Services
We'll help you manage every aspect of your business and because we establish a one-to-one relationship with each of our clients, our advice will be tailored for your business.
Below we have listed the services we offer to our clients. This list is by no means exhaustive and our team of friendly staff would be more than happy to discuss any services you do not see listed.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Business start-up
If you have a good idea for a new business venture but don't have expertise in the legal or financial aspects of creating a new business, we can help you:
- Decide on the most suitable structure for your business - sole trader, partnership, or limited company
- Prepare a business plan, cashflow 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 a Tax File Number, an Australian Business Number and GST 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
Financing
A wide range of financing options exist, all with their pros and cons. We 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.
Let our experienced team explore with you the best financing options to get your business closer to its goals.
Software Solutions
We can help you make the right choice when it comes to accounting software.
A decent accounting system will help you keep track of your cashflow and give you the option to complete GST Returns easily.
We are happy to recommend the right product for your business, as well as providing you with comprehensive training. We have invested considerable resources into on-going staff training to ensure we are able to recommend the best accounting solution for your business.
Cashflow Forecasting
Have you ever wondered if you are going to have enough cash to pay all expenses every month? Are you holding too much inventory? Is this the right time to expand your business?
Survival in today's business climate requires you to spend more time working on your business rather than in the business.
We can provide you with accurate, timely and informative cashflow forecasting reports - allowing you to:
- Realize 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 strategies to improve your bottom line.
Budgeting
A good budget is a necessity in a good business plan. It is one of the best business tools we have, allowing us to set financial targets and measure our performance.
In addition to their goal setting value, budgets will often improve your chances of acquiring funding. Financers often require budgets as a prerequisite for funding approval.
The techniques we utilize in the formation of financial projections will allow you to consider future scenarios and give you 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.
Let us show you how a budget is able to provide feedback to allow you to prepare for the future of your business
Payroll Services
Administering your payroll can be time-consuming and divert you from the core activities of your business. Payroll & employment legislation is growing increasingly complex.
We can relieve you of this burden by providing a comprehensive and confidential payroll service, including:
- 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
TAX AND AUDIT
TaxationWe offer a full range of taxation services and we can offer advice based on knowledge and experience.
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 taxation returns and activity statements and advice on payment of tax
- GST/FBT obligations
- Advice on and implementation of tax effective structures for asset protection and tax minimisation
- Management of ATO Audits or disputes
GST Management
The GST system is a complex and often a confusing one. For this reason Freeman Kennedy ensures its staff are continuously up to date on the changes and are able to offer you accurate advice.
Every transaction now brings with it a potential 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
Audit
Our audit team provides a full range of auditing services. We are registered Company Auditors and specialize in the audit of companies, incorporated associations, real estate trust accounts and Solicitor trust accounts.
SPECIALIST SERVICES
Company Secretary
At Freeman Kennedy we can relieve the burden of the many administration tasks required by businesses to comply with Company legislation. Our services include:
- General advice on company law
- Company formations
- Downloading of annual statements 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
- Share transfers
- Acting as the Registered Office for your company
- Meeting deadlines to avoid late penalties
Estate Planning
Estate planning is one of the necessities in life and allows peace of mind knowing your hard earned assets will be dealt with in the manner you choose.
For business owners, a plan for succession of ownership is essential. We can guide you through the process of providing for business continuity.
The areas involved in estate administration we are able to assist in include:
- Meeting to discuss objectives for your estate
- Confirming assets - valuations, inventories, appraisals
- Documentation involved in estate planning
- Protecting the assets
Forensic Accounting
Forensic Accounting is the use of accountancy techniques to assess the financial implications of legal disputes. In a dispute over money it is imperative to be given accurate and timely advice.
Freeman Kennedy can offer assistance in legal disputes, preparing expert witness reports for personal injury, shareholder disputes, valuations and fraud. In the event a court case is necessary, we are able to provide the information and documentation required for your case and act as an expert witness in court.
Rental Property
The services we offer our clients in relation to residential and commercial property include:
- Reviews of lease agreements
- Advice on funding
- Guidance in tax minimisation
- Advice on ownership structure
- Periodic reviews to ensure investment returns are maximized
- Preparation of rental property schedules for your tax returns
Selling a Business
We are able to assist you to maximimise the return for selling your business. The services we provide in relation to organising the selling of a business include:
- Obtaining comparative results
- Establishing a realistic sale price
- Structuring the sale in the most tax effective manner including small business concessions
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
Superannuation
As the Government encourages Australians to take responsibility for and reach their financial retirement goals, citizens are repeatedly required to deal with Superannuation funds.
Self-managed Superannuation is a means of saving for retirement. It allows you to control your investment strategy, reduce tax while obtaining tax benefits and control administration costs.
Superannution law is a delicate area and personalised planning is required for each individual. At Freeman Kennedy we have years of experience in assisting clients in establishing a superannuation fund that will tax effectively allow you to reach your financial retirement goals.
Services we offer include:
- Establishment of Self Managed Superannuation Funds
- Superannuation Audits
- Advice concerning Compliance Matters
- Advice concerning Taxation Benefits
You will benefit from having the combined expertise of our financial planner and taxation experts to obtain the most from your super fund.
Trusts
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
- Income distribution
Charitable Trusts
Charitable trusts are trusts set up to hold money or assets and carry out activities for the benefit of the community. We are able to assist you by:
- Organising the preparation of the trust deed
- Applying to the ATO for an ABN
- Organising tax exemptions where applicable
- Auditing the accounts of the charity to meet government regulations.
Most importantly, our experiences enables us to ensure that your trust is used to effectively reach your charitable goals.
Valuations
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.
Financial Planning
Our Financial Planning Team operates under the banner of Freeman Kennedy Financial Services Pty Limited, under the Charter Financial Planning Ltd licensed dealership, (AFSL no.234665)
We are privately owned and we provide advice that is not influenced by any large banking or investment institution.
Financial planning ensures your financial goals can be met through the development of comprehensive and effective strategies that will strengthen your financial security. These strategies provide a source of income other than your business or employment income.
Our qualified and experienced team are able to discuss with you your financial options, providing a three stage service in financial planning:
- Initial financial advice
- Implementation of financial plan
- Ongoing investment portfolio management
Whether you are a large investor, or just starting, we are here to assist you to develop a strategy that will meet your needs and objectives through the use of effective tools and management of your portfolio.
We also specialise in the establishment, management and investment of Self Managed Superannuation Funds.
We have taken a leading roll in strategic planning for clients with Self Managed Superannuation Funds and are able to tailor the fund to suit the client's needs.
Today's changing superannuation environment is quite complex and we are well equipped through our experienced and qualified staff to provide guidance and cutting edge strategies to maximise superannuation benefits.
This experience comes from dealing with large numbers of Self Managed Superannuation Funds over many years, combined with close involvement in the Industry through meetings, seminars and other areas within the Financial Planning sector.
The superannuation expertise overlaps with our ability to assist our clients with their retirement planning. We provide full retirement planning services, including income requirements and projection through retirement life and investment services to assist in achieving retirement goals.
Don't take unnecessary risks with your future.
Allow the professionals at Freeman Kennedy Financial Planning to guide you towards achieving your financial goals.