Strategem

Your financial life is connected. Your advice should be too.

Medical professionals often have unique financial needs that extend well beyond accounting.

At Strategem Financial Services, our Accounting and Investment Services teams work together to provide a coordinated approach to your financial future.

Our in-house services include:
• Wealth Management
• Superannuation Advice
• Personal Insurance
• Retirement Planning
• Tax & Accounting Services

Rather than juggling multiple advisors, you'll have a team that understands the bigger picture and works together to help you achieve your financial goals.

Whether you're growing your wealth, protecting your income or planning for retirement, we're here to help every step of the way.

📞 Speak with the Strategem team to learn how integrated financial advice can make a difference.

How's your business tracking this financial year?

We’re almost a quarter down into the new financial year, making now the perfect time to pause and review where your business stands.

✔️ Is your cash flow on track?
✔️ Have you reviewed your financial goals?
✔️ Are your BAS and compliance obligations under control?
✔️ Is your tax planning strategy still appropriate?
✔️ Have you reviewed your business insurance and risk management?

Taking the time to assess your business now can help you identify opportunities, address potential issues early and set yourself up for a stronger year ahead.

Need a second opinion? Our Business Advisory team is here to help.

📍 Heading to the Elmore Field Days?

Be sure to stop by and say hello to the Strategem team!

Whether you're running a farming enterprise, family business, or simply looking to make more informed financial decisions, our team will be on hand to chat about accounting, taxation, business advisory, wealth management, superannuation, insurance, succession planning and retirement planning.

As a locally owned and operated firm, we love connecting with the people and businesses that help make our region thrive. We look forward to catching up with familiar faces and meeting new ones throughout the event.

See you at Elmore Field Days! 👋

On behalf of Chris Harrington, Brett Marchant, Kris Tatt and Nicole Hughes, thank you for your wonderful review, Keith. ⭐

We love reading reviews like yours and are proud to have supported you throughout your working life and transition into retirement.

Getting to know our team.

This weeks topic around the office “sleep routines” …

Looking for a career move where your leadership truly matters?

At Strategem, you'll have the opportunity to lead a talented team, work alongside specialists across accounting, taxation and wealth advisory, and contribute to strategic initiatives that shape the future of our firm.

We're seeking a Tax Manager who enjoys mentoring others, building strong client relationships, and driving continuous improvement.

* Established firm with 90+ years of history
* Diverse and interesting client portfolio
* Flexible working arrangements
* Strong culture of collaboration and teamwork
* Genuine opportunity to influence business growth

Join a firm where your expertise is valued and your ideas make a difference.

More than tax returns. Strategic advice for medical professionals.

As your career grows, so do your financial responsibilities.

Whether you're a medical consultant, specialist or other high-income healthcare professional, your financial strategy should go beyond annual tax compliance.

At Strategem Financial Services, we work alongside medical professionals to help navigate the complexities of:
✔ Tax planning and effective tax strategies
✔ Business and practice structures
✔ Cash flow and wealth creation
✔ Succession and retirement planning

Our goal isn't just to help you meet your obligations—it's to help you make informed financial decisions that support your long-term goals.

If you're looking for trusted advice tailored to your profession, we'd love to start the conversation.

📞 Get in touch with the Strategem team today.

🎓 Congratulations, Selina!

A huge congratulations to our Melbourne team member, Selina, on her recent CPA graduation.

Selina's dedication and commitment to professional excellence have been evident throughout her studies, achieving an outstanding five High Distinctions from six subjects. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to her hard work, perseverance and passion for learning.

Congratulations, Selina. We are incredibly proud of your achievement and look forward to supporting you as you continue to grow and thrive in your career.

A look into life working at Strategem Financial Services.

Getting to know our team ☺️ We asked around the office “what is your favourite food?” …

Is your business paying you the right way?

As your business grows, the way you pay yourself should grow with it.

Take a moment to ask yourself:

✅ Is my current business structure still the right fit?
✅ Am I paying myself in the most tax-effective way?
✅ Does my payment strategy support healthy business cash flow?
✅ Have my business goals or personal circumstances changed?
✅ When was the last time I reviewed this with an accountant or business advisor?

If you answered "I'm not sure" to any of these questions, it may be time for a review.

The right payment strategy can help improve cash flow, support your long-term financial goals and ensure your business structure continues to work for you.

📞 Speak with the Strategem Financial Services team to discuss whether your current approach still aligns with your business goals.

Choosing a financial advisor or accountant is about more than qualifications—it's about finding someone you trust.

Whether you have recently become a new client or are considering working with Strategem Financial Services for the first time, we invite you to get to know our team before your first appointment.

