Five benefits of outsourcing your payroll

When it comes to running a business, time is an irreplaceable commodity and we are seeing more and more businesses start to outsource specialist or essential services. If you employ people, then payroll is both a specialist and essential service.

Why?

Because outsourcing payroll allows business owners to focus on their strengths and core business, leaving the complexities of systems and compliance to experts.

With the right team behind you, the benefits of outsourcing your payroll can be realised almost immediately. 

For many small and medium businesses, outsourcing payroll has also become more relevant with changes to superannuation rules, Single Touch Payroll updates, new reporting requirements, and higher expectations from employees. 

A reliable contract service such as First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray helps you stay on top of these changes and maintain accuracy every pay cycle.

Here are five benefits of outsourcing your payroll.

1. Save time

By outsourcing your payroll, time spent on compliance, regulations, and training staff on using internal systems is eliminated. 

Cloud-based payroll services can also eliminate time spent by HR updating entitlements, leave and benefits. This now includes Single Touch Payroll reporting, superannuation checking tools, and digital employee onboarding, which have added extra steps for employers.

First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray manages these tasks for you through a structured weekly or fortnightly process. You no longer need to pause your day for payroll questions, software issues, award reviews, or chasing paperwork. This saves time and reduces interruptions across your business.

If payroll takes too much of your week, outsourcing to First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray keeps everything running on time.

2. Save money

Having fewer full-time employees can cause a ripple effect on cost savings throughout an organisation, from HR and IT through to office space and utilities. Outsourcing to payroll services providers reduces the cost of hiring and retaining specialised staff – two activities that are expensive and increasingly seen as unnecessary.

Payroll software, compliance requirements, and employer obligations continue to grow, which makes it more costly to train internal staff or correct mistakes.

Outsourcing removes the need for internal payroll training, specialised systems knowledge, or paying someone to troubleshoot awards or prepare STP corrections.

With First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, you pay for the service you need and avoid the ongoing cost of an in-house payroll role.

Outsourced payroll can reduce unnecessary overheads. If you want predictable monthly costs, we can help.

3. Compliance

For many small business owners payroll isn’t a core competency. And that means the complexity of work place agreements and EBAs increases the risk of costly errors. Keeping up with the Australian Government’s National Employee Standards (NES) requires vigilance and expertise to remain compliant.

Penalties for incorrect payroll, superannuation underpayments, and late lodgements continue to increase, and compliance checks are now more detailed across most industries.

Superannuation is now monitored more closely through digital reporting, and award changes occur more frequently. Outsourcing to a specialist payroll provider ensures that the minimum standards are adhered to and helps reduce the risk of incorrect classifications and missed entitlements.

First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray manages compliance as part of your payroll service, including employee setup, leave accruals, superannuation calculations, and STP submissions.

4. Simplified reporting

Outsourcing payroll provides complete transparency and access to accurate information that doesn’t need to be verified. Simplified reporting means, as a business owner, you can more effectively plan for growth and predict changes to your staffing needs.

Over the past few years, payroll reporting has expanded to include STP, clearer breakdowns of pay categories, and more detailed leave reporting. Accurate information helps with cash flow planning, preparing for superannuation payments, and understanding the real cost of employing staff.

First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray provides clear payroll reports and explains what the information means in practical terms so you can make informed decisions.

If you want reporting that is easy to understand, we can prepare the information you need.

5. Avoid losing payroll expertise

Outsourcing your payroll means your business maintains a consistent approach to payroll management. There’s no need to induct employees and role transfer can be reduced to the functions and outputs of the payroll service.

This has become even more important as many businesses now operate with smaller teams or experience turnover in administration roles. When payroll knowledge sits with one internal person, the risk of errors and missed deadlines increases if they are away or move to a different role.

First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray provides a documented, reliable process that continues no matter what is happening inside your business.

At the end of the day outsourcing payroll services allows you to focus on the aspects of your business that generate revenue. It also removes the stress of keeping up with award changes, system updates, and reporting deadlines.

