RBizz Corporate Accountants - Resources #Business Plans

The Most Expensive Word in Small Business Is "Eventually"

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:46:08 +1000

The Most Expensive Word in Small Business Is "Eventually"

"We'll sort out the structure eventually." "We'll fix the bookkeeping mess eventually." "We'll deal with the ATO debt eventually." Almost every serious financial problem we've helped a business work through started as a small, manageable issue that sat in the "eventually" pile for six months, a year, sometimes longer. By the time it actually gets addressed, it's rarely the same problem it was when it was first noticed.

Why "Eventually" Is So Expensive

Financial and compliance problems don't stay the same size while you're not looking at them. They compound.

A small ATO debt becomes a much larger one once general interest charges have been accruing for months, on top of the original amount.

A messy set of books gets messier with every additional month of unreconciled transactions, turning a few hours of cleanup into a genuine reconstruction project.

An outdated business structure that made sense three years ago keeps producing suboptimal tax outcomes every single year it isn't reviewed, silently costing money nobody's tracking against the "eventually" decision.

A director penalty notice risk from late lodgments (not even late payments) sits quietly until the moment it becomes a genuine personal liability question — and by then, the options for managing it have narrowed considerably.

A trust vesting date that felt decades away when the deed was signed can arrive with almost no warning if nobody's been tracking it, at which point the fix that would have taken a simple deed amendment is no longer available at all.

Why Business Owners Genuinely Believe "Eventually" Is Fine

It's rarely denial in an obvious sense. It's more often:

Genuine time pressure, where today's urgent operational fire always outranks tomorrow's slow-building one
Not realising the problem is compounding, because the day-to-day impact feels identical whether it's been ignored for one month or twelve
Assuming there will be a natural, less busy moment to deal with it, which for most growing businesses never actually arrives on its own

The Businesses That Avoid This Aren't Smarter — They Just Have a System

The difference between a business that handles a growing problem smoothly and one that gets blindsided by it usually isn't intelligence or diligence. It's having someone — internally or externally — whose specific job is to notice the "eventually" pile and force a decision on it before it compounds further.

What's Sitting in Your "Eventually" Pile Right Now?

If you're honest with yourself, there's probably something on this list right now: a structure that hasn't been reviewed, a debt that hasn't been addressed, records that haven't been reconciled, a deadline that's been quietly missed more than once. None of these get cheaper to fix by waiting.

RBizz exists specifically to catch the things sitting in your "eventually" pile before they compound into something much more expensive. Get in touch — let's find out what's actually on yours.

Using asset finance and technology to boost productivity

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:55:27 +1000

Using asset finance and technology to boost productivity

“More Australian businesses are getting productivity gains from upgrading old equipment, tech, and vehicles, with farmers and manufacturers leading a recent investment surge.”

CommBank has released data from its asset finance department showing that there are clear productivity gains to be made from investing in new technology.

The importance of established technologies

Although we’re used to seeing the advantages of AI and software tech being trumpeted, we mustn’t forget the importance of vehicle and equipment technologies.

According to CommBank, Australian businesses are reporting major productivity gains after upgrading vehicles, machinery and technology:

87.6% of businesses reported productivity gains above 10% following recent asset upgrades.
CBA recorded a 20% year-on-year increase in vehicle and equipment financing in December 2025.

The strongest level of growth was recorded across equipment categories central to Australia’s industrial and regional sectors.

December 2024 vs December 2025 CBA Asset financing

Agricultural machinery – up 116%
Manufacturing & industrial equipment – up 76%
Retail and office fitouts – up 64%
Technology assets – up 48%
Trucks – up 18%

How asset finance opens up your access to new technologies

Investing in new technologies means having the necessary capital to fund these investments. Asset finance is a key way to source this funding and to drive your productivity as a business.

If you’re looking to buy new vehicles, equipment or machinery, come and talk to us about the key ways that asset finance can open up new routes to funding.

Basics strategic advice: how do accountants support your financial performance?

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:50:06 +1000

Basics strategic advice: how do accountants support your financial performance?

“Q: How does an accountant support my financial performance?”

We’re all used to the idea of a business needing an accountant. But have you ever stopped to think what a good accountant and business adviser can actually bring to your company?

Advances in technology, software and AI are changing our expectations of what a basic accountant/business owner relationship can offer. So, it’s important to reassess your expectations and to find out where we can add real, additional value.

“A: Your accountant is now a full-fledged business adviser, ready to help you review, manage and transform your finances and strategy.”

In previous decades, your accountant dealt primarily with historical data – the transactions and cash inflows/outflows that had happened in the past.

