FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions — Sydney Accounting, Audit, Tax & Advisory
General
What accounting and advisory services does UHY Haines Norton Sydney offer?
At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, we offer a comprehensive range of specialist services including audit and assurance, tax advisory and planning, business advisory, corporate finance, digital advisory, virtual CFO, international tax, and superannuation advisory. Based at Level 9, 1 York Street, Sydney, our team of auditors, tax accountants and business advisers is committed to delivering outstanding outcomes for Sydney businesses.
How long has UHY Haines Norton been operating in Sydney?
UHY Haines Norton has been building trust and relationships in Sydney since 1915, making us one of the most established and experienced accounting firms in Australia. With over a century of expertise, we have the depth and experience to support businesses and individuals across the full range of accounting, audit, and advisory needs.
Is UHY Haines Norton an AFR Top 100 accounting firm?
Yes, UHY Haines Norton is ranked in the Top 100, consistently appearing in the Top 50 firms, reflecting our standing as a leading mid-tier firm in the Australian market. This recognition reflects our depth of expertise across audit, tax, business advisory and corporate finance services.
Is UHY Haines Norton part of a larger accounting network?
Yes. UHY Haines Norton Sydney is an independent member firm of the UHY Haines Norton group — nine firms across Australia and New Zealand — and part of UHY International, one of the world’s top 20 accounting networks spanning over 96 countries. This gives our Sydney clients access to global expertise while benefiting from the specialist, partner-led service of a local firm. Clients should note that we are an independent firm and neither the UHY ANZ association or UHY International provides services to you.
Where is UHY Haines Norton Sydney located?
Our office is located at Level 9, 1 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000. You can reach us by phone at (02) 9256 6600 or by email at sydney@uhyhnsyd.com.au.
How do I book an appointment with UHY Haines Norton Sydney?
You can contact our Sydney team by phone at (02) 9256 6600, by email at sydney@uhyhnsyd.com.au, or through the contact form on our website. We will connect you with the right adviser based on your needs.
Audit & Assurance
What audit and assurance services does UHY Haines Norton Sydney provide?
At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, our audit team provides a comprehensive range of audit and assurance services including external audits for listed companies, large private groups and subsidiaries of multinational companies, regulatory and compliance audits, internal audit, agreed-upon procedures, SOC 1 & SOC 2 audits, and sustainability and ESG assurance. We go beyond regulatory requirements to deliver clarity and value to leadership and finance teams.
What does it mean to be a financial reporting specialist in Sydney?
A financial reporting specialist goes beyond standard audit compliance to provide deep technical expertise in how your financial statements are structured, presented, and interpreted by stakeholders. At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, our audit and assurance team combines technical excellence with commercial insight, helping Sydney businesses build credibility, transparency and resilience in their financial reporting.
Does UHY Haines Norton Sydney audit not-for-profit organisations?
Yes. Our Sydney audit team has extensive experience working with not-for-profit organisations, charities, associations, and community groups. We understand the specific reporting requirements under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and provide tailored audit services to meet your compliance obligations.
What is an internal audit and how can it benefit my Sydney business?
An internal audit is an independent review of your organisation’s internal controls, risk management processes, and operational efficiency — separate from the statutory external audit. At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, our internal audit service helps businesses identify risks, strengthen controls, and improve processes. It is particularly valuable for growing businesses and organisations with complex structures.
What is ESG assurance and does my Sydney business need it?
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) assurance is an independent verification of your organisation’s sustainability reporting. As regulatory expectations grow in Australia around sustainability disclosure, ESG assurance is becoming increasingly relevant for Sydney businesses of all sizes. Our team provides sustainability and ESG assurance services to help you build credibility with stakeholders, investors and regulators.
Does my Sydney business need an external audit?
Whether you require an external audit depends on your organisation’s size, structure, and any regulatory or contractual obligations. Listed companies, large private groups, not-for-profit organisations, and subsidiaries of multinational groups often have mandatory audit requirements. Even where it is not compulsory, an independent audit can strengthen stakeholder confidence. Our Sydney audit team can assess your situation and advise accordingly.
Advisory
What business advisory services does UHY Haines Norton Sydney offer?
At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, our advisory team provides practical, partner-led advice across the full spectrum of business challenges. Our services include business advisory and coaching, corporate finance advisory, digital advisory, virtual CFO, international advisory, succession planning, family office, and superannuation advisory — helping Sydney businesses grow, manage risk, and create long-term value.
What corporate finance advisory services does UHY Haines Norton Sydney provide?
At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, our corporate finance advisory team assists businesses with mergers and acquisitions, business sales, capital raising, due diligence, business valuations, and transaction advisory. Whether you are buying or selling a business, raising capital, or planning a strategic transaction, our experienced team guides you through every step of the process.
What is a Virtual CFO and how can it benefit my Sydney business?
A Virtual CFO (Chief Financial Officer) provides senior financial leadership on a flexible, outsourced basis — giving your business access to strategic financial oversight without the cost of a full-time hire. At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, our Virtual CFO service includes cashflow management, financial reporting, strategic planning, and finance function review. Ideal for growing Sydney businesses that need experienced financial guidance.
