Ep 165: When choosing an accountant on price may quietly cost you more
Tue Feb 03 2026
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Most business owners believe accounting is a commodity. The tax return gets lodged, the ATO is paid, and everything looks fine, so why pay more?
In this episode, Stuart and Mena unpack why choosing an accountant purely on price can quietly cost you far more over time, even when nothing appears “wrong”. They explain why tax and accounting stop being mechanical once a business grows, and why judgment, not compliance, is where real value (or damage) occurs.
Stuart explores how seemingly harmless defaults around profit extraction, entity structures, retained earnings, and Division 7A can compound silently over the years. No audits. No penalties. No obvious mistakes. Just missed opportunities, locked-in constraints, and future problems that become expensive to unwind.
You’ll hear why high-quality accounting isn’t about getting this year “right”, but about understanding how today’s decisions shape the next five years. Mena also discusses the difference between compliance-driven habits and strategic thinking, why conservative isn’t always optimal, and how many businesses only discover the cost of “cheap” accounting when they try to grow, restructure, or exit.
Finally, they share practical questions business owners can ask to assess accounting quality without needing to be accountants themselves.
If your business is evolving, this episode will challenge how you think about fees, value, and the decisions currently running on autopilot.
If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey!
Click here to subscribe to our weekly email.
SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here.
Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website.
Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Mena: LinkedIn
IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.
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Send us a text Most business owners believe accounting is a commodity. The tax return gets lodged, the ATO is paid, and everything looks fine, so why pay more? In this episode, Stuart and Mena unpack why choosing an accountant purely on price can quietly cost you far more over time, even when nothing appears “wrong”. They explain why tax and accounting stop being mechanical once a business grows, and why judgment, not compliance, is where real value (or damage) occurs. Stuart explores how seemingly harmless defaults around profit extraction, entity structures, retained earnings, and Division 7A can compound silently over the years. No audits. No penalties. No obvious mistakes. Just missed opportunities, locked-in constraints, and future problems that become expensive to unwind. You’ll hear why high-quality accounting isn’t about getting this year “right”, but about understanding how today’s decisions shape the next five years. Mena also discusses the difference between compliance-driven habits and strategic thinking, why conservative isn’t always optimal, and how many businesses only discover the cost of “cheap” accounting when they try to grow, restructure, or exit. Finally, they share practical questions business owners can ask to assess accounting quality without needing to be accountants themselves. If your business is evolving, this episode will challenge how you think about fees, value, and the decisions currently running on autopilot. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating on your favourite podcast platform. It helps us reach more incredible listeners like you. Thank you for being a part of the journey! Click here to subscribe to our weekly email. SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a one of Stuart's books for ONLY $20 including delivery. Use the discount code blog here. Work with Mena & Stuart's team: At ProSolution Private Clients we encourage clients to adopt a holistic and evidence-based approach when making financial decisions. Visit our website. Follow us: Stuart: Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Mena: LinkedIn IMPORTANT: This podcast provides general information about finance, taxes, and credit. This means that the content does not consider your specific objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is crucial for you to assess whether the information is suitable for your circumstances before taking any actions based on it. If you find yourself uncertain about the relevance or your specific needs, it is advisable to seek advice from a licensed and trustworthy professional.