Reduce Risk, Strengthen Negotiation, Protect Returns
A well-run review can materially change the outcome of a transaction. Financial adjustments discovered in due diligence may affect valuation; tax exposures can be priced into the deal; undisclosed liabilities can trigger renegotiation or indemnities; and operational weaknesses may become integration priorities. Proper due diligence doesn’t just protect you; it positions you to negotiate smarter and plan what happens after settlement.
How we drive Value in the Due Diligence Process
Turning Numbers into Insight, and Insight into Better Deals
Accountants sit at the heart of effective due diligence. We translate raw financial data into a clear picture of earnings quality, cash flow reliability, working capital needs, tax exposures, and compliance gaps. Our team of business advisors in Melbourne review historical accounts, normalise results, test revenue trends, review GST / BAS history, evaluate PAYG and super obligations, and identify tax risks that can influence structure, price, or warrant coverage. We also assess whether the target’s accounting systems, controls, and reporting are robust enough to support future growth.
Our Approach to Business Planning
Transparent, Tailored, and Focused on Protecting your interests
Every transaction is different, so our scope is tailored to deal value, industry, and risk tolerance. A typical process includes:
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Scoping & Objectives:
We align on deal goals,materiality thresholds, timing, and reporting format.
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Data Request & Secure Exchange:
We issue a focused checklist and establish secure document transfer protocols.
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Financial Analysis:
Review and normalisation of historical earnings, revenue drivers, expense integrity, margins, and seasonality.
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Quality of Assets & Liabilities Review:
Balance sheet testing, debt levels, working capital requirements, contingent liabilities.
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Tax & Compliance Review:
BAS / GST history, income tax lodgements, PAYG, FBT, superannuation, payroll tax positioning, and outstanding ATO matters.
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Cash Flow & Forecast Testing:
Compare forecasts to historical performance, assumptions, and industry benchmarks.
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Commercial & Operational Observations:
Flag concentration risks (customers, suppliers), system gaps, staff dependencies, or contract exposures.
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Risk Register & Deal Implications:
We score issues by severity and suggest purchase price adjustments, holdbacks, indemnities,or pre-settlement actions.
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Reporting & Debrief:
Clear, decision-ready reporting executive summary, detailed findings, data appendix, and recommended next steps.
Explore our Business Due Diligence Services
Comprehensive Reviews that drive Smarter Transactions
We tailor the scope to your transaction: light review for smaller bolt-ons, full deep-dive for larger acquisitions. Our Melbourne due diligence advisors support:
Financial Due Diligence
Analysis of historical performance, normalised EBITDA, revenue validation, margin trends, expense testing, and working capital benchmarks.
Tax Due Diligence
Review of lodged returns, GST / BAS integrity, PAYG and super compliance, FBT exposure, carried-forward losses, tax provisioning, and potential ATO risks.
Business & Operational Review
Systems capability, process reliability, management reporting quality, inventory controls, debtor / creditor health, and scalability.
Commercial Performance Testing
Customer concentration, contract quality, recurring revenue strength, pricing sustainability, and market position indicators.
Structure & Deal Readiness Review
Advice on asset vs share purchase, entity clean-up, pre-sale restructuring, and post-acquisition integration considerations.
Risk & Red Flag Reporting
Concise identification of issues that may affect valuation, timing, or post-deal performance.
Key Documents & Data for Due Diligence
Gathering complete and accurate information early speeds up the process and improves the quality of insight. Typical requests include:
- Historical financial statements (at least 3 years) and management accounts
- General ledger exports and trial balances
- BAS, income tax returns, and ATO correspondence
- Payroll summaries, superannuation reports, PAYG withholding records
- Customer and revenue breakdowns (top customers, churn, contract terms)
- Supplier spend reports and major agreements
- Aged receivables and payables listings
- Inventory reports and stock valuation methods
- Loan, lease, and debt agreements
- Fixed asset registers and depreciation schedules
- Trust deeds, company constitutions, shareholder agreements
- Forecasts, budgets, and business plans used for valuation or finance
Not every deal requires all of the above. We scale the list to materiality and transaction objectives.
Zimsen Partners: Your Strategic Due Diligence Partner
Recognised as a forward‑thinking force in due diligence, we seamlessly bring together technology, finance, tax, corporate strategy, and operational logistics to give you a 360° view of the business you’re assessing. Everything we do is anchored in your commercial outcome, we highlight what’s material, quantify risk, and help you translate findings into price, deal terms, and post‑completion priorities.
What you gain when you work with us:
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Multidisciplinary depth:
Chartered Accountants, tax advisors,transaction analysts, and business strategists collaborating in real time.
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Commercial, plain-English reporting:
Clear summaries that separate signal from noise so decision makers can move quickly.
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Scalable scope:
Red-flag reviews for speed, targeted deep dives where risk is highest, or full financial & tax diligence on larger deals.
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Integrated transaction support:
Structuring, valuation input, funding models, and post deal advisory available in house.
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Digital workflow & secure data handling:
Efficient document exchange, analytics driven review, and traceable issue management.
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Proven experience:
25+ years supporting Melbourne and Australian business transactions across industries and deal sizes.
Achieve a Stronger Business Advantage
Partner with us for a Customised Due Diligence Consultation
Whether you’re exploring an acquisition, preparing to sell, or supporting investors, now is the time to get clear on the numbers and the risks. Speak with our business due diligence team in Melbourne to scope the right level of review for your transaction.
Book a free consultation and move into your next deal with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start due diligence after signing an LOI or heads of agreement?
Begin as soon as access is granted. Early findings can influence final price, deal structure, and completion timelines.
Do I need full due diligence for a small business purchase?
Not always. We can scope a targeted review that focuses on revenue proof, liabilities, tax compliance, and cash flow – key areas that impact value in smaller deals.
What’s the difference between financial due diligence and a standard set of accounts?
Financial due diligence digs beneath the presented numbers, testing accuracy, normalising results, and identifying adjustments that affect valuation.
How can due diligence help me negotiate a better price?
Findings such as overstated revenue, under-provisioned expenses, or unpaid tax may justify price reductions, holdbacks, or seller warranties.
The seller’s accountant prepared the numbers. Do I still need my own review?
Yes. Independent analysis protects your position and ensures assumptions used in pricing are tested objectively.
How long does business due diligence usually take?
Timeframes vary by deal size and data access. Smaller reviews can take 1–3 weeks; larger or multi-entity groups require longer. We’ll agree timelines up front.