Talk to us today about outsourcing your payroll so you can invest in strategic resources that increase value and drive the growth of your business. First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray provides a reliable contract service that continues regardless of staff changes, holidays, or internal pressures.

Common questions about outsourcing payroll

What does outsourcing payroll include?

It usually includes processing wages, superannuation, leave, onboarding, and STP reporting. First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray manages these tasks for you.

Is outsourcing payroll cost effective?

It reduces employment costs, software costs, and time spent managing compliance. Many small businesses find outsourced payroll more predictable than an in-house role.

How does outsourcing help with compliance?

A payroll provider stays across award changes, National Employment Standards (NES) requirements, and superannuation rules. First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray ensures payroll is processed accurately and on time.

Business growth planning for 2025

Are you actively playing in the growth game, or has the last year flown by without much time to stop and reflect?

Think back to where your business was 12 months ago. Have you moved forward, stayed the same, or slipped backwards?

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations. Most business owners spend their energy putting out fires, managing staff, and serving customers. But setting aside time to review where you’ve come from and where you’re heading is one of the most valuable things you can do. 

Growth doesn’t always happen by accident, it comes from planning, the right numbers, and clear action steps. That’s where First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray can support you with accurate bookkeeping, reliable reporting, and practical advice that gives you clarity on your business performance.

Growth isn’t just about taking risks

Growth doesn’t always mean taking on more risk, working longer hours, or creating unnecessary stress. 

In 2025, growth is more about working smarter than harder. That might mean using business apps to automate tasks, streamlining payroll, or getting better visibility of your cash flow so you can make confident decisions.

The first step is to identify where the opportunities for growth are in your business and your industry. Maybe your competitors are missing a service you could provide. Maybe technology could save you time and costs. Once you know where the opportunities are, the next step is mapping what you and your team need to do to take advantage of them and preparing for the challenges you’ll face along the way.

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we help business owners spot these opportunities by giving them accurate numbers and reports you can rely on and implementing apps to create efficiencies.

Practical tips to guide your business growth

Here are some practical tips to get you thinking about growth in 2025:

Do an audit to document your growth over time

Take a look at your financials, payroll records, and cash flow forecasts to see how your business has changed. Analysing this information will help you identify what’s working, what isn’t, and where the gaps are. This is where reliable bookkeeping and reporting make all the difference.

Put a one-page plan together 

Keep it simple. Write down your key objectives for the next 12 months and list the specific steps needed to achieve them. Identify who will be responsible for each task. Having your plan in writing keeps everyone accountable and focused.

Set key performance indicators (KPIs) 

Choose a handful of numbers that matter most, such as gross margin, debtor days, or payroll accuracy. Revisit these regularly to make sure you’re on track. With tools like Xero and add-on apps, you can automate reporting so your KPIs are always at your fingertips.

First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray can help you build this plan, set up the right systems, and provide clear reporting so you know how you’re tracking at any point in time.

Step back to get the right perspective

As a business owner, it’s tempting to try and do everything yourself. But that often leads to being stuck in the daily grind, leaving no time to think about the bigger picture. 

Taking a step back and getting perspective is critical.

Working with trusted bookkeepers like First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray means you don’t have to do it all alone. We can take care of the bookkeeping, payroll, and reporting, while also giving you the numbers and advice you need to build a realistic business plan.

Turning growth into opportunity

Business growth often feels overwhelming, but with the right plan, systems, and support, it can be exciting and rewarding. When your cash flow is managed, your payroll is accurate, and your bookkeeping is under control, you’re in a much stronger position to make confident decisions about growth.

The truth is, most small business owners don’t need to reinvent the wheel, they just need the right numbers and processes in place. With planning, the right tools, and expert support, you can scale your business to the next level and achieve your growth targets.

First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray is here to help you get started. Get in touch today to discuss how we can support your business growth journey.

Common questions about business growth planning

What is the first step in business growth planning?

Start by reviewing your financials and documenting how your business has grown over time. This helps you identify what’s working and where improvements are needed.

Why should small businesses set KPIs? 

