Question 1

Are you an insured business and do you guarantee your work?

Accepted Answer

I hold the requisite Professional Indemnity Insurance for my profession.   All work is completed in accordance with the initial engagement and in the event any errors were identified upon finalisation these would absolutely be rectified immediately free of charge!

Question 2

How did you decide to get into your line of work?

Accepted Answer

The reason I decided to run my own business rather than work for another firm was because working for someone else limits your ability to build a close professional relationship with your clients.  Often I would have clients reallocated or only correspond through the managing partner.  I wanted to have the FREEDOM to deal directly with my clients and be able to provide the QUALITY service they deserved.

Question 3

What do you like most about your job?

Accepted Answer

Initially, so many of my clients are TERRIFIED of the taxman or are LOST in piles of receipts. They HATE to even think about doing their accounts or tax let alone actually doing it.  I LOVE to take these feelings away and let them know it is all going to be OK. Everything my client needs can be FIXED and it really isn't that scary. Being able to HELP another person through a process they don't feel comfortable with is the most satisfying aspect of my job.

Question 4

What questions should a customer ask to hire the right service professional?

Accepted Answer

If it is important to you to know who has access to and sees your personal financial affairs than I would suggest asking - Who will be the actual person completing my work?

Question 5

What questions do customers commonly ask and how would you answer them?

Accepted Answer

How much do you charge?! I work in a price sensitive industry and am aware this is a key issue for most of my clients!  My answer is - depends on your needs.  I believe my fees are reasonable, affordable and priced specifically to suit my target market.

Question 6

What makes you the most reliable and trustworthy person for the job?

Accepted Answer

My business is small compared to others within my industry. If I do not provide an honest and quality service I will have no clients and not survive within this industry.  The success of my business relies on satisfied clients. How do you satisfy clients? By providing a reliable and trustworthy service. How do I do this? By following 3 core principles - to be flexible, capable and accountable.

Question 7

Why should a customer hire you over another service provider?

Accepted Answer

I am the Bookkeeper, Accountant, Tax Agent, Client Services Officer.....I am the one you deal with and the one who completes the work.  I will gain an intimate knowledge of your financial affairs and help you stay on track to achieving your business and personal goals.

Question 8

What are the typical things that you need to know before you can provide a quote to a customer?

Accepted Answer

For Individuals - occupation, employer, investments (own rental property, shares, managed funds) For Businesses - industry, structure, length of ownership, annual turnover, employee numbers, GST registration, finance or loan agreements

Question 9

How can a customer save money before you start the work? Please give 3 tips

Accepted Answer

1. Organise all your receipts into categories (i.e. materials, advertising, travel, uniforms) and make sure they apply to the relevant year. 2. Locate copies all your business documents (i.e. finance agreements, property lease contracts, previous financial statements and/or tax returns). 3. Find out if anyone owes you money or if you owe anyone money and have this information available.

Question 10

How do you normally charge for your service?

Accepted Answer

Upfront fixed fee quotes. Individual tax returns are flat fee and start from $99.  For business clients, I prefer to have a face to face meeting (free and no obligation of course!) to go through your situation so I can provide an accurate quote and suggested service plan.

Question 11

Is there a particular aspect of your trade or industry that you specialise in?

Accepted Answer

Micro and small businesses - annual sales/turnover less than $1million. I prefer to work with business owners and individuals who are in the same situation to me! I believe it helps me to provide more specific, accurate and meaningful advice and services.

Question 12

What experience, skills, qualifications or training do you have to make you the right person for the job?

Accepted Answer

I grew up in a small business and have worked full time for a variety of small business owners since 2002.  I believe this experience is directly attributable to my skills as a small business accountant. I understand what small business owner's need and want from their bookkeeper/accountant/tax agent as I have actually worked within that environment.  I have been working specifically in the accounting 'world' for 5+ years now and have formalised this knowledge through the completion of a Bachelor of Business (Accountancy & Management) and Graduate Diploma in Chartered Accountancy.  I am currently studying a Graduate Certificate in Applied Law also.  I am a registered tax agent and a member of National Tax Association Australia.  I believe this mix of practical experience and formal qualifications makes me the right person for the job.

Elizabeth Hodge

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