As the two directors of GiffardSim Accountants we would like to offer you a warm welcome. As a potential new client we know that you are either looking for a new and fresh approach to your accounting and taxation needs, or that you simply want to find out what we can offer you that you are not already getting as a result of not taking any external tax, accounting, or business advice.

You have obviously taken the first step and we hope you will benefit from finding out why we are valued by our clients for being so different, and how those same differences could be good for you. If you are still not sure by the end of reading about us feel free to call us so that we can talk and brainstorm more – one on one – about your needs.

We think that as a current or potential client you would also like to know some of the things that make us different to other accountants. It is fair to say that not all accountants are the same; in fact most people are unaware that in Australia anyone can call themselves an accountant, even without training or assessment of their skills. GiffardSim Accountants are definitely not like this – and that’s the way our clients (and we) like it!

What makes us different should be important to you for many reasons. But as a minimum we hope you will remember that our business is different because our advisers are highly qualified, always independent, and have years of practical experience, which means you will always have access to the advice that is best for you. Here are a few of the other things that we think you should know:

• You deserve the most up-to-date and comprehensive advice – which is why all GiffardSim Accountants and advisers have as a minimum qualification a university degree in business or commerce. It doesn’t matter if you are an individual coming to us to complete your tax return, or whether you are a small or large business, this difference is very important because a university qualification means you have access to advisers who have the best possible foundation for the advice you will be receiving. When you come to us you know that your adviser has studied and passed examinations in taxation, accounting, business, business finance, and many other relevant subjects at university level which helps ensure you get the most comprehensive advice possible.

• You should always have access to an adviser that is professionally qualified. It is a minimum requirement that all of our advisers who directly interview and advise clients must be current members of CPA Australia or the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia. Both organisations have strict ethical and professional requirements, which means you have access to an adviser who has achieved professionally recognised status as an accountant and tax adviser.

• Your accountant should always attend at least 40 hours of annual formal training to ensure that their knowledge is up to date and relevant. We go further than this, every one of our advisers must complete at least 50 hours of formal business, accounting, and taxation training and professional development every year – no exceptions. This means all the latest tax changes, accounting techniques, financing options, plus more are being considered by us when you seek our advice.

• You deserve to get advice from an accountant that is completely independent. We are passionate about this and as a result GiffardSim Accountants are completely independent of any other institution, which includes financial advisers and banks. We do not own in any part, or receive any commission or inducement as a result of making a referral to any other business, ever! Quite frankly we do not believe that it is fair or appropriate for accountants to charge for advice about how to progress with finance or seeing a financial planner and then receive a commission for their referral. When you take advice from GiffardSim Accountants you can trust that it is independent and free of any inducements.

• You should never have a tax return completed without planning for the following year’s tax return. When you come to us to complete your tax return you don’t only get advice on what tax deductions you can get from the prior year. This type of accounting is reactive and boring - and that is not what we are about! At no extra cost we also take the time to look at the future and give you advice on what you need to do to maximise your future tax returns. This is proactive accounting and is the accounting equivalent of a health check by your doctor – we know most clients get much better tax returns over a period of time by making sure this type of tax planning occurs. Which is why we tax plan next year’s tax return at the same time of completing the current year’s tax return.

Of course we think there are many other things that make us different. The only way to really know is to give us a call and talk about what you need from your accountant and business adviser. Good luck and we hope to see you soon.

Rob Giffard and Dave Sim