When is the right time for a growing business to hire a commercial lawyer?

The right time is before something goes wrong, not after. Most businesses first engage a commercial lawyer when a problem has already surfaced: a contract dispute, a co-founder falling out, or a regulatory issue. Engaging early, before you sign major agreements, bring on investors, or hire staff, costs significantly less than unpicking a poorly structured deal later. As a general rule, if the decision involves money, ownership, or a long-term commitment, it warrants a legal review.

How do I choose which lawyer to work with?

Look for a lawyer with direct experience in commercial matters relevant to your business, not just a general practice background. Check whether they have acted for businesses at a similar size and stage to yours. Communication is also worth testing early; your lawyer should be able to explain your position and your options in plain language. At Lazarus Legal, matters are handled by solicitors with hands-on commercial experience, including work across Australian and international jurisdictions.

What industries do Lazarus Legal commercial lawyers typically serve?

Lazarus Legal works with businesses across technology, retail, construction, hospitality, professional services, and financial services. The firm also advises startups and growth-stage companies on shareholder agreements, equity structuring, and intellectual property. Much of the work is transactional and advisory, though Lazarus Legal also handles commercial disputes when they arise.

How much does Lazarus Legal charge for commercial legal services?

It depends on the nature of the work. Defined tasks, such as contract reviews, business formations, and document drafting, are typically quoted at a fixed fee so you know the cost upfront. More complex or ongoing matters may be billed at an hourly rate. Lazarus Legal discusses fees at the outset so there are no surprises mid-matter. The firm also offers retainer arrangements for businesses that prefer predictable, ongoing access to legal support.

How does having a commercial lawyer on retainer benefit my business?

A retainer gives you legal advice when you need it, without the delay of briefing someone new each time a question comes up. For growing businesses, that means faster decisions on contracts, negotiations, and compliance issues. It also means your lawyer builds working knowledge of your business over time, which produces more targeted advice. Lazarus Legal offers retainer arrangements for businesses that want proactive legal support built into how they operate, rather than reactive help after problems emerge.

Registered Tax Agent No. 26263473

Accounting Services Across NSW.

At DKM, we keep your financial records accurate, organised, and compliant with AASB standards and ATO requirements. We manage transaction allocation, reconcile accounts, and produce financial statements. By understanding your business, we classify transactions to reveal key insights that help you spot trends and make confident decisions. Our cloud solutions also offer real‐time reporting for complete oversight.

Rated 4.8/5 from

102 Google reviews

Speak with our principal accountant today

Send us a few details and we’ll be in touch.

Full Name*

Email*

Phone*

Company

Service Required+

Message

DKM Accounting is accredited with the following institutions

Quickbooks Certified
Pro Advisors

Institute of
Public Accountants

CPA
Australia

Chartered Accountants
Australia

BizCover
Partners

Meet our financial accountant.

beyond detailed reporting, we work closely with you to set financial goals and plan for growth. We offer budget forecasting and variance analysis to show how your actual performance measures against targets, so you can adjust your strategy promptly. Additionally, our regular financial reviews and strategic advice help you identify opportunities to optimise cash flow, manage tax liabilities, and reinvest savings back into your business. This proactive approach ensures that your financial decisions are not only informed by past performance but also geared towards future success.

Karen Lee

CPA & Senior Financial Accountant

Karen Lee, CPA, has worked with Fortune 500 companies, specialising in financial accounting, cost analysis, and management reporting. With experience across several industries, she helps businesses refine cost structures, improve reporting accuracy, and optimise financial performance.

structured accounting oversight

transaction allocation & cost analysis

We categorise transactions in line with AASB standards, breaking down revenue and expenses by product, service, or location. This helps identify profitability trends, cost inefficiencies, and pricing accuracy for better financial control.

