Accounting Services for Trade Businesses
Supporting trades businesses to grow since 1997 – from the leading Australian Small Business Accounting Firm & Women’s Regional Professional in 2023 & Australian Regional/Suburban Accounting Firm in 2024
As a tradie, your business is built on skill, reputation and hard work. Whether you are on the tools or running a team, you need an accountant who understands the unique challenges of the trade industry – and who does more than just lodge your BAS and tax returns.
At Palfreyman Chartered Accountants, we work with electricians, plumbers, builders, concreters, tilers and other trade professionals across the Hunter Valley, regional NSW and Australia-wide. We deliver high-quality accounting and advisory services designed to protect your assets, reduce your risks, and keep the ATO at bay – so you can get on with running your business.
As the 2024 Australian Accounting Awards “Regional/Suburban Firm of the Year”, the 2023 Australian Small Business Champions “Accounting Firm of the Year” and the 2023 Women in Finance Awards “Regional Professional of the Year”, you can be reassured we understand the importance of delivering exceptional service, staying ahead of regulatory obligations, and maintaining clear, consistent communication with ongoing review.
Why Tradies Choose Us
Personalised, Practical Advice
We take the time to understand how your trade business operates - from job quoting and materials to employee sub-contracting and cash flow pressures. Our advice is tailored, not textbook.
Quality, No-Shortcut Service
We pride ourselves on doing things right the first time. No band-aid fixes or rushed lodgments. Just high-quality service that gives you confidence in your numbers and your future.
Asset Protection You Can Count On
You have worked hard to build your business and your personal wealth. We help you structure your business properly to shield your personal assets from business risks, legal issues and insolvency threats.
Audit Risk? We've Got You Covered
No one wants to hear from the ATO unexpectedly. We stay ahead of compliance requirements and ensure your books are clean, your records are watertight, and your tax obligations are met - so you are not on the radar for audits or penalties. Plus, our clients have access to AuditShield Insurance for extra protection.
Proactive Risk Management
From cash flow planning to insurance and contractor obligations, we identify the potential weak spots in your business and help you put protective strategies in place - before problems arise.
Smart Software Solutions That Save You Time
We help you choose and set up the right accounting and job management software - like Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks - so your quoting, invoicing, payroll and reporting are streamlined and accurate. Less admin, more time on the tools.
We Work With All Trades - Here's How We Help
We understand that each trade has its own demands. Here’s how we support different industries within the trades sector:
Challenges: Managing cash flow across multiple job sites, understanding taxable vs non-taxable supplies, navigating contractor vs employee rules
Our Support: Job-costing advice, GST treatment clarity, and employment structure strategies to reduce compliance risk.
Challenges: Balancing emergency call-outs with planned jobs, vehicle and equipment depreciation, fluctuating material costs.
Our Support: Cash flow forecasting, asset registers, and deductible expense tracking to reduce tax and plan ahead.
Challenges: Long project timelines, subcontractor management, contract compliance, retentions and stage payments.
Our Support: Project cashflow tracking, subcontractor payroll help, and guidance on legal structure to protect personal assets.
Challenges: High equipment maintenance costs, weather-related delays, managing seasonal income variation.
Our Support: Tax-effective equipment finance advice, cash buffer strategies, and support with invoicing systems.
Challenges: Inconsistent work pipelines, managing travel between jobs, and sole trader tax issues.
Our Support: Simple quoting tools, mileage and deduction tracking, and tailored tax planning.
Challenges: Safety compliance, insurance coverage and managing short lead times.
Our Support: Business risk assessments, insurance coordination and guidance on income smoothing.
Challenges: Labour hire obligations, quoting accuracy and managing weather disruptions.
Our Support: Help with setting profitable pricing, tracking job profitability, and employee vs contractor advice.
Challenges: Juggling multiple small jobs, mixed supply purchases, and unclear tax deductions.
Our Support: Clear record-keeping systems, app-based invoicing tools, and tailored small business tax advice.
Our Services for Trade Businesses
Chartered Accountants on Your Side.
Based in the Hunter Valley and servicing tradies across regional NSW and Australia, we are a Chartered Accounting firm with deep experience in the trades sector. We believe in straightforward communication, reliable service and building long-term relationships with our clients.
Whether you are just starting out or growing a team, we are here to help you protect what you have built, and continue to grow it with confidence.
Let's Talk.
If you are a trade business owner looking for a proactive accountant who has got your back, we would love to hear from you. Fill out the form below to request an appointment with one of our accountants or advisors.