KPIs keep your business focused on the numbers that matter most. They give you a clear way to measure progress and make informed decisions.

How can bookkeeping support business growth? 

Accurate bookkeeping provides the data you need to plan, track, and scale with confidence. It ensures you know your numbers and can act on them.

Six reasons to look at your financial reports

Taking time each month to review your financial reports is no longer optional, it’s essential for every business owner. 

With rising costs, stricter compliance requirements, and increased pressure on cash flow, having clear visibility over your numbers is one of the best tools you have to keep your business stable and growing.

If you don’t set aside time for this, it’s easy to miss early warning signs that could affect your ability to pay staff, suppliers, or even yourself.

Why reports matter

Many business owners avoid reports because they’re time-poor or they feel the numbers don’t make sense. 

That’s where having a reliable bookkeeper like First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray can make all the difference. We not only prepare the reports but also help you understand them. 

Here are six reasons why reviewing your financial reports regularly matters more than ever in 2025.

Which reports to look at

At a bare minimum, and depending on the complexity of your business, you should be looking at the following:

Profit and Loss (P&L)

As the name suggests, your P&L tells you how your business is performing over a period of time, such as a month or a financial year. In broad terms it shows the revenue that your business has generated, less the expenses for that same period. In other words, it shows how profitable your business is.

Tip: Compare this month with the same month last year and check gross margin movements. Small swings often point to pricing or cost issues that are easy to fix early.

Balance Sheet

The Balance Sheet shows the value of the business’s Assets, Liabilities and Equity.

Assets include things like money in bank accounts, Plant and Equipment, Accounts Receivable balances

Liabilities include things like Bank loans and credit cards, Accounts Payable, and Hire Purchase balances

Equity is the difference between your Assets and your Liabilities and includes Retained Earnings and Owner Funds Introduced

Tip: Lenders still assess funding applications against clean, current Balance Sheets. Keeping this reconciled monthly can make finance conversations faster. 

Accounts Receivable Ageing Report

This shows how much money is still owed to the business as at a certain date in time, and is usually segmented as to how overdue they are, or sometimes by how far past the invoice date they are. Generally, you will have Current, 30, 60 and 90 days columns.

Tip: Late payments remain a pressure point for many SMEs. Monitor 30+ day slippage and act early.

Accounts Payable Ageing Report

This report shows who the business owes money to as at a certain date in time and, like the Accounts Receivable Ageing report, is usually segmented by overdue period.

Tip: Review upcoming supplier, payroll and ATO obligations together so you can schedule payments with confidence. For payroll reporting, ensure your STP setup remains compliant.

So, why bother? Six reasons

1. Understand your business better

By looking at your Profit and Loss report monthly you will get a good picture of how your business is performing month by month and it will give you a better understanding of what makes up your profit.

It can be helpful to compare periods, or to look at a month by month P&L, so you can clearly see on one page the revenue and expenses month by month. This will help to identify trends in your data and may also highlight anomalies in coding or categorising.

First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray can walk you through your monthly reports in plain English, helping you understand your numbers so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

2. Accurate information for lending purposes

If you are applying for a loan or an overdraft, the bank or financial institution will look closely at both your Profit and Loss report and the Balance Sheet as a lot can be learned about a business by looking at these reports together.

We keep your accounts reconciled and reports up to date so you can provide lenders with accurate information whenever you need it.

3. Get paid quicker and reduce bad debts

By looking at your Accounts Receivable Aged Summary each month you can follow up with overdue accounts promptly which often results in getting paid quicker. 

The longer an overdue amount is left unpaid the higher the risk of it not being paid at all, so it is important to keep on top of this.

We can help set up automated reminders and receivables tools through trusted partner apps, so you get paid faster and improve your cash flow.

4. Better relationships with your suppliers

Assuming you are entering your supplier bills into your accounting software (recommended for most businesses to get an accurate profitability figure) your Aged Payables report will alert you to any unpaid or overdue amounts.

Supplier relationships are an important aspect of your business and paying on time is crucial to maintaining those relationships.

Our accurate reporting and scheduling support ensures supplier invoices and employee wages are paid on time, protecting relationships and trust.

