SMEs Need a Trusted Advisor

Running a small business in Australia has never been more challenging. Financial and commercial pressures are mounting, and for many SMEs, these issues can spell disaster if left unaddressed.

Recent research paints a stark picture:

• A third of businesses with significant tax debts have closed in the past year (CreditorWatch).
• More than 25% of SME owners have gone without pay or dipped into personal savings to manage cash flow (CommBank).
• Business failures have surged by 50%, driven by rising costs, tax office crackdowns, and elevated interest rates (News Limited).

For many SME operators, the dream of running a business is quickly met with the harsh realities of cash flow management, unpredictable economic conditions, and operational pressures. As one Sydney business owner noted, “People think starting a business is glamorous, but cash flow is where reality hits hard.”

The Role of Accountants as SME Advisors

Amid these challenges, SMEs need more than just an accountant—they need a trusted advisor. Accountants are uniquely positioned to offer critical financial and commercial advice, helping businesses navigate complex challenges, from managing cash flow to planning for growth.

To empower accountants to step into this advisory role, ESS BIZTOOLS has developed a comprehensive suite of resources tailored to the needs of SMEs. These ready-to-use tools cover a broad spectrum of business challenges, including:

Cash Flow Management

Tools to forecast and monitor key financial metrics like gross profit, stock levels, and debtor balances.

Business Planning

Detailed systems for creating budgets, financial projections, and strategic business plans.

Risk Management

Resources to identify and mitigate risks, including advice on leveraging the Personal Property Securities Register.

Capital Raising

Guidance on accessing government grants, crowdfunding, and innovative funding mechanisms under Section 708 Corporations Act.

Succession Planning

Strategies to ensure a seamless transition of business ownership.

Why This Matters

SMEs often lack the resources of larger corporations, including access to full-time financial officers or specialised advisors. This is where accountants can step in to provide critical support. With tools like those offered by ESS BIZTOOLS, accountants can:

• Deliver virtual CFO services to business that are ‘scaling up’.
• Conduct business health checks and benchmark performance.
• Assist with grant applications and capital raising strategies.
• Provide real-world solutions to everyday business challenges.

Take the Next Step

ESS BIZTOOLS is committed to equipping accountants, bookkeepers, and advisors with the resources they need to help SMEs thrive.

If you’d like to learn more about how our system can support your firm, we offer a complimentary 40-minute Zoom consultation. Contact us at to schedule your session.

Visit www.essbiztools.com.au to explore how we can help you empower your clients and grow your advisory services.

Visit our website – www.essbiztools.com.au – to discover the detailed overview of the services provided by ESS BIZTOOLS. You are also welcome to contact us on 07 4724 1118 or email .

Accountants Minute Podcast

This podcast episode is based on Issue 391 of Accountants Minute. Peter discusses the significant challenges SMEs will face in 2025, and how a proactive approach from accountants, bookkeepers and business advisors can help SMEs identify and resolve financial issues promptly, ensuring their long-term survival and success.

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 (07) 4724 1118 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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