Direction.com.au Review

Based on looking at the website, Direction.com.au appears to be a legitimate accounting and business coaching service based in Australia, specifically in Port Macquarie and Newcastle. The site clearly outlines its offerings, focusing on helping small businesses with tax, financial management, and growth strategies. While the services themselves are generally permissible from an Islamic perspective, as they relate to legitimate business operations, a closer look at the specific financial products and advice offered would be crucial to ensure full compliance with Islamic finance principles, especially regarding interest (riba) and excessive uncertainty (gharar) in investments or debt. However, for core accounting and general business coaching, the platform seems straightforward.

Overall Review Summary:

• Legitimacy: Appears legitimate with clear contact information, physical addresses, and professional services listed.
• Services Offered: Accounting, tax preparation (business and individual), business coaching, cashflow improvement, business structuring, and sale preparation.
• Target Audience: Small businesses across various industries including trades, retail, hospitality, and health.
• Transparency: Provides client testimonials, a privacy policy, and a “free business report” offer.
• Ethical Considerations (Islamic Perspective): While general accounting and business coaching are permissible, the website does not explicitly mention adherence to Islamic finance principles. Therefore, any financial advice or products offered (e.g., loans, investments, insurance) would need careful scrutiny to ensure they are free from interest (riba), excessive uncertainty (gharar), and other impermissible elements. Given the standard offerings in conventional finance, it’s highly probable that some advice or products might not align with Islamic guidelines unless explicitly stated otherwise.
• Recommendation: Proceed with caution regarding specific financial products or investment advice. It is highly recommended to clarify any financial product or strategy with them to ensure it aligns with Islamic finance principles before engaging in such services.

Best Alternatives for Ethical Business Guidance:

When seeking accounting and business coaching, especially if you’re keen on aligning with ethical principles, exploring options that specifically address Islamic finance is key. Here are some alternatives focusing on general ethical business practices and readily available tools, keeping in mind that direct Islamic accounting firms might require a more targeted search within your local area or online.

1. Xero

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   • Key Features: Cloud-based accounting software, invoicing, payroll, bank reconciliation, expense tracking, inventory management.
   • Average Price: Plans start from A$29/month.
   • Pros: User-friendly, integrates with many business apps, strong community support, automates many accounting tasks, widely used in Australia.
   • Cons: Monthly subscription cost, may require a learning curve for new users, features vary by plan.
   • Ethical Relevance: A tool for managing finances, inherently neutral. Its ethical alignment depends on how the business uses it.

2. MYOB

   • Key Features: Comprehensive accounting software, payroll, reporting, inventory, project tracking, integrates with ATO for tax compliance.
   • Average Price: Plans start from A$28/month.
   • Pros: Australian-specific compliance features, robust reporting, scalable for growing businesses, good desktop and cloud options.
   • Cons: Can be more complex for very small businesses, some advanced features are pricey, occasional software updates can be disruptive.
   • Ethical Relevance: Similar to Xero, MYOB is a financial management tool. Its ethical application depends on the user’s business practices.

3. Consulting.com (for general business strategy education)

   • Key Features: Online courses and resources on business consulting, strategy, client acquisition, and operational efficiency.
   • Average Price: Varies significantly based on courses/bundles (can be hundreds to thousands of dollars).
   • Pros: High-quality, in-depth content for skill development, practical frameworks, focuses on building a consulting business or improving internal business strategy.
   • Cons: Expensive for comprehensive programs, requires self-discipline to complete, not personalised coaching.
   • Ethical Relevance: Focuses on business growth strategies, which are generally permissible. The application of these strategies should adhere to Islamic ethical guidelines.

4. SCORE (US-based, but principles are universal, offering online mentorship)

   • Key Features: Free business mentoring, workshops, and resources for small business owners.
   • Average Price: Free (mentoring), some workshops may have a fee.
   • Pros: Access to experienced volunteer mentors, diverse range of topics, valuable for startups and established businesses.
   • Cons: Primarily US-focused, though online resources and remote mentoring can be globally accessible; not always tailored to specific local regulations.
   • Ethical Relevance: Focuses on general business development and problem-solving through mentorship, which is highly ethical and beneficial.

5. Business.gov.au

   • Key Features: Australian government resources for starting, running, and growing a business, including guides, grants, and support programs.
   • Average Price: Free.
   • Pros: Authoritative, reliable, and up-to-date information on Australian business regulations and support, excellent for legal and compliance needs.
   • Cons: Not a direct coaching service, but a repository of information; requires self-navigation.
   • Ethical Relevance: Provides foundational legal and operational guidance, essential for any ethical business.

