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

  • ★★★★★ — Val McAlpine

    David and I have been loyal clients of Munros for many years—I think since we were married in 1962. David made all the decisions in those early years. I became a more active partner as we worked with Ted Wilhelm and Ian Arblaster until their retirement. We then worked with Christine Prasetia for our financial, accounting, taxation and our wills until David’s death in May, 2017. Christine has patiently guided me through taking up the reins of our business venture. She is very efficient and totally reliable in all our dealings. I feel fortunate to have Christine as my accountant and business advisor. Thanking you, Val McAlpine

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Darryl Chester

    Congratulations on 50 years of accounting.
    Munro`s have managed our family business affairs for approximately 45 years.
    Thankyou.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Mike Eames

    Drew and the team at Munros have managed our tax for the past 4-5 years. Drew has the expertise to resolve all our queries and always provides excellent service. We would highly recommend Drew and team.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Stan

    Munros are a quality accounting firm. My accountant Rama is very thorough with his work and attention to detail, I would recommend him to anyone who is involved in cryptocurrencies. Keep up the good work guys 🙂

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Dawn Phillips

    Munro’s have been dealing with our taxes for a couple of years now, and have always been right onto anything to do with crypto and any other aspects of the industries we work in. Always friendly, helpful and professional.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Daniel Stefanelli

    Pleasure working with you guys and one of the best decisions to move forward in our family business with Munros. Utmost professionalism right from answering the phone to all of your advice and support.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — MG

    Drew and the team helped me with my tax returns, especially reporting on cryptocurrency trading done in previous years. I highly recommend seeking their services for all tax/accounting matters, especially cryptocurrency trading. Thanks guys!

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Suzanne Wyatt

    Thank you to Mike and Munro’s for your expertise, professionalism and patience.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Frances Morrell

    Munros have been a wonderful support over the last 50 years. Christine , Simon and previously Barry, have taken tremendous care of all my accounts and have even managed not to laugh at the state of my annual paperwork, that is, when I eventually submit it.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — 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

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Michael Sasse

    Congratulations Munro’s on 50 years. I think my father must have been one of Donald’s and Barry’s earliest clients. Their names were ever present around the breakfast table when I was hopping on a school bus. I reflected with Christine a few months ago that the most important people in life were my family, my accountants, my GP and and Gough Whitlam. In no particluar order. (Why Gough Whitlam? He gave me a free university education and stopped the Vietnam ballot a year before it was my turn. And I have never voted labor). Thanks to Ian, Melissa, Christine, Noeline and Rama. Ever professional.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Steve Nunn

    Mike and the team at Munro’s have managed our personal and business affairs for over 20 years consistently achieving excellent results. Now in retirement we continue to be totally confident with Mikes advice. Congratulations Munro’s on 50 wonderful Years.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Steve Nunn

    Mike and the team at Munro’s have managed our personal and business affairs for over 20 years consistently achieving excellent results. Now in retirement we continue to be totally confident with Mikes advice. Congratulations Munro’s on 50 wonderful Years.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — David Boddington

    From the small technical stuff to the sage big picture advice, Simon and team Munro’s have been patiently guiding and safeguarding our family’s financial journey for decades. THANKS !! Here’s to the next 50 years!

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Tim

    I have been a client of Munro’s for 2 years and am very happy with their service. They have saved me a lot of time, effort, and money.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Alex C

    Munros was really helpful in listening to my situation and taking their time in pointing me to the right direction for my complex tax matters. I high recommend their services!

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Nick & Katy Formica

    We wish to thank Mike & his team @ Munros for their professional help & service over the past 20 years . Having just recently sold our franchise business after 14 years, Mike has guided us through those times with success & helped us to achieve our family goals within our business. Congratulations on your 50th Anniversary. Looking forward to continue to work with Mike & the team in the near future.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Gautam Sathivel

    One of the best decisions we made was switching our accounting services to Munro’s. Especial thanks for Saul and Brian for their extensive knowledge, understanding our business requirement, goals and most importantly keeping us compliant. Extremely happy to engage with this organisation and team.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Esteban Aguilar

    Thanks Mike and the team for making it easy to process my personal tax and for answering all my questions and concerns around CGT.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Joe and Wendy McKinley

    Thank you to all the Staff members of Munro’s who have cared for our business over the last 50 years.
    Always competent and friendly.