Today, with access to so much smart forecasting, data analysis and forward-looking scenario-planning, we can tell you far more about the future of your business.

Let’s look at four ways we can partner with your business:

Analysing your financial performance:

We’ll track your key performance indicators (KPIs) and business data to look for areas where the business may be underperforming. We can offer future-facing advice on cost-reduction strategies, operational efficiencies and key ways to improve your overall financial performance.

Optimising your revenue generation:

Improving revenues is a vital step. We can review your pricing models, customer lifetime value and sales mix to find the most lucrative revenue streams. By drilling down into your revenue data, we can suggest a new strategy that will translate into scalable, repeatable top-line growth.

Managing cashflow and your cash runway:

Cashflow forecasting tools allow us to see far into the future of your cashflow, spotting the liquidity gaps before they occur. We’ll also look over your accounts receivable and payable cycles to ensure you're in a positive cashflow position, with a solid cash runway to fund your ongoing operations.

Driving profitability and planning dividends:

By performing what-if scenario modelling, we’ll help you maximise your net margins and drive profits. We can also advise you on the most tax-efficient ways to distribute profits and dividends to yourself and your fellow directors. This balances your own need to extract wealth from the business while also leaving sufficient earnings for future reinvestment.

Your accountant is one of the most important partners your business will have across its lifetime.

We’re here to reveal the narratives in your numbers, show you the threats and opportunities and come up with a strategy that pushes your financial performance to new heights.

Book some time with our team to talk through how we can boost your financial performance.

Choosing the Right Business Structure

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:48:50 +1000

Choosing the Right Business Structure

Starting a business can be daunting between sales, marketing, and day-to-day financing, plus there is the big question of which business structure to use.

The three most common types – a company, a partnership, or a sole trader – have very different cost and administrative burdens, as well as different implications when it comes to legal status and liability.

Find out more about the pros and cons of each below.

Going it alone as a sole trader

Working within a partnership

Operating as a Company

Which structure is best?

Choosing a business structure is always a very personal decision. Need help deciding which one is right for your circumstances? Book some time with our team today, we’d be happy to discuss the best option for you.

5 Ways to Improve Your Cybersecurity

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:52:00 +1000

5 Ways to Improve Your Cybersecurity

The digitalisation of the small business world has brought immeasurable benefits.

But with such a large chunk of your operations and processes now in the digital domain, it’s also made strong, solid, up-to-date cybersecurity an absolute necessity.

If you’re concerned that your cybersecurity may not be up to scratch, we’ve got five suggestions for strengthening your cybersecurity as a small business.

1. Use the strongest possible passwords

Make sure you’re using complex, unique passwords and passcodes for every business account and software subscription. This helps minimise the chances of costly cyber attacks. Using a reputable password manager helps to simplify this process, allowing your team to securely store and share encrypted login details without resorting to risky password behaviours.

2. Update your software regularly

Cybercriminals frequently exploit known loopholes and vulnerabilities in outdated code. By applying security patches to your operating systems, browsers and antivirus software, you close these digital backdoors. Setting up automated updates for all your software is highly recommended and will help you to avoid the ever-growing threat of cybercrime.

3. Give in-depth cybersecurity training to your team

Human error is still a primary cause of many security breaches. Regular cybersecurity training helps your team to spot phishing attempts, recognise social engineering tactics and identify any suspicious links. Cultivating a security-first culture is vital and turns your team into a proactive ‘human firewall’ to protect against the most common threats.

4. Back up all your essential data

Working with cloud-based software is the best way to protect your important data. But if you have local drives and servers, it’s sensible to back these up frequently. Protect against ransomware and hardware failures by backing up critical information to the most secure back-up devices. Think about applying the 3-2-1 strategy: three copies of data, on two different media types, with one version stored securely off-site or in an immutable cloud environment.

5. Consider taking out cybersecurity insurance

t’s vital to have technical defenses and security barriers in place to protect your company and customer data. But no system is impenetrable. Cybersecurity insurance gives you an important safety net, covering legal fees, data recovery costs and regulatory fines following a breach. It’s a sensible strategic buffer to protect you from the financial fallout from a security breach.

If you’re concerned about your cybersecurity precautions, come and talk to our team.

We can advise you on the most common precautions and safety measures to take, and can also connect you with local cybersecurity experts and consultants.

The Importance of "Working Capital" for Business Growth

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:20:15 +1000

The Importance of "Working Capital" for Business Growth

Many business owners focus solely on profit, but profit doesn't pay the bills—cash does. In 2026’s fast-paced market, understanding your Working Capital is the difference between a business that can seize new opportunities and one that struggles to keep the lights on.

