rICHARD START ACCOUNTANTS

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If you are a new client to Richard Start Accountants, please take the time to fill out our new client form below so we can set you up before you come in for your appointment.

NEW CLIENT FORM

Richard Start Accountants provides Accounting and Tax Services to small business and individuals alike.

Incorporated in Ballarat in 2000. Richard Start Accountants has achieved an excellent reputation as a professional Accounting firm by offering friendly service and a commitment to "Building Relationships with Small Business", and this year will see Richard Start Accountants celebrating 22 years in business.

That's why we aren't your regular accountants.

You want to have confidence in your Accountants? We pride ourselves on the quality of our accounting and the advice and support we offer our clients. We work with a select number of small businesses which gives us the ability to always be accessible and approachable, this way we can always give your business the support it needs. Whether you have been in business for some time, or you are starting a new business, your finance team is an essential part of your business.

We know you want a personalised range of services and an Accountant that understands YOUR financial situation and what YOU want to achieve.

To build and maintain your existing business as a successful one, we will be the strong Ballarat Accounting team supporting you. Our professional advice and hands-on support will be with you to watch your business grow and succeed - Treating it as if it were our own!

The compliance challenges facing small business today is enormous with environments changing fast. We are ready to deal with all the challenges that arise. Our staff are well educated and they strive to keep up to date with the latest trends and developments, legislative changes.. Our Accountants have strong technical skills and understand that being reliable and responsible is what matters to you.

Richard Start Accountants will be with you every step of the way.

Services on offer include:

Business planning - both start up and succession
Setting the direction – strategic, aligning with your vision
Finding purpose in your choice of business
Business structures
Reviewing and monitoring the plans and finances
Business sales and purchases
Accounting software
Compliance and tax effective advice
Advertising and marketing assistance

Our motto is sustainable accounting = results

At Richard Start Accountants, our team of experienced Accountants offer more than just completing your tax return. They can help you to manage all your personal tax-related and financial obligations. We are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes. Whether complex or straightforward, navigating your way through your personal tax return can be difficult and frustrating.

no need to pay - we deduct our fee out of your refund!

We are so excited to announce that the team here at Richard Start Accountants are finalists in the 2022 Federation University Commerce Ballarat Businesses Excellence Awards!

Congratulations to our fellow nominees in the Federation University Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards - nbn Local Professional Services Business Award

-BGT Jobs & Training

-The Proven Group

What an exciting time for Ballarat business!!

Last but definitely not least - Thank you to all our amazing clients, without you all we couldn’t do what we do best!!

#BallBEA2022 #RichardStartAccountants #BuildingRelationshipsWithSmallBusiness

Looking to change Accountants?

Small Business

Super Funds

Why choose Richard Start Accountants?

Personal Tax Returns

WHO WE WORK WITH

We can help make your business the best it can be - we treat it as if it was our own. Whether you have been in business for some time, or you are starting a new business, your finance team is an essential part of your business. To build and maintain your existing business as a successful one, we will be the strong Ballarat accounting team supporting you.

Here is what some of our clients have to say:

Dynamite Cycles Buninyong

A premium bike store where people can chill out, talk bikes and relax.

Located at 409 Warrenheip St Buninyong Victoria 3357

"We are a couple of bike enthusiasts who love to tinker, who opened a Bike Shop, and now were standing in our Café

It’s really great to have the team at Richard Start Accountants behind us, to be able to just hit that send button or send through the codes to Mitch and know our business (BAS & GST) is all taken care of.

It leaves us so much more time to work in our store & café and more time to ride! (organising ride nights or spend with the kids)"

Trent & Cass

Small Scale Homes

Small Scale Homes build and design transportable homes.

We also custom design and build small modular buildings/business offices.

Whether our clients want to be tucked away in the Australian bush amongst nature, create accommodation for purposes such as Airbnb, or hidden in a quiet get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy day to day life. Shared with a loved one or simply on their own. We’re there to help our clients live their dream.

"The team at Richard Start Accountants have been a great asset to our business. They have gone above and beyond to ensure we receive the best service by handling our BAS, payroll or simply answering any questions we may have. Richard Start Accountants have taken off a lot of pressure that comes with running a small business".

Paula & Nathan

_{Image by: @Chippy Rivera}

Auto Align

Alignments, Wheel Balancing, Repairs. Cars, Utes, 4WD's, Classics and Race Cars. New & second hand tyres supplied.

_{Located at 90 Hertford Street, Sebastopol, VIC, Australia 3356}

_{Phone 0419 392 158}

_{"We have been clients with your organisation for a few years now and always been happy with the service from everyone in the office. We started dealing with Marcus after the sad passing of Peter Angel and to be honest, we were concerned with the impact of changing to a new staff member would have on our small business only because we have no experience with accounting.}

_{Since Marcus has been handling the file we have received over and above service and support from him. He is professional, friendly and he provides a personalised service.}

_{We also find he knows exactly what we want and how to explain it too us. We have recently expanded the business hiring staff and taking on more work .}

_{What we thought would be a hard and overwhelming process was actually quiet easy once Marcus explained everything to us."}

Plastercraft Linings

Specialising in renovation/repair plaster works
"Start with quality, your destination will be excellence"
New generation plasterers offering old school customer service. With over 15 years experience offering the highest possible finish and a service you can rely on!

"Richard Start Accountants have been the biggest blessing to my business from the day I decided to go out on my own.

