Business accountants in South Melbourne

Your experienced business accounting team

Liston Newton Advisory is rated 4.8 from 32 reviews
HomeSouth Melbourne

Free financial strategy session*

Get a free 90-minute video consultation. See how it works.

*Offer subject to terms and conditions
By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

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

Strategic support for local business success

When it comes to business accounting, you need more than someone who can balance the books. You need someone who understands how businesses grow, pivot, and plan ahead. At our South Melbourne office on Palmerston Crescent, you’ll find exactly that: a team of business accountants who bring sharp thinking and steady support to the table.

We work with established and small business owners who expect more from their accountant. Maybe you’re looking for advice on how to structure your company, clean up your reporting, or make smarter decisions with real financial insight. We take the time to understand how your business works, then tailor our accounting services to meet you there.

Our South Melbourne accounting firm supports small and medium businesses with everything from tax compliance and SMSF strategy to virtual CFO services and business structuring. We’re here to help you manage risk, stay on top of the numbers, and focus on what really matters — growing your business.

Contact us

Call us on

03 9069 2605
Business hours

Monday to Friday

8am to 5pm

Parking

On-street parking on Palmerston Crescent

Visit us

Contact us

Call us on

Business hours

Parking

Strategic support for local business success

When it comes to business accounting, you need more than someone who can balance the books. You need someone who understands how businesses grow, pivot, and plan ahead. At our South Melbourne office on Palmerston Crescent, you’ll find exactly that: a team of business accountants who bring sharp thinking and steady support to the table.

We work with established and small business owners who expect more from their accountant. Maybe you’re looking for advice on how to structure your company, clean up your reporting, or make smarter decisions with real financial insight. We take the time to understand how your business works, then tailor our accounting services to meet you there.

Our South Melbourne accounting firm supports small and medium businesses with everything from tax compliance and SMSF strategy to virtual CFO services and business structuring. We’re here to help you manage risk, stay on top of the numbers, and focus on what really matters — growing your business.

Contact us

Call us on

03 9069 2605
Business hours

Monday to Friday

8am to 5pm

Parking

On-street parking on Palmerston Crescent

Business accounting services tailored to you

We offer a full range of business accounting services designed to meet the evolving needs of small and medium businesses. From day-to-day support with payroll and bookkeeping through to corporate tax planning and business succession strategy, our team of accountants in South Melbourne will work closely with you to develop solutions that suit your structure, sector and goals.

When Liston Newton started with ReAqua, they hit the ground running, implementing changes to the business and the automation of the finance function. Their ability to take on feedback and adapt to the requests from key stakeholders has led to the business consistently improving monthly board meetings. We have found Liston Newton to be a great sounding board, and they are always available to brainstorm ideas or answer questions our business has.

Donald Fraser

CEO, Reaqua Solar Pumping

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
Let’s talk about your business goals
Talk to us

Trusted by South Melbourne’s business community

We know what it takes to run a business in a competitive market. Our clients come to us for reliable numbers, but they stay for the partnership. We’re the kind of business accountants who roll up their sleeves and get involved — not just once a year at tax time, but whenever you need support, ideas or accountability.

Whether you’re a sole trader, a fast-growing company or a medium business planning for succession, we bring a mix of sharp accountancy skills, strategic thinking and business advisory experience to the table. Our team of expert accountants provides guidance that’s grounded, practical and tailored to help you move forward with confidence.

What we can help you with

  • Set up efficient accounting systems to support your day-to-day operations
  • Prepare business tax returns and manage ongoing tax compliance
  • Offer strategic advice on business structuring and growth planning
  • Deliver virtual CFO services for medium businesses with complex needs
  • Provide forensic accounting and advisory services during key transitions
  • Support business succession planning and asset protection strategies

Learn more about your business with our comprehensive guides

At Liston Newton Advisory, we take pride in helping business owners get more out of their hard work. Our downloadable guides can give you an in-depth look at strategies and technologies that will help your business grow.

  • Discover tax strategies and business structures available to you
  • Understand and apply new business management technology
  • Get in touch with us for information tailored to your business

Download our CFO guide

Want to pay less tax and grow your business profits faster? Our free guide shows you how to take control of your finances, improve cash flow, and make better strategic decisions with help from a virtual CFO.