What is Working Capital?

Working capital is the money your business has available for its day-to-day operations. It is the liquid funds used to pay for raw materials, inventory, salaries, and overheads while you wait for your customers to pay you.

The Working Capital Cycle

The "cycle" represents the time it takes to turn your net current assets and liabilities into cash. For example, when you buy stock, that cash is "trapped" until the product is sold and the customer pays the invoice. If your cycle is too long, you might find yourself "asset rich but cash poor."

How to Improve Your Working Capital Position

Optimise Inventory: Holding too much stock ties up cash. Use "Just-in-Time" inventory management to keep only what you need.

Shorten Payment Terms: Instead of 30-day terms, consider 7-day or 14-day terms, or offer a small discount for early payment.

Negotiate with Suppliers: Try to extend your "Accounts Payable" terms. If you can pay your suppliers in 45 days but collect from customers in 15, you have a 30-day "cash cushion."

Audit Your Expenses: Regularly review recurring subscriptions and overheads to ensure no "leaks" are draining your daily operational funds.

Why Working Capital Matters for Scaling

Growth requires an upfront investment in people, marketing, or equipment. If your working capital is tied up in unpaid invoices or dusty inventory, you won't have the "fuel" needed to accelerate. By mastering this metric, you ensure your business remains agile and resilient.

Sustainability Reporting: New ASIC Training

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:58:03 +1000

Sustainability Reporting: New ASIC Training

“We recognise many smaller companies may be concerned about what the sustainability reporting requirements mean for them. ASIC is committed to helping industry build the capability required to meet these important obligations.”

ASIC Commissioner Kate O’Rourke

ASIC has partnered with the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) to release a set of educational materials aimed at providing training on sustainability reporting.

These training modules will help your smaller company understand and apply the foundational concepts underpinning Australia's new sustainability reporting requirements.

What modules are available through ASIC?

If you’re new to mandatory sustainability reporting, the requirements can seem daunting. The goal of ASIC’s training is to give you, or your report preparer, a good foundational understanding of the basics of reporting and meeting your ESG compliance requirements.

Here’s what the modules include:

Module 1 sets out how stakeholders should engage with the materials and introduces the basics of the new sustainability reporting requirements in the Corporations Act.
Module 2 covers the basics of climate change.
Module 3 covers climate-related physical risks and how they may affect an entity.
Module 4 focuses on explaining climate-related transition risks and how they may affect an entity.
Module 5 introduces climate-related opportunities and shows how they may apply to an entity through practical examples.
Module 6 introduces emissions accounting and provides foundational knowledge on Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions.
Module 7 focuses on the process of climate-related scenario analysis.
Module 8 provides an overview of how entities might integrate climate risks and opportunities into governance and risk-management processes.

Supporting your sustainability reporting requirements

You can find out more about the available training modules on ASIC’s sustainability reporting website. If you’re unsure about the sustainability reporting rules for your business, please come and have a chat with our team – we can run you through the compliance requirements.

5 Benefits of Working with a Business Adviser

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:09:18 +1100

5 Benefits of Working with a Business Adviser

You know that an accountant can look after the books and keep your numbers in good order.

But have you ever thought about the additional services and advice that an accountant can bring to you as a fully fledged business adviser, coach and mentor?

Let’s explore what other business-critical services your adviser could offer:

1. Providing an outsourced finance function

Managing your everyday finances can eat into your available business time.

By outsourcing your finance function, your accountant can manage the day-to-day bookkeeping, payroll, accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR). This not only eases your financial workload, it also gives you improved, real-time oversight of your finances.

2. Cashflow forecasting and scenario-planning

Cash is king, but managing and forecasting cashflow can be a complex task.

Your accountant can provide in-depth cashflow forecasts and help you create best-case, worst-case and business-as-usual scenarios for your cash position. With this future view of cashflow, you can make better decisions about hiring, inventory and debt management.

3. Strategic planning and goal-setting

Every business needs a strategy to drive it forward. But who’s writing your strategy?

Working with an experienced business adviser brings an objective viewpoint to your strategic thinking. Your adviser helps you align the financial targets of the business with your own personal and professional milestones. And your strategy can be tracked and regularly reviewed to see how you’re tracking against these key goals.

4. Reporting KPIs and dashboards

Your business is generating all kinds of different data – but are you reporting on this data?

