Accounting & Advisory

Big firm knowledge.
Boutique experience.

We partner with ambitious founders, private clients, and growing businesses to turn complexity into clarity — and numbers into strategy.

Start a Conversation Explore our services →
Modern office
The Raft Private team
11+
Specialist industries
Our Approach

Your accountant should
know your name.

We rejected the model where clients are a number in a queue. At Raft Private, you work with a dedicated team who understands your business as deeply as you do.

“The best time to talk to your accountant is before you need one. We built Raft Private around that belief.”
George MitsasPrincipal, Raft Private
The People

Expertise you can put a face to.

Big firm knowledge, boutique experience — delivered by a team that knows your name.

George Mitsas
Principal
George Mitsas
George comes from an accounting-focused family and exemplifies RAFT’s forward-thinking philosophy, advancing the accounting profession into contemporary practice models. Board member and Treasurer of a tennis association representing 120+ clubs.
Clinton Gabriel
Principal
Clinton Gabriel
Clinton brings grit and versatility from a colourful journey into accounting, blending real-world experience with sharp analytical insight. Specialises in navigating intricate tax matters and supporting businesses through growth and transformation.
Joshua Tugendhaft
Strategic Advisor
Joshua Tugendhaft
B.Com Melbourne, CPA Australia. Former Big 4 with deep expertise in Div 7A, CGT, and tax advisory for SMEs and family groups. Has advised Treasury on tax matters and sits on multiple boards. The “go to” for clients and accounting professionals alike.
Steve Kinderman
Senior Accountant
Steve Kinderman
Motivated accountant who loves a thorny tax challenge. Holds a Master of Professional Accounting (UNE) and co-founded a Fine Arts Gallery in Melbourne — bringing genuine commercial and tax insight to creative and small business clients.
Davina Baker
Senior Accountant
Davina Baker
Over a decade of experience in accounting and bookkeeping since 2011. Approachable, detail-oriented, and passionate about helping clients navigate their financial goals with clarity and confidence.
Lachlan Gillespie
Client Manager
Lachlan Gillespie
Former Victorian paramedic of 5+ years, Lachlan brings discipline, critical thinking and calm under pressure to client management. Tennis school alumnus. Focused on building strong client relationships through transparency and excellence.
What We Do

Expertise that moves with you.

From your first ABN to your first acquisition — every stage, one team.

01

Private Clients

Wealth structuring, tax strategy, and estate planning for individuals and families.

  • Personal tax returns & strategy
  • Wealth structuring & asset protection
  • Estate & succession planning
  • SMSF establishment & compliance
02

Tax & Business Advisory

Proactive compliance, structuring, and strategy. Not just what you owe — why.

  • Business tax planning & compliance
  • Entity structuring & restructuring
  • Cash flow forecasting
  • R&D tax incentive claims
03

Consulting

Cash flow modelling, growth strategy, and systems advice for thinking partners.

  • Outsourced CFO services
  • Cash flow & working capital modelling
  • Systems & process optimisation
  • Growth strategy & scenario planning
04

Transactions & Deals

Due diligence, deal structuring, and M&A support for high-stakes moments.

  • Buy-side & sell-side due diligence
  • Deal structuring & negotiation
  • Business valuations
  • Post-acquisition integration
05

The Raft Experience

Concierge-level back office support. We handle the admin so you can focus on building.

  • Full bookkeeping & BAS
  • Payroll management
  • Advisor coordination
  • Single point of contact
06

Global Expansion

Cross-border compliance, international tax, and market entry strategy.

  • International tax structuring
  • Transfer pricing compliance
  • Multi-jurisdiction entity setup
  • Foreign exchange planning
Modern architecture

We don’t just count the numbers.
We help you change them.

Proactive advisory means spotting opportunities 12 months before they hit your P&L.

Industries

We speak your
industry’s language.

Trade & Construction
Funds Management
Franchising
eCommerce
Manufacturing
Start-Ups
Car Dealerships
Property Development
Medical & Health
Retail & Hospitality
Crypto & Digital Assets
Trade & Construction
Funds Management
Franchising
eCommerce
Manufacturing
Start-Ups
Car Dealerships
Property Development
Medical & Health
Retail & Hospitality
Crypto & Digital Assets
Private Wealth
Family Offices
SaaS & Technology
Professional Services
Import & Export
Not-for-Profit
Creative & Media
Automotive
Agriculture
Education
Energy & Resources
Private Wealth
Family Offices
SaaS & Technology
Professional Services
Import & Export
Not-for-Profit
Creative & Media
Automotive
Agriculture
Education
Energy & Resources
Free Financial Tools

Think numbers, think RAFT.