Not only do they give me tax advice on a weekly basis, if I need it, they have also given me the confidence to tackle all future growth (lessons on BAS & wages ect).

They really are your one stop small business shop!"

Aaron Usas

OUR TEAM

Richard Start

Director

Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA)

Certified Practising Accountant (CPA)

Richard grew up in the small farming community of Crowlands. The eldest son with four siblings, he was from a very young age responsible and committed to making the most of farm life. His schooling commenced at Crowlands, moving to Ararat Technical school and completing his secondary years at Ballarat Grammar as a boarder where he was Prefect and Captain of 'Wigan' Boarding House. Melbourne University was his next stop completing a Bachelor of Science (Mathematics). After three years in the city, the farm was calling to him so he returned to help run the family farm until it was sold in 1990.

Richard became a small business owner, however the urge for knowledge was still present, with Richard returning to full time study - also raising three children - and completed his Bachelor of Commerce with Distinction at the University of Ballarat in 1996. During this time he was awarded 'Certificate of Excellence' - highest score for accounting studies for each year - 1994, 1995 and 1996.

Richard was admitted to CPA status in 1999, began his own practice in July 2000. In 2012 gained the standing of Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) with the Tax Institute of Australia.

In 2022 Richard has been accepted as a member by the Chartered Tax Adviser designation. This is an internationally recognised and respected mark of technical excellence and professional integrity and represents the pinnacle of the tax profession.

Richard's knowledge and passion for numbers is deep - that is why he treat your business as if it were his own!

Marcus Darmody

Managing Accountant

Senior Accountant

Certified Practising Accountant (CPA)

Marcus grew up on a dairy farm near Koroit. His schooling commenced at Dennington Primary School and he completed his secondary schooling at Emmanuel College Warrnambool.

After completing year 12, Marcus moved to Ballarat for a gap year. During this time he worked at Ballarat High School as a PE assistant. The following year he commenced his Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Ballarat.

In 2013 while completing his studies Marcus began part time work at Richard Start Accountants. Once he successfully completed his Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) Marcus commenced his full time roll with Richard Start Accountants.

Marcus was admitted to CPA status in 2017.

Marcus enjoys playing football for Newlyn Football Netball Club in the Central Highlands Football League and following the mighty Blues, Carlton football club in the AFL.

Mitchell Gilbert

Senior Accountant

Mitchell is a local Ballarat boy completing all his formal education at Ballarat Grammar and Federation University.

Successfully completing his studies in Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance) in 2016.

Mitchell commenced employment with Richard Start Accountants in July 2021 and carries with him a wealth of expert knowledge around Accounting and Financial services .

Adding to our team of footballers, Mitchell can be seen getting a kick for Skipton Football Netball Club in the Central Highlands Football League.

Mary Jansen

Administration/Accounts Payable

Mary began her association with Richard Start Accountants as a client and began her employment having an appreciation and understanding of how great it was to be a client . Bringing with her an extensive Banking background (Commonwealth Bank and National Bank.) Mary has been with Richard Start Accountants for over10 years in Administration.

Mary's responsibilities include taking care of all aspects of new Company Registrations, setting up ABN's and TFN's for new businesses, Workcover registrations and maintenance as well as making appointments and liaising with clients for Richard.

Mary has become an active member in Rotary, and many years as President of the Ballarat Embroiderers Guild.

Mary enjoys the relationships that have developed with many clients and values the friendships that have ensued.

Rebecca Start

Marketing & Communication

Rebecca started at Richard Start Accountants in October 2020 and had since moved over to Communications & Marketing.

Rebecca comes to us with a diverse background, after completing her Nursing course back in 2006 and working across a variety of Melbourne hospitals and Medical Centres.

After a long maternity leave stint (6 years and three children later) and a few small business ventures herself, Rebecca has returned back to part - time work with Richard Start Accountants.

She is the creator of our Instagram, Facebook and Website content and the author of our newsletters and emails.

Rebecca is enthusiastic about building relationships with our clients and small businesses, offering a direct line to their Accounting and business needs.

Keep an eye our on your inbox, Rebecca will appear in there anyway she can, be it customer satisfaction, our Referral Program, new updates and more.

Alison Mckenna

Administration

Alison started working at Richard Start Accountants in February 2019 as an Administration Assistant.

Alison has several years experience in the administration area in different industries including Newspaper, Mental Health, Construction and Consulting Engineering. As a result Alison has gained an wealth of knowledge over a diverse range of duties. Her belief is 'nothing is too hard'. Alison is now enjoying adding to her knowledge in the 'Accounting' sector.

Alison prides herself on delivering outstanding customer service and being a valuable member of the Richard Start Accountants team. Alison's key duties are looking after the daily banking, client assessments, lodgments, client liaison and much more.

Debbie Walters

Receptionist

Debbie commenced her role as a receptionist at Richard Start Accountants in January 2021.

Debbie brings with her a great wealth of knowledge and experience, having worked at Radio Rentals for nearly 12 years. She is passionate about great customer service and loves dealing with the public.

Apart from happily greeting you as you arrive, you will hear Debbie's cheerful greeting when you call. She will book your appointment with our accountants, and also successfully juggles everyone’s calendars, appointments and meeting rooms during the busy tax periods.

Debbie will ensure all your details are ready for your appointment and happily help you with making over the phone and in-office payments.