Justin’s Better Business – Feb 2014

Clear Vision • February 3, 2014

Welcome to my first “Better Business” edition for 2014.

This month I will talk about Client Advisory Boards. A relatively new concept but one that is important to every business.

Cheers,
Justin

Have you ever wondered what your customers really think of your business? We all know when they are unhappy – they either leave or ring to complain! However we very rarely get feedback on what some of the happy customers think!

These customers are using your business because you have a unique service, provide great value, offer good service, or trust you. However, these clients will all have little points or experiences that you can use to improve various facets of your business – perhaps product range or customer service.

Is this feedback important to you? Are you in business and want to continue to improve your business performance or image? If so, there are a number of ways to do this. A survey has been popular in the past but is slow and you lose the benefits of reading body language, tone and being able to dig deeper into the topic.

A new and very popular method being used is a Client Advisory Board. So what is a Client Advisory Board? It is a process where a facilitator external to the business, asks and invokes a series of questions and discussions about your business – while you aren’t there! Your absence is critical – it ensures you get a more honest and full explanation from a small group of your customers who are happy with you, but are open to putting ideas forward without having a potentially negative impact on your business.

Repeating this every 1-2 years will result in recurring positive results and will assist you in completing your strategic plan each year and ultimately your personal goals!

If this sounds like something you’d like more information on, please contact me on 4632 9077.

It's July - Time to Finalise Your Budget

By Caroline Gillies • July 9, 2026
July is already kicking along, and if your budget is still sitting on your to-do list, now is the perfect time to get it finalised. Remember, a budget that's 90% complete is far more valuable than a perfect budget that never gets finished. Once it's entered into your accounting system, you'll be able to compare your actual results against your budget and gain valuable insights into how your business is performing throughout the year. Don't forget to review and update your budget whenever your business undergoes significant or permanent changes to its cost structure. This could include implementing a new IT system, engaging a marketing agency, hiring additional staff, moving premises, or making other strategic investments. Keeping your budget current ensures it remains a useful tool for making informed business decisions rather than just another document on the shelf.

Vanity Metrics vs Real KPIs: Which One Are You Tracking?

By Caroline Gillies • March 26, 2026
More data doesn’t mean better decisions. Many business owners are drowning in numbers but starving for direction, tracking everything and understanding nothing. The result? Decisions based on gut feel, cash flow surprises, and growth that looks good on paper but doesn’t actually strengthen the business. Vanity metrics can be misleading. Total revenue, website traffic, or social media likes might feel positive, but they don’t always reflect real performance or profitability.  Real KPIs tell a different story. They give you clarity, control, and confidence in your decisions. While every business is different and the right KPIs will vary, here are some examples of powerful KPIs businesses often track: • Profit Margin – Are you actually making money? • Cash Flow – Do you have enough cash to operate and grow? • Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) – What does it cost to win a new customer? • Debtor Days – How quickly are you getting paid? • Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) – How much is each customer worth over time? If you’re not tracking the right numbers for your business, you’re essentially flying blind. Because success isn’t about more data—it’s about the right data.

Payday Super is Coming - 1 July 2026

By Caroline Gillies • March 1, 2026
From 1 July 2026, the Federal Government will introduce one of the most significant changes to superannuation administration in recent years: “Payday Super.” These reforms fundamentally shift how and when employers meet their Superannuation Guarantee (SG) obligations. What’s Changing? Under the new rules, SG contributions must be paid at the same time as salary and wages and received by the employee’s super fund within seven business days of payday. This replaces the current quarterly payment system. The changes apply to all eligible employees, including those captured under the expanded definition of “employee,” and extend to salary sacrifice amounts and other qualifying earnings (QE). Employers will calculate SG at the legislated 12% rate on QE, which includes ordinary time earnings and relevant additional payments. Contributions remain subject to the Maximum Contribution Base, limiting employer liability to approximately $30,000 per employee per financial year. Employers will also be required to report QE and SG liabilities through Single Touch Payroll (STP), enabling the ATO to monitor compliance more closely and identify underpayments earlier. Operational Impact for Employers The shift to payday reporting and payment means payroll systems must be updated to calculate, process, and remit super contributions each pay cycle. Businesses will need to ensure their software can manage QE calculations and facilitate timely electronic payments to super funds. Cash flow management will also require attention, particularly for small businesses accustomed to quarterly payments. Super will become a real-time obligation rather than a periodic liability. Importantly, failure to meet the new deadlines will trigger the revised Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC), including penalties and interest. While late contributions and SGC amounts remain tax deductible, interest and penalties do not. Employers currently using the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House must transition to alternative payment solutions before its closure on 30 June 2026. Preparing Now Although implementation begins in 2026, early preparation is essential. Reviewing payroll systems, assessing cash flow impact, and updating internal processes will help ensure a smooth transition and minimise compliance risk. Payday Super represents a move toward greater transparency and timeliness, but it also demands proactive planning from employers. If you would like assistance preparing your business for Payday Super, our team at Clear Vision Accountancy Group is here to help. Please contact us on 4688 2500 to discuss how we can support your transition and ensure you remain compliant. We drew inspiration for this article from the ATO