4 LOCAL FEATURE
4 LOCAL FEATURE
We chat with Lisa to get some financial tips and advice to look after your finances .
Have you encountered some tricky business challenges that spring up and rob you of your time , efficiency , performance and profitability ?
Ready to take your business to the next level , but not quite sure where to begin ?
Sass managing director , Lisa Johnston , started her business from home in 2006 . Twelve years , two children and a lot of hard work and hard lessons later , Lisa leads a staff of seven in a spacious office of the newly refurbished Rangitane Building in central Blenheim . Co-owner and senior accountant and advisor , Kelly Miller , joined the business in 2010 , bringing a wealth of accounting experience and knowledge with her .
Sass offers a wide range of business services , including business tax and accounting , training , marketing , bookkeeping and business consultancy and advisory services .
Since starting out on her own 12 years ago , Lisa has learned a lot about growing a successful business along the way . As a business coach and advisor , helping people overcome challenges is Lisa ’ s passion .
“ Clients come in , we have a chat , get to know them and their business really well , find out what they want to achieve with their business , identify their aspirations and create a plan to help them achieve it . We catch up every so often to see how they ’ re getting on , make sure they ’ re on track and make changes as necessary . I ’ m really here to provide support , practical solutions and to keep them accountable .”
Success looks different to everyone and it ’ s not always about the bottom line or growth , she says . “ For most people , it ’ s about achieving balance - they want their business to be ticking along nicely , with financial freedom , mind freedom and time freedom - something we all strive for . If you ’ re too busy to take a holiday - that ’ s not success .”
Human Resources is another of Sass ’ s specialties - they ’ re able to help businesses do their due diligence , hire good staff and ensure all the required paperwork is in place . They can also help guide businesses through their legal obligations when employee issues emerge .
Another service unique to Sass , which has proven to be popular , is their half- and fullday workshops and one-on-one training for a range of software including Xero , Microsoft and Excel , and fundamental business skills such as how to read financial reports .
Kelly is hot on budgeting and cash flow management . Numbers may not be everyone ’ s strength , but having accurate and current financial information is essential , she says . “ Our cash flow management services help business owners make good business decisions based on fact , rather than guesswork ,” she says . “ Knowing where you stand financially gives you the confidence to make those big decisions like hiring a new staff member or buying a new work vehicle - and there are no nasty surprises at the end of the year .”
That ‘ no surprises ’ mentality is mirrored with their set fees - something Sass has implemented so their clients need never feel afraid to pick up the phone to ask a question or seek advice , says Lisa . “ We regularly check in with them too ; we truly do care about their businesses doing well .” Many clients have achieved their goals , but continue to meet with Lisa once a month . “ It can be lonely at the top , so having someone outside the business , who ’ s able to see the big picture and offer reassurance and unbiased advice gives people the confidence to keep at it .”
From hiring the right staff and day-to-day accounting , to cash flow management and big-picture thinking , your accountant can help you get what you want out of your business and achieve the all-important yet elusive work / life balance . Lisa and her team at Sass have the knowledge and expertise to support and guide you in your business ventures .
Lisa , what are the main benefits of having an accountant ?
There are two types of accountants – the compliance one that just focuses on your year-end financials and tax , and other type that , in addition to compliance , focuses on working with you throughout the year . They are still accountants , but we prefer to call them advisors . Make sure your accountant has the experience and ability to be your advisor , too . As advisors , we work with our clients monthly , which means we are always looking at their financials and business operations and making recommendations on improvements and efficiencies . We are there whenever they need someone to brainstorm with and really are their business partner . Think of your accountant / advisor as that second set of eyes looking at your business from different angles . Accountant / advisors have a wealth of experience across a range of business types and not just in numbers .
What are some of the common mistakes you see your clients making when it comes to their finances ?
Not ensuring that they look at and understand the numbers and not realising the importance of having data up-to-date and accurate data to help them make informed decisions . I see people making important financial decisions based on the money they have in their bank account , without any thought of cash flow needs and then can ’ t understand why suddenly there is no cash .