Visit our website to meet our advisors and accountants, learn about their professional experience, discover their interests outside of work and find the team member who best suits your needs.

We're proud to have a team with diverse expertise, united by a commitment to helping our clients achieve their financial goals.

If you've been considering reaching out to a Financial Advisor, now is a great time to start the conversation.

Your journey begins with an introductory call with our Client Services Officer, Kathy.

During this conversation, Kathy will take the time to understand your circumstances, answer any questions about our process, and gather the information needed to connect you with the Financial Advisor best suited to your goals and needs.

This helps ensure your first appointment is focused, productive and tailored to what's most important to you.

Take the first step towards greater financial confidence—we'd love to hear from you.

A big shoutout to our Bendigo and Melbourne teams for getting behind the Bendigo Foodshare Winter Food Appeal!

Every little bit makes a difference, and we were proud to collect, pack up and drop off our donations this week.

Want to get more value from your next meeting with your accountant?

Our free Business to Accountant: One-Page Conversation Checklist helps you organise your thoughts, identify key discussion points, and ensure you're asking the questions that matter most.

Whether you're planning ahead, reviewing your financial performance, or preparing for tax time, this practical resource helps make every conversation more productive.

📥 Download your free checklist today and walk into your next meeting with confidence.

Today marks one year since we celebrated the completion of our office renovations and internal refresh.

Over the past 12 months, our updated workspaces, reception area and team kitchen have provided a modern, welcoming environment designed to support collaboration, productivity and wellbeing.

We're proud of the transformation and grateful to our team and clients who continue to make our office such a great place to be.

If you've recently worked with Strategem Financial Services and had a positive experience, we'd be grateful if you could spare a minute to leave us a Google review.

Your feedback not only means a great deal to our team—it also helps others looking for trusted financial and accounting advice feel confident in choosing the right accountant and advisor.

Thank you to everyone who has already shared their experience. We truly appreciate your support.

⭐ Leave us a review by searching "Strategem Financial Services" on Google.

Choosing the right business structure is one of the most important decisions you'll make when starting or growing a business.

Sole trader, partnership, company or trust—each structure has different implications for tax, asset protection, administration and future growth. The best option depends on your individual circumstances and long-term goals.

Our latest blog explores the different business structures, explains how they work, and outlines why selecting the right one can make a significant difference as your business evolves.

📖 Read the blog and learn which structure may be right for you.
https://strategem.com.au/blog/is-your-business-structure-working-for-you

Many Australians have insurance, but not everyone understands what they're covered for—or whether it's enough.

Our Life Insurance Made Simple eBook has been created to help you better understand the different types of personal insurance, why they matter, and how the right cover can help protect you and your loved ones.

Whether you're reviewing your current policies or starting from scratch, this free guide is a great place to begin.

📥 Download your free copy today and take the first step towards making informed decisions about your financial protection.

https://strategem.com.au/risk-insurance/

Insurance doesn't need to be complicated.⁠
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Understanding personal insurance can feel overwhelming, but having the right information can make all the difference.⁠
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That's why we've created our free Insurance eBook — designed to help you better understand the role insurance can play in protecting your income, family and financial future.⁠
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📖 Download your free copy today and learn:⁠
✔ The different types of personal insurance⁠
✔ Why insurance matters⁠
✔ Common misconceptions⁠
✔ Key considerations when reviewing your cover⁠
⁠
https://strategem.com.au/risk-insurance/

Has your personal insurance kept pace with your life?

Life changes. Your insurance needs can too.

Whether you've changed jobs, purchased a home, started a family or simply haven't reviewed your cover in a while, now is a great time to check whether your personal insurance still aligns with your circumstances.

📍 Book an appointment with our Insurance Specialist, Adam Middlemis, to review your cover and help ensure it reflects your current needs and goals.

Every great community starts with people making a difference.

That's why the Strategem Community Foundation is once again providing up to $15,000 in grants to help support local community organisations and groups.

Whether you're planning a new initiative or looking to grow an existing program, this funding could help bring your ideas to life.

⏰ Applications close at 5:00pm on Friday 31 July.

Head to the Our Community page on our website for eligibility information, Terms & Conditions and application details.

Making the most of your super starts with the right advice.

With recent and proposed Federal Government changes affecting superannuation and SMSFs, it's important to ensure your current strategies remain appropriate and effective.

Whether you're managing an SMSF or looking to maximise your retirement savings, our team can help you understand your options and plan with confidence.

📞 Speak with our team today to arrange a review.

📢 It's tax time!