What digital advisory services does UHY Haines Norton Sydney offer?
At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, our digital advisory team helps businesses select and implement the right technology solutions — including ERP systems, cloud accounting platforms, and digital transformation strategies. We help Sydney businesses streamline their operations, improve financial visibility, and build a stronger digital foundation for growth.
Can UHY Haines Norton Sydney help with international tax advice?
Yes. At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, our international advisory and tax team assists businesses and individuals with cross-border tax matters including international tax structuring, transfer pricing, doing business overseas, and foreign inbound advisory for overseas companies establishing operations in Australia. As part of the UHY International network spanning over 96 countries, we can draw on specialist expertise in virtually any jurisdiction. In addition, through our UHY International network, we have access to tax advisers in approximately 100 countries.
What superannuation advisory services does UHY Haines Norton Sydney provide?
At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, our superannuation advisory team helps individuals, business owners and SMSF trustees manage their superannuation affairs effectively — covering SMSF compliance, superannuation planning, estate planning, and coordination with your auditor. We help you meet your ATO obligations with confidence while maximising your long-term superannuation outcomes.
Business
What business accounting services does UHY Haines Norton Sydney provide?
At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, our business services team helps businesses manage the fundamentals — from financial statement preparation and accounting review through to BAS lodgement, tax compliance, entity formation, and cloud accounting. We go beyond compliance to help Sydney businesses grow, manage risks, and increase wealth.
Can UHY Haines Norton Sydney help me set up a new business?
Yes. At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, we assist entrepreneurs and business owners with entity formation and effective structuring from day one. Choosing the right structure — whether that’s a company, trust, partnership, or sole trader — has significant implications for tax, liability, and growth. Our team provides practical, plain-English advice to help you start on the right foundation.
Do you offer cloud accounting services in Sydney?
Yes. At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, our team works with all major cloud accounting platforms including Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks. We help businesses transition to the cloud, set up efficient workflows, and get the most from their software — giving you real-time visibility of your financials from anywhere.
Can UHY Haines Norton Sydney help with cashflow management?
Yes. Cashflow management is a core part of our business advisory service. At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, our team helps you build realistic budgets and cashflow forecasts, identify pressure points before they become problems, and maintain healthy liquidity — whether you are a growing Sydney startup or an established business.
What is involved in BAS and tax compliance for a Sydney business?
Tax compliance for a Sydney business covers financial statement preparation, income tax returns, BAS lodgements, payroll tax, and other ATO obligations. At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, we manage all aspects of your compliance obligations accurately and on time — ensuring you meet your ATO requirements while identifying opportunities to improve your tax position.
Does UHY Haines Norton Sydney offer bookkeeping services?
Yes. At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, our bookkeeping service helps businesses maintain accurate, up-to-date financial records. Sound bookkeeping is the foundation of good financial management — it ensures your compliance obligations are met and gives you the reliable data you need to make informed business decisions.
Tax
What tax advisory services does UHY Haines Norton Sydney provide?
At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, our tax advisory team provides comprehensive tax services for individuals and businesses — including income tax compliance, tax planning and restructuring, BAS preparation, SMSF tax compliance, estate planning, international tax, and transaction tax advisory. We help you meet your ATO obligations accurately while identifying lawful opportunities to optimise your tax position.
What is a tax accountant and how is UHY Haines Norton Sydney different?
A tax accountant manages your tax compliance obligations — preparing and lodging returns, managing BAS, and keeping you on the right side of the ATO. At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, our tax team goes well beyond compliance, providing proactive tax planning, restructuring advice, and strategic guidance to help Sydney businesses and individuals minimise their tax burden legally and effectively.
What does tax planning and restructuring involve for a Sydney business?
Tax planning involves proactively reviewing your business and personal affairs throughout the year to identify opportunities to legally minimise your tax burden — and restructuring your affairs to achieve the most tax-effective outcome. At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, our tax advisers work with clients to review structures, plan for major transactions, and ensure you are not paying more tax than legally necessary.
Can UHY Haines Norton Sydney help with SMSF tax compliance?
Yes. Our SMSF tax team handles all aspects of self-managed super fund compliance including fund administration, financial statement preparation, income tax return lodgement, and coordination with your auditor. We help SMSF trustees across Sydney meet their ATO obligations with confidence.
Does UHY Haines Norton Sydney provide estate planning advice?
Yes. Estate planning ensures your personal and business assets are distributed according to your wishes, with minimum tax and legal complications. At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, our tax and advisory team assists clients with structuring their affairs to protect their estate, plan for superannuation death benefits, and work alongside your legal advisers to ensure a comprehensive plan is in place.
Does UHY Haines Norton Sydney provide international tax advice?
Yes. At UHY Haines Norton Sydney, our tax team assists businesses and individuals with cross-border tax matters including international tax structuring, transfer pricing, and foreign inbound advisory for overseas companies operating in Australia. As part of the UHY International network, we can draw on specialist expertise in virtually any jurisdiction. In addition, through our UHY International network, we have access to tax advisers in approximately 100 countries.
