AS Advisory

01/09/2026

When a business gets into financial trouble, is the financial pressure actually the problem, or just the symptom?

Andrew Schwarz recently spent some time in Brisbane with around 25 accountants from the Panalytix Vertex network, discussing how accountants can help clients identify issues early and help them rebuild, improve and manage distressed businesses.

One of the points he shared was that, in his experience, businesses rarely become distressed because of one single financial event. It is usually the combination of a number of small issues or events that occur over a period of time. Over the years, he's found they often come back to poor management, a lack of strategic direction, poor financial control or poor risk management.

That made for an interesting discussion with the group because accountants often have a close view of what is happening inside a client’s business. The numbers may be where the problem first becomes visible, but understanding what is driving them is often the more important conversation.

Thank you to Mark, Kim and the Vertex group for an insightful and worthwhile discussion.

Cash flow implications are often where the issues first show up, especially when a business faces pressure and the immediate reaction is often to look for more funding rather than understanding the underlying drivers. Andrew's latest blog goes into detail about why that may not always address the underlying issue, and what he thinks business owners could consider first.

You can read the full article here: https://www.andrewschwarz.net.au/blog/2026/8/4/when-cash-flow-gets-tight-is-more-funding-always-the-right-solution

25/08/2026

What does ATO debt tell you about a business?

CPA Australia recently highlighted the ATO's continued focus on recovering outstanding tax debt, reinforcing the importance of businesses engaging early rather than waiting for recovery action to escalate.

At AS Advisory, we see ATO debt as an opportunity to step back and understand what's really happening in the business.

The warning sign isn't necessarily that ATO debt exists. It's when the debt continues to grow without a clear plan to address it.

Often, it reflects broader pressure on cash flow, margins or working capital. Once those underlying issues are identified, the more opportunities there are to restructure, improve cash flow and regain control.

If ATO debt has become an ongoing concern, it may be worth taking the time to understand what's driving it. A confidential discussion can provide greater clarity on your financial position and the practical steps available to move your business forward.

Book a confidential conversation here: https://calendly.com/andrew-asadvisory

Read CPA Australia's article here: https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/public-practice/inpractice/taxation/inside-the-atos-debt-recovery-agenda

18/08/2026

A strong supplier relationship can be one of your biggest business assets. But when cash flow becomes tight, it can also quietly become a growing risk.

In this blog, we share how these situations develop, what they reveal about underlying cash flow challenges, and why addressing the cause early can create more options.

👉 Read the full blog here: https://asadvisory.com.au/could-your-supplier-relationships-be-hiding-a-bigger-cash-flow-risk/

11/08/2026

Recently, I sat with a client who had three businesses struggling at once. He had no idea restructuring was even an option.

That’s the thing about cash flow pressure and ATO debt: by the time someone reaches out, they’ve usually been carrying it for a while, convinced it’s all over.

But that’s not always the case.

What I’ve learned after thirty years is that there’s usually a path forward, sometimes more than one. A repayment plan. A genuine restructure. That’s why I try to make it feel less like a confession and more like a conversation.

I understand that hesitation completely. I’ve run businesses of my own outside of this one, including a few in the wine industry, a boom-bust industry that taught me exactly what financial pressure feels like.

So when someone sits down with me, they’re not just receiving advice from across the desk. They’re hearing from someone who has lived through it and understands the reality behind the decisions.

I take the time to hear your whole story and look at the numbers the same way I’d look at a map. Not to see how far you’ve drifted, but to help you find your way home.

04/08/2026

A website disruption may seem like an operational issue, but for this business, it triggered a much bigger financial challenge.

What started as a technology issue quickly became a cash flow challenge, and the funding decision made to protect the business created a new set of pressures.

In this blog, I share why understanding the real cause behind cash flow problems matters, and how the right strategy can create a clearer path forward.

