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

Bookkeeping and Bookkeeper Services

at dkm, bookkeeping is more than record-keeping, it’s about financial control. We ensure every transaction is accounted for, every reconciliation is accurate, and every report tells the real story of your business. with clear records, compliance is effortless, tax time is predictable, and you’re never making decisions in the dark.

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DKM Accounting is accredited with the following institutions

Quickbooks Certified
Pro Advisors

Institute of
Public Accountants

CPA
Australia

Chartered Accountants
Australia

BizCover
Partners

Meet your Bookkeepers

A bookkeeper at DKM Accounting keeps your financial records accurate, structured, and compliant. We specialise in bookkeeping for SMEs, super funds, and growing businesses, handling reconciliations, transaction tracking, and Xero or QuickBooks integration. With organised records and up-to-date financials, you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Rosel Nguyen

Head bookkeeper

Experienced bookkeeper specialising in SMEs and financial management, ensuring accurate records, reconciliations, and seamless bookkeeping solutions.

Jimmy Nguyen

Tax partner

Business Development expert, optimising tech stacks with QuickBooks, Xero, and integrated apps to streamline operations.

Our bookkeeping process

Transaction Structuring

We organise financial data with sub-accounts, cost centres, and silos tailored to industry needs, ensuring clear and structured reporting.

Bank Reconciliations

We keep bank feeds, accounting software, and financial records in sync, preventing mismatches and ensuring accuracy.

Payroll Oversight

We maintain accurate records of wages, superannuation, and entitlements, keeping payroll systems ready for compliance checks.

Tax Reporting Readiness

We structure accounts so that GST, PAYG withholding, and income tax obligations can be calculated and reported accurately when needed.

Quickbooks Pro advisors, built for smarter bookkeeping

Bookkeeping today is more than just tracking numbers, it’s about systems, automation, and seamless financial management. QuickBooks and other cloud platforms depend on API integrations, tech stacking, and structured workflows to keep businesses running efficiently. Without the right setup, reporting gaps and inefficiencies can quickly appear.

The hidden cost of bad bookkeeping.

Small errors seem harmless until they lead to ATO audits, cash flow gaps, or unexpected tax bills. Misclassified expenses, unreconciled accounts, or missed payments distort financial reports, making tax planning and decision-making harder.

Fixing these issues costs time and money. DKM’s bookkeeping services ensure your records are accurate, structured, and ready for whatever comes next.

The financial reports that go unnoticed

Financial reports should tell the whole story, not just the highlights. Misallocated funds in trusts and companies can distort equity, create tax risks, and cause compliance issues that aren’t obvious at first glance. If loan accounts, director drawings, or retained earnings aren’t recorded correctly, businesses risk inaccurate reporting that leads to legal scrutiny. At DKM, we ensure financial reports reflect reality, so you see more than just profits, you see your true financial position.

Cash flow problems start with bookkeeping

Cash flow struggles rarely happen overnight, they build up from small, overlooked issues in bookkeeping. Delayed reconciliations, mismanaged accounts payable, and untracked receivables can turn a profitable business into one that can’t cover wages or tax obligations. At DKM, we maintain structured, up-to-date records that give you real visibility over your financial obligations, helping you stay ahead of payments rather than reacting to cash flow gaps.

No room for error in an automated world

With Xero, QuickBooks, and automated dashboards, financial reports update in real-time. But when one system contains errors, those mistakes spread across all connected platforms, misleading forecasts, incorrect tax reporting, and flawed financial insights. At DKM, we ensure your source data is accurate before it feeds into your tech stack, so automation works for you, not against you.

Katarina B.

These guys have been lifesavers, getting things done efficiently and to a high standard. We are grateful to work with such a competent team! Thanks guys!

Navdit S.

I was referred to Jimmy and I am happy with Jimmy’s services. I have found Jimmy to be highly motivated and patient with my dumb queries.

Kymia W.

This is our 5th year with your firm. Thank you for your expertise in accounting and BAS. We have also received a very good customer experience with your firm, especially David.

Straight answers from a bookkeeper.

Is a bookkeeper better than an accountant?

A bookkeeper and an accountant serve different purposes, so one isn’t better, just suited for different tasks. A bookkeeper manages daily financial records, ensuring transactions, reconciliations, and reports are accurate. An accountant focuses on tax, compliance, and financial strategy, using bookkeeping data to guide decisions.

For businesses, both roles are essential. Without accurate bookkeeping, Accountants can’t provide reliable tax or financial advice. At DKM Accounting, our bookkeeping services keep records structured, reducing accounting costs and making tax time seamless.

What is bookkeeping?

Bookkeeping is the foundation of financial management, tracking every transaction to ensure accurate records for reporting, tax, and compliance. It involves recording income and expenses, reconciling bank accounts, managing payroll, and organising financial data so businesses can make informed decisions.

A bookkeeper keeps accounts structured and up to date, preventing errors that could impact tax obligations or cash flow. Without proper bookkeeping, businesses risk financial mismanagement, ATO compliance issues, and missed deductions.

What qualifications does a bookkeeper need?

A bookkeeper in Australia doesn’t legally require formal qualifications, but professional certification ensures expertise and compliance. Many bookkeepers hold a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, which is required to register as a BAS agent with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB).

Advanced bookkeepers often pursue Diplomas or Degrees in Accounting or Finance and gain certifications in cloud accounting software like Xero, QuickBooks, and MYOB.

At DKM Accounting, our bookkeepers are backed by CPA, CA, and IPA memberships, ensuring clients receive expert bookkeeping, compliance, and financial management support.

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

Location

2/8 Phipps Cl, Deakin ACT 2600

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