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

  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — Asif Raza

    Drew was extremely helpful and professional. Highly recommend!!

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — 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!!

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Bev Margetts

    Mike has been most helpful and professional with our accounting, superannuation and taxation affairs. We had transferred some years ago from a less than professional person and now very pleased to be with Munro’s. Congratulations on 50 years and best wishes for a long and successful 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
  • ★★★★★ — 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.

    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
  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — JD Duv

    I highly recommend Drew Pflaum at Munro’s for any matter relating to property, crypto, business tax, etc. I’ve recently met with Drew and he was very diligent and knowledgeable in explaining the best possible options/solutions I have available for my business. Drew is definitely the go-to person for any complex tax matters.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Paul Davis

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

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Paul Davis

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

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Mike

    For nearly ten years, Munros has consistently provided me with excellent service. Drew has been a pioneer in handling crypto tax matters, even before it was a thing. I can’t imagine finding a more approachable and professional outfit. I anticipate a lasting partnership, despite a few questionable football team preferences.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — 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

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Betty-lou Haydon

    We have been with Munros for the life of our farming business. Munros staff are always so polite and helpful. Christine and her team are so professional, knowledgeable and have a thorough understanding of our business and what we wish to achieve going forward. We see them as a vital part of our business. We are very grateful for this relationship!

    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
  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — Roger York

    Thanks Drew and Munros for helping me with my taxes.

    Highly recommended

    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
  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — Tom Mackie

    Great first experience at Munro’s.

    Thanks Rama!

    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
  • ★★★★★ — Emma Rocca

    Exceptional Professionalism and Genuine Support

    I can’t thank Drew enough for the incredible support he offered during an incredibly stressful and emotional time. His communication was efficient, clear, and refreshingly straightforward—qualities that are hard to come by when dealing with complex financial and legal matters.

    Although Munros were ultimately unable to take on my case due to an internal conflict, Drew still gave generously of his time and expertise without charge. He treated the complex situation with empathy and integrity, when most professionals would have run a mile. His advice and clarity made a tangible difference to both my confidence and the steps I’m now taking to secure a better future for myself and my children.

    It’s deeply regrettable that I can’t continue with Drew as our accountant long-term, because he would’ve been my first choice without question. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing not only expert accounting but also genuine human support.

    Thank you again, Drew — you have been amazing.

    — Emma Rocca

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Emma Rocca

    Exceptional Professionalism and Genuine Support

    I can’t thank Drew enough for the incredible support he offered during an incredibly stressful and emotional time. His communication was efficient, clear, and refreshingly straightforward—qualities that are hard to come by when dealing with complex financial and legal matters.

    Although Munros were ultimately unable to take on my case due to an internal conflict, Drew still gave generously of his time and expertise without charge. He treated the complex situation with empathy and integrity, when most professionals would have run a mile. His advice and clarity made a tangible difference to both my confidence and the steps I’m now taking to secure a better future for myself and my children.

    It’s deeply regrettable that I can’t continue with Drew as our accountant long-term, because he would’ve been my first choice without question. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing not only expert accounting but also genuine human support.

    Thank you again, Drew — you have been amazing.

    — Emma Rocca

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Michelle

    Drew has been exceptional. Very knowledgeable, easy to understand, timely with his responses, he came in to bat for us when we needed someone to do that. Highly, HIGHLY recommend.

    read more
  • ★★★★★ — Shiny Sheep

    5 Stars from Don. I can’t thank Drew and Brian enough for dealing with my very complex history across multiple years of cryptocurrency trading. This has been across many exchanges, wallets, and my Dash Masternode history also. Drew and Brian have been flawless when fielding my various questions across the months it has taken to work through my complex case load.
    Based in Sydney, I got into cryptocurrency in 2013, and it lead me down a trajectory in life I could never have foreseen. Getting this tax aspect of it up to date will take a layer of stress off my back.

    I highly recommend Munro’s, Perth.

    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
  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — 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!

    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
  • ★★★★★ — 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

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.