Read the full blog here:

A website disruption may seem like an operational issue, but for this business, it triggered a much bigger financial challenge. What started as a technology issue quickly became a cash flow challenge, and the funding decision made to protect the business created a new set of pressures. In this bl

28/07/2026

If your team has expanded or growth has outpaced your systems, cash flow pressures can build quietly until they start impacting day-to-day decisions and long-term growth.

For many established SMEs, these challenges first appear through tightening margins, rising costs, increasing debt, or reporting that no longer provides a clear picture of the business.

In this article, we explore the warning signs business owners should be paying attention to, what they often reveal, and when outside advice can help create more options.

👉 Read the full article here: https://asadvisory.com.au/how-to-tell-when-your-business-may-need-outside-advice/

21/07/2026

The start of a new financial year is a good time to ask:

Do you know where the real risks in your business are?

For many business owners, this time of year is focused on tax planning and compliance.

What often gets missed is a review of the trends that will shape the year ahead.

In our experience, businesses rarely run into difficulty because of one unexpected event. More often, it builds gradually through tightening margins, rising costs, weakening cash flow or operational inefficiencies.

ASIC's latest insolvency data shows construction, accommodation & food services and retail continue to account for the highest number of companies entering external administration. It reinforces the importance of identifying risks before they become harder to manage.

The earlier issues are identified, the more options there are to respond. Before the year gets busy, take the time to assess your cost structure, margins, cash flow and how your business compares against industry benchmarks.

If you'd like a clearer picture of where your business stands, a structured business review is a practical place to start.

You can access the business health check here: https://asadvisory.scoreapp.com

Book a confidential conversation here: https://calendly.com/andrew-asadvisory

Read the report here: https://www.asic.gov.au/about-asic/corporate-publications/newsletters/asic-corporate-insolvency-update/asic-corporate-insolvency-update-issue-40-june-2026/

14/07/2026

You’re still trading, still managing staff, still trying to keep customers happy – but in the background, cash flow is tightening, creditors need answers and every decision starts to feel heavier.

For many business owners I work with, the hardest part is not recognising the warning signs. It is admitting the situation may need a different kind of conversation.

In this article, I share the story of one of my clients – a hospitality business owner who came to see me after months of cash flow pressure, creditor stress and uncertainty about what options were still available.

Read the article here: https://www.andrewschwarz.net.au/blog/2026/7/14/business-pressure-how-to-stop-carrying-it-alone-and-find-a-clear-path-forward

You’re still trading, still managing staff, still trying to keep customers happy – but in the background, cash flow is tightening, creditors need answers and every decision starts to feel heavier. For many business owners I work with, the hardest part is not recognising the warning signs. It is ...

07/07/2026

Every owner wants to know what their business is worth. Fewer know what is stopping that number from being higher.

It's a question we unpacked at our June Business Valuation Masterclass.

Thank you to Lauren Elsum for sharing her insights throughout the session, and to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion. It was a practical conversation around the factors that influence business value long before a future sale, succession or capital raise.

Drawing on our experience valuing SMEs, we explored:

- the key drivers that influence business value
- the issues that reduce value over time
- why strong financial reporting, governance and systems matter
- how owners can improve value before a future transition
- why understanding your current position leads to better decisions

We also had some excellent questions around the recent Federal Budget changes and industry valuation multiples. While they're important, buyers ultimately look past the numbers to assess a business’s quality and future potential.

If you attended, I'd be interested to hear your biggest takeaway.

If you missed the session, leave a comment, and we'll send the recording.

30/06/2026

From 1 July 2026, employers will have just seven business days after payday to ensure superannuation reaches their employees' super funds.

For some businesses, the change will be straightforward. For others, it may expose weaknesses that have been manageable under the current system.

In this blog, we outline the areas business owners should be reviewing now, where pressure is most likely to appear, and how to prepare before the changes commence.

Read the full blog here: https://asadvisory.com.au/payday-super-what-established-small-business-owners-need-to-prepare-for/