In today's digital age, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for organisations worldwide. As cyber threats continue to evolve in complexity and frequency, external audits must adapt to ensure they remain effective in identifying and mitigating these risks. The...

If you're looking to grow your accounting firm beyond compliance, here’s something that will transform the way you deliver advice. TaxFitness now includes AI Business Advisory, AI Tax Planning, and an AI Chatbot – all integrated with 300+ industry benchmarks. It’s...

Ever wondered how your real estate deposit, legal settlement, or even your rent payment stays safe from the clutches of a business's operational woes? The answer, in many key Australian industries, lies in the humble but mighty trust account. Far from just another...

Capital raising is not just for big business.  With government-backed programs like Crowd-Sourced Funding Equity Raising and Early Stage Innovation Company (ESIC) status, small businesses now have powerful tools to secure growth capital.  As an accountant, bookkeeper...

As the new financial year begins, July is the ideal time for accounting firms to review and improve how they manage and deliver ATO documents. With tighter compliance standards, increased client expectations, and rising cyber risks, firms can no longer afford to rely...

Insolvency Work is Fast, Complex, and Unique Every client in insolvency is new. There are no standing files, no ongoing relationships. Day 1 involves urgent action—freezing accounts, securing assets, and setting up case files.   SV Partners, now one of Australia’s top...

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...

For many accounting firms, expanding into mortgage broking feels like a natural next step — more value for clients, deeper relationships, and a new revenue stream. But the real power lies not just in offering lending services… it’s in how you introduce them. Here’s a...

Key Requirements and Implementation for any business entity with an annual turnover of AUD $3 million or more The Cyber Security Act 2024 (No. 98 of 2024) establishes a comprehensive framework to enhance Australia’s cybersecurity resilience. The Act addresses critical...

As the landscape of tax advisory and accounting continues to evolve, staying informed and proactive is essential. With significant amendments to the Tax Agent Services Act (TASA) coming into effect from 1 January or 1 July 2025 (depending on your business size),...

Thinking about increasing your prices? This guide walks you through the process of raising your prices and offers tips to communicate your new pricing to clients. If you've been thinking about raising your prices, you are most certainly not alone. The current economic...

For accountants, bookkeepers and business advisors compliance work alone is no longer enough.  SMEs do not just need end-of-year financials – they need real-time insight and strategic direction.  They need you. That is where the ESS BIZTOOLS Financial Forecasting...

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has released its annual guidance for financial reporting and audit oversight, setting a clear agenda for the 2025–26 financial year. For accounting and audit firms, this announcement is more than just a...

20 May 2025 Ignition, a leading revenue and billing automation platform for professional services businesses, today revealed that 80% of Australian accounting fi rms plan to increase prices this year, with 64% citing rising business costs as the main reason for fee...

Unlock New Revenue Streams, Win More Clients, and Cement Your Reputation as a Compliance Leader If your accounting firm serves builders or subcontractors in Queensland, you know project and retention trust account compliance under the BIF Act is mandatory now for...

For too long, many SMEs have viewed their accountants as “just the tax person.” At ESS BIZTOOLS, we set out to change that perception. When developing our product packages, we focused on helping accountants, bookkeepers, and advisors expand their service offering to...

In Australia, the term "complex audit" often conjures images of large corporations, public listed companies, banks, and insurers. While these entities indeed face considerable audit complexities, it's essential to recognise that complexity in audits isn't limited to...

In the first of a series of articles on M365, I start with exploring Microsoft Stream. It’s one of the applications that comes with many M365 subscriptions and which a lot of people are probably not conscious of.  So what is Microsoft Stream, and how can it be...

Still managing revenue with spreadsheets, PDFs, and long email threads? That’s more than a minor inconvenience—it’s a slow leak in your business. Manual tasks eat up time, introduce costly errors, and make it harder to keep cash flowing smoothly. From onboarding new...

Comprehensive Analysis of Key Differences Between the Trusts Act 1973 and Trusts Bill 2025 in Queensland prepared by TrustEasy Team with the help of AI based research tools: Queensland Government announced this yesterday (1st of May 25): “Trust laws modernised after...