6. Thinkific (for creating and selling ethical educational content)

   • Key Features: Platform to create, market, and sell online courses, membership sites, and communities.
   • Average Price: Free plan available; paid plans start from US$36/month (billed annually).
   • Pros: Easy to use, excellent for knowledge-based businesses, allows for direct control over content, a great way to monetise ethical expertise.
   • Cons: Transaction fees on lower plans, requires marketing effort, can be costly for advanced features.
   • Ethical Relevance: Enables individuals and businesses to share permissible and beneficial knowledge, fostering growth and education.

7. Canva (for designing marketing materials ethically)

   • Key Features: User-friendly graphic design platform for creating social media graphics, presentations, posters, and other visual content.
   • Average Price: Free plan available; Canva Pro from A$17.99/month.
   • Pros: Intuitive interface, vast library of templates and assets, excellent for small businesses without dedicated designers, promotes accessible design.
   • Cons: Free version has limitations, some advanced features require a paid subscription, not a substitute for professional design for complex needs.
   • Ethical Relevance: A tool for visual communication. Its ethical use depends on the content created and promoted.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

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Direction.com.au Review & First Look

Based on a thorough review of its homepage, Direction.com.au positions itself as a dual-threat powerhouse for Australian small businesses: offering both expert accounting services and transformative business coaching. The site’s messaging is clear, aiming to differentiate itself from standard accountants by promising to secure clients’ financial futures and help them achieve “Awesome Business and Personal life.” This dual approach suggests a holistic view of business success, linking professional finances with personal aspirations.

The layout is professional and easy to navigate, immediately highlighting their core services. They emphasise solving common small business pain points, such as improving cashflow, preparing for sale, and navigating complex tax issues like Capital Gains Tax. What’s evident is their attempt to connect with the business owner on a deeper level, moving beyond just number-crunching to addressing the broader implications of business on one’s life.

Key Observations from the Homepage:

• Clear Call to Action: Prominently features “Book a Meeting” and contact numbers for their Port Macquarie and Newcastle offices.
• Value Proposition: Highlights the difference between a “Good Accountant/Coach” and a “GREAT Accountant/Coach,” focusing on future financial security and personal life enhancement.
• Service Pillars: Organised into clear sections: “Your Numbers,” “Your Tax,” “Your Business,” and “Your Life,” each with a brief description and a “Learn More” link. This structure helps users quickly identify relevant services.
• Industry Focus: Mentions working with specific industries like Trades, Retail, Hospitality, and Health, suggesting tailored expertise. This is a smart move, as industry-specific knowledge is highly valued.
• Credibility Builders: Features client testimonials with names and former business affiliations, adding a layer of trust. They also link to a “READ MORE REVIEWS” section.
• Content Marketing: Offers a “Free business report” download and showcases “Latest News” items with “BizTips” on topics like job interviews and economic downturns, indicating a commitment to providing value beyond direct services.
• Transparency: Includes a clear privacy policy link, contact email, and physical addresses for their offices. Social media links (Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube) are also present.

Unpacking the Direction.com.au Value Proposition

The core promise of Direction.com.au revolves around transforming a business from “Good to GREAT.” This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about strategic growth, financial optimisation, and ultimately, a better quality of life for the business owner. They articulate this through several key areas:

• Beyond Compliance: They explicitly state they offer “so much more from an Accountant than just crunching the numbers and filling in a few forms.” This resonates with business owners who feel their current accountants are merely reactive.
• Integrated Approach: The combination of accounting and business coaching is a strong differentiator. It acknowledges that financial health and operational efficiency are intertwined. For example, understanding cashflow isn’t just about accounting; it’s about business processes, sales strategies, and cost management—all areas a business coach would address.
• Personal Connection: The “Your Life” section is particularly interesting. It positions their services not just as a business expense but as an investment in the owner’s personal well-being and achieving their original business motivations. This human touch can be highly appealing.

Overall, the initial impression is of a well-established, professional firm that understands the intricacies of small business operations and aims to provide comprehensive support. However, for a user adhering to Islamic financial principles, the lack of explicit mention of ethical finance frameworks means due diligence would be essential on specific financial advice. Steadcycles.com.au Review

Direction.com.au Features

Direction.com.au, through its homepage, highlights a range of features designed to cater comprehensively to small businesses. These aren’t just generic services; they’re presented as solutions to specific business challenges, aiming to elevate a business from merely existing to truly thriving. The dual focus on accounting and coaching provides a holistic approach to business health.

Comprehensive Accounting Services

Their accounting offerings go beyond the basics, aiming to provide deep insights and strategic support.

• “Your Numbers”: This feature emphasises not just getting the numbers right, but also understanding what they mean. This implies a focus on financial literacy and strategic interpretation of data, which is crucial for informed decision-making. For example, they might help a small business owner understand their gross profit margin trends or break-even point analysis to identify areas for improvement.
• “Your Tax”: They position themselves as removing “confusion” and getting the “best possible result” for both business and individual tax returns. This includes handling complex issues like Capital Gains Tax (CGT), which can be a significant concern for businesses undergoing asset sales or structural changes. Their expertise in ATO compliance and maximising legitimate deductions would be a key draw.

