Welcome to the Porters CA Blog.

Please enjoy our regular blog of relevant business, taxation and financial information. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and Twitter.

Is the 4-Day Work Week for You?

When was the last time you felt that you had a week’s worth of energy to pour into just four days of work? As COVID-19 has reshaped our work-life balance and continues to redefine what is essential in our professional world, the concept of a shorter workweek is gaining traction. With proposed legislation in various states and countries, and the ongoing conversation among professionals, it’s evident that the discussion around…  Read more

The ultimate guide to improving business cash flow

In the business world, cash flow remains the lifeblood that keeps your operations running smoothly. Whether you’re a start-up finding your feet or a seasoned business, maintaining a steady cash flow can be quite a challenge. But a few small changes can make a world of difference to your cash flow and overall revenue. So, let’s dive into some practical strategies you can implement to boost your cash flow. Get…  Read more

Striking a Balance: Monthly Reconciliations and Profit and Loss Analysis

In the world of business accounting, two critical practices stand out for ensuring clarity, accuracy, and long-term financial health: monthly balance sheet reconciliations and profit and loss (P&L) comparisons. We’re looking to answer a few questions: are your assets and liabilities accurate and complete? are your income and expenses accurate and complete? are you consistent and correct with your bookkeeping? what can you do with this knowledge to improve your…  Read more

Financial information every small business owner needs to understand.

You run a great business. You know your product/service but do you know enough about your finances? Even if you have outsourced your financial functions, as a small business owner, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of key financial concepts to work with your advisor and ‘speak their language”. This article outlines several important concepts that every small business owner should be familiar with. Basics of income and…  Read more

Single Touch Payroll and Payment Summaries – what you need to know

The evolution of Single Touch Payroll (STP) requires more effort than usual on year end payroll finalisation. Under STP employers must report pay, allowances, taxes and superannuation information directly to the ATO every payday through STP. Employers using STP will not give employees a payment summary as they usually would at this time of year. Instead, employees will get an end-of-year income statement in ATO online services through myGov. Employers…  Read more

Managing Debt and Creating a Debt Repayment System

Debt can be a significant burden on one’s financial life. It can cause stress, anxiety, and make it difficult to achieve financial goals. However, with a little planning and dedication, anyone can create a debt repayment system and get on the path to financial freedom. Here are some tips for managing debt and creating a debt repayment system: Take Stock of Your Debt The first step in managing debt is…  Read more

Financial Reconciliation: Essential for business

As a small business owner, you’re likely already aware of the importance of keeping your finances in order. Financial management goes deeper than paying your bills on time and collecting on invoices (although those are also important). It involves regularly checking up on your financial situation to make sure your accounts are in order, your records are up-to-date, and you’re spending within your budget. Among those activities, financial reconciliation plays…  Read more

Smart Strategies to Navigate Inflation as a Small Business Owner

Inflation has ballooned worldwide in recent months and interest rates continue to rise so there’s no question that businesses are feeling the impact. Supplies cost more, employees are hard to find, and if your prices are not rising then your profits are shrinking. Here are some ideas that can help. If you are in financial distress, do not wait to ask for help or advice. 1. Study your data Your…  Read more

What is inflation and how does it affect my savings?

Why is everybody talking about inflation? You can’t get through the news these days without hearing about inflation, how rapidly it is increasing and how it has to be stopped. Rates were generally low for quite some time and we all got used to it. Suddenly, however, everyone is getting squeezed by inflationary pressure. But what exactly is inflation, and how does it affect the money you have in the…  Read more

Business tips for the end of the year

The end of the year tends to be a bit chaotic for business owners, but it’s actually a good time to get some extra housekeeping done for your business. Read on for some tips to help you finish the year neatly and feel prepared to face the new year. Review your goals and KPIs A lot has likely happened for your business over the course of the previous 12 months.…  Read more

Australia’s Director ID rules

The deadline for setting up a director ID by 30th November has passed. The ATO is urging those who haven’t yet applied for their director identification number (Director ID) to do so now. ASIC is responsible for enforcing director ID offences set out in the Corporations Act 2001. It is a criminal offence if directors do not apply on time and penalties may apply. What is a director ID? The…  Read more

The differences between wages, salary, commission, and bonuses

There are a few different methods that employers use to pay their employees, and while they may have similarities, they each also have their own implications for your business and its employees. On top of that, there may be a blended model at play, in which you offer two types of compensation at once, such as a wage and bonuses. How you pay your employees will impact your finances and…  Read more

Super guarantee $450 threshold scrapped

Scrapping the $450 per month super guarantee threshold was a parting gift of the Liberal Party. From July 1, employers must make super guarantee payments for all employees regardless of an employee’s total monthly earnings. As announced in the 2021–22 federal Budget, the Australian Government the $450 per month threshold will be scrapped from July 1 to expand coverage of super guarantee to eligible employees regardless of their monthly pay. The…  Read more

Small business ownership – inside and out

We spoke with bookkeeper and business owner Tash Black about her thoughts on running a small business. What made you want to be a business owner? It was something that I had always wanted to do, I wanted to be my own boss. I wanted the challenge of making something mine and experiencing the rewards of reaching my goals and being successful. What impact did owning your own business have…  Read more

Tax Planning, who needs it?

In April and May 2022, we assist clients with Tax Planning to provide specific actions to reduce your tax and manage your business and personal profits. REDUCING YOUR TAX and PLANNING FOR YOUR TAX PAYMENTS We have annual tax planning guides that will help you succeed: FY22 Tax planning tips and ideas for business FY22 Tax and wealth management tips and ideas for individuals When is a tax plan essential?…  Read more

Manage payroll effectively

Payroll is one of those things that starts out simply enough. You start your business, hire a few employees, and things tick along pretty well. It’s straightforward enough to keep everything in line at first, but what happens to most companies is… they grow! This is a great thing, but it also means that payroll becomes more complicated. As such an important aspect of your business, it’s important that payroll…  Read more

Mandatory Director ID Numbers from November

Australian company directors have the next year in which they will need to apply for a Director Identification Number through the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS). The ABRS will roll out progressively between 2021 and 2024, with the first step being that all company directors will be required to obtain a Director Identification Number(DIN). For most directors, the due date will be 30 November 2022 however a new appointment as…  Read more

Succession Planning: Do you have a plan B?

As a business owner, have you ever considered what would happen to the business if you had to take a break due to serious illness or injury? Would the business survive? How would the bills get paid? And while you may not like to think about it, in the case of death, how can you ensure your family is given a fair deal in the case of a business partnership?…  Read more

Build an Effective Financial Plan for Your Business

Every business needs a financial plan. Your financial plan gives you a way to monitor and review your cash flow, make adjustments to your spending and anticipate potential financial issues. A financial plan can also help when requesting funding or finding investors to bring more money into your business. Although many business owners are aware that financial planning is important, it is often overlooked or put off for another day.…  Read more

Grow Your Family Business While Preserving Family Relationships

Family business owners often share a similar goal – to grow the business and pass it on to the next generation. While keeping the business in the family and getting to work with your parents, siblings, or children can be rewarding, managing and growing a family-owned business isn’t without its challenges. Conflicting views on business and family matters such as succession of power, rivalry, favoritism, and disposition of assets often…  Read more

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