    Best wishes for the future.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Boz

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

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Kurt Courtney

    Drew provided great tax advice tailored to our circumstances. His guidance was clear, easy to understand and is expected to save us thousands. Munro’s accountants are fantastic, highly recommend.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Kevin Connor

    When I first discovered Munro’s and spoke to Drew, it was clear that they would be the perfect solution to my accounting issues. Owing to the nascent nature of crypto, I struggled to find a firm knowledgable and confident enough to handle my vast transaction history, across many networks and numerous wallets.

    Working closely with Rama, I have experienced nothing but prompt and clear communication at all times. I continue to be impressed with the accuracy, clarity and professional services I receive.

    In my experience, I have found Munro’s services are always provided with courteous and bespoke correspondence.

    Many thanks and congratulations to 50 years.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Tom

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

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Tom

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

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Bren Croll

    As soon as I saw that Munro’s were recommended by the cryptocurrency tracking app CoinTracking for tax advice, I knew they must be absolute pros.

    Munro’s will be my accountants for life now. Nothing was too much trouble and everything has gone so smoothly.

    Here’s what Carl fixed for me for my latest tax return:

    reconciled complex history from various crypto exchanges, some of which are now defunct, which I had spent several days trying to get various AI models to assist with to no avail

    fixed my balance issue in CoinTracking to accurately reflect my position

    Corrected purchase and sales history for employee shares scheme

    Adjust various mistakes from my previous accountants and carry forward the adjustments

    Scrutinised previous tax returns to adjust missed capital losses from a kitchen renovation completed over a decade ago on an investment property that can now be used to offset future capital gains.

    Provide clear advice on every single thing I asked with no hesitation. It’s so obvious that these guys have seen it all and done it all.

    Because I’m with Munro’s now, I feel SO much more confident about some big financial moves where the nightmarish tax implications would otherwise boggle the mind.

    Thank you so much!

    By the way, I wasn’t asked to do this review or sent one of those “please review us on Google” emails. I am posting this because I’m so happy with the service I was provided, it sells itself and I suppose a perfect 5 star rating with 140+ reviews is a testament to the fact that all of Munro’s customers have a similar experience to me. If you have complex tax affairs I don’t think you’ll find anyone better.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Graeme Bassett

    We are delighted with the friendly, knowledgeable and efficient service Simon and his team provide.
    We have tested Simon’s patience and humour over the years but he has always managed to come through with a smile.

    Thank you to Simon and his team!

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — 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.”

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — 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!

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Tim Guest

    Had a longstanding relationship with Munro’s for over a decade. Mike has always gone over and above for me and has my highest recommendation. Thank you.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Duane Healey

    Great business accountants. Helped with company tax return. Convenient location and nice office in Perth. Special thanks to accountant, Drew Pflaum. Highly recommended.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Tom Mackie

    Great first experience at Munro’s.

    Thanks Rama!

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — 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.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — J T

    Drew provided clear and detailed advice on my crypto and personal tax matters, making everything easy to understand. Highly recommend!

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Eric Mastro

    Munro’s were able to take complicated tax matters like cryptocurrency trading income for a new company and turn it in to a simple solution for me. Drew has always been amazingly patient and helpful, answering emails quickly and taking the time to respond thoroughly so the matter could be clearly understood. Highly recommended for any tax accounting needs!!

    read more

read more testimonials

Discover Our Key Services & Solutions

Business Accounting

 

Accounting & Tax Services

Business Advisory

 

Business Advice Services

Asset & Wealth Protection

 

Asset Protection Services

Tell us about your problem and we’ll respond within 1 business day.