Strategic Business Coaching

The coaching aspect is what truly differentiates Direction.com.au, offering a proactive approach to business growth and personal alignment.

• “Your Business”: This focuses on helping clients achieve “more profit and cashflow.” This isn’t just theoretical advice; it suggests practical strategies for revenue generation, cost optimisation, and working capital management. A coach might work with a client on refining their sales pipeline, implementing lean operational processes, or negotiating better terms with suppliers to free up cash.
• “Your Life”: This unique feature acknowledges the interconnectedness of business and personal well-being. They aim to help owners “achieve the outcomes that you originally went into business for.” This could involve work-life balance strategies, succession planning, or structuring the business to provide the owner with financial freedom and time. This shows an understanding that business success isn’t just about numbers, but also about the quality of life it affords the owner.
• 5-Step Structured Approach: The mention of a “5 step structured approach to building an Awesome Business” via their book suggests a systematic methodology for business development. This kind of structured guidance can be invaluable for owners who feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start with growth initiatives.

Industry-Specific Expertise

One of the most compelling features is their stated expertise across various industries, implying tailored solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

• Trades: Understanding the unique challenges of trades businesses, such as managing job costing, subcontractor payments, and inventory for materials.
• Retail: Addressing the “Retail is dead” narrative by suggesting structured approaches, perhaps focusing on e-commerce integration, customer retention strategies, or inventory turnover optimisation.
• Hospitality: Acknowledging “long hours” and unique operational issues, likely providing insights into staffing efficiency, menu costing, and cash handling procedures specific to the sector.
• Health: Passionately advising professionals like Doctors, Dentists, and Allied Health, indicating knowledge of specific regulatory environments, billing practices, and practice management.

This industry specialisation suggests that clients receive advice grounded in real-world challenges pertinent to their sector, which can significantly enhance the relevance and effectiveness of the coaching and accounting services. Solarbeam.com.au Review

Direction.com.au Cons

While Direction.com.au presents itself as a professional and comprehensive service, a critical review, particularly from an ethical standpoint (such as Islamic finance), reveals several potential drawbacks or areas requiring further scrutiny. The primary concern revolves around the lack of explicit detail regarding their financial advice and products, which can lead to ambiguity concerning their alignment with certain ethical frameworks.

Lack of Explicit Ethical Financial Framework

The most significant “con” is the absence of any stated commitment to specific ethical financial principles, such as Islamic finance.

• No Mention of Riba-Free Services: In conventional accounting and business coaching, advice often includes concepts like interest-based loans, traditional insurance, and certain investment strategies that may not align with Islamic principles (Riba). The website does not mention whether they offer alternative, riba-free financing advice or help businesses navigate halal investment opportunities.
• Unclear Stance on Conventional Financial Products: The site promotes securing “financial future” and “getting the right structure for your business,” which in a conventional context might involve bank loans, traditional superannuation funds, or investments in companies whose primary business is not halal. Without clarification, clients cannot be sure if the advice will steer them towards permissible financial instruments from an Islamic perspective.
• Generalised Advice: While they offer “cashflow improvement” and “business structuring,” the methods proposed aren’t detailed. For instance, cashflow improvement could be achieved through ethical means like efficient inventory management and timely collections, or through interest-based credit lines. The website’s general language leaves this open to interpretation.

Transparency Gaps on Specific Services

While the website provides a good overview, deeper specifics are often lacking, requiring further inquiry.

• Pricing Structure Ambiguity: While they offer a “free business report,” actual pricing for their accounting and coaching services isn’t readily available on the homepage. Users need to “Book a Meeting” to get this information, which can be a deterrent for those seeking quick comparisons. Transparency in pricing upfront is generally preferred.
• Specific Coaching Methodology: They mention a “5-step structured approach” but don’t elaborate on the core principles or detailed steps of this methodology. While the free book download might contain this, it’s not immediately accessible.
• Scope of “Financial Future” Planning: The phrase “secure your financial future” is broad. Does this extend to personal wealth management and investment advice? If so, the same ethical concerns regarding financial instruments would apply here.

Potential for Misalignment with Ethical Guidelines

For users specifically seeking business guidance that adheres to a strict ethical code, such as Islamic law, Direction.com.au’s mainstream approach means:

• Due Diligence Required: A client would need to actively question and verify if every piece of financial advice or recommendation aligns with their ethical requirements. This places the burden of due diligence entirely on the client.
• Limited Customisation for Ethical Needs: It’s unlikely they have specialised expertise in Islamic finance or other specific ethical frameworks, meaning their solutions might not be tailored to these niche requirements. This could necessitate seeking additional, specialised advice elsewhere.

