Running a small business means juggling more financial decisions than most people realise before they start one. Between BAS lodgements, payroll, superannuation obligations and staying on top of ever-changing tax laws, it’s easy for the accounting side of your business to eat into the time you’d rather spend on customers, staff and growth.
As a small business accountant in Newcastle, we exist to take that weight off your shoulders. We work closely with sole traders, growing teams and established businesses across Newcastle and the Hunter region, providing accounting services that go beyond compliance to give you real strategic financial advice when you need it, not just at tax time.
Whether you need a small business tax accountant to sort out your business tax returns, help with cash flow, or ongoing bookkeeping services to keep your financial records accurate throughout the financial year, our dedicated team is here to help you make informed business decisions with confidence.
We know every small business faces its own unique challenges, whether that’s managing seasonal cash flow, working out how to structure for growth, or simply finding the time to stay on top of financial transactions while running the day-to-day. That’s why we work closely with each business owner we support, rather than offering the same generic business advice to every client who walks through the door.
What We Do
Good accounting for a small business is about more than filing on time. It’s about understanding your tax position clearly enough to plan ahead, not just react when tax time arrives.
We handle the everyday work that keeps a small business compliant, including bookkeeping services, business tax returns, payroll processing and superannuation obligations, so your team is paid accurately, and your financial records stay accurate throughout the year. We also prepare and lodge your business activity statement and can provide advice on fringe benefits tax and payroll tax where either applies to your operations.
Beyond compliance, we help you plan, with tax planning designed to minimise tax liabilities legally, guidance on capital gains tax and instant asset write-off eligibility criteria, and cash flow management so you can see pressure points before they become problems. We also prepare clear financial statements and financial reports, so you can make informed business decisions based on where your business actually stands, not on guesswork.
If you’re a sole trader unsure whether you’ve outgrown your current setup, or an established business whose accounting hasn’t kept pace with its growth, we’ll work with you to close that gap.
We also see small business accounting as part of the bigger picture. Alongside compliance and tax services, we offer business advisory support and financial planning that looks at where your business is headed, not just where it’s sitting today, whether that’s understanding your eligibility criteria for government incentives, reviewing your structure as you grow, or simply making sure your financial management keeps pace as your team expands.
Why Choose Us
Getting your accounting sorted with a small business accountant in Newcastle who understands your business needn’t be a daunting task. It should feel like having someone genuinely on your side.
We’re seasoned professionals who work closely with small business owners across Newcastle and the Hunter, not just at tax time but throughout the financial year
We give you strategic advice on the unique challenges your business faces, from cash flow to structure to business growth, not generic accounting services
We stay on top of ATO regulations and tax laws so you don’t have to, and we’ll flag legal obligations before they become a problem
We help you identify opportunities to minimise tax liabilities and plan for a more prosperous future, not just meet this year’s deadlines
Established in Newcastle in 1993, we’ve supported local businesses and business owners through growth, change and everything in between
Testimonials
Posted on GoogleThe Allens
Incredible accountants. They just care so much, they go above & beyond. They welcomed us as business rookies, and patiently continue to go beyond the scope of what’s expected to help us. Huge thank you to Heather, Katie and Tea!Posted on GoogleCaitlyn Tremble
John, Heather and the entire team at the Garis group have been incredible to deal with. John took the time to sit down with me one on one to help set up as a sole trader and answer all my questions. The team helped me get set up with Xero and are always incredibly responsive and informative when I have queries. They have made my tax returns painless. Thanks for all your help over the past 2 years Garis Team.Posted on GoogleGrace Brayne
I scheduled an appointment with The Garis Group for a few weeks out but noticed some issues I might face with *individual* deductions for the upcoming financial year (I was super stressed!). I asked if I could see them sooner, and John responded after hours to fit me in as a new client the next day. Their service exceeded all expectations, and I’ll definitely continue using them.Posted on GoogleAnthony Jovceski
Best accounting firm in Newcastle. I've used John and his team for over 5 years with my personal finances and business finances. The Garis Group always exceed my expectations. I'd recommend The Garis Group to anyone looking for a professional firm that go the extra mile. Anthony.Posted on GoogleDave Le Breton
John, Heather and the team have been looking after our growing company with the highest standards of care and attention over the last 4 years. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly and great communicators, they really go above and beyond with their level of service and we have always felt extremely well looked after for all our accounting needs. I would highly recommend them to any individual or business.Posted on GoogleKatarina McNamara
Paul's Tennis Academy has been working with Jim, John, Heather and the team for many years now. TGG have always been there for us, ready to answer any questions and provide the level of support we need. The Garis Group rocks! I would not hesitate recommending them.Posted on GoogleLeesa Brown
Super knowledgeable and always helpful. They have guided and helped build our successful business. The team at The Garis Group go above and beyond to ensure we understand the figures, offering friendly advise and guidance on business decisions. Can not thank them enough. Couldn't do it without John and his team.Posted on GoogleChris and Jaclyn
John explains things clearly and he’s incredibly knowledgeable. We see him not only as a trusted advisor – using his business acumen to be candid about when we should and shouldn’t do something – but also as an extension to our team. Essentially John allows us get on with running our business, so we can sleep at night knowing we’re not going to get caught out by the tax man.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right small business accountant raises plenty of questions, especially if you’re weighing up your options or considering a switch. Here are some of the ones we’re most often asked about by small business owners in Newcastle.
A small business accountant handles core accounting services like bookkeeping, business tax returns and payroll, along with more strategic financial advice such as tax planning, cash flow management and financial planning for growth. At The Garis Group, we cover both, so you’re not juggling multiple providers for your financial needs.
If you’re spending hours chasing financial records, unsure of your tax liabilities, or making business decisions without clear financial information, it’s time. A small business tax accountant can also help if you’re approaching the end of the financial year without a clear tax position.
Yes. We manage payroll processing and superannuation obligations so your staff are paid accurately and on time, and your business meets its legal obligations under current ATO regulations. This includes self-managed super fund considerations, where relevant to business owners planning ahead.
We start with a free business consultation to understand your business needs, then set out a fixed price agreement so you know the cost upfront, with no surprises and no ongoing payment plan you didn’t agree to.
We’re based in Newcastle and work closely with local businesses across the Hunter region, and we also support small business owners further afield across New South Wales and beyond.
Bookkeeping covers the day-to-day recording of financial transactions, so your financial records and financial statements are accurate and up to date. Accounting builds on that with tax planning, financial analysis and strategic advice, so the numbers actually help you make informed decisions about your business.
Whether you need a small business accountant in Newcastle for the first time, or you’re ready to move on from an accountant who isn’t giving you strategic advice, we’re ready to help. We’ll take the time to understand your business needs and give you clear, practical business advice you can actually act on.
Book a free business consultation with our team, and we’ll show you what proper business advisory support looks like for a small business.
Mon-Fri: 8:45 am – 5:15 pm
Sat-Sun: Closed