5. Better cash flow

Having an accurate understanding of how much money the business is owed, and how much money the business owes, can help with cash flow planning to ensure that there is enough money when needed. 

Additionally, understanding the trends of your business, its profitability drivers, its expenses, etc., can help to plan sales and marketing campaigns so that the revenue keeps coming in.

We can prepare rolling cash flow forecasts, showing exactly what’s coming in and going out, and when. You’ll always know if you can meet payroll, super, and ATO deadlines.

6. Better decision making

Your financial reports tell the story of your business and it’s important that you understand the story that they are telling you. 

The better you understand what’s going on in your business the stronger position you will be in to make better business decisions that affect the profitability of your business and its financial viability.

Our team doesn’t just produce reports, we work with you to interpret them and guide decisions about growth, pricing, and planning.

What’s next?

If you would like to know which reports are relevant to your business, and you want to better understand what’s going on in your business, then book a time with us to go through them with you.

Your business success is important to us and we are here to help you. If you’d like hands-on support setting up monthly reporting, commentary and cash flow forecasting, book a session with First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray. We will tailor a simple reporting pack for your business.

Quick FAQs

Which financial reports should I review monthly?

Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet, Aged Receivables and Aged Payables. These four give you a clear view of profit and cash flow.

How do financial reports help cash flow?

They show what is due in and out, and when. Pair them with a forecast to plan staff, super and ATO payments.

Do I need a bookkeeper for this?

A registered BAS agent or bookkeeper ensures your reports are accurate and compliant, and can add plain-English commentary so decisions are easier. First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray can help.

How to Cut Costs and Increase Prices Without Losing Customers

Many small and medium businesses are facing tighter margins in 2025 due to rising costs, higher interest rates, and ongoing supply chain pressures. 

The more prepared you are to manage these challenges, the better placed your business will be to maintain profitability and stability.

Managing expenses in today’s environment

Managing expenses is always important, no matter the stage of your business. 

With inflation and wage pressures continuing into 2025, many business owners are reviewing how they can reduce unnecessary spending while still investing in areas that help them grow. 

At the same time, you may need to consider whether your prices still reflect the true cost of doing business. Getting this balance right can make a real difference to your cash flow and profitability.

Cash flow and systems

Cash flow is still one of the biggest challenges for small businesses. When money isn’t coming in consistently, it helps to look at both your costs and your systems. 

An inefficient process can be just as costly as an unnecessary expense. 

• Are your invoices going out on time? 

• Are supplier payments managed in a way that balances loyalty with cash flow needs?

• Do you have visibility of what’s coming in and what’s going out in the next three to six months?

If getting clients to pay on time is one of your challenges, check out our blog 6 Secrets to Getting Prompt Payment for practical tips to improve your cash flow.

Additionally, these are all areas where the right bookkeeping support can make a difference. At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we work with you to put systems in place that give you a clear picture of your finances so you can make better decisions with confidence.

Smart ways to get your costs under control

Start with a cost control audit

Identify your biggest cost centres and review how you manage them. 

Payroll errors, subscription bloat, and poor stock management are common drains on business resources. As your bookkeeper we can help you review these costs regularly, so nothing slips through unnoticed.

Be aware of the bigger picture

Cutting costs too deeply can harm your business in the long run. 

Instead, track costs consistently and look for smarter ways to operate. Automating repetitive tasks, such as payroll and bank reconciliations, reduces errors and saves valuable time. 

Our team at First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray can recommend the right apps to streamline your processes and reduce waste.

Involve your team

Your team are often the first to notice inefficiencies. Bringing them into the conversation about cost management can uncover practical ideas. 

If you’re updating systems or introducing new software, make sure staff are trained and supported. We often work with businesses to not only implement new apps but also provide the training needed so staff feel confident using them.

Benchmark your business

Comparing costs with similar businesses in your industry can highlight areas for improvement. 

For example, if competitors are managing inventory with less overhead, it may be worth exploring the tools or processes they use. 