  • Learn practical ways to reduce tax and increase profitability.
  • Get tips on forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
  • Understand how a virtual CFO helps you scale sustainably.
Get our guide

Download our CFO guide

Want to pay less tax and grow your business profits faster? Our free guide shows you how to take control of your finances, improve cash flow, and make better strategic decisions with help from a virtual CFO.

  • Learn practical ways to reduce tax and increase profitability.
  • Get tips on forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
  • Understand how a virtual CFO helps you scale sustainably.
Get our guide

Meet the business accounting team behind your success

Expertise you can trust

Nationally recognised expertise

Liston Newton is a registered tax agent and certified Xero Platinum Partner. Our accounting team includes qualified professionals with extensive experience in business accounting, tax law and financial management, all working to the highest industry standards.

Australia’s most experienced and professional accountants — with industry leading qualifications and accreditations to show for it. Learn more from a specialised business accountant.

Why choose Liston Newton

What sets our accounting team apart

We’re not just here to tick boxes. Our South Melbourne team takes pride in offering expert services that genuinely improve the way our clients manage and grow their businesses. That means being proactive, not reactive; clear, not complicated; and always focused on long-term outcomes.

Every business is different, and we reflect that in our approach. Whether you need help navigating tax laws, setting up cloud accounting solutions, or developing a strategic plan, we take the time to understand your priorities and tailor our advice accordingly.

This commitment to quality and care is why so many of our clients work with us for decades, not just years. We build trust by delivering on what we say we will.

Our methodology

How we can roadmap a successful future for your business

How we get you set

The first phase is all about establishing the fundamentals of your business and creating a strong foundation to build from. You also need to establish your long-term goals so you have a clear idea of what you're working towards.

  • Plan your goals
  • Structure your business and assets
  • Online accounting
  • People and HR
  • Protect your business and personal risk
  • Business and personal will

How we get you moving

The second phase is about gaining a deeper understanding of your business; how to make it more efficient and experience sustainable growth. This is where you transition from working in your business to working on your business.

  • Understand your numbers
  • Delegate bookkeeping
  • Systematise and automate tasks
  • Minimise tax
  • Forecast cashflow and capital needs
  • Quarterly coaching and accountability

How we get you free

The final phase is when all your hard work really starts to pay off. This is when you start using your profits to build your personal worth to a point that give you financial freedom—the freedom to work only if you want to.

  • Understand wealth creation
  • Investment portfolio
  • Investment property
  • Superannuation
  • Succession and exit planning
  • Your legacy

Our South Melbourne case studies

A stalwart of the community

Being part of South Melbourne means more than just doing business here. We believe in contributing to the strength and wellbeing of the community we’re part of. That includes supporting local initiatives and showing up where we’re needed, not just financially, but personally and professionally.

From pro bono advisory work to grassroots sponsorships, we choose causes that reflect our values and allow our team to make a real impact.

  • Donating time through the Cancer Council’s Small Business Advisory Service
  • Partnering with The Smith Family to support education outcomes for local kids
  • Backing junior sports clubs across South Melbourne, Port Melbourne and Albert Park

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

How can a business accountant support strategic decision-making for a South Melbourne small business?

Good accounting is about giving business owners the tools to make well-informed decisions with confidence. Whether you’re considering new hires, asset purchases, or business structuring changes, an experienced business accountant brings clarity to the numbers and how they translate into real-world outcomes.

Our team provides planning services, performance analysis, and scenario modelling to support business and personal objectives. As a South Melbourne-based accounting and advisory firm, we tailor every recommendation to your industry, stage, and goals. We’ve worked with small and medium businesses to support everything from short-term forecasting to long-term succession.

With a focus on effective business strategy and deep expertise in business accounting, we guide our clients through complex decisions while keeping day-to-day operations streamlined. Learn how our virtual CFO for South Melbourne businesses can help you lead with clarity.

What’s the difference between tax compliance and tax planning for South Melbourne businesses?

Tax compliance ensures your reporting is correct and timely. Tax planning takes it further, building a strategy to minimise tax while meeting your obligations. Many South Melbourne business owners are missing out on legitimate deductions, concessions, and structuring advantages simply because they don’t have a small business accountant who sees the full picture.

Our team goes beyond the basics. We develop integrated strategies across business and personal finances that help reduce liabilities and improve long-term outcomes. This includes managing business assets, structuring revenue, and ensuring you remain compliant across all relevant tax laws.