Click any interactive tool to use it instantly.

Home Loan

Repayments & amortisation

Interactive

Stamp Duty

VIC transfer duty

Interactive

Income Tax

FY2025-26 estimate

Interactive

Loan Comparison

Side-by-side loans

Coming Soon

GST Calculator

Inclusive/exclusive

Coming Soon

Deduction Checklist

Industry-specific

Coming Soon

Pay Calculator

Gross to net

Coming Soon

Super Projector

Retirement balance

Coming Soon

Budget Planner

Monthly cashflow

Coming Soon

Break-Even

Revenue target

Coming Soon

Business Structure

Entity comparison

Coming Soon

Dividend vs Salary

Tax optimiser

Coming Soon

Home Loan

Repayments & amortisation

Interactive

Stamp Duty

VIC transfer duty

Interactive

Income Tax

FY2025-26 estimate

Interactive

Loan Comparison

Side-by-side loans

Coming Soon

GST Calculator

Inclusive/exclusive

Coming Soon

Deduction Checklist

Industry-specific

Coming Soon

Pay Calculator

Gross to net

Coming Soon

Super Projector

Retirement balance

Coming Soon

Budget Planner

Monthly cashflow

Coming Soon

Break-Even

Revenue target

Coming Soon

Business Structure

Entity comparison

Coming Soon

Dividend vs Salary

Tax optimiser

Coming Soon
Home Loan Calculator

Loan Details

$
% p.a.
years

Results

Enter loan details and click Calculate

Estimates only. Assumes principal & interest at a fixed rate. Not financial advice.
Stamp Duty Calculator

Property Details

$

Results

Enter property details and click Calculate

Based on Victorian State Revenue Office rates. Not financial advice.
Income Tax Estimator

Your Income

$

Results

Enter income and click Calculate

Want to pay less tax — legally?

Our tax team specialises in structuring, deductions, and proactive planning.

Book a Tax Review
Based on ATO FY2025-26 rates. Includes Medicare levy at 2%. Not financial advice.
Insights

Thinking out loud. For your benefit.

Practical insights on tax, business, and money. Click any article to read it.

Tax Strategy
Tax Strategy
March 2026

5 Tax Mistakes Costing Melbourne Business Owners Thousands

The most common errors we see in client reviews — and how to fix them before EOFY.

Read article
Business Structure
Business Structure
March 2026

Sole Trader vs Company vs Trust: Which Structure Is Right for You?

A plain-English breakdown of the three most common Australian business structures.

Read article
Property
Property
February 2026

First Home Buyer? Here's What Your Accountant Wishes You Knew

Stamp duty concessions, the First Home Owner Grant, structuring tips, and the one question most first-timers forget to ask.

Read article
SMSF
SMSF
February 2026

Is an SMSF Right for You? A Checklist for Business Owners

Self-managed super funds are not for everyone. Here is our honest assessment.

Read article
International
International
January 2026

Expanding Overseas? 7 Tax Traps Australian Businesses Fall Into

Cross-border compliance is not optional. Transfer pricing, permanent establishment rules, and double tax agreements.

Read article
Cash Flow
Cash Flow
January 2026

Why Profitable Businesses Still Run Out of Cash

Revenue does not equal cash in the bank. We explain the cash conversion cycle.

Read article
Crypto
Crypto
December 2025

ATO Crackdown: What Crypto Investors Need to Know for 2026

The ATO is matching exchange data to tax returns. Here is how to get your CGT right.

Read article
Startup
Startup
December 2025

R&D Tax Incentive: Are You Leaving Money on the Table?

Many eligible businesses do not claim. We break down who qualifies and how much the refund could be worth.

Read article
EOFY
EOFY
November 2025

Your EOFY Checklist: 15 Things to Do Before 30 June

A comprehensive pre-EOFY action list covering super, asset purchases, deductions, and planning.

Read article
Tax Strategy
Tax Strategy
March 2026

5 Tax Mistakes Costing Melbourne Business Owners Thousands

The most common errors we see in client reviews — and how to fix them before EOFY.