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we regularly work with clients across different industries and can provide insights into what’s working well for businesses like yours.

Seek advice

Even if you have a good sense of your cost issues, a fresh set of eyes can help. 

Talking with your bookkeeper or accountant can highlight areas you may not have considered. At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we help you identify where efficiencies can be gained and ensure you’re meeting all compliance requirements while staying on top of cash flow. 

If you’d like support to review your costs, get in touch with us today.

How can I increase prices without losing customers?

Raising prices is never easy, but sometimes it’s necessary to reflect rising costs and keep your business sustainable. 

In 2025, many industries are facing price increases due to supply chain challenges, higher wages, and increased compliance costs. 

The key is clear, honest communication. Customers value transparency and are more likely to stay loyal if they understand why changes are being made.

• Update your website, social media, and any online booking systems to reflect pricing changes. Explain the reasons behind them clearly and professionally. A short post or FAQ update can go a long way in maintaining trust.

• Send an email or newsletter to your clients and suppliers, giving them notice of the change. Where possible, provide advance warning so they can adjust budgets or expectations.

• If you’re meeting clients face-to-face, let them know about pricing changes upfront. Failing to do so can damage trust and may even breach Fair Trading requirements. Make sure your staff are also aware and confident in explaining the changes when asked.

• Focus on customer experience. Train your staff to explain changes positively and professionally, reinforcing the value your business provides. A strong customer relationship often matters more than the price point itself.

• If you’re concerned about losing customers, consider phasing in increases gradually. This approach can ease the transition and give customers time to adapt. You may also want to offer additional value, such as improved service or bundled packages, to help justify the change.

Ready to make better business decisions?

If you’re unsure whether to cut costs, raise prices, or do both, we can help. 

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we work alongside you to review your numbers, streamline your processes, and provide real-world advice so you can make confident business decisions. 

Contact us today to book a chat about your next steps.

Frequently asked questions about cutting costs and raising prices

Q: What’s the best way to reduce business costs in 2025?
A: Start with a cost control audit, automate repetitive tasks, and review subscriptions or overheads. Bookkeepers can help track costs and identify savings.

Q: How do I raise prices without losing customers?
A: Be transparent, communicate changes clearly across all channels, give advance notice, and reinforce the value you provide to customers.

Q: Why is cash flow management important for small businesses?
A: Poor cash flow is one of the main reasons small businesses struggle. Effective cash flow planning ensures bills, wages, and suppliers are paid on time.

Choosing the right apps for your business

Software technology has evolved massively in the past decade, with cloud-based apps now a fundamental part of how businesses manage both day-to-day operations and long-term growth. 

Whether it’s payroll, inventory, job management, or quoting, most business functions now have an app that promises to make life easier.

But with so many options, how do you know which apps will actually bring value to your business? How do you avoid paying for features you don’t use or adding complexity to your workflow?

The Xero app store is a good place to start, so that your apps integrate with your accounting system. 

Additionally, at First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we help businesses like yours find and implement the right systems. We’re not here to sell you the latest tech trend, we’re here to help you find what works for your business and industry, and then make sure it works properly.

What value can automation bring to your business?

Choosing the right apps for your business isn’t just about convenience. The real value lies in using automation to eliminate repetitive manual tasks, reduce mistakes, and give you real-time access to better data. 

This isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about improving accuracy, freeing up your time, and building reliable systems that support how your business runs.

When the right apps are connected properly, information flows where it needs to go. 

You’re not chasing receipts, entering the same data in multiple places, or scrambling for figures when you need them most. You’ve got access to accurate, timely information that helps you make better business decisions, without the stress.

Choosing the right apps

Before jumping into the Xero app store, take a step back. Understanding what your business needs right now, and where you’re heading, will help guide your decisions and make sure you’re investing in tools that support your goals.

Start by thinking about the main areas of your business. 

If you’re in construction, for example, you might need job tracking, scheduling, quoting, and inventory management. If you run a retail store, POS integration, stock management, and customer loyalty tools could be your priorities. And if you’re offering professional services, you may need tools for project tracking, timesheets, client communication, and document storage.

