For Matthew of GMP Tax & Accounting, accounting is about more than preparing tax returns and meeting compliance requirements. It’s about understanding each client’s circumstances, helping them make informed financial decisions and building relationships that last.
Based in Melbourne, GMP Tax & Accounting supports individuals, families and businesses across Australia. Its services include individual and business tax returns, bookkeeping, BAS and IAS lodgements, payroll, ASIC compliance, SMSF taxation and business advisory services.
Matthew established the firm after years of experience across public practice, corporate finance and the not-for-profit sector. He saw an opportunity to create an accounting practice that prioritised long-term client relationships and offered advice tailored to each client’s needs.
“I've always been interested in how businesses operate and what makes them successful. I enjoy analysing how businesses function, identifying opportunities for improvement, and solving problems that help business owners make better financial decisions.”
At GMP Tax & Accounting, Matthew believes that understanding a client's goals is just as important as managing their accounts and tax obligations. By taking the time to learn about each client's personal or business circumstances, the firm can offer practical advice throughout the year.
Clear communication is central to this approach. Matthew aims to respond promptly, explain complex accounting matters in plain English and help clients understand their financial position.
He also believes in being proactive. By identifying opportunities, planning ahead and addressing potential issues early, the firm helps clients make better decisions about their finances and business operations.
For business owners, this can mean looking beyond annual tax returns to consider cash flow, bookkeeping practices and business structures.
“One of the biggest frustrations is seeing business owners pay more tax than they need to simply because they didn't receive proactive advice early enough. In many cases, opportunities to legitimately reduce tax, improve cash flow or structure their business more effectively have already passed by the time they seek professional assistance.”
Building a new accounting practice in a competitive industry meant earning clients' trust one relationship at a time. Rather than chasing rapid growth, Matthew focused on providing personalised service, communicating clearly and delivering quality advice.
Word-of-mouth referrals have become an important source of new business, with existing clients recommending the firm to family, friends and professional contacts. GMP Tax & Accounting also maintains an online presence through its website, Google Business Profile and social media.
ServiceSeeking has helped the firm connect with people actively looking for accounting and taxation services, including prospective clients who may not have discovered the business through traditional referrals.
“Most of our new clients come through a combination of word of mouth referrals and online platforms such as ServiceSeeking, where we've built a strong reputation through positive client reviews and consistently delivering quality service.”
Matthew also values the platform's enquiry notifications, which arrive through the online dashboard, email and SMS. This makes it easier to keep track of new leads and respond promptly.
Positive client reviews have helped prospective customers assess the firm's services and contributed to further enquiries and ongoing professional relationships.
One example of ServiceSeeking's role in the firm's growth involved a small business owner who initially contacted GMP Tax & Accounting for help with an annual tax return.
During the first consultation, Matthew identified other areas where the business needed support, including bookkeeping, BAS lodgements, payroll and record-keeping processes.
Rather than limiting the engagement to the original request, he took the time to understand how the business operated and recommend practical improvements suited to its needs.
The initial enquiry eventually developed into an ongoing professional relationship, with GMP Tax & Accounting supporting the client across several aspects of their business.
A similar experience involved another business owner who felt overwhelmed by their financial records and was unsure how well the business was performing. What began as a specific tax matter revealed a need for broader assistance with bookkeeping, tax planning and business strategy.
Through a structured approach, the firm helped make these responsibilities more manageable, allowing the client to focus more on running the business.
These experiences reflect Matthew's view that accounting services should address the wider needs of clients, rather than treating each request as an isolated task.
Cloud-based accounting and business tools help GMP Tax & Accounting manage its clients' taxation, bookkeeping and compliance requirements.
The firm uses Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, LodgeiT, BGL Simple Fund 360 and the Australian Taxation Office's Online Services platform. These systems support the day-to-day work involved in maintaining financial records and meeting reporting obligations.
Matthew also recognises that running an accounting practice requires more than technical expertise. Looking back on the early stages of his business, he believes investing in marketing and relationship-building sooner would have helped.
“As accountants, we often focus on delivering exceptional service, believing that great work alone will attract clients. While quality service is essential, people first need to know you exist.”
For Matthew, this is a reminder that business owners need to make their services visible while continuing to deliver on their promises.
Over the next five years, Matthew hopes to grow GMP Tax & Accounting into a well-respected accounting and business advisory firm. The aim is to build a client base that values ongoing support and practical financial advice, while expanding the firm's advisory services.
One planned growth area is international taxation, including cross-border business structures and global expansion opportunities. As more Australian businesses engage overseas, Matthew sees an opportunity to help clients navigate international tax requirements while staying compliant with Australian law.
He believes accounting firms must keep adapting as the profession changes, while maintaining the personal relationships that underpin their work.
For GMP Tax & Accounting, success is measured not only by business growth but also by the trust clients place in the firm over time.
“Seeing clients return year after year, refer their family, friends and colleagues, and trust us with increasingly important financial decisions is one of the strongest indicators that we're delivering real value.”
For individuals and businesses seeking accounting or taxation support, GMP Tax & Accounting offers a range of services backed by Matthew's experience across different areas of finance and his focus on understanding each client's needs.