Read article
Business Structure
Business Structure
March 2026

Sole Trader vs Company vs Trust: Which Structure Is Right for You?

A plain-English breakdown of the three most common Australian business structures.

Read article
Property
Property
February 2026

First Home Buyer? Here's What Your Accountant Wishes You Knew

Stamp duty concessions, the First Home Owner Grant, structuring tips, and the one question most first-timers forget to ask.

Read article
SMSF
SMSF
February 2026

Is an SMSF Right for You? A Checklist for Business Owners

Self-managed super funds are not for everyone. Here is our honest assessment.

Read article
International
International
January 2026

Expanding Overseas? 7 Tax Traps Australian Businesses Fall Into

Cross-border compliance is not optional. Transfer pricing, permanent establishment rules, and double tax agreements.

Read article
Cash Flow
Cash Flow
January 2026

Why Profitable Businesses Still Run Out of Cash

Revenue does not equal cash in the bank. We explain the cash conversion cycle.

Read article
Crypto
Crypto
December 2025

ATO Crackdown: What Crypto Investors Need to Know for 2026

The ATO is matching exchange data to tax returns. Here is how to get your CGT right.

Read article
Startup
Startup
December 2025

R&D Tax Incentive: Are You Leaving Money on the Table?

Many eligible businesses do not claim. We break down who qualifies and how much the refund could be worth.

Read article
EOFY
EOFY
November 2025

Your EOFY Checklist: 15 Things to Do Before 30 June

A comprehensive pre-EOFY action list covering super, asset purchases, deductions, and planning.

Read article

Need personalised advice?

Our team can help you apply these insights to your specific situation.

Get in Touch
What Our Clients Say
“Working with Raft feels less like having an accountant and more like having a strategic partner who happens to be brilliant with numbers.”
James T.Founder, SaaS Startup — Melbourne
“George and the team saved us over $180,000 in our first year just by restructuring. They actually care about your outcome.”
Sarah & David M.Property Investors — Prahran
“We switched from a Big 4 firm. The difference is night and day — we get faster responses, better advice, and they know our business inside out.”
Priya K.CEO, Health Tech — South Yarra
“The Raft Experience service handles everything. Payroll, BAS, bookkeeping, super — I just focus on running the restaurant.”
Marco L.Owner, Hospitality Group — Melbourne CBD
“Their SMSF team set up our fund and helped us buy commercial property through super. It was seamless and saved us a fortune.”
Angela & Tom R.Business Owners — Brighton
“I came for a tax return. I stayed because they helped me build a business plan, restructure my company, and triple my take-home income.”
Chris W.Sole Trader turned Director — Richmond
FAQ

Questions we hear all the time.

Getting Started
What kind of businesses does Raft Private work with?▼
We work with businesses of all sizes across 11+ industries including property development, construction, medical practices, funds management, eCommerce, franchising, manufacturing, startups, retail and hospitality. We also serve high-net-worth individuals, family groups, and executives.
How does Raft Private price its accounting services?▼
We offer transparent, value-based pricing tailored to your business complexity. Most clients receive a fixed-fee proposal after an initial consultation.
I feel like my current accountant is too reactive — can you help?▼
This is the most common reason people switch to us. Our entire model is built on proactive advisory — regular check-ins, forward-looking strategy, and catching problems before they materialise.
Do I need to be in Melbourne to work with you?▼
No. While we are based in Prahran, we work with clients Australia-wide and internationally via video call and cloud platforms.
Tax & Compliance
Can you help me pay less tax legally?▼
Absolutely. Tax minimisation through legitimate structuring, timing strategies, and deduction optimisation is a core part of what we do.
Does Raft Private handle SMSF setup and compliance?▼
Yes. We provide end-to-end SMSF services including fund establishment, annual compliance, investment strategy documentation, and ATO reporting.
Can you help with international tax?▼
We assist businesses expanding internationally with tax structuring, cross-border compliance, transfer pricing, and commercial advisory.
Services & Process
What is the Raft Experience concierge service?▼
The Raft Experience coordinates all your financial affairs — from tax and compliance to estate planning. A single point of contact for everything.
How often will I hear from my accountant?▼
At minimum, quarterly. For most business clients, monthly. You will have a direct line to your dedicated team.
Can you act as our outsourced CFO?▼
Yes. Our consulting service includes cash flow management, board reporting, KPI dashboards, scenario planning, and strategic financial guidance.
Where is Raft Private located?▼
Suite 5A, 107-111 High Street, Prahran VIC 3181 — Melbourne inner south-east.
Tax Guide

Your questions, answered.