Our team is ready to assist with your 2025/26 tax return.

Appointments are available from Wednesday 15 July, with options to suit your schedule:

✔ In-person appointments
✔ Phone appointments
✔ Online Teams appointments

We're also excited to be transitioning to our new Client Portal providing a secure and convenient way to upload, access and electronically sign documents.

📅 Book your appointment early to secure your preferred time.

Are you asking the right questions at tax time?

Many business owners focus on lodging their tax return, but some of the most valuable conversations happen before the paperwork is submitted.

Here are five important questions to discuss with your accountant this tax season.

📥 Download our free "Questions You Should Be Asking Your Accountant" checklist for even more practical insights.
https://strategem.com.au/accounting-taxation-compliance/

Tax return appointments open on 15 July

Our team is ready to help you lodge your 2025/2026 Tax Return, with appointments available from Wednesday, 15 July.

Choose the appointment option that suits you best:
✔️ In-person
📞 Phone
💻 Online via Microsoft Teams

We're also excited to introduce our new Client Portal. This secure platform makes it easier than ever to upload your documents and sign them electronically, giving you a convenient and confidential way to manage your tax information.

Book your appointment today and let our team help make tax time as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Applications for the Strategem Community Foundation Grants are now open!⁠
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We're proud to support the communities we live and work in, with up to $15,000 in grant funding available this year for eligible community organisations and groups.⁠
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If your organisation has a project, initiative or program that will make a positive impact in the community, we'd love to hear from you.⁠
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🗓 Applications close 5:00pm, Friday 31 July.⁠
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Visit the Our Community page on our website to learn more, view the Terms & Conditions and submit your application.

Retirement may be closer than you think.

If retirement is on your horizon in the next 5–10 years — or even sooner — now is the ideal time to start planning.

A successful retirement isn't just about having enough money. It's about creating the lifestyle you want, understanding your options, and feeling confident about the future.

The earlier you start the conversation, the more opportunities you may have to put strategies in place that support your goals.

📅 Thinking about retirement? Speak with one of our financial advisors and start planning for the next chapter with confidence.

Unique Opportunity to Join a Growing Practice with Development Pathways and Flexibility

Ready to take the next step in your accounting career?

At Strategem, we’re looking for an experienced Senior Accountant to join our growing Bendigo team. This is more than just a job, it’s an opportunity to build strong client relationships, expand your advisory skills, mentor others, and progress your career within a supportive and growing firm.

What you’ll enjoy:
* Flexible work arrangements & hybrid options
* Monthly RDOs and wellbeing days
* Clear career development pathways
* A collaborative and supportive team culture
* The opportunity to make a meaningful impact for clients and our community
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If you’re passionate about delivering exceptional client outcomes and want to grow with a firm that invests in its people, we’d love to hear from you.

📍 Bendigo, VIC
🔗 Apply now via SEEK https://au.seek.com/job/92877487?ref=cm-ui

10 Things Every Employer Should Check Before Payday Super Starts

With Payday Super commencing on 1 July 2026, now is the time to review your systems and processes. Our Payday Super Checklist highlights key areas employers should be considering, including:

🔹 Understanding the new requirements
🔹 Aligning STP reporting
🔹 Setting up a compliant clearing house
🔹 Training payroll and finance teams
🔹 Communicating changes with employees
🔹 Planning for more frequent super payments

One important reminder: the ATO Small Business Clearing House closes on 30 June 2026, so businesses relying on this service will need an alternative solution in place before the change takes effect.

📥 Want to make sure you're on track? Download our free Payday Super Checklist for a practical guide to preparing your business:https://strategem.com.au/s/Payday-Super-Checklist.pdf

Need assistance reviewing your payroll and super processes? Get in touch with the Strategem team.

📞 Contact us today to ensure you're ready for Payday Super.

Are You Ready for Payday Super?

Payday Super is coming. Is your business prepared?

From 1 July 2026, super contributions will need to be paid alongside employee wages rather than quarterly. While it may seem like a simple change, it could have a significant impact on your payroll processes, cash flow, software systems, and compliance obligations.

✅ Review your payroll processes
✅ Confirm employee super fund details
✅ Check your software capabilities
✅ Establish internal controls
✅ Assess cash flow impacts

Getting prepared now can help avoid last-minute stress and potential compliance issues.

📥 Download our free Payday Super Checklist to see the key actions your business should be taking before the changes take effect:https://strategem.com.au/s/Payday-Super-Checklist.pdf

If you're unsure whether your business is ready for Payday Super, our team is here to help.

📞 Contact Strategem Financial Services to discuss your obligations and preparation plan.