STP reconciliation & payroll review

We reconcile Single Touch Payroll (STP) data to ensure wages, superannuation, and tax obligations match financial records. This prevents errors and keeps payroll reporting accurate and compliant.

financial reports & account structuring

We generate profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports, structuring accounts for clarity and insight into your business’s financial health.

reliable dashboard reporting

We set up real-time financial dashboards, giving you instant access to key metrics like cash flow, expenses, and profitability, eliminating the need to rely on post-quarter reporting.

we take a structured approach to managing your finances, ensuring every transaction is recorded correctly and financial reports reflect the true state of your business. Our process keeps accounts accurate, cash flow clear, and ATO obligations up to date.

our accounting services process

bank & credit matching

accounts receivable & payable review

asset & depreciation tracking

payroll accuracy check

chart of accounts optimisation

ATO compliance oversight

cash flow
monitoring

financial
dashboards

Do I need both a bookkeeper and an accounting services?

accounting and bookkeeping are often used interchangeably, but they play different roles in managing business finances. Bookkeeping focuses on the day-to-day recording of financial transactions, ensuring income, expenses, and cash flow are accurately tracked. This includes reconciling bank and credit accounts, managing invoices, processing payroll, and keeping financial records structured.

accounting builds on this by analysing and interpreting financial data to provide deeper insights into business performance. Accountants prepare financial statements, review costs, ensure compliance with AASB and ATO regulations, and help businesses understand their profitability and financial health. They also assist with forecasting, budgeting, and decision-making based on real financial data.

Aseel K.

Karen and her accounting team Lemuel from DKM Accounting are outstanding! Karen’s expertise, attention to detail, and professionalism have made a huge difference in managing our accounts.

Anita P.

Karen has been an excellent support throughout our time with DKM and is always willing to assist with anything, even small matters.

Elijah V.

I had the pleasure of reaching out to Karen over the past few months for various accounting queries, process improvements and especially for payroll support.

Straight answers from a CPA Accountant.

Who needs accounting services?

Any business or individual managing money beyond everyday expenses can benefit from accounting services. Business owners rely on accountants to track income and expenses, manage payroll, and prepare financial reports to keep financial records accurate and meet ATO obligations. Without proper accounting, businesses risk cash flow issues, incorrect tax filings, and compliance penalties.

Sole traders and freelancers need accounting to separate business and personal expenses, manage invoicing, and track GST obligations. Property investors require proper record-keeping to track rental income, mortgage interest, and depreciation, ensuring tax claims are accurate and financial records align with ATO requirements.

Investors with shares, crypto, or multiple income sources also benefit from accounting services to ensure earnings are correctly reported, deductions are maximised, and tax liabilities are minimised. Whether managing a business, investments, or rental properties, accounting services help maintain financial clarity, prevent costly errors, and support long-term financial stability.

What are the golden rules of accounting?

The golden rules of accounting ensure financial transactions are recorded accurately using the double-entry system. Real accounts deal with assets and liabilities, following the rule that you debit what comes in and credit what goes out. For example, when a business purchases equipment, the equipment account is debited to show an increase, while cash is credited to reflect the payment.

Personal accounts apply to transactions involving individuals or businesses. The rule here is to debit the receiver and credit the giver. If a business pays a supplier, the supplier’s account is debited to show that money was paid to them, while cash is credited to account for the outgoing payment.

Nominal accounts track income and expenses, following the principle that you debit expenses and losses and credit income and gains. When a company earns revenue, the sales account is credited to reflect the increase, and cash or accounts receivable is debited to record the money received.

These rules ensure every transaction is properly recorded, keeping financial records accurate and balanced.

What should I look for when choosing an accounting services provider?

In 2025, choosing an accounting provider goes beyond qualifications, it’s about automation, integration, and proactive financial management. Ensure they use cloud-based platforms like Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks with real-time access, automated reporting, and AI-driven financial insights.

Security is crucial, so look for firms with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and encrypted data storage to protect sensitive financial information. They should also offer automated ATO lodgements, STP payroll integration, and live cash flow tracking to streamline compliance and decision-making.

Beyond compliance, a good accountant provides real-time financial monitoring, automated reconciliation, and forecasting tools. Avoid those who rely solely on end-of-year reporting; modern businesses need ongoing insights, cost breakdowns, and financial alerts to stay ahead.

Finally, consider their communication style and availability. Choose an accountant who provides on-demand reports, instant messaging support, and proactive tax planning, ensuring you’re always financially prepared, not just reacting to deadlines.

Locations

Bella Vista, NSW 2153

Location

408, 29 Lexington Drive Bella Vista NSW 2153

Hours

Mon 9:30 am – 6:30 pm Tue 9:30 am – 6:30 pm Wed 9:30 am – 6:30 pm Thu 9:30 am – 6:30 pm Fri 9:30 am – 6:30 pm Sat Closed Sun Closed

Contact

(02) 9788 1850

Deakin, ACT 2600