In essence, while Direction.com.au appears highly competent within the conventional business framework, its lack of explicit ethical financial guidelines means it would not be a direct fit for those exclusively seeking Sharia-compliant accounting and business coaching without significant client-initiated clarification and potential limitations on the advice they can accept. Pethomedirect.com.au Review

Direction.com.au Alternatives

For businesses in Australia seeking accounting and business coaching services, particularly those prioritising ethical considerations or specific functionalities not explicitly detailed by Direction.com.au, a range of alternatives exist. These options cater to different needs, from direct accounting software to comprehensive business mentorship platforms. When considering alternatives, especially from an Islamic perspective, the key is to look for services or tools that facilitate ethical business practices and avoid interest-based transactions or impermissible dealings.

Ethical Accounting & Business Advisory Alternatives

1. Halal Finance & Investment Advisors

   • Description: These are specialist firms or individual advisors who provide financial advice, accounting services, and investment guidance strictly adhering to Islamic (Sharia) principles. They ensure transactions are free from Riba (interest), Gharar (excessive uncertainty), Maysir (gambling), and investments are in ethical sectors.
   • Pros: Direct compliance with Islamic ethics, deep understanding of specific Sharia-compliant financial instruments, tailored advice for Muslim business owners.
   • Cons: Fewer options available compared to conventional advisors, may be higher fees due to specialisation, requires targeted search.
   • Ethical Relevance: This is the most direct and ideal alternative for full ethical compliance in financial matters.

2. Ethical Accounting Firms (Australia)

   • Description: While not always explicitly Islamic, many accounting firms focus on ethical investing, social responsibility, or sustainability. They might align with some broader ethical principles, though direct Islamic compliance would still need verification.
   • Pros: Focus on responsible business practices, often transparent, can help with B Corp certification or similar ethical accreditations.
   • Cons: May not cover all specific Islamic finance rules, “ethical” can be broadly defined, still requires due diligence.
   • Ethical Relevance: A step towards ethical finance, but not a guaranteed full alignment with Islamic principles without explicit verification.

3. Small Business Mentoring Programs (e.g., via State Governments)

   • Description: Many Australian state governments (e.g., Business Victoria, Service NSW) offer subsidised or free mentoring programs for small businesses. These often connect business owners with experienced mentors who provide guidance on various aspects of business growth.
   • Pros: Often free or low-cost, unbiased advice, access to local expertise, focuses on general business improvement.
   • Cons: Not always specific to financial advice, mentor availability can vary, not explicitly focused on Islamic ethics.
   • Ethical Relevance: Mentorship on operational efficiency, marketing, and general strategy is generally ethical and beneficial.

Software & Resource Alternatives

For managing day-to-day finances and business operations, software solutions can replace some of the basic accounting functions and provide data for informed decision-making. Alljetpressurecleaning.com.au Review

4. Saasu

   • Key Features: Cloud accounting software tailored for Australian businesses, featuring invoicing, payroll, inventory, and comprehensive reporting.
   • Average Price: Plans start from A$25/month.
   • Pros: Australian-centric, strong focus on compliance, good for growing businesses, offers a free 30-day trial.
   • Cons: Can be more complex than some entry-level software, interface might feel dated to some users.
   • Ethical Relevance: As a tool, it’s ethically neutral; its application depends on the user’s business practices.

5. Wave Accounting

   • Key Features: Free cloud-based accounting software primarily for small businesses, offering invoicing, accounting, and receipt scanning.
   • Average Price: Free for core accounting features; paid for payroll and payment processing.
   • Pros: Excellent for startups and very small businesses due to its free core features, user-friendly interface.
   • Cons: Limited advanced features, customer support can be slow, not as comprehensive as paid solutions.
   • Ethical Relevance: Provides a free, accessible way to manage finances. Ethically permissible for legitimate business use.

Educational & Skill-Building Alternatives

For business coaching aspects, direct learning platforms and communities can empower owners to develop their own strategic capabilities.

6. Australian Institute of Business (AIB)

   • Key Features: Offers formal business education, including MBAs and other business degrees, that can provide a deep understanding of business strategy, finance, and operations.
   • Average Price: Significant investment (thousands of dollars for degrees).
   • Pros: Recognised qualifications, comprehensive knowledge, networking opportunities, develops strong analytical skills.
   • Cons: High cost, time-intensive commitment, not direct “coaching” but education.
   • Ethical Relevance: Formal business education is highly ethical and beneficial for developing sound business practices.

7. Online Courses & Platforms (e.g., Coursera, edX, LinkedIn Learning) Eversolar.com.au Review

   • Key Features: Wide range of business and finance courses from top universities and industry experts, covering topics like strategic planning, financial management, marketing, and leadership.
   • Average Price: Varies from free (auditing courses) to hundreds of dollars for certifications.
   • Pros: Flexible, affordable, allows targeted learning, access to global expertise.
   • Cons: Requires self-discipline, not personalised coaching, quality varies between courses.
   • Ethical Relevance: Learning and skill development in business is inherently ethical, provided the knowledge is applied for permissible purposes.

