Accountants for Buying a Business

Buying a business is one of the most significant decisions you’ll ever make. Many business owners feel overwhelmed by the complexities, from understanding financial statements and negotiating fair purchase prices to ensuring tax efficiency and structuring the acquisition for long‑term success.

Our Perth-based accountants and business advisors are available to assist you, using their first-hand experiences to help make your journey into business ownership a success.

BOOK A FREE MEETING WITH A BUSINESS ACCOUNTANT

 

Most Popular Accounting Services for Business Purchases

Pre-Purchase Sanity Check & Structuring Advice

 

From $2,000 (excl. GST)

Business Acquisition Advice

Due Diligence Advice

 

From $5,000 (excl. GST)

Due Diligence Service

Advanced Tax & Asset Protection Strategies Report

 

$4,000 (excl. GST)

Tax Minimisation Strategies Report

Advice from Accountants for Buying a Business in Western Australia

The rest of this page is dedicated to providing you with an overview of the typical problems and associated solutions with regard to buying a business. These apply whether you are buying a business in Perth, elsewhere in WA or across Australia.

We’ve helped countless people along the business acquisition journey and stand ready to help you. When you’re ready to talk, book a meeting or send an enquiry.

The Problem:
When you’re considering buying a business, questions immediately arise: Are the financials as healthy as they appear? Could hidden liabilities derail your investment? Will the purchase structure suit your future growth plans? Without clear, specialist advice, you risk making costly decisions that could jeopardise your new venture’s success.

Our Solution:
At Munro’s, we take a holistic, problem‑solving approach. We work with you from the initial assessment through to closing the deal. Our process includes:

  • Comprehensive Due Diligence: We review financial records, assess cash flow and identify potential risks.
  • Tailored Acquisition Advice: We guide you through negotiations, assist with business valuation and recommend the optimal purchase structure, ensuring that the business fits your growth ambitions.
  • Tax & Compliance Strategies: Our specialists ensure that every transaction complies with Australian tax laws and that you benefit from available concessions and planning opportunities.
  • Ongoing Support: After the deal is closed, we continue to support you with business advisory and accounting services that help you integrate your new acquisition smoothly, attend to ongoing accounting and tax, and plan for future growth.

Key Outcomes and Benefits:

  • Informed Decision-Making: With our thorough due diligence, you gain a clear picture of the business’s true value and potential.
  • Risk Mitigation: We identify red flags early so that you can avoid costly pitfalls.
  • Optimised Structure: Our recommendations not only protect your investment but also set the stage for tax efficiencies and long‑term business growth.
  • Peace of Mind: With Munro’s by your side, you can focus on the opportunities ahead, confident that you’re making a secure investment.

Problem 1: FOMO

The fear of missing out is so powerful and can lead people to make terrible decisions. Buying a business requires you to put a lot of wealth on the line. You’ve got to think clearly and sceptically.

Solution
Be sceptical.

Outcome
Reduce the chance of buying an overpriced / non-profitable business.

Problem 2: Financing

How are you going to fund the purchase of the business? Do you need extra funds to satisfy ongoing financial obligations? What additional liabilities, guarantees and risks are you going to take on? Will you have sufficient cash to survive and eventually thrive?

Solution
Appropriate funding.

Outcome
The money you need to survive and thrive.

Problem 3: Setup for Future Tax Success

Tax is generally unavoidable, but the amount of tax you pay in the future will be heavily influenced by decisions made now.

Solution
Setup tax planning.

Outcome
Bare minimum tax.

Problem 4: Assets & Liability Protection

Operating a business increases exposures to extra liabilities and requires safeguarding of existing and new wealth as best as possible.

Solution
Basic asset protection + optionally advanced protection.

Outcome
At least the bare minimum wealth protection you should have.

Problem 5: How to De-risk

When arranging a due diligence, you should really follow the classic wisdom: you can’t just look at the iceberg above the ocean surface because there is so much hidden and dangerous below.

Solution
Comprehensive due diligence.

Outcome
Make a fully informed decision and know what you’re getting into.

Problem 6: Going into Business with Others

Whether you’re going into business with family or friends, it’s important to recognise that business life and the stresses it brings will give rise to new and sometimes challenging issues.

Solution
Clearly defined and understood intent with a proactive dispute resolution agreement.

Outcome
Mitigate the potential of messy and costly future disputes.

Problem 7: Setup Bookkeeping in Xero, MYOB, Quickbooks, etc

We cannot stress enough how vital it is to setup an accurate accounting system from the beginning.

Solution
Startup bookkeeping.

Outcome
Clean financial information from the beginning as opposed to a costly, uninformative mess.

Problem 8: Employing People

Employment, tax and superannuation laws impose a heavy burden on employers and you must give this responsibility the attention and care it requires.

Solution
Skilful and pragmatic support with implementing employment basics.

