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

  • ★★★★★ — Chloe Pritchard

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

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  • ★★★★★ — Laura Hooton

    Great Firm. Have been dealing with Christine for a few years and she is always there for advice and willing to help. Highly recommend.

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  • ★★★★★ — 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!

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  • ★★★★★ — Kevin Yuen

    Recently when I approached Saul and Drew at Munro’s regarding a tricky cryptocurrency investment situation they were very helpful in assisting. They are very knowledgeable about the area and their insights and recommendations were very much appreciated.

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  • ★★★★★ — Arky Abbott

    Fantastic work. Professional accountants with incredible response times and excellent advice.
    Perfect service

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  • ★★★★★ — 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.

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  • ★★★★★ — Jery

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

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  • ★★★★★ — Will S

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

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  • ★★★★★ — Boz

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

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  • ★★★★★ — Cris Yanez

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

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  • ★★★★★ — Eve Broadley

    Sorry, I can’t join you in your celebration on 1st September.

    However, I wish to thank you for all your wonderful service for more years than I can remember, especially Simon, Carl and Annette.

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  • ★★★★★ — Tom Mackie

    Great first experience at Munro’s.

    Thanks Rama!

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  • ★★★★★ — Tom Mackie

    Great first experience at Munro’s.

    Thanks Rama!

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  • ★★★★★ — Cynthia Johnston

    This is such a great team! I was behind in my crypto accounting and I received clear instructions and assistance to bring all of my accounting up to date this year. I recommend Munro’s to everyone, especially people using crypto currency. This team are experts in this field!

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  • ★★★★★ — Jeremy Glasgow

    Very knowledgeable experts on complicated crypto tax matters. I would highly recommend every trader/investor to bite the bullet and seek professional advice from Munro’s.

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  • ★★★★★ — Philip Maguire

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

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

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

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  • ★★★★★ — 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.

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  • ★★★★★ — Paulo

    Excellent accounting service with a deep understanding of tax implications for SMSFs.

    I was very impressed with Munro’s accounting service. Before I engaged with Munro’s, I met with accountants across Australia, but I decided to go with Munro’s because of their breadth and understanding of taxation.

    Brian from Munro’s was able to quickly and efficiently complete my 2023 tax returns, and also provided additional advice and expertise on how I could better structure my affairs.

    Originally, I briefed Munro’s to wind back my SMSF due to the administrative burden of managing it. However, Munro’s was able to clearly understand my affairs and prepare the tax documentation in a way that reduced the administrative burden. I was so impressed with their service that I decided to continue with the SMSF after all.

    I highly recommend Munro’s to anyone looking for an accounting service with a deep understanding of taxation and SMSFs.

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  • ★★★★★ — Jesse Allan

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

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  • ★★★★★ — 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.

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  • ★★★★★ — 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.

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  • ★★★★★ — Max Smith

    Congratulations on 50 years of accounting. We transitioned from Wesfarmers to Munros and have been extremely happy with the professional, efficient, courteous and friendly service provided by Barry, Simon, Ted, Christine and Noelene during that time

    Looking forward to continuing the association for many years to come

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  • ★★★★★ — E M

    Rama and the team at Munro’s provided prompt and thorough crypto tax advice. They are very professional and I highly recommend their services.

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  • ★★★★★ — 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.

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  • ★★★★★ — 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
  • ★★★★★ — 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.

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  • ★★★★★ — 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!

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  • ★★★★★ — 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.

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  • ★★★★★ — 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.

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  • ★★★★★ — Brad Johnson

    Thanks Drew, your guidance into my situation was very helpful. I’m sure your knowledge and expertise will be required in the future for ongoing decisions. Highly recommended!!

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  • ★★★★★ — Carlos Braun

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

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  • ★★★★★ — 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.

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  • ★★★★★ — 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

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  • ★★★★★ — Nicole Smith

    My husband and I were looking for some advice on a short time frame with regards to purchasing a piece of farmland. We had an offer in hand and a peculiar clause that we needed advice on. Adam Carter was prompt, detailed and courteous in all dealings with us. He helped us meet our deadline, understand the consequences of each available option and now establish our small farming enterprise. We cannot thank him and the team at Munro’s enough. Highly recommend their services.

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  • ★★★★★ — Jaxius

    Drew and Cherie are the best accountants that I’ve had so far with their lightning quick responses to my trivial questions. They actually take the time to explain what they are doing and why. Highly trusted and recommended.

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