Once you know where the gaps or inefficiencies are, it’s easier to assess what kind of technology will actually solve those problems.

Xero-connected apps make things easier

One of the best places to start is the Xero app store. All apps listed there connect directly with Xero using their open API. This means data from your chosen apps, like invoices, timesheets, or stock levels, can feed directly into Xero without needing to be manually entered or imported.

This kind of seamless integration not only reduces errors but also improves the quality of your reporting. Your numbers are more accurate, your cashflow forecasting is more realistic, and your compliance reporting is more straightforward.

Whether you’re adding one new app or building a full app stack, choosing tools that are designed to work with Xero will save you time and headaches later.

Find ways to reduce manual admin

A key sign that automation could help is if you’re still doing repetitive admin tasks by hand. That could be entering timesheets manually, reconciling paper receipts, or copying data between spreadsheets.

Apps like Dext Prepare (formerly Receipt Bank) let you photograph receipts or email them in, automatically reading and coding them into Xero. Payroll systems can automate payslips, superannuation, and leave entitlements. Job tracking apps can capture time, link it to client invoices, and sync with your accounting software.

Automating these kinds of tasks helps you focus on work that adds real value — whether that’s looking after your team, servicing customers, or planning your next step.

Do your research

Not all apps are created equal, and not every app will suit your business. Before committing, spend time reading independent reviews, talking to people in your industry, and checking whether the app has been around long enough to be stable and supported.

It’s also worth trying free trials or demo accounts so you can test how the app works in practice. If you can, involve your team in this part of the process too. They’ll be the ones using the tools daily, so their input matters.

Look for apps that are intuitive and easy to use. If the layout is clunky or the learning curve is too steep, your team may avoid using it, or use it incorrectly, which defeats the purpose.

Just as importantly, make sure there’s real support behind the app. Live chat, video walkthroughs, and a decent help centre make a huge difference when you need help fast.

We help you choose the right apps and make them work

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we do more than reconcile your books or lodge your BAS. We work with you to understand how your business operates and where the pain points are, then we help you choose and implement the apps that make those problems disappear.

We know which apps work well in your industry, and we only recommend tools that are tried and tested. We also make sure they’re set up properly, connected to your accounting software, and working the way they should be.

If you’re not sure where to start, or if your current systems aren’t cutting it anymore, let’s chat. We can help you streamline your operations, save time, reduce stress, and get better data to support your decision-making.

Ready to improve your systems?

Choosing the right apps for your business doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the right advice and support, you can automate the parts of your business that are slowing you down and free yourself up to focus on what matters most.

Get in touch with First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray and let’s talk about how we can make your business more efficient, accurate, and scalable, with the right tools, connected the right way.

Understanding Your Cashflow Statement

When it comes to knowing how your business is really performing, understanding your cashflow statement is a must. It shows exactly how your business has generated and used cash (and cash equivalents) over a specific period. And that gives you valuable insight into what’s going on behind the scenes.

Alongside your profit and loss statement and balance sheet, the cashflow statement rounds out the full picture of your financial position. And once you understand how to read and use it, you’ll feel more confident in your day-to-day decisions.

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we prepare clear, easy-to-follow reports for our clients, so you’re not left guessing where the cash is coming from or where it’s going.

What your cashflow statement actually shows

The cashflow statement takes information from your other reports, specifically your profit and loss statement and balance sheet, and pulls it into one place to reflect your current cash position.

The difference is that this report is presented on a cash basis, not accrual. That means it focuses on actual money in and out of the bank during the reporting period, rather than invoices issued or received. It adjusts for movements in asset and liability accounts so you can see your real-world financial activity.

If your financial reports are managed by First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, you’ll know your cashflow data is accurate, up to date, and explained in a way that actually makes sense. We make sure you know how much cash you have available to spend, not just what’s on paper.

Breaking it down: where the money flows

Your cashflow statement is usually divided into three areas:

Operating activities cover everyday business operations. This includes income from customers, supplier payments, wages, tax, super, and regular expenses like rent and software. It’s the day-to-day engine room of your business. 