When choosing an alternative, it’s crucial to assess your specific needs, budget, and critically, how well the service or tool aligns with your ethical and religious principles. For a Muslim business owner, actively seeking out advisors with explicit Islamic finance expertise or thoroughly vetting conventional services for compliance with Sharia principles is paramount.

How to Assess Financial Services for Islamic Compliance

When evaluating accounting firms, business coaches, or any financial service in Australia, it’s paramount for a Muslim business owner to assess their offerings for Islamic compliance. This isn’t just about avoiding a few prohibited items; it’s about ensuring the entire financial ecosystem a business operates within aligns with Sharia principles. This process involves a meticulous examination of their advice, recommended products, and overall philosophy.

Understanding Key Prohibitions in Islamic Finance

To effectively assess any financial service, one must first grasp the core prohibitions:

• Riba (Interest): This is the most fundamental prohibition. Any transaction involving a predetermined, fixed return on a loan or debt, regardless of whether it’s excessive or not, is forbidden. This impacts conventional loans, credit cards, bonds, and many traditional investment instruments.
• Gharar (Excessive Uncertainty/Ambiguity): Transactions with excessive uncertainty or ambiguity are prohibited as they can lead to exploitation or dispute. This often relates to speculative investments, certain types of insurance, or contracts where the subject matter or price is unclear.
• Maysir (Gambling): Any activity where money is risked on the outcome of a game or event of chance is forbidden. This extends to lotteries, betting, and some highly speculative financial derivatives.
• Haram Businesses/Industries: Investing in or doing business with entities primarily involved in impermissible activities like alcohol, pork, conventional finance (interest-based), pornography, gambling, or weapons is prohibited.
• Zulm (Injustice/Exploitation): Any transaction or business practice that leads to oppression, unfairness, or exploitation of individuals or society is forbidden. This covers deceptive marketing, price gouging, and dishonest dealings.

Direct Questions to Ask Potential Advisors

When engaging with Direction.com.au or any similar firm, clarity is key. Be prepared to ask specific questions about their approach to financial advice:

1. “Do you have experience advising on or are you familiar with Islamic finance principles, specifically avoiding Riba (interest) in loans, investments, and financial products?”
   • Purpose: This directly gauges their awareness and capability. A firm unfamiliar with this will likely offer conventional solutions that require careful vetting.
2. “What kind of financing options do you typically recommend for business growth, and are you able to guide us towards Sharia-compliant alternatives like murabaha (cost-plus finance) or musharakah (partnership finance)?”
   • Purpose: This tests their practical knowledge of halal financing structures.
3. “How do you advise on managing cash flow and working capital in a way that avoids interest-bearing debt?”
   • Purpose: This probes their strategies for internal financial management without relying on conventional credit lines.
4. “For investments (e.g., superannuation, surplus cash), can you recommend or guide us towards funds or opportunities that are screened for Sharia compliance (e.g., avoiding alcohol, gambling, conventional finance, etc.)?”
   • Purpose: This addresses investment avenues, which are critical for long-term financial planning.
5. “What is your approach to business insurance, and are you familiar with Takaful (Islamic cooperative insurance) or ways to minimise Gharar (uncertainty) in risk management?”
   • Purpose: Addresses risk management, another area where conventional practices often conflict with Islamic principles.
6. “When advising on business structure or sale, do you consider the ethical nature of the business and its transactions?”
   • Purpose: Ensures they consider the underlying activities of the business for compliance.

What to Look For in Their Responses

• Direct Understanding: Do they immediately grasp the terms like “Riba” and “Halal finance” without needing extensive explanation?
• Willingness to Research/Learn: If they’re not experts, are they open to learning or consulting with Islamic finance specialists?
• Alternative Solutions: Do they offer concrete, permissible alternatives to conventional products or simply state they cannot help?
• Transparency: Are they transparent about any limitations in their knowledge regarding Islamic finance?

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• Dismissiveness: Any dismissive attitude towards your ethical requirements.
• Guarantees of Fixed Returns on Investment: This is a major red flag for Riba, as true halal investments share profit/loss.
• Pushing Conventional Products: Strong encouragement towards interest-based loans, traditional credit lines, or speculative investments without offering alternatives.
• Lack of Specificity: Vague answers when asked about how they handle ethical considerations.

By proactively engaging with these questions and being vigilant about the responses, a Muslim business owner can better ascertain if Direction.com.au or any other financial service provider is a suitable partner for their business journey, ensuring their financial strategies align with their faith. Cocktailkit.com.au Review

How to Cancel Direction.com.au Subscription

Given that Direction.com.au is an accounting and business coaching service rather than a typical subscription-based software platform, the concept of “cancelling a subscription” would likely refer to terminating a service agreement or engagement. They don’t appear to offer a monthly digital subscription service that can be cancelled with a few clicks online. Instead, their relationship with clients is likely based on professional service agreements for ongoing accounting work or project-based coaching engagements.