Outcome
Legally compliant employment arrangements.

Problem 9: Business Ownership Education

There is no one who knows everything about business. From the moment you buy your business, you’ll need to continually upskill to meet the challenges. Don’t start from scratch; tap into the knowledge and learnings of others.

Solution
Sprints, blended learning, community insights and coaching.

Outcome
The best leader you can become, as quickly as you can get there.

Frequently Asked Questions for Buying a Business

  1. What are the first steps in buying a business?
    Before proceeding, you should conduct preliminary research, understand your financial capacity (can you get a loan) and arrange for specialist advice. We help you assess whether a business aligns with your growth plans.

  2. How do I know if a business is fairly valued?
    Our valuation process uses multiple methods to ensure accuracy, considering cash flow, assets and market trends. We compare industry benchmarks to determine a fair price.

  3. What if I find hidden liabilities during due diligence?
    Identifying risks early is crucial. We advise on mitigating strategies and this may allow you to renegotiate terms based on unforeseen liabilities, ensuring you don’t overpay for potential risks.

  4. How can tax planning help when buying a business?
    Effective tax planning can significantly reduce your tax burden in the future. We work with you to structure the deal in a tax‑efficient manner, ensuring you take advantage of all applicable concessions and deductions.

  5. Are your services available only in Perth?
    While Munro’s is proudly based in Perth with deep local expertise, our compliance and advisory strategies are effective for businesses throughout Australia.

  6. What makes Munro’s approach different?
    We are known as “The Professional Problem Solvers” because we focus on understanding your challenges and crafting tailored solutions. Our approach is transparent, value‑driven and backed by over 100 Google reviews praising our responsiveness and specialist advice.

  7. How can a business accountant help improve my profit following the acquisition?
    Our specialists don’t just crunch numbers; we provide actionable insights that can help optimise your operations, reduce unnecessary expenses and ultimately boost your profit margins.

  8. What is the price for your structuring and due diligence service?
    Our pricing is transparent and reflects the complexity of your needs. Please visit our pricing page and contact us for a personalised quote.

  9. How long does the buying process usually take?
    Every acquisition is unique. Generally, the process can take several months from initial enquiry to final settlement, depending on whether you’ve already identified a target acquisition, your access to business loans, the complexity of due diligence and negotiations.

  10. Can you help if I’m considering a franchise purchase?
    Absolutely. We have assisted many clients in purchasing franchises by evaluating their financial performance and negotiating favourable terms.

Where To Begin

Get To Know Each Other Meeting

 

FREE (incl. GST)

How We Get Started

Come Along To An Improve Session

 

First Session is FREE (incl. GST)

Upskilling Event for Business Leaders

Munro's, where client service matters

Top 2% ranked Australian Accounting Firm

Play Ranking Explained

  • ★★★★★ — Donovon Shaw

    Thanks very much Rama & Christine! … and Drew 🙂 Although I’m based in Sydney I have been using Munros’ for my SMSF and other accounting matters for many years now and they have always been exceptionally professional, friendly and knowledgeable. I have great peace of mind knowing they have my back especially with some of my more complicated crypto matters. They are up to date with new regulations, always polite and I feel genuinely care about my circumstances. Being in Perth is actually an advantage for me as I’ve often communicated by email and phone after my normal busy working hours which has proved very convenient. Highly recommended!

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  • ★★★★★ — Justis Blackwell

    Drew and the team at Munros have made my cryptocurrency accounting a breeze primarily for tax purposes and to ensure all previous years were reconciled correctly given my previous tax agents literally had no idea despite their knowledge of my crypto holdings for the past 2 tax years. Well done Drew, well done Munros for specialising in this space. Great job!!

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  • ★★★★★ — Asif Raza

    Drew was extremely helpful and professional. Highly recommend!!

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  • ★★★★★ — Tom

    Drew @ Munro’s was very professional and they did a great job!

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  • ★★★★★ — Suthee Saisuwan

    Crypto trading is a new thing and I believe, just like many others I had made lots of mistakes not knowing that trading Crypto is a taxable event. Lucky, there is someone knowledgeable about this matter.

    Great education and support in this challenging time I have received from Drew the man!

    The level of communication is top, accurate and precise. They put their heart into the work to help out their client. Highly recommend if you are seeking a Crypto tax return service.

    Thanks Drew the man and Michael.”

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  • ★★★★★ — Jesse Allan

    Just met these guys on an initially consultation call. Can’t speak highly enough about them in the short time I’ve used their services. Their advice on the call and their follow up afterwards is the best I’ve seen. Highly recommend and looking forward to the continuing relationship. Thanks a lot Drew and Cherie.

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  • ★★★★★ — Chris Johnston

    Drew Pflaum and Munro’s have been Fantastic with my crypto portfolio and their advise on my taxation requirements regarding this. I am also very impressed with their promptness, expertise and dedication in all my accounting matters. I would recommend their services to anyone who wants a professional and up to date accounting firm.

