CASE STUDY
Michael Fox Arts Accountant & Valuer
Make your client’s accounting simple with intuitive payroll software and keep them compliant.
Compliant software for artists to run their accounts and payroll.
Michael Fox is the Principal of Arts Accountant and Valuer. Based in Collingwood, Victoria, and with offices in Sydney and Perth, Michael runs a specialist accounting firm in the Arts industry, looking after artists, performers, authors and presenters and producers in the film, TV and radio industries.
Since the 1990s, Michael has managed the accounting and tax affairs for artists and creatives, specialising in tax, GST, cultural gifts, and income averaging. From a young age, Michael has had an affinity for the Arts.
“Well, it’s just been part of my life. Ever since I can remember, my mother was an artist…I’ve been looking at paintings my entire life, and it was just one of those things that happened where I also happened to be good at numbers.”
In the 2000s, Michael ran Joel Fine Art in Queensland, sourcing artworks for auctions with an international clientele. Then, in 2009, he relocated to Melbourne and established Michael Fox Arts Accountant and Valuer, combining his love for the arts with his tax expertise.
Michael was also the campaign manager for a movement that successfully lobbied the government to prevent the ban on superannuation funds investing in fine art and collectibles.
This experience has earned Michael a reputation as a tax expert in the arts industry.
“Once you have a business, you need software to run it. Reckon is very good software, and it is quite intuitive.”
– Michael Fox
“Many creatives will use the software that their peers might recommend, and it won’t allow them to comply with single-touch payroll”
Michael’s challenge in making sure his clients are well-cared for is getting them to use the right software. He knows that word of mouth can steer people to use certain tools that may not apply to his clients.
Michael understands that artists need the right advice and guidance so that they can continue being creative instead of getting bogged down in Australian payroll tax compliance.
Being a Reckon Partner, Michael is certain that Reckon products are the best fit for his clients.
“Because it’s an Australian product, Reckon will comply with the Australian tax office regulations.”
Success with Reckon One
Michael and his firm have enjoyed the ease in getting their clients onto Reckon software to manage their accounting and payroll.
But the success isn’t just in the software. The people behind the product also give Michael confidence in Reckon.
“I’ve got a very good relationship with Reckon, particularly with my customer services manager. When I first met him, I couldn’t believe that he actually worked for a software company.
It was almost like it was meant to be that he was a guy that we would call upon to help us with our particular clients.”
“It’s that simplicity, for sure, that Reckon will help our clients.”
– Michael Fox
About Michael Fox Arts Accountant & Valuer
Michael Fox is the principal of Michael Fox Arts Accounts and Valuer and the director of Fox Galleries in Collingwood, Victoria.
Michael Fox has a bachelor of Commerce (accountancy) from the University of Queensland and a Master of Tax from Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne.
An avid art enthusiast, Michael holds exhibitions at his gallery, Fox Galleries, showcasing modern and contemporary artworks.