Keeping Golf Clubs Finances and Accounts Within Bounds.
The specialist golf accountants team at Albert Goodman is led by Keith Miller. Keith, is a partner in Albert Goodman and an ex-treasurer of members owned, Enmore Park Golf Club. As a single figure golfer, playing for club teams and in local work based networking events, Keith has had the opportunity to play a large number of courses over the years, enabling him to expand his understanding of how others are operating their golf courses.
Keith’s vast experience, has given him insight into the similarities between membership-owned and proprietary golf clubs. For both, the income vs. expenses equation, needs to be kept in check, so that membership fees need not excessively increase on an annual basis. Being the reporting accountant to other golf clubs (both proprietary and membership-owned), he also understands the requirement for golf clubs to have sufficient net income, to ensure that the quality of the golf course and clubhouse is maintained to the standards required by both members and visitors alike.
Golf Clubs
As specialist golf accountants, Albert Goodman work with both member-owned and proprietary golf clubs to to ensure stability and growth for the future of the business and operate within the following areas as required:
- Accounts and audit reports
- Corporation Tax computations
- Bookkeeping/outsourcing
- Payroll
- VAT advice (including partial exemption where appropriate)
- Budgetary and management information advice
- Software advice
- Project Funding
- Workplace pensions
With an ageing demographic and declining membership number, there is a necessity to make golf more accessible to as many types of people as possible. The male dominated golf clubs of the past are having to come up with ideas to introduce and keep as many members as possible. Strategies from the English Golf Union for Ladies and Juniors have been useful in this respect. Together with ever increasing costs, clubs must ensure that not only their membership numbers remain consistent or grow, but also that the assets of the club are used as effectively as possible to bring in other income streams. Clubs are therefore making their properties more available for external room rental and functions. As specialist golf accountants, Albert Goodman understand the golf club market and can help the club management to ensure that they are keeping their finances within bounds.
Golf Professionals
As specialist golf accountants, Albert Goodman also act on behalf of a number of golf professionals, providing a full business and personal tax service which include:
- Accounts
- Bookkeeping/outsourcing
- VAT advice
- Budgetary and management information advice
- Payroll
- Workplace pensions
- Software advice
- Preparation of projections and funding for existing or new income streams
- Income and Corporation Tax compliance
- Discussing Tax minimising strategies
As a golfer, Keith understands that it takes focus, discipline and dedication to keep on top of your golf game. It is also necessary to ensure that an equal effort is given in ensuring that you maximise your earnings and manage your financial stability. Albert Goodman therefore work hard to keep your accounts in shape while you concentrate on your day to day business.
Over recent years, the internet and associated discount retail outlets have had an impact on the old style Golf Pro who historically used to be the main supplier of all golf clothes and equipment to players. The modern Pro and his shop offering has therefore had to change to defend their position and finances. As well as competing on price with the internet in these areas, perhaps by belonging to a buying group, the Pro has evolved into providing a much more professional experience for selling golf clubs. This may include, a custom golf fitting service where they use their PGA qualifications and know-how built up over a number of years. This often takes place in a swing studio, where launch monitors can help to fit the most optimal equipment to an individual player’s swing. Follow up lessons are then much easier to give so as to continue to help the golfer lower their handicap. As specialist golf accounants in Somerset, Albert Goodman understands the golf market and can help the Golf Pro ensure that they are keeping their finances within bounds.
Testimonials
Albert Goodman’s experience in working in the golf club sector has been hugely beneficial when we have required proactive input in how to make improvements to our accounting systems. Further, their knowledge as to the partial exemption rules for VAT and Corporation Tax has ensured that we have maximised our retained income. Their continued support enables the golf club to be run, safe in the knowledge that any question we may have is answered so the appropriate decision can be made for the benefit of the members.
ROBERT COOPER, EX-TREASURER OF SHERBORNE GOLF CLUB
Keith has looked after my accounts and tax affairs for over 25 years and I have no hesitation in recommending him to others. His ability to make these areas as simple and painless as possible has enabled me to concentrate on my day to day work. Further, his input on budgets and one off projects has been hugely beneficial in reviewing my ongoing goals.
ANDREW HAYES, GOLF PROFESSIONAL
Since appointing Albert Goodman just over 3 years years ago they have provided us with an efficient and invaluable annual accounting, auditing and tax planning service here at Bramshaw Golf Club. In addition they have provided additional support to our in house accounts team providing them with information and advice when ever needed.
IVAN STRUBBE, BRAMSHAW GOLF CLUB
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