the challenges and ambitions of your client’s business. Then, host a think tank session with the leadership team to define the vision and surface key operational and market issues. From marketing strategies to export development opportunities, these conversations form the foundation for a robust business plan.

Key elements to explore include:

This collaborative process ensures the leadership team owns the business plan – crucial for real-world implementation.

Predict: Financial Interpretation with Impact

Once the vision is in place, it’s time to interpret it financially. Through predictive accounting, you’ll generate:

✅ Budgets by division

✅ Cash flow forecasts

✅ Projected balance sheets

✅ Funding models and KPI analysis

These reports don’t just present numbers – they tell a story. One that can reveal potential cash flow gaps, funding needs, or overly ambitious assumptions. Is it realistic to reduce debtor days from 50 to 32? Should creditor terms be extended from 40 to 60 days? These are the conversations that turn theory into action.

You’ll also help your clients weigh up funding options – whether it’s debt, equity, or reinvestment – and embed these choices into the financial roadmap.

Perform: Drive Execution and Accountability

With the business plan and financial projections aligned, implementation begins. Through a 52-Week Business Enhancement System, weekly performance reviews, and rhythm-based meetings, SMEs can monitor their progress like large corporates do.

Accountants who offer Virtual CFO services are now giving SME clients access to high-level insights once reserved for big business. With technology, cloud accounting, and the right advisory tools, you can help clients:

✅ Track performance weekly

✅ Adjust quickly to problems

✅ Scale up with confidence

✅ Maintain strong corporate governance

This is advisory that drives growth – a proactive, strategic approach that leads to measurable outcomes.

Now Is the Time to Act

SMEs are facing uncertain conditions. Many are ready for growth – but they need expert guidance.

The ESS BIZTOOLS Financial Forecasting Package provides the systems, templates, and support you need to deliver this high-value advisory service.

✅ Book a complimentary 40-minute Zoom overview: Email

✅ Take advantage of our EOFY 50% SUBSCRIPTION DISCOUNT 

EXPLORE FINANCIAL FORECASTING PACKAGE HERE

ESS BIZTOOLS Podcast

In this edition of Accountants Minute Podcast, Peter Towers, founder and Managing Director of ESS BIZTOOLS, dives deep into the essential – but often overlooked – topic of corporate governance for SMEs. This episode is a must-listen for accountants, bookkeepers, and business advisors who want to provide stronger leadership and risk management guidance to their clients.

From understanding directors' duties under the Corporations Act to improving board meeting practices, internal controls, and financial literacy, Peter outlines practical steps professionals can take to help SME clients strengthen their governance frameworks. Whether your clients are companies, not-for-profits, sporting clubs, or churches, this episode shows how Corporate Governance can boost confidence, prevent costly mistakes, and build stakeholder trust.

Learn how to position yourself as the trusted advisor your clients need to navigate their legal and fiduciary responsibilities. Plus, discover how ESS BIZTOOLS' Corporate Governance and Advisory Packages can support your advisory journey.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST

Listen to more Accountants Minute Podcast episodes here

Want to know more?

Visit www.essbiztools.com.au.

If you would like to have a discussion about how this concept of virtual CFO services can be supplied by Australian accounting firms please ring our Managing Director, Peter Towers, on 0418 190 181 and we will arrange a complimentary 45-minute Zoom meeting to discuss your firm’s position and to give you our advice.

We believe that this is the blueprint for the delivery of an enhanced range of services by Australian Accounting and Bookkeeping firms to assist SME businesses to add value to their businesses and to assist accountants and bookkeepers not only to attract but to retain outstanding talent who want to be involved in the delivery of “real accounting services”.

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