An adviser can help you visualise your financial and non-financial data by setting up custom dashboards and key performance indicators (KPIs). This turns these dry numbers into real, actionable insights – insights that can inform your business decision-making.

5. Business coaching and mentoring

Working with a business coach gives you the support you need as an entrepreneur.

Your adviser can be a confidential sounding board – someone you can go to when you need advice, an independent viewpoint or just a shoulder to lean on. We’re there to guide you through the big leadership challenges and operational challenges you may face along the way.

Book a Strategy Session with Our Team

Ready to see where your business could go with the right guidance? Our team is here to offer deeper insights, strategic advice, and 1-2-1 coaching tailored to your unique goals—book some time with us today to start your transformation.

Cash Flow Forecasting Puts You Back in Control

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:20:30 +1100

Cash Flow Forecasting Puts You Back in Control

We all know that positive cashflow is the beating heart of any successful business. And with so many external pressures on your cash right now, it’s important to have one eye on the future.

Cashflow forecasting is an increasingly important tool for any finance team. With a better view of your future cashflow position, you can make well-informed decisions about your finances.

But how does cashflow forecasting work? And how does it help you maintain a positive cashflow position throughout the year?

What does a cashflow forecast tell you?

The cashflow process is all about balancing your income (cash inflows) against your expenditure (cash outflows). If your cash inflows are greater than your cash outflows, this is called a ‘positive cashflow position’. In other words, you have cash left over, even once you’ve covered your costs and paid your bills – cash that can then be reinvested in the business.

Forecasting apps, like Float, Fathom and Futrli, use historic cash data to project your cash position forward in time. This helps you see where your cash may be in future periods.

Running detailed cashflow forecasts means you can:

Understand your future operational cashflow – helping you spot any cashflow holes, seasonal dips or predicted months of high expenditure before they become an issue.
Plan your costs and expenditure effectively – allowing you to stick to your planned budgets, manage your costs and plan for any steep price increases.
Avoid the cashflow issues before they happen – using your forecasts to look ahead, plan and get tighter control over your cashflow management.

Talk to us about setting up cash flow forecasts

Staying in a positive cashflow position is a challenge in the current economic situation.

When supplier prices and operational costs are fluctuating and revenues are hard to predict, it is difficult to juggle your inflows against your outflows.

We’ll help you get a tighter grip on your cashflow. Setting up detailed forecasts helps you understand your financial story and puts you back in full control of your cashflow.

Get in touch. We are here to help.

Setting Goals for the New Financial Year

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 17:31:44 +1100

Setting Goals for the New Financial Year

The new financial year is a new beginning. As a business owner this a great time for you to reflect on where you are at and think about your business goals for the financial year ahead.

Setting goals is an essential part of personal and professional growth. These could be lofty goals, or even setting out a plan to achieve some more mundane (but equally important) projects. Whether that is getting paid faster, reassessing expenses or bigger things like automation of processes and new markets. You may be looking to expand your business or create more time for yourself.

Having a clear vision and actionable goals can help you achieve your long-term plans. Here are some tips to get you started:

Envision your future: Reflect on what you truly want from your life and how your business can help you achieve those aspirations. Consider where you want your business to be in the next five or ten years. Having a clear endpoint in mind will make it easier to set goals that align with your vision.
Set measurable goals: Vague goals can be challenging to track and evaluate. Instead, focus on setting goals that are measurable. Think about the key metrics you already monitor in your business and how you would like to see them improve. For example, aim for a 3% increase in net profit year-on-year, a 2% reduction in expenses, or acquiring two new customers per month or grow your prospect database by 50%. If you set specific targets, you can easily track your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Develop a plan for each goal: Once you have identified your goals, it's crucial to create a plan of action to achieve them. This can be as simple as jotting down your ideas or engaging in a brainstorming session with your team or advisors. Having a well-defined plan in place will help you stay focused and motivated to follow through.
Monitor your progress regularly: It's essential to regularly check in on your progress towards your goals. Set reminders on your calendar or align your monitoring process with your invoicing cycle. By consistently evaluating your progress, you can identify any areas that need improvement or come up with fresh ideas to help you reach your targets.
Celebrate your achievements: Celebrating milestones along the way is crucial for maintaining motivation and momentum. Plan a reward for yourself when you achieve a significant goal. It could be treating the team to a morning tea, having a day out of the office together or planning an event for the end of the year. Choose something that brings you joy without breaking the bank.

Not sure how to get started?

We can help you with the strategy and identifying the information you’ll need to track, so you can monitor your progress.

Setting goals is just the first step. By implementing these tips and staying committed to your vision, you can turn your long-term plans into reality.