Therefore, cancelling your service with Direction.com.au would involve a direct communication and formal termination process rather than an online portal action.

Steps to Terminate a Service Agreement with Direction.com.au

1. Review Your Engagement Agreement:

   • Locate Your Contract: The first and most crucial step is to find the engagement letter or service agreement you signed with Direction.com.au (or Direction Accounting/Direction Business Coaching) when you first engaged their services. This document should outline the terms of your agreement, including notice periods for termination, any applicable cancellation fees, or procedures for winding down services.
   • Identify Notice Period: Professional service agreements often require a specific notice period (e.g., 30, 60, or 90 days) for termination. Adhering to this is important to avoid breaches of contract or additional charges.

2. Initiate Communication Directly:

   • Preferred Method: It is highly recommended to communicate your intention to terminate services in writing, typically via email, to ensure a documented record. Follow up with a phone call if a quicker response is needed or to confirm receipt of your written notice.
   • Contact Details: Use the official contact information provided on their website:
     • Email: [email protected]
     • Phone (Port Macquarie): (02) 6584 6222
     • Phone (Newcastle): (02) 4984 1808
   • Clarity: Clearly state your intention to terminate the service agreement, referencing your business name and any client identification numbers. Specify the effective date of termination, taking into account any notice period from your agreement.

3. Discuss Handover Procedures: Skypark.com.au Review

   • Data Transfer: Accounting and business coaching involve sensitive financial data and strategic documents. Discuss with Direction.com.au how your files, records, and any relevant intellectual property (e.g., business plans developed together) will be securely transferred back to you or to your new accounting/coaching provider.
   • Outstanding Work: Clarify any outstanding work, invoices, or deliverables. Ensure all pending tax submissions, financial reports, or coaching sessions are completed or accounted for.
   • Final Invoicing: Expect a final invoice for services rendered up to the termination date, or any fees specified in your agreement for early termination.

4. Confirm Termination in Writing:

   • Receive Confirmation: Request a written confirmation from Direction.com.au that your service agreement has been terminated and that all financial and data handovers have been completed. This protects both parties.

Important Considerations for Termination

• Timing: Consider the impact of termination on your financial reporting cycles, particularly around tax deadlines. It’s often strategic to switch accountants after a tax year or a major reporting period has concluded.
• New Provider: Have a new accounting firm or business coach lined up before terminating to ensure a smooth transition and minimise disruption to your business operations.
• Data Security: Ensure that your data is transferred securely and that Direction.com.au provides assurances regarding the destruction of your data from their systems after the agreed retention period, in line with privacy policies.

While there isn’t a simple “cancel button,” terminating services with Direction.com.au is a standard process for professional firms. Clear communication and adherence to your service agreement will ensure a smooth conclusion to your engagement.

Direction.com.au Pricing

Based on the information available on the Direction.com.au homepage, specific pricing details for their accounting and business coaching services are not explicitly published. This is a common practice for professional service firms like accountants and business coaches, where fees are often tailored to the individual needs and complexity of each client’s business.

Instead of fixed price lists, they encourage potential clients to “Book a Meeting” or “Contact Us” to discuss their needs. This approach allows them to:

• Assess Client Needs: Understand the scope of work, the size and complexity of the business, specific challenges, and desired outcomes.
• Customise Service Packages: Develop a bespoke proposal that aligns with the client’s requirements, whether it’s ongoing accounting, a one-off tax issue, or a comprehensive business coaching engagement.
• Provide Value-Based Pricing: Rather than hourly rates, they might offer fixed project fees or retainer agreements based on the value they expect to deliver.

How to Get Pricing Information

To obtain pricing from Direction.com.au, you would typically need to follow these steps: Cairnsairportcarhire.com.au Review

1. Initial Contact: Reach out via their “Book a Meeting” link (which leads to a Calendly schedule for David J Ross), their phone numbers, or email.
2. Discovery Call/Meeting: During this initial discussion, you would outline your business, your current challenges, and what you hope to achieve by engaging their services.
3. Receive a Proposal: Based on the discovery, Direction.com.au would likely prepare a detailed proposal outlining the services they will provide, the proposed timeline, and the associated fees. This proposal would typically include:
   • Scope of Work: What specific accounting tasks (e.g., monthly reconciliations, payroll, BAS preparation, tax returns) or coaching objectives (e.g., cashflow improvement, strategic planning, exit strategy) are covered.
   • Fee Structure: This could be a fixed monthly retainer, a project-based fee, or an hourly rate for specific tasks.
   • Terms and Conditions: Payment terms, notice periods for termination, and other contractual details.

