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

  • ★★★★★ — Jennifer Fox

    A big shout out to Mike and his team at Munro’s for the outstanding work you’ve done on our accounts and returns!!

    From our very first interaction with Mike, we had a great feeling about engaging with Munro’s, and you’ve more than delivered.

    It’s been such a relief to know our business and personal accounts are in such capable hands.

    Highly recommended.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — 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.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — 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.

    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
  • ★★★★★ — Ivan Lai

    Friendly staff and excellent service. During the past five years, their team have provided very useful advice on tax savings. Their prompt response and well explanation to my questions are well worth Five Stars. Thanks Josephine, Christine and the team. Highly recommended without hesitation.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Pond Family

    Highly recommend Munro’s accounting firm AAA +++

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Boston Whooley

    High quality and professional advise. I would highly recommend Munro’s if you are looking for a quality team to work with.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — 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.

    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
  • ★★★★★ — Jamie Little (JAMIETV)

    Professional service, very quick & reliable especially when it involves Cryptocurrency. Went out of their way to assist by a deadline that I had & they were happy to accommodate.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — 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!

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Allison Beck

    Super grateful to Drew and the team at Munro’s for their quick response and helpfulness! I reached out via their website to see about getting a referral for a comparable crypto tax advisor in the United States, as Munro’s seemed to be the best firm I came across in my research. Drew got back to me within hours and was kind enough to reach out to his network for a reputable contact. He directed me to a great firm and was quick, kind, and communicative throughout. Wish we were based in Australia so we could work with Drew and his team for all our tax advisory needs! Highly recommend.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Allison Beck

    Super grateful to Drew and the team at Munro’s for their quick response and helpfulness! I reached out via their website to see about getting a referral for a comparable crypto tax advisor in the United States, as Munro’s seemed to be the best firm I came across in my research. Drew got back to me within hours and was kind enough to reach out to his network for a reputable contact. He directed me to a great firm and was quick, kind, and communicative throughout. Wish we were based in Australia so we could work with Drew and his team for all our tax advisory needs! Highly recommend.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Doreen Wilkinson

    Have been using Munro’s for over 30 years and have been completely satisfied with the friendliness and expert knowledge they provide. I would fully recommend anybody needing an accounting firm to use Munro’s. Well done Simon and the team.

    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
  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — Ben Soules

    Excellent advice with very skilled accountants. Not too expensive, for such a specialized and sophisticated service. Committed to the customer, always very professional and helpful. Highly recommended!

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Cris Yanez

    Extremely professional, attention to detail and a knowledgeable team. Working with Drew and the team at Munro’s was a pleasure.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Nicholl & Utley families

    We are 3rd generation clients.
    Munros are more than accountants they have a general interest in the wellbeing of our business.
    Munros are forward thinking business organisers and friends
    We wish them well for the next 50 years

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Cole King

    Drew is absolutely amazing and very informative regarding tax purposes.
    If you are a NZ citizen and not already an Australian citizen, then you need to book a time with Drew.

    It was a breath of fresh air speaking with Drew as our previous accountants could not relay a definitive answer for some of the questions we had, and Drew answered it without a second thought.

    Seeking information regarding tax can be a daunting subject and not everyone explains it in Layman’s term, and that’s where Drew fits that topic.

    Definitely gained a couple more clients and has definitely earnt our business going forward.

    Thanks Drew 👍🏾

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Moree Grazing Co, Tambellup WA

    We have been clients of Munro’s (and Donald F Munro & Assoc. before that) for more than 50 years and have always found them to be right on point with their advice and work. Nothing is too much trouble to research and the responses always given in easy-to-understand language. We love that the K.I.S.S principle is used (keep-it-simple-stupid!) We can’t thank Simon and Carl enough for the great service that they provide. I have also, in community roles, worked with Barry Virgo and Ian Arblaster over the years on Co-operative business and their knowledge was second to none.

    Thank you and congratulations Munro’s on 50 years + in business.

    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
  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — Ferrante Alvarezdetoledo

    Happy 50 years !!! I joined Munro’s in 1974 just close to when the accounting firm had started, Don Munro was my accountant at the time and helped greatly in all my various problems and successes and he still remained a very dear friend to me; now Simon Strawbridge is looking after me and I can only praise all the work that he has been doing for me not only in accounting, but also in advising my various legal problems and investments.

    I can only say well done to the whole team and hope that I will still be their client in the coming years.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Ferrante Alvarezdetoledo

    Happy 50 years !!! I joined Munro’s in 1974 just close to when the accounting firm had started, Don Munro was my accountant at the time and helped greatly in all my various problems and successes and he still remained a very dear friend to me; now Simon Strawbridge is looking after me and I can only praise all the work that he has been doing for me not only in accounting, but also in advising my various legal problems and investments.

    I can only say well done to the whole team and hope that I will still be their client in the coming years.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Darth Gus

    I have used Munros now for 3 years, and I find them excellent – can highly recommend them to anyone needing a fantastic Accountant!

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Maneesha Kulasekera

    I highly recommend Munro’s for their brilliance and hard work. Saul, Sanjay and the Munros team are highly capable and passionate in their dealings with their clients and have been a strong pillar in navigating through my Taxes and Accounting over the past few years. They are exceptionally knowledgeable in their field of expertise and up to date with the latest policies/requirements and very easy to work with as they understand the client’s needs. I want to express my sincere gratitude and thanks to especially Saul and Sanjay for their professionalism, great advise, friendly attitude and major efforts in assisting me with my Taxes/ accounting. I couldn’t have asked for a better team than Munro’s.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — ak jp

    We have been looked after by accountant Mr Carl Hansen. We are very grateful for his help on our tax matters. He is very thorough, knowledgeable and easy to approach. Highly recommend!

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Noeline Kellow

    I started working at Munro’s in 1979, spent my life there (besides stopping to have a family) & retired from Munro”s in December 2022. Great place to work & made lifetime friends.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — iORGANiC

    I am very pleased to recommend Cherie and Munros. They are friendly, polite, energetic, honest and reliable. We feel in good hands with our taxation and business commitments. We have been delighted that Munros thoroughly understand our business structure and requirements. We are always treated with respect. We feel a sense of integrity infuses the company which is very important. We feel that Munro are up to date with the regulations and knowledge in their field. We have never been let down or kept waiting for an answer. Cherie and Munros have helped with our business forward planning and I would recommend them to anyone who need someone that listens and provides professional solutions without fuss. Thank you Cherie and Munros!

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Sarah & Rob Comer

    We worked with Ben and his team from MUNRO’s accountants in Perth during a business purchase and due diligence process, and were absolutely impressed with their service. Their attention to detail and strong, practical advice gave us complete confidence throughout. Highly recommend for any Perth business looking for reliable and professional support.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Peter D

    Munro’s are by far the best accounting firm I’ve ever dealt with it. My accountant Carl is very good at what he does and I would highly recommend him and the entire Munro’s team. They provide the most amazing customer service, absolute pleasure to deal with, incredible attention to detail and extremely experienced in all aspects of accounting for business, crypto, derivatives, property etc. I’m confident to say Munro’s have my business for life.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Robert Klein

    Real pleasure dealing with Munro’s. Drew Pflaum in particular was very helpful in providing tailored advice promptly and professionally.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Paul Davis

    Very professional and communicative, will use again next year. Thank you.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Roger York

    Thanks Drew and Munros for helping me with my taxes.

    Highly recommended

    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.