Strategic franchise accountants

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Liston Newton Advisory
Liston Newton Advisory is rated 4.8 from 32 reviews

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An award-winning Australian accounting firm

SMSF multi service firm of the year awardSMSF customer service firm of the year awardIfa innovator of the year awardIfa holistic adviser of the year award
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Common accounting issues for franchise businesses

Franchise businesses face financial challenges that differ from independent operators. Owners must balance franchisor obligations with cash flow, tax compliance, and profitability. Without specialist franchise accounting advice, these pressures can lead to poor reporting, missed planning opportunities, and reduced returns on investment.

  • Managing franchisor reporting and compliance
  • Cash flow pressure from fees, royalties, and suppliers
  • Lack of strategic financial guidance

Practical solutions for owning and operating a franchise

Our franchise accounting services focus on real decisions franchise owners face, from purchase and setup through to ongoing financial management.

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Due diligence before purchase

We review financials, risks, and obligations before purchase to avoid unexpected issues after settlement.

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Set up the right business structure early

We help choose a structure that supports tax efficiency, asset protection, and future growth from day one.

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Manage cash flow, payments, and debt pressure

We help forecast cash flow, manage repayments, and stay on top of obligations in the early stages.

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Simplify bookkeeping and accounting software

We set up simple, reliable systems that reduce admin time and improve financial visibility.

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Ongoing financial management as your business grows

We provide ongoing advice and reporting to support smarter decisions as your business grows.

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Franchise accounting and tax expertise you can trust

Our accountants bring decades of experience supporting Australian businesses, with specialist knowledge in franchise accounting, tax, and advisory.

Our clients

subway logo
Pandora logo
Reho Travel logo
Autobarn logo
Bakers Delight logo

About Liston Newton Advisory  

Liston Newton Advisory supports business owners across Australia. We have a CPA team well-versed in helping clients buy or own a franchise, or who already own one. Acting as a trusted agent, we help you assess key decisions, manage financial interests, and run your business with clarity.

Learn about us
Professional headshot of Kieran Liston, Director and Consultant at Liston Newton

Our service areas for franchise accounting

We provide clear accounting and advisory services wherever your business operates.

A clear, structured approach to franchise accounting

We start by understanding your franchise model, then provide structured accounting and advice to support confident decisions.

Get set

We’ll begin by securing your existing business’s financials and optimising its operations.

Get moving

Then, we’ll put long-term strategies into play to maximise your business’s growth.

Get free

Finally, we’ll use your professional success to fund your personal wealth so that you can live the life you want.

Start your franchise growth strategy

Talk to us

Accounting guides and practical resources

Our guides are designed to help franchise owners better understand the financial side of their business. Whether you are assessing a new opportunity or already own a franchise, these resources provide practical insights to support planning, compliance, and confident long-term decisions.

  • Understanding accounting and tax obligations
  • Financial planning tips for owning and operating a business
  • How to assess business value and cash flow performance

Client experiences across businesses

Kieran Liston and the Liston Newton team have been assisting me with my accounting matters since 1976. For the past 47 years, Kieran and the Liston Newton team have provided reliable accounting assistance, which has allowed me to focus on my business in primary production.

Their exceptional service has consistently exceeded my expectations and made me feel that they truly care about my financial well-being.

Brian Downes

Liston Newton has given me really helpful guidance over the years for both my business and my personal finances. When you have an accounting team that you trust to give the right advice, it gives you the confidence to focus on growing your business and doing the things you love.

Kate Nixon
Founder, Kat The Label

Liston Newton helped us move our accounting over to Xero. Their Accountant managed the set up and training so we felt comfortable with the software. We now have all our processes streamlined which gives us improved visibility of our business performance. This has allowed us to open 2 more stores without a significant increase in administration effort.

Peter Luskan
Pandora

Our team of franchise accounting specialists

Frequently asked questions about franchise accounting

How is accounting for franchise businesses different?

Accounting for franchise businesses is more complex than standard small business accounting. Franchise owners must comply with franchise agreements, manage royalties and marketing levies, and meet franchisor reporting requirements. Specifically, they must abide by the Franchising Code of Conduct. A franchise accountant understands how these obligations affect cash flow, tax, and long-term profitability.

Learn more about our franchise accounting and tax services.

How can a franchise accountant help me assess a franchise?

A franchise accountant can help you assess the value of a franchise before purchase by reviewing cash flow forecasts, franchise fees, tax implications, and funding requirements. This due diligence helps you understand financial risks and whether the opportunity aligns with your goals.

Our business advisory services support franchise assessment and decision-making. We can also help you buy a franchise in line with ASIC guidance.

Do you help franchise owners with planning and growth?

Yes. We help franchise owners plan beyond compliance by improving financial management, forecasting cash flow, and planning for sustainable growth. This support is especially valuable in the first year of ownership and as the business scales.

What franchise accounting services do you provide?

Our franchise accounting services include tax compliance, financial reporting, bookkeeping, business structures, and ongoing advisory support. Services are tailored to your franchise model to ensure compliance with franchisor and ATO requirements.

We help you grow your business

We are an accounting firm devoted to taking your businessto the next level

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