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  • ★★★★★ — Robert Elliott

    Brilliant accounting firm I have trusted for almost 30 years with all of my business and personal accounting. Their service is second to none.

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  • ★★★★★ — Nick Tighe

    On behalf of our farming family, congratulations on 50 years. We have been with Munros 3 generations starting I think when My Grandmother switched at the start. My late Father always had good dealings with whoever was assigned to us which there have not been too many over the 50 years which I think may be a reflection of the stability and integrity of Munros. Simon Strawbridge who was the new kid on the block back in my fathers day and the rest of the team has always provided us with great service and we thank the whole team for their support over the years.

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  • ★★★★★ — D C

    Munro’s is delivering excellent results for me. My initial engagement was a complex situation comprising of many years of outstanding returns in both the traditional and cryptocurrency space. Drew, Sanjay and Saul were able to rise to the challenge and managed the whole process including preparation, lodgement and dealing directly with the ATO. They have always been friendly, responsive, diligent and provide actionable advice based on observations they have made from my data and by also understanding my personal goals and objectives.

    I am confident I have the right team by my side with Munro’s and I highly recommend Munro’s to anyone looking for top quality service and advice.

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  • ★★★★★ — Chloe Pritchard

    I was looking for a business advisor for my small business in the Perth area and stumbled across Munro’s. On the website I was able to conveniently book an initial meeting with them to find out how I could achieve long term growth. One of their business accountants, Drew, promptly replied back and even helped accommodate a meeting on an earlier date. I met with him at their Perth office, and he was beyond helpful. After the meeting he followed up with an email, comprehensively outlining what we had discussed with great tips to help me move forward with growing my business. I really appreciated that Munro’s was willing to take the time to meet with me and help me even though my business is still a little too small to pursue Munro’s services. Drew didn’t try and upsell me and was so helpful and realistic with what I should do at this current stage in my business.

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  • ★★★★★ — Luke S

    Great team and great service.

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  • ★★★★★ — Luke S

    Great team and great service.

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  • ★★★★★ — Boz

    Huge thankyou to Drew, Rama and the whole Munro’s team. Great service and easy to deal with. Was an absolute pleasure. A+

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  • ★★★★★ — Gary Smallacombe

    I can highly recommend Tony and Michael at Munros – they have done my family affairs for several years now and couldn’t be more happier with the service I receive. The quality and professionalism of the work is second to none.

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  • ★★★★★ — Dianne Hall

    Drew was fantastic to talk to. He answered all my questions in an easy to understand way. He helped me gain a greater understanding of how Cryptocurrency is treated by the tax department and what my obligations around record keeping are. I would recommend contacting Drew if you are new to Cryptocurrencies before investing, to get a handle on how things work, what your obligations are and how to keep good records.

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  • ★★★★★ — Roger York

    Thanks Drew and Munros for helping me with my taxes.

    Highly recommended

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  • ★★★★★ — Nicole Sedgwick

    Congratulations Munro’s on reaching this significant milestone!

    Our family business has been with Munro’s since its establishment 50 years ago. They have supported our business through 3 generations and we are confident that our relationship will continue to grow for many years to come. They are professional, reliable and understanding and we think of them like an extension of our family. We would highly recommend them to anyone!

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  • ★★★★★ — The Ramsay Family

    Wonderful support and response from the team at Munros. We have been with them for many years covering both business and personal matters. It is a credit to both past and present staff.

    Thank you

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  • ★★★★★ — Mark Howlett

    Got terrific service and advice from Drew. Simple, informative and a quick response time too. Would recommend.

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  • ★★★★★ — Michael Page

    Accountant Drew was very helpful with a detailed insight to capital gains tax and reset period shall we sell our property. Drew contacted five minutes after I enquired to the office and followed up with this assessment

    The tax tribunal has said that a common-sense assessment applies when considering the varying number of factors and even conflicting circumstances when determining if a house is someone’s main residence. In your case, the Bunbury house may have become your main residence for that short eight week stay if you moved a great deal of personal belonging there. However, a common-sense assessment likely suggests it did not become your main residence (at least on the facts that I know). If it didn’t become your main residence, then the maximum period you can claim the property as your main residence for the period since 2018 is 6 years. I.e. 2018-2014. For the period 2024 onwards, the main residence exemption cannot apply. You could, however, move back in and re-establish it as your main residence and then move out and rent again, which would restart the absentee rule. However, you still would not get the main residence exemption for the period 2024 to the time you moved back in because the maximum 6 years has expired for this current period of absence.

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  • ★★★★★ — Philip Maguire

    Our dealings with Drew Pflaum of Munros were a revelation to my wife and I. Never before had we encountered a business accountant with such dedicated commitment to his clients. Drew’s work ethic is outstanding. When we found Drew online we were in desperate circumstances, faced with the loss of our two properties.

