Future Advisory - Accountants in Australia

 Running a hospitality business in Richmond? Then you know it’s not all espresso martinis and happy hour vibes. Behind the scenes, it’s staff rosters, supplier bills, ATO deadlines, and praying the POS doesn’t crash on a Saturday night. At Future Advisory, we work with hospitality legends across Richmond who want their accounting to work for them—not just report what already happened. Whether you run a laneway café, a rooftop bar, or a high-turnover restaurant, we help you simplify your finances and take control of your business. The Hospitality Hustle (And Why It’s So Complex) The hospitality game is fast, stressful, and brutally competitive. You’re juggling: Casual and part-time staff on rotating rosters A million receipts for food, booze, and equipment Multiple payment systems and suppliers Constantly changing cash flow depending on weather, events, or game nights And then there’s compliance—super, BAS, GST, payroll tax... the list doesn’t end. If your curre...

We get it—when you first started out, doing your own books felt manageable. A few invoices here, a couple of receipts there. But now? Your business has grown, and so has the paperwork. Suddenly, you’re knee-deep in spreadsheets at midnight and wondering if you claimed that laptop correctly. If this sounds like your life, it’s time to get a real accountant in Southbank on your team. The Cost of Doing It All Yourself DIY accounting might seem like a money-saver, but here’s what it could actually be costing you: Hours each week you could spend winning clients or taking a breather. Missed deductions and tax benefits that a pro would spot instantly. Constant stress about whether you're doing it “right.” Risk of ATO penalties if something slips through the cracks. It’s like trying to tile your own bathroom—you can do it, but should you? How We Make Life Easier for Southbank Business Owners At Future Advisory, we work with tradies, consultants, creatives and eComm legend...

Running a business in South Yarra is fast-paced. One minute you're managing staff rosters, the next you're chasing invoices, and before you know it, BAS is due. You need someone in your corner who doesn't just keep you compliant, but actually helps you grow. A solid accountant isn’t just about tax time. They’re your financial sounding board, cash flow coach, and compliance safety net all rolled into one. If you’re relying on spreadsheets and occasional advice, you’re missing out on what proper accounting support can offer. South Yarra's Business Scene Is Unique South Yarra's got a bit of everything. There are long-running family businesses, sleek co-working spaces, creative studios, and cafes that double as meeting spots. And while every business is different, they all face the same core problems—keeping the books tidy, staying ahead of tax obligations, and trying not to lose their minds during EOFY. That’s why working with an accountant who understands the Sout...

 If you've been scratching your head over the term "notional tax" in your company's financial documents, you're in good company. It's one of those ATO terms that sounds intimidating but doesn't have to be. Here's the twist – notional tax isn't actually a tax you pay. It's a theoretical figure the ATO uses behind the scenes for specific regulatory purposes. Let's pull back the curtain on this accounting concept and show you why it matters for your business. Key Highlights: Notional tax represents a calculated tax figure – not an actual payment to the ATO Primarily used for franking credit compliance and dividend imputation system integrity Relevant to companies and corporate entities that pay franked dividends Differs from real tax obligations – it's a benchmarking and verification tool Critical for dividend planning to avoid franking deficit tax penalties Demystifying Notional Tax Put simply, notional tax is a hypothetic...

Expecting a little one? Congratulations! Between choosing nursery colours and assembling flat-pack furniture that inevitably has leftover screws, you've probably got a fair bit on your plate. But here's something that deserves your attention: Centrelink's Parental Leave Pay. It's not the most exciting topic (we know, we know), but understanding what you're entitled to can make a real difference to your family's finances during those precious early months. Key Highlights: Parental Leave Pay (PLP) provides up to 20 weeks of financial support at the national minimum wage for eligible parents Eligibility requires an income test, work test, and residency requirements Dad and Partner Pay has been integrated into the PLP scheme, making payments more flexible for modern families Applications should be lodged before your baby's birth or adoption for seamless payment processing What Is Parental Leave Pay? Parental Leave Pay (PLP) is the Australian Govern...

 Curious about how LeavePlus is calculated? Here’s the percentage rate employers pay, how it works, and what it means for construction businesses. LeavePlus makes long service leave portable for construction workers—but what’s the actual percentage employers have to pay? Let’s unpack the numbers and what they mean for your payroll. Breaking Down the Numbers: What’s the Actual LeavePlus Percentage? If you're running a business in the construction industry in Victoria, LeavePlus (formerly CoINVEST) is something you can’t ignore. It ensures long service leave entitlements for workers who move between employers—but it also means you need to contribute regularly. So, how much does LeavePlus cost? What’s the percentage rate—and how does it impact your business? What Is the LeavePlus Percentage? As of the latest published rate, LeavePlus requires employers to contribute 2.7% of each eligible worker’s gross ordinary wages . This percentage is calculated quarterly and paid directly to L...

Confused about how dividends are taxed in Australia? Here’s what you really pay on dividends, how franking credits work, and how tax rules apply to investors. Dividends can be a great source of passive income, but they also come with tax implications. So, do you actually pay 20% tax on dividends? Let’s break it down. Do You Pay 20% Tax on Dividends? In Australia, there’s no fixed 20% tax rate on dividends. The tax you pay on dividends depends on your marginal income tax rate and whether the dividend is franked or unfranked. So the short answer is: you don’t necessarily pay 20%—you might pay more or less depending on your personal tax situation. What Are Dividends? Dividends are payments made by companies to shareholders as a return on investment. In Australia, these are typically paid out of company profits and can be either fully franked, partially franked, or unfranked. What Is a Franked Dividend? A franked dividend comes with a tax credit called a franking credit, which repre...

 Thinking of starting a business in Melbourne? Here’s when you need an accountant to open a company—and how the right advice can set you up for success. Starting a new company? Exciting stuff! But before you dive into branding, websites, and product launches, there’s one question many business owners ask: Do I actually need an accountant to open a company? Let’s break it down—no jargon, no confusion, just straight talk. What Does “Opening a Company” Actually Mean? So, you're about to launch your dream business. Whether you're setting up a café in Fitzroy, freelancing from your Carlton apartment, or getting an eCommerce brand off the ground, one thing's for sure—getting your business structure and finances sorted from day one is key. And that brings us to a common question: Do you need an accountant to open a company in Australia? Short answer: No, it's not legally required. Better answer: It’s one of the smartest moves you can make. Why You Might Not “Need” an Accou...

 Let’s face it—no one gets excited about paying accountant fees. But when it comes to your company tax return, knowing what you’re getting (and what it costs) makes a huge difference. Whether you're running a Melbourne café or scaling a startup, understanding accountant fees helps you budget smarter—and avoid nasty surprises. Company Tax Return Accountant Fees: What You’re Really Paying For How Much Do Company Tax Return Accountant Fees Cost? In Australia, company tax return fees usually fall between $1,200 and $2,500+ . Why the range? Because no two companies are the same. Here’s what affects the price: Business complexity – More transactions, staff, or investments = more work. Your bookkeeping – Clean Xero files? Great. A year’s worth of receipts in a shoebox? That’ll cost extra. Included services – Do you just need lodgement, or also BAS, financials, tax planning , and advice? At Future Advisory, we offer fixed-fee pricing based on what your business actually ne...

Learn what Melbourne's best accounting firms should deliver. From service standards to communication, know what quality looks like. Ever wondered what separates good accounting firms from truly exceptional ones? If you're running a business in Melbourne, you deserve more than someone who just fills out tax forms and sends you a bill. Melbourne's best accounting firms deliver a level of service that transforms how you think about financial management and business growth. What to Expect from Melbourne's Best Accounting Firms The reality is, many business owners settle for mediocre accounting services simply because they don't know what excellence looks like in this industry. When you understand what to expect from top-tier firms, you'll never accept substandard service again. Service Standards You Should Demand Melbourne's best accounting firms operate at a level that goes far beyond basic compliance work. They understand that modern businesses need partners...

 Mortgage brokers can be absolute legends when it comes to finding great loan deals—but they’re not perfect. While they offer loads of benefits, it’s only fair to look at the potential downsides too. What’s a Disadvantage of Using a Mortgage Broker? Limited Lender Panel = Limited Options The biggest drawback? Brokers don’t have access to every lender on the market. Each broker works with a specific panel of banks and lenders. So, while they might compare dozens of loans, they won’t cover every possible deal—meaning a better rate could exist outside their network. Other Possible Cons Conflicted recommendations: Some brokers might favour lenders with higher commissions, though ethical brokers will always disclose this. Not all brokers are equal: Experience, service, and transparency vary—so always choose someone reputable and accredited. Final Word A good broker is a powerful ally—but like any service, they’re not one-size-fits-all. At Future Advisory, we work with ...