Plain-English answers to the most common tax and financial questions Australians ask. General guides only, not personal financial advice.

What is the tax-free threshold in Australia?▼
Australian residents do not pay tax on the first $18,200 of their income. Non-residents are taxed from the first dollar.
What deductions can I claim as an employee?▼
You can claim deductions for expenses directly related to earning your income: work-related travel, uniforms, home office expenses, self-education, tools and equipment, and professional memberships. You must have records.
Do I need to declare income from overseas?▼
If you are an Australian tax resident, you must declare all worldwide income including foreign employment, rental, investment income, and capital gains.
What is the Medicare Levy?▼
The Medicare Levy is 2% of your taxable income, payable by all Australian tax residents. A surcharge of 1%-1.5% applies if you earn over $93,000 and do not have private hospital cover.
How does the CGT discount work?▼
If you hold an asset for more than 12 months before selling, you may be entitled to a 50% CGT discount (individuals and trusts only). Only half of the gain is included in your taxable income.
What is the company tax rate?▼
The base rate entity company tax rate is 25% for companies with turnover under $50 million. All other companies pay 30%. Sole traders pay at individual marginal rates.
What is the difference between a BAS and a tax return?▼
A BAS is lodged monthly or quarterly for GST, PAYG withholding, and instalments. A tax return is lodged annually for total income and deductions. Different purposes, different deadlines.
When do I need to register for GST?▼
You must register if your business turnover is $75,000+ per year ($150,000 for non-profits). You can register voluntarily below this.
What records do I need to keep?▼
Keep records for five years: income and expense records, bank statements, invoices, receipts, contracts, asset registers, and employee records. Digital records are acceptable.
What is the instant asset write-off?▼
Small businesses under $10M turnover can immediately deduct eligible assets costing less than $20,000 (2025-26).
How is rental income taxed?▼
Rental income is taxed at your marginal rate. You can claim deductions for interest, management fees, repairs, insurance, rates, and depreciation. If deductions exceed income, the loss offsets other income (negative gearing).
What is negative gearing?▼
When the costs of owning a rental property exceed the income, the loss offsets your other income, reducing your overall tax.
What is the difference between a repair and improvement?▼
A repair restores something to its original condition (deductible immediately). An improvement enhances it beyond original state (depreciated over time).
Do I pay CGT when I sell my home?▼
Your main residence is generally CGT-exempt. The exemption may be reduced if you used part for income or were a non-resident for part of ownership.
How does stamp duty work in Victoria?▼
Progressive rates from 1.4% to 6.5%. First home buyers get exemptions under $600k and concessions $600k-$750k. Foreign buyers pay an 8% surcharge.
How much super should my employer pay?▼
The Super Guarantee rate for 2025-26 is 12% of ordinary time earnings, paid at least quarterly.
Can I make extra contributions to reduce tax?▼
Yes. Personal concessional contributions up to $30,000/year are taxed at 15% inside super instead of your marginal rate. You may also use unused caps from previous years.
When can I access my super?▼
Generally when you reach preservation age (55-60) and retire, or when you turn 65. Limited early access for severe hardship, compassionate grounds, or terminal illness.
What is GST-inclusive vs GST-exclusive?▼
GST-inclusive means the 10% GST is already in the price. To calculate GST from an inclusive price, divide by 11. To add GST, multiply by 1.1.
What goods are GST-free?▼
Most basic food, health services, education courses, childcare, and exports. Residential rent is input-taxed (not charged GST but no credits on related purchases).
How often do I lodge a BAS?▼
Most small businesses lodge quarterly (due 28 days after quarter end). Businesses with $20M+ turnover lodge monthly.
What if I lodge my BAS late?▼
The ATO may charge $330 per 28-day period overdue (max $1,650). Interest also accrues on unpaid amounts. Contact the ATO early to arrange a payment plan.
Contact

Let’s start a conversation.

Phone
(03) 7033 0277
Email
admin@raftprivate.com.au
Office
Suite 5A, 107–111 High Street
Prahran VIC 3181
Hours
Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:30pm

Send us a message

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