    His empathy, hard work, patience and breadth of knowledge was incomparable and took us from despair to hope very quickly. He worked out strategies that bought us time and helped us immensely.

    Without Drew’s input our future prospects were bleak. We’re delighted to have had the opportunity to review our very positive experience.

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  • ★★★★★ — Ivan

    They know what they are doing. No matter how complex your accounting is, Munro’s is the way to go. They also have international experience. Drew and Mike’s expertise and responsiveness won’t disappoint you.

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  • ★★★★★ — Julie Snooke

    Mike assisted with our farm succession planning. Thanks to Mike’s in depth knowledge on this subject, this process has been smooth and amicable. We highly recommend Mike and his team for family business succession.

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  • ★★★★★ — Julie Snooke

    Mike assisted with our farm succession planning. Thanks to Mike’s in depth knowledge on this subject, this process has been smooth and amicable. We highly recommend Mike and his team for family business succession.

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  • ★★★★★ — Gary Lambe

    The Munros Team have exceeded my wildest expectations, with delivering the most competent, friendly and fruitful service. Thanks to their patience, great lines of communication and willingness to take on difficult challenges- they have turned my headaches into happiness. I’d recommend Munros to any Trader using complex or new systems, and maybe feel like their tax situation is an unholy mess. Munros worked hard to really understand the nascent Kinesis Monetary System, with its nuanced trading complexities. Purely due to painstaking efforts to “nut it all out”. Thanks heaps… Absolute Legends!

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  • ★★★★★ — Reuben Crocker

    The team is very responsive to emails and their communication is good. I was dealing with Brian and Saul.

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  • ★★★★★ — T K

    I highly recommend Drew and the team at Munros for their excellent accounting services, particularly with investment income as well as their crypto expertise. Thanks Drew.

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  • ★★★★★ — Will S

    The team at Munro’s has been of great assistance to me over the years, with a particular special mention to Drew Pflaum. They’ve helped me navigate some complex tax matters with proactive, insightful, and pragmatic advice. I highly recommend them for anyone seeking expertise in this area. Thank you again to the whole team and especially to Drew.

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  • ★★★★★ — Jery

    I engaged Munro’s on line owing to the fact that they claimed a specialisation in share trading. I am not a professional trader, however I presented Munro’s with a complex set of circumstances ranging over a 5-6 year period. To say I was delighted with their level of expertise and professionalism would be an understatement. I reside in Victoria and Munro’s is in WA, so this matter was dealt with entirely on line. The accounting professional that looked after my matter was one of the most helpful service providers I have recently encountered, going as far as assisting with my rather rudimentary IT skill. This firm, through the diligent work of the previously mentioned accounting professionals turned what I thought, was a dire Tax situation into a win for me. I cannot rate this firm highly enough, two other firms wanted me to jump through all sorts of hoops, Munro’s did a magnificent job, with little fuss and all on line. I publicly extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to the person that looked after my matter.

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  • ★★★★★ — Jim Kozmo

    I’m extremely pleased with the services of Munro’s Accountants. They are professional and easy to work with. My situation was not simple yet they completed the task and have provided me with peace of mind going forwards. I would not hesitate to recommend them. AAAAA+++++

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  • ★★★★★ — Barbara and Murray

    From the moment we met Simon Strawbridge we were impressed and put at ease by his personable manner. We knew our taxation assessment was in competent and knowledgeable hands.We have been with Munro’s for 8+ years. During this time Drew Pflaum assisted us with BAS issues, which was greatly appreciated easing another financial burden. All the staff whom have assisted us through the years have been highly professional and always pleasant. In particular those at the reception desk always helped us with a smile. Even when reception was not attended, someone was quick to assist us. Munro’s make taxation assessment time a breeze. Thank you Munro’s. Congratulations on 50 years of excellent service

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  • ★★★★★ — Tom Robson

    Drew and the team have been excellent from the day we began our journey with Munro’s. They’ve always been prompt with communication and provide advice that is clear and easy to understand. We’ve been very happy with their service over the last 3 years and look forward to working with them into the future. Thanks Drew, Nick, Simon and Carl!

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  • ★★★★★ — Faye Sanderson

    Munro’s have helped build our business from strength to strength for over 40 years! No problem or question has ever been too large or too small and all have been dealt with in a timely and efficient manner. Thanks to Simon, Carl and the team for your continual excellent service.

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  • ★★★★★ — Doug Harwood

    Congratulations Munro’s… on your 50th year celebration.

    It has been a pleasure working with you, since we opened our business 8 years ago. In particular, Ben Paul has been supporting us for the whole journey so far and we can highly recommend his expertise & friendly service.

    Geoff, Doug & Yvonne Harwood

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