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

  • ★★★★★ — Shelly Forrester

    At HiscoNFE we use Munro’s for all of our tax and accounting advice and we are always impressed with the quality of their service. The team at Munro’s is extremely knowledgeable, professional, helpful and affordable and Drew in particular is a guru when it comes to anything that involves tax. On the rare occasion where Simon has suggested we get a second opinion for a complex tax matter, the Munro’s advice has always been proven to be spot on! We highly recommend the team at Munro’s and we are very grateful for their support over the last 10 years. Sincere thanks from the owners at HiscoNFE!

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — 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!

    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
  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — 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.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — 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

    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
  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — Bushy 996

    I have to give a shout out to Munro’s. They were very professional and quick to respond to my tax and accounting questions. Awesome job guys, Thanks 👍

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — 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.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — FK aus

    Munro’s provided me with the exact accounting and tax advice I needed. I highly recommend Munro’s to anyone who is searching for a professional accounting firm that goes the extra mile to help their clients.

    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
  • ★★★★★ — Andy & Mary

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — 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+++++

    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
  • ★★★★★ — Paul Davis

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

    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
  • ★★★★★ — Jenny Bourke

    We followed Mike Beer when he joined Munros and have been with them ever since. Mike has been a huge help over many years. He is always available to answer even the most basic/ extraordinarily naive questions, and always with a generous and helpful attitude.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — 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.

    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
  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — RW

    After “investing” in cryptocurrencies for the past few years I thought my tax return was going to be a nightmare. Cherie and the team at Munro’s have done a fantastic job at making my last two tax returns as easy as possible for me and I will be continuing to use their services in the future.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Fay & Steve

    Our Munro’s Experience began approximately 38/40 years ago. Steve’s parents were already customers of Munros, in particular Barry Virgo, and we followed suit.

    For the first couple of years we had several changes of Accountants at Munro’s (we always got the newbies and had to ‘train them up’ to know how to get the best deal from the Tax Office for farmers. We became fed up of this system. Our last newbie was Simon Strawbridge. Well, we got him “trained up right proper” then they wanted to give us the next new one, but we stated we weren’t changing.

    Today, Simon is still our go to man. Whilst we understand there have been many very efficient people working in the background on our business affairs, for which we thank them sincerely, we have always maintained our professional relationship with Simon.

    We have been through some big business changes in our farming adventures over these past 40 odd years, and the advice, help and professional assistance has been 100%. At times we didn’t know who to trust to give us the best business advice and we were fortunate to be able to lean on Simon’s vast knowledge to help us make these decisions.

    Our working partnership of having our taxation needs, investment portfolios, wills, etc. linked in with Munros and the great staff has been successful.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Carlos Braun

    Have been using Munro’s for many years now and always happy with the thorough and speedy work they do. Highly recommended.

    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
  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — Ryan Hannah

    Great first experience at Monro’s! Took on the service expecting a sizable tax bill and ended up with a rebait, also learned about tax laws. Will defiantly be back next year.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Louise Maguire

    I required some complicated advice from a business accountant on an urgent matter. It involved legal issues and advice as well as accounting advice.
    I contacted Drew Pflaum of Munro’s via the website, and he got back to me very promptly.
    Drew showed that he was well able and indeed very keen to think outside the square.
    Nothing was too much trouble and he has some very valuable professional contacts that he is able to consult with if needed.
    With Drew’s obvious intelligence and honesty coupled with an enviable network of contacts, and his keen desire to achieve the best results possible in a timely manner, I have no hesitation in recommending him for any sort of business accounting advice.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Jeff Hoffard

    From QLD was searching for a accounting firm that could easily handle all my tax dealings including crypto transactions and Carl has been very helpful always just an email away to sort out any concerns I might have.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Greg Hill

    Congratulation on achieving 50 years in business! We made the move to Munro’s in 2015 and have since received sound professional advice & services for all accounting, taxation, business development and succession planning needs, to us personally, to our family and to our group of companies. We have found your services to be efficient, effective and of the highest caliber. Many thanks from the Hill Group.

    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.