Refresh Accounting

I have seen a few posts recently about distilleries being financially stressed.

The hard part is that “stressed” can mean a lot of different things. Sometimes it is margins. Sometimes it is wages. Sometimes it is stock. Often it is simply that cash is inconsistent and the owner pay is all over the place.

So I built a short scorecard for distillery owners: Distillery Profit Potential.

It takes a couple of minutes and it gives you an overall score plus three clear signals:
• Cash flow
• Profitability
• Lifestyle impact

A couple of the questions are simple but telling:
• Are you paying yourself consistently
• Do you know profitability by product

If you want a quick sense check on where the pressure is coming from, it is here: https://ian-vejwmtjh.scoreapp.com

The aim of the quiz is not to give you a “pass or fail”. It is to highlight which area needs your attention first, so you can concentrate on that and not get distracted.

DISCOVER YOUR DISTILLERY'S PROFIT POTENTIAL A short quiz to help you highlight the areas that need fixing in your distillery.

Well, 2025 has been a very hectic year!

We moved house 4 times, lived in 3 countries (France, Spain and England), visited at least 10 countries (including Milan where this picture was taken) and attended a number of conferences (including Prowein, and Bar Convent London, as a speaker). No doubt 2026 will bring more adventures, though hopefully we won't move house quite so frequently!

So as I wrap up 2025 and work on plans for 2026, I just wanted to say that I hope you get a bottle of your favourite spirit, beer or wine and wish you all the very best possible Christmas and New Year 🎉

A reminder to all Australian distilleries, breweries and wineries that award rates change for the first pay period commencing on, or after, July 1st. Superannuation also increases to 12%.

A perfect opportunity to look at the cash in your business and understand exactly what it's for so that you know you can pay your team, yourself, the good old tax office and your suppliers on time.

Need help with that? DM me!

Not sure whether your business needs a bookkeeper, an accountant, or a CFO?

You’re not alone. A lot of distillery, winery and brewery owners feel unsure about who does what, or what kind of financial support they really need.

🎥 I’ve recorded a short video to explain what’s in the article and how the free scorecard can help you figure out exactly where to focus next.

Watch the video, then read the full article here:
https://www.loom.com/share/bf91a993b13f486da85c9b027e052808?sid=12d09369-40fc-4174-af3f-f28f9ceea51c
🔗 https://www.refreshaccounting.com.au/bookkeeper-accountant-fractional-cfo/

2025 Articles - 11 Bookkeeper vs Accountant vs CFO - Google Chrome - 22 April 2025