Establishing your own medical practice can be an exciting and daunting opportunity. Our professional, reliable and client focused specialist medical accounting team can help. We work with you alongside our network of experts in legal, technology and practice management that have assisted many clients in starting both general and specialist medical practices.
As one of South East Queensland’s most trusted firms specialising in medical practice management, Walshs has supported more than 500 medical professionals through the transition to private practice. This means we have a wealth of knowledge and experience, as well as vast networks and connections with other providers specialising in medical practice management. Our professional and supportive team are here to share their knowledge and their networks with you to help make your transition to private practice easier.
If you are considering setting up your own medical practice, ensuring you are receiving the right accounting advice is vital. Get in touch with us now for a free consultation.
In the meantime, let’s look at a few of the considerations you need to make as you set up your medical practice.
Structure
The structure you operate from can make a massive difference to your wealth and financial security. Each structure has its own benefits and limitations, but it is important to choose a structure that meets your individual circumstances, is in accordance with ATO guidelines, while at the same time yielding any additional tax benefits.
- Is your structure compliant with ATO guidelines?
- Does your structure ensure you meet payroll tax, superannuation, WorkCover and employee leave entitlement obligations?
- Does your structure provide opportunities for tax planning?
- Does your structure provide adequate asset protection?
- Do you have the appropriate documentation in place for your structure?
- Do you have agreements in place with your business partners?
Tax Planning
As a medical professional it is likely you will pay your fair share of tax throughout your career. However there are certain tax planning strategies that can be implemented to effectively manage tax liabilities, while still ensuring you are compliant with ATO guidelines.
- Are you taking advantage of the unique tax planning opportunities available to medical professionals?
- Do you meet with your accountant at least once a year to discuss tax planning strategies?
- Is your debt structured correctly to ensure you maximise the tax deductibility of interest?
- Do you have a structured plan for superannuation and contributions?
Technology & Software
In this day and age there is an abundance of technology and software available to medical professionals to streamline processes and reduce costs. The hardest part might be disseminating it all and working out what is most suitable for your practice.
- Do you use cloud-based accounting software?
- Are you aware of the various plug-ins available to your accounting software to automate & streamline processes?
- Are you getting the most out of your software and have you been provided with adequate training?
- Are your processes automated through technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs?
- Is your accountant familiar with the software available to medical professionals and do they have strong relationships with the providers?
The Power of Collaboration
The life of a medical professional can be a very stressful one with competing demands on time. A topic of conversation that invariably arises when meeting with our clients is that of not having enough hours in the day to achieve the many tasks on the to do list. To that end, synergies gained from having everything ‘under the one-roof’ should never be overlooked.
- Is your medical practice bookkeeping, accounting and taxation all done by the one team to streamline the process and reduce costs?
- Are you able to speak with your Adviser about lending, investments and insurance*
- How much time do you spend working on your business to understand how to identify efficiencies in operation, implement process improvement ideas and best practice solutions?
Industry Experts
Having a deep understanding of the medical industry ensures an understanding of the professional life-cycle of a doctor. The medical profession is unique and therefore to get the best advice you need to make sure you have the right people ‘on your team’. Industry understanding, technical knowledge and proven results are critical attributes you should look when selecting your team.
- Has your accountant looked after over 2,000 doctors over the past 30 years?
- Does your accountant have a great network of firms around them to support you in the successful operation of your practice?
- Do you fully understand all the financial opportunities available to you as a medical professional?
Our experienced medical accounting team at Walshs can advise you on all of these items, and more.
If you want further insights on how to elevate your medical practice and maximise success, please contact Hugh Walsh, Partner;
T 07 3221 5677 E hugh@walshs.com.au
*All financial planning services provided by representatives of Walshs Financial Planning. AFSL 432636. All lending advice is provided by representatives of Walshs under Credit Licence ACL459119.
