LET’S TALK... July 2014 Issue
SPECIAL EDITION Powers Accountants and Advisors becomes the largest Accounting Firm in Central Queensland
Queensland focussed accounting financial planning group. Ian Congram Managing Director POWERS FINANCIAL GROUP
Another new financial year is upon us. For clients, this means once again it is time to get your books in order and set plans for the year ahead. Our clients will soon be receiving a letter from us advising when to have their 2014 tax and accounting work scheduled along with a checklist to complete. 1 July 2014 marks another milestone in the growth of Powers Financial Group, following the merger of Rockhampton based accounting firm ABA White Accountants with Powers. Led by Principal Vickie White, the addition of the ABA White team brings a Rockhampton presence and greater resources to the Powers Group. This merger has taken Powers to the position of being the largest accounting firm in Central Queensland. With 9 directors and over 70 staff, Powers is now the leading Central
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Similar to Powers, ABA White has a long history of providing excellent service to the central Queensland community and has a strong rural focus. Vickie White will continue to lead the Rockhampton team but the ABA White office will be rebranded as Powers Accountants and Advisors in the near future, once the office is integrated into Powers systems. We welcome the ABA White team into the Powers Group and are excited about the opportunity for Powers to provide an expanded range services to the clients of ABA White. Our team are looking forward to providing a high level of support to Vickie White and her team in Rockhampton, to help them provide an even higher level of service to their clients. 2014 had been a big year for Powers already, with numerous successful seminars having taken place, additional team members on board and planning for the financial year ahead.
We have adopted our new “LET’S TALK” philosophy and have received positive feedback from clients and affiliates as to its effectiveness. Our Accountants are working hard to ensure clients that have nominated for a tax-plan for the 2014-15 financial year are given the most effective structure to suit their needs for the year ahead. If you haven’t spoken with your Accountant about this, pick up the phone and call them to get the process started, it is an invaluable service. In this issue, we cover off on topics to ensure that you plan for the year ahead. There are articles on recent business insights, cloud accounting software updates, employer updates and much more. As always, if there are any topics featured that you would like to further discuss, remember to contact your Powers Accountant or Advisor.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
P2 • Legislation Changes • New subsidy for employers hiring Australians over 50
P3 • Increased Costs for employers • Cloud Accounting: Are you ready for change?
P4 •G etting ready for SuperStream •P aper activity statements to stop for electronic lodgers
P5 • Changes to family farm duty concessions & freeholding announced
P6 • Support for drought affected farmers • Insurance: Broker vs Direct
P7 •A new director for Powers Auditors • Shift to shares
P8 •B eef Week 2015 • I n-House Announcements
P1 LET’S TALK