Factors Influencing Pricing

The cost of engaging Direction.com.au would depend on various factors:

• Service Type: Accounting services (e.g., annual tax return vs. ongoing monthly bookkeeping and BAS) will have different fee structures than business coaching.
• Business Size and Complexity: A larger business with multiple entities, higher transaction volumes, complex inventory, or international dealings will generally incur higher fees than a small sole trader.
• Industry: Some industries might have specific regulatory or reporting requirements that add complexity and thus cost.
• Frequency of Engagement: Ongoing monthly or quarterly services typically have a different pricing model than one-off consultations or projects.
• Depth of Coaching: A comprehensive coaching program aimed at significant business transformation over several months will be priced differently from a single advisory session.
• Additional Services: Any add-on services, such as setting up new accounting software, historical data cleanup, or specialized tax planning, would also affect the overall cost.

General Industry Benchmarks (for context):

While Direction.com.au doesn’t list prices, for a typical small to medium-sized business in Australia, accounting fees can range widely:

• Annual Tax Returns (Sole Trader/Small Business): A few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars, depending on complexity.
• Monthly Bookkeeping/BAS Services: Could range from A$200 to A$1,500+ per month, depending on transaction volume and required services.
• Business Coaching: Can vary significantly, from A$500 to several thousand dollars per month for ongoing engagements, or per session.

Given Direction.com.au’s emphasis on being a “GREAT Accountant” and “GREAT Business Coach” with a focus on securing financial futures and awesome business/personal lives, their pricing is likely positioned at the mid-to-higher end of the market, reflecting the perceived value and comprehensive nature of their combined services. Clients should expect a professional fee commensurate with expert advice and tailored support.

Direction.com.au vs. Traditional Accounting Firms

When considering Direction.com.au, it’s useful to compare its offering with what a more traditional accounting firm typically provides. The core distinction lies in Direction.com.au’s integrated approach, combining accounting with explicit business coaching, a service often external to standard accounting practices. Sell-my-car-sydney.com.au Review

Traditional Accounting Firms

Focus:

• Compliance: Primarily focused on ensuring businesses and individuals meet their tax obligations (income tax, GST/BAS, payroll tax).
• Historical Reporting: Preparation of financial statements (Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet) based on past transactions.
• Basic Advice: Providing general advice on tax minimisation within legal limits, record-keeping, and compliance with financial regulations.
• Reactive: Often reactive to statutory deadlines (e.g., end of financial year, BAS lodgement dates).

Strengths:

• Tax Expertise: Deep knowledge of tax law and regulations.
• Audit Support: Assistance with ATO audits and inquiries.
• Basic Bookkeeping: Many offer or oversee bookkeeping services.
• Foundation: Essential for legal and financial hygiene.

Limitations (compared to Direction.com.au’s offering):

• Limited Strategic Insight: May not proactively offer advice on business growth, operational efficiency, or strategic planning.
• Less Holistic: Focus primarily on financial numbers rather than the broader impact on the business owner’s life or strategic direction.
• No Explicit Coaching: Business coaching is typically not part of their core service; clients would need to seek this externally.
• Less Proactive: Often wait for client inquiries rather than initiating discussions on business improvement.

Direction.com.au

Focus:

• Proactive & Strategic: Beyond compliance, they aim to help businesses grow and improve profitability and cash flow.
• Holistic Approach: Combines financial management with business strategy and personal life alignment (“Your Life”).
• Business Transformation: Emphasises securing a “financial future” and an “Awesome Business and Personal life.”
• Integrated Coaching: Business coaching is explicitly part of their core offering, not an add-on.

Strengths: Thefacialroom.com.au Review

• Combined Expertise: Access to both accounting and business coaching under one roof can lead to more cohesive strategies.
• Forward-Looking: Focus on future planning, growth initiatives, and achieving specific business outcomes.
• Personalised Guidance: The “Your Life” component suggests a more personal touch, addressing the owner’s overall well-being.
• Industry-Specific Insights: Stated expertise in various industries allows for more tailored advice.

Differences in Service Delivery:

• Engagement Model: Direction.com.au likely offers more ongoing, proactive engagement for coaching clients, rather than just periodic compliance tasks.
• Fee Structure: While not explicit, their fees might be higher than a pure compliance-focused accountant due to the added coaching value. Traditional firms might charge hourly or fixed fees for specific tasks.
• Value Proposition: Direction.com.au sells transformation and future security, while traditional firms sell accuracy and compliance.

Ethical Considerations in Comparison:

From an Islamic perspective, both traditional accounting firms and Direction.com.au would require careful vetting regarding their financial advice. Neither explicitly mentions Sharia compliance. However, Direction.com.au’s strategic coaching aspect might present more opportunities for a proactive discussion about ethical business models and growth strategies that align with Islamic principles (e.g., growth through ethical trade, debt-free expansion), whereas a traditional firm might purely focus on minimising tax on existing structures, regardless of their ethical underpinning. The onus is still on the client to ensure any recommended financial instrument or strategy is Sharia-compliant.