As accountants in South Melbourne, we’re regularly engaged to review existing arrangements and implement smarter tax accounting solutions. Our trusted tax accountant in South Melbourne help with everything from standard lodgements to international tax and restructuring.

What should I expect from bookkeeping services tailored to a South Melbourne business?

You should expect more than just reconciliations. A well-run bookkeeping system helps you stay compliant, track performance, and make faster decisions. We offer bookkeeping services that integrate directly with payroll services, financial reporting, and tax accounting, creating a single source of truth for your business.

Our team of expert accountants understands the day-to-day realities of running a South Melbourne business. We implement bookkeeping systems that are scalable, cloud-based, and designed to work across all your accounts payable and receivable workflows.

Whether you’re managing a growing team or preparing for your next audit, we provide bookkeeping and payroll services that save time and reduce stress. Explore bookkeepers who understands South Melbourne businesses to find the right fit for your operations.

Can I get business and personal financial advice in one place?

Absolutely, and it often leads to better results. Many of our clients come to us because they’re tired of having one accountant for their business and another for their personal finances. We bridge that gap, offering joined-up advice that reflects your full financial landscape.

Whether you’re managing an SMSF, drawing a salary from your company, or planning a business exit, our South Melbourne team ensures your business and personal accounting are aligned. We help businesses and individuals simplify their financial life, offering integrated guidance across tax, investment, and estate considerations.

As a full-service accounting firm with in-house financial planners, we create clear, strategic pathways for our clients, ensuring that every decision supports both business success and personal wealth. Learn more about our financial planners for South Melbourne business owners.

Do you work with South Melbourne businesses that have international tax obligations?

Yes. International tax can be complex, especially for small and medium businesses operating across borders. We support clients with foreign income, offshore entities, dual tax residency, and compliance with both Australian and international tax laws.

Our business advisors help you manage cross-jurisdictional reporting while protecting your business from exposure. This includes managing currency risk, structuring ownership, and navigating ATO requirements on international dealings.

Whether you're expanding overseas, operating in multiple countries, or just starting to trade cross-border, we tailor our support to your business needs. We also coordinate with legal advisors to deliver complete solutions.

How can your accountants support South Melbourne businesses through transition or growth?

Business transitions, whether expansion, succession, or sale, require more than just compliance. They need strategy, risk management, and detailed forecasting. We work with South Melbourne clients through every step, ensuring your business financials and personal goals stay aligned.

We’re one of the few local firms that combine business and personal accounting expertise with deep advisory experience. From restructuring to mergers, our business accountants in Melbourne deliver clear advice and step-by-step planning.

Whether you’re managing cash flow for growth or planning your exit, we offer management services that adapt as your business evolves. Learn how our tailored retirement planning in South Melbourne can set you up for long-term success.

What makes your business accounting firm a good fit for medium-sized companies?

Medium businesses often outgrow their original accountant. They need broader thinking, more robust systems, and proactive business advisors who understand complex operations. That’s where we come in.

We work with South Melbourne companies to improve financial visibility, automate reporting, and integrate tax and compliance across multiple entities. Our team brings deep expertise in business accounting for medium-sized businesses, backed by systems that scale.

Whether you need ongoing advisory, expert tax insights, or support managing internal teams, we deliver services for businesses that want long-term partnership, not one-off lodgements. Learn more about our business accounting team that supports South Melbourne’s growth.

How do you help business owners focus on growth rather than admin?

We remove friction from your finances. That might mean automating payroll, centralising your accounting data, or training your team in better systems. Every recommendation we make is designed to free up your time and give you clarity.

We tailor accounting solutions to match your operations, not the other way around. Our team helps streamline approvals, integrate with business software, and deliver timely reporting that supports real-world decision-making.

If your systems are holding you back, our team of expert accountants and advisors will implement a better approach. Our accounting services designed for South Melbourne businesses are built to support growth, not get in the way of it.

Algorithms serve people, not the other way around

A human being wrote everything you’ve read on this page. That’s the way we do everything around here. You’d think that’d go without saying, but AI and other emerging technologies promise the world. More and more businesses believe that either appeasing algorithms or outright outsourcing their thinking to algorithms is the path to success.

Here’s what we believe: cutting-edge technology is critical for gathering and analysing data, but you need an experienced advisor to discern relevant, valuable and actionable insights from that data. Our business accountants will happily use emerging technologies, but everything we offer you has been checked and approved by a real person.