From utilisation and billable hours to structuring partner equity and planning succession — we help Melbourne professional services firms get out of the spreadsheet and into real, sustainable profit.
Trusted by businesses for more than 40 years
Need to talk now? Call (03) 9894 2500
60 minutes. No cost, no obligation
You’re billing clients by day, managing a team by night, and still trying to find time to chase WIP and unbilled time. Revenue depends on people, not products — so when someone’s off sick, on leave, or walks out the door, it hits the bottom line fast. Margins get squeezed between salary costs and client fee pressure, and there’s rarely time to step back and look at where the firm is actually heading.
If that sounds like your week, you’re not the only one — and you don’t have to work it out alone.
We help you get clear on your numbers, take control of your cashflow, and build toward the next stage of growth.
Tell us where you’re at and where you want to go in a relaxed 60 minute session — no cost, no obligation, no jargon.
We dig into your utilisation, WIP, partner draws and structure — and work out what a good result looks like for you and your team, not just your tax return.
Walk away with actions you can put in place in the practice, and a team to help you embed lasting change in your business.
Know which clients, partners and service lines actually make you money. WIP reviews, utilisation reporting and fee realisation analysis so you’re never guessing at true profitability.
Smooth out lumpy billing cycles. We help you manage WIP-to-invoice timing, debtor days and client payment terms, forecast cashflow, and structure finance for growth or equipment the smart way.
Keep more of what the firm earns. Partner/director remuneration, trust distributions, GST and PAYG, and a tax position sorted well before 30 June — not a scramble at year end.
Stay on top of licensing, professional indemnity requirements, and any regulatory reporting your industry body demands, plus get contractor-vs-employee and payroll tax right for your consultants.
Make sure a client claim or dispute can’t put your personal assets at risk. The right company, trust and partnership structure to protect you, your family and what you’ve built.
One day you’ll want to step back. We help you plan it on your terms — bringing in the next generation of partners, selling to a competitor, or getting the practice genuinely sale-ready.
I think when it comes to the advisers that you pick, particularly in finance, the most important thing is are they actually high calibre people? And that’s certainly been my experience with Saward Dawson
We feel secure and supported and safe in having the level of thought and consideration that Saward Dawson puts into their support for us
Before I worked with Saward Dawson, I didn’t have full assurance that our accounts are being managed appropriately. I knew that for me to be able to grow my business the way I wanted to, I needed to focus on the things that I and only I could do. I needed people who are much better at the accounting and finance side to take over that as soon as they could.
Our advisors are ready to hear what challenges you’re facing and how we can help you succeed.
Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll be in touch to arrange a time to talk.
A free 60 minute session
Speak directly with an experienced advisor
Leave with clear next steps – no obligation to proceed
Prefer to talk now? Call (03) 9894 2500
60 minutes. No cost, no obligation
I already have an accountant.
Every accountant can help with tax. But not every accountant has the depth of knowledge and experience that it takes to help you grow a thriving business. We believe that the right business advice goes beyond tax effective structures. We take time to listen to what you’d like to achieve in your business and help you make plans to get you there.
I don’t have time for a business consultant.
We know that keeping a business running is your main priority. That’s why our team doesn’t waste your time. Working with you, we define the areas of work that can have the most impact on your business in the short and long term. Whether it’s ongoing management support, or a growth strategy workshop – we work with you and your team in ways that make sense to you, and leave you to focus on what matters most – running a great business.
Business consultants are a waste of time – I don’t need a report that will sit in a drawer.
We’re a business. We know that getting the right advice isn’t just about getting a report and shoving it in a filing cabinet. When you work with the team at Saward Dawson, you’re working on strategies that are helping you solve your most pressing problems – giving you the confidence to tackle the challenges that are holding you and your business back.
I already run a successful business.
Being a successful business owner means you know your business inside and out. You know what it takes to make it successful. But when do you take time to plan life outside your business? When you work with Saward Dawson, you’re working with a team that help you envisage life beyond your business – not just in it.
Isn’t business advice too expensive?
So many business owners believe that business advice is too costly. Our clients have found that the opposite is true. Spending time to understand your business and optimising it for future growth pays off significantly in the long term.
Saward Dawson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and we pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Level 1, 20 Albert Street, Blackburn VIC 3130
PO Box 1212, Blackburn North VIC 3130
contact@sawarddawson.com.au | +61 3 9894 2500
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
