Avoiding the “urgency” trap

“I have two kinds of problems, the urgent and the important. The urgent are not important, and the important are never urgent.” — Dwight D. Eisenhower For most of us managing our time means dealing with the million and one little things demanding our attention, which often takes our focus away from the vitally important … Read more

Growing your super

Your superannuation investment grows through: your employer’s compulsory super guarantee contributions (concessional contributions) any voluntary contributions out of your pre-tax income, such as salary sacrifice and personal contributions you’re allowed as an income tax deduction (concessional contributions) any government super contributions you’re eligible for any voluntary contributions you or your spouse make out of after-tax income sources (non-concessional contributions). Your pre-tax income contributions … Read more

How to conduct a SWOT analysis for a small business

Conducting a SWOT analysis periodically allows you to consider all of your business’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as you fine-tune your business strategy. Swot 101 A Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis typically consists of a grid to help identify these important components: Strength – a positive, internal aspect of your business that’s within … Read more

Salary sacrifice – no sacrifice at all

What is a salary sacrifice arrangement? Salary sacrifice is an agreement with your employer to contribute a certain amount of your pre-tax salary or potential bonus into your super. The aim is to potentially reduce your tax and boost your super balance at the same time. The word sacrifice doesn’t really make this strategy sound … Read more

Unauthorised and mistaken transactions

If you find a transaction in your account that you don’t recognise, it could be unauthorised or mistaken. If you think something is wrong, contact your bank as soon as possible. Signs of unauthorised and mistaken transactions An unauthorised transaction is when someone transfers money from your account without your permission. A mistaken transaction is when when you pay … Read more

Your guide for claiming business expenses

You can claim tax deductions for expenses you incur while running your business if they’re directly related to earning business income (also known as assessable income). Take Rubi for example. Rubi is a sole trader who works as an IT consultant. As part of her work, she travels to deliver seminars and workshops. Rubi follows … Read more

Credit scores and credit reports

Lenders use your credit score (or credit rating) to decide whether to give you credit or lend you money. Knowing this can help you negotiate better deals, or understand why a lender rejected you. Your credit score is based on personal and financial information about you that’s kept in your credit report. You can access … Read more

Why it’s important to understand your customers

Do you know which of your customers are the most profitable? Are they repeat customers who buy often, or are they customers who purchase less regularly? Being able to tap into this kind of knowledge is essential to business success. ​Understanding customers If you can focus on your customers and understand their preferences and buying … Read more

What is refinancing and why would I do it?

As a home owner with a mortgage, chances are you’ve heard of the term ‘refinancing’. Refinancing involves reviewing your current mortgage, and potentially swapping your loan to another lender who can better meet your current needs, wants and circumstances. Refinancing can also allow you to consolidate your debts or pay down your mortgage more quickly. … Read more

ADRIAN GARRONE

MANAGING PARTNER

B.Com, CA, MBA

Email:  adrian@advantageaccountancy.com.au

Adrian began his career working for the Australian Taxation Office as an Assessor in 1986. A decade later he set up his own accountancy practice in Cairns and has been a public accountant since that time.

Over the years, Adrian has grown from invaluable experiences in business to become an exceptionally astute businessman. This is demonstrated not only by the success of his own accountancy practice, but also through his successes as a developer, franchisee and Director of the National Basketball League. Some of his accomplishments in business include opening the first Bakers Delight franchise in Cairns and steering the Cairns Central Muffin Break store to the top of the state in sales during his ownership.

As a hands-on business owner, Adrian understands the challenges, both big and small, faced by business owners. With over 25 years in the accounting and financial arena, he has developed long standing relationships with some of Cairns’ leading small businesses. His unique ability to interpret a business’ financial stand point and consider options available to them provides his clients with personalised advice specific to their needs.

Adrian is a Chartered Accountant, Registered Tax Agent, Fellow Chartered Financial Practitioner and has also completed a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) through Deakin University.

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation