Name: Keith Matson

Business: Alito Accounting

Established: 2007

Based at: Samford Valley

What services does your business offer? We provide integrated business accounting services and business development consulting.

What areas do your clients come from? I’m currently working with clients both locally, statewide and nationally.

What was your company’s first job? My first assignment was as the virtual CEO for a manufacturing business in trouble.

How did you make your first dollar? It was 15 cents per car, washing cars for neighbours. It was 1966 and I found I could increase what I earned per hour by paying my mates 10 cents and keeping 5 cents while washing a few myself at 15 cents.

How did you get into your current line of work? I started work in the Tax Office in Melbourne in 1970 as a clerk and worked my way through to be a Senior Schemes Investigator. I left in 1981 and started an accounting practice and have been in the business ever since.

Why is a business like yours so important? Robust, financially sound business advice is essential if business owners want to be successful.

What sort of clients does your business provide services to? Small and medium-size businesses – everything from solo-operators through to businesses with multi-million dollar turnovers and 30-plus staff.

Before your current job, what were your previous occupations? I have always been involved with business – business owner, business analyst and advisor, training facilitator, interim CEO and CFO, practice owner, ATO schemes investigator.

What do your customers most appreciate about your services? 1. I give an answer then and there without beating around the bush; and 2. my breadth of business experience and ability to apply it to their business.

What is the best part of your job? Watching my clients experience what I call “aha moments” – the realisation that they can be more successful in their business.

What advice would you give to anyone considering working in your line of work? Understand that accounting is a methodology, not an outcome.

If you didn’t work in your current job, what job would you like to do? Work one on one with a small group of clients for six months to produce “Olympic athlete” businesses – businesses with an unbeatable winning attitude and culture.

How do you spend your spare time? Hanging out with my boys (5 and 2 ½). They love helping Dad ‘do work’ on our property.

Phone Alito Accounting on 3289 5500 or visit http://www.alito.com.au/