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we manage these processes for many clients, such as payroll, so your operations keep running smoothly.

Investing activities reflect money spent or earned from buying and selling things like vehicles, equipment, or other long-term assets. Security deposits and dividends received also sit here. If you’re making big investments or planning asset purchases, your cashflow report will show how they impact your bank balance.

Financing activities include things like loans, equity contributions, and repayments. If your business has borrowed money, repaid debt, or paid out dividends, those transactions are recorded in this section. 

Extra information that matters

Formal financial reports sometimes include “notes to the financial statements.” These explain unusual or significant events that affected your business but didn’t involve cash changing hands, things like asset revaluations, depreciation, or stock adjustments.

We ensure these are clearly documented if needed, especially when working alongside your accountant to prepare reports for lenders or investors.

Why it’s worth understanding

When you look at your cashflow statement, you're not just seeing a number. You’re seeing how well your business can meet its obligations, whether your operations are sustainable, and what’s possible in the short and long term.

It helps you answer questions like:

• Can I cover my bills this month?

• How strong is my overall cash position?

• Are my operations generating enough cash to grow?

• How do my income and actual cash movements compare?

Where your profit and loss shows performance over time and your balance sheet shows position at a point in time, your cashflow statement reveals the story of your financial movements and whether they’re moving in the right direction.

And if they’re not? That’s where we come in. First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray helps identify the gaps, streamline your processes, and put cashflow planning strategies in place. We also help you prepare for seasonal dips, avoid unnecessary cash crunches, and keep your team and suppliers paid on time.

Want to feel more in control of your cash?

You’re not alone. Most business owners we work with know their business is doing OK, but they’re not always sure where the money’s going, or what’s coming next.

Understanding your cashflow statement gives you back that clarity.

If you’re ready to feel more confident about your financial position and future outlook, let’s talk. First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray offers practical support that helps you get clear on your numbers, stay in control of your operations, and plan with confidence.

Direct Debits and Online Payments

Do You Have Direct Debits and Online Payments Set Up for Your Business?

Making it easy for your customers to pay you is vital to business success. Getting direct debits and alternative payment methods linked to your business is so easy these days there's no excuse not to give your customers multiple ways of making payment.

Many service-based businesses choose direct debit arrangements with their clients to avoid late payment. If you’re often chasing overdue payments, consider implementing direct debit arrangements to reduce your administration time.

If you’re already using online accounting software, check the add-on solutions and choose one that integrates with your accounts. This means that the payment platform information feeds directly into your accounting software to be easily matched to customer transactions.

Need help integrating your systems? First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray can review your accounting software and implement the direct debit or online payment solutions to suit your business.

Make it Easy

You probably already have bank transfer information set up, but adding several other methods such as PayPal, debit cards, and credit cards allows customers to choose the method most convenient for them at the time. Many customers appreciate the automation and simplicity of direct debits.

Make sure your payment terms and conditions are clear on your website and invoices and don't forget to include all your chosen payment methods for customers!

Unsure about setting this up? First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray can help ensure your payment terms are communicated clearly and that all payment methods are displayed on your invoices.

Worried About Costly Fees?

You have the option to choose whether you will absorb the cost of the payment gateway processing fees or whether you will add the cost to your invoice and charge the clients extra. Your accounting software will then allocate the funds accordingly to invoice payment and fees received.

Looking for guidance on managing fees? We can help you decide the best approach for your business and set up your accounting software to handle these charges automatically, saving you time and avoiding errors.

Better Transaction Recording

When you integrate direct debits and online payment methods with your accounting system, you dramatically reduce errors in recording customer payments – which means less time spent on your accounts!

Not Sure Where to Start?

If you’d like to make it easier for customers to pay you, talk to us about which solutions are best for your business. We can discuss which platforms have the best and most secure integrations with the accounting software you use.

Streamline Your Systems with Expert Support

Improving your payment systems doesn’t have to be complicated. With support from First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, you can implement direct debits and online payments that save time, reduce admin errors, and improve cash flow. Contact us today to get started.