In summary, Direction.com.au stands out by packaging strategic business coaching with traditional accounting. This offers a more comprehensive service for businesses looking for active growth and personal alignment. However, for those with specific ethical financial requirements, both types of firms necessitate thorough due diligence to ensure compliance.

FAQ

What is Direction.com.au?

Direction.com.au is an Australian professional services firm offering both accounting and business coaching services, based in Port Macquarie and Newcastle, aimed at helping small businesses improve their financial future and achieve overall business and personal success. Willtech.com.au Review

Is Direction.com.au a legitimate business?

Yes, based on the website, Direction.com.au appears to be a legitimate business with clear contact information, physical addresses, client testimonials, and a comprehensive outline of professional services.

What services does Direction.com.au offer?

Direction.com.au offers a range of services including accounting (tax returns, financial reporting), business coaching (cashflow improvement, strategic planning, business structuring), and advisory services for various industries.

Does Direction.com.au offer services for individuals or only businesses?

While their primary focus is on businesses, their website mentions “Business or Individual Tax,” indicating they also assist with individual tax returns.

What industries does Direction.com.au specialise in?

Direction.com.au claims to work with any industry but highlights specific expertise in Trades, Retail, Hospitality, and Health sectors.

How can I contact Direction.com.au?

You can contact Direction.com.au by booking a meeting through their Calendly link, calling their Port Macquarie office at (02) 6584 6222 or Newcastle office at (02) 4984 1808, or emailing [email protected]. Littlebooteek.com.au Review

Is there a free trial for Direction.com.au’s services?

No, Direction.com.au does not offer a free trial in the traditional sense of a software subscription. They offer a “Free business report” download, which serves as a lead magnet rather than a trial of their core services.

What is the “Free business report” offered by Direction.com.au?

The “Free business report” is a downloadable resource designed to provide potential clients with valuable business insights or tips, likely as a way to demonstrate their expertise and encourage engagement.

Does Direction.com.au provide pricing information on their website?

No, Direction.com.au does not publish specific pricing details on their website. Pricing is typically determined after an initial consultation to assess the client’s specific needs and scope of work.

How do Direction.com.au’s services differ from a traditional accountant?

Direction.com.au differentiates itself by offering integrated business coaching alongside traditional accounting services, aiming to provide a more holistic and proactive approach to business growth and the owner’s personal life outcomes.

Are Direction.com.au’s financial services Sharia-compliant?

The website does not explicitly state that their financial advice or recommended products are Sharia-compliant. Clients seeking Islamic-compliant services would need to conduct thorough due diligence and discuss their specific requirements with Direction.com.au directly. Logicsofts.com.au Review

What should I ask Direction.com.au to ensure Islamic compliance?

You should ask about their experience with Riba-free financing, Sharia-compliant investments, Takaful insurance, and their overall approach to ethical business practices to ensure alignment with Islamic principles.

Does Direction.com.au offer virtual consultations?

Based on the Calendly link for booking a meeting, it is highly likely that Direction.com.au offers virtual consultations, allowing clients from various locations to connect with them.

How can I cancel my service agreement with Direction.com.au?

To cancel a service agreement, you would need to review your engagement letter for termination clauses and provide written notice to Direction.com.au, typically via email, discussing handover procedures for your financial data.

Does Direction.com.au have client testimonials?

Yes, the Direction.com.au homepage features client testimonials, including names and former business affiliations, to build credibility. They also provide a link to “READ MORE REVIEWS.”

What is “Your Life” service mentioned on Direction.com.au?

The “Your Life” service indicates that Direction.com.au’s business coaching extends beyond just financial metrics to help business owners achieve personal outcomes and improve their work-life balance, aligning business success with personal aspirations. Hubbe.com.au Review

Does Direction.com.au provide resources or articles for business owners?

Yes, Direction.com.au has a “Latest News” section on their homepage, which includes articles and “BizTips” on various business-related topics, demonstrating their commitment to providing value and insights.

Is Direction.com.au suitable for startups?

While not explicitly stated, their business coaching and emphasis on getting a “great structure for your business” suggest they would be suitable for startups looking to establish a strong foundation and growth strategy.

Does Direction.com.au offer payroll services?

While not explicitly detailed on the homepage, a comprehensive accounting firm typically offers payroll services as part of their bookkeeping and tax compliance offerings. It would be advisable to confirm this directly.

What is the “5 step structured approach” mentioned by Direction.com.au?

The “5 step structured approach to building an Awesome Business” refers to a methodology detailed in a book that Direction.com.au promotes, designed to guide businesses through development, growth, or exit planning.

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