By Chris Sheedy
Our Principal, Rasika Dayananda, was recently interviewed by the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) in recognition of his expertise in international business and his role in guiding Australian enterprises towards successful global expansion. The following is the published article, which explores key insights Rasika shared on how accountants can help businesses prepare to thrive on the international stage.
With the Export Market Development Grants currently on hold, there is plenty more accountants can do to help globally ambitious clients.
The Export Market Development Grants have long been a key support for businesses looking to expand offshore, but they’re currently on hold until later in 2026. With those grants off the table, there is plenty more to focus on to make businesses export-ready, says Rasika Dayananda FIPA, CEO of Australian Accountants.
He notes that Austrade runs an impressive portfolio of services, including landing pads located in several foreign territories to help Australian businesses expand their operations internationally.
In fact, now is the perfect time for advisors to run through expansion-ready checklists, which can involve a significant level of focus and resources.
“The most important thing they must do is develop a deep understanding of the market they want to enter,” says Dayananda, who has worked with leading multinational corporations (‘MNCs’) in various parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, including Australia.
“Clients need to know exactly where their product fits in the market, whether there is demand and where it might come from, and how that country’s compliance landscape looks.”
He continues,
“Then there’s cultural dynamics, both in the market and the workplace, pricing, taxes, and more. All of these factors must be explored early.”
At the same time, Dayananda explains, accountants play a crucial role in ensuring clients are prepared internally as well. Without the right internal structure, including corporate setup, human resources, and cash flow management, a business is likely to face significant challenges during overseas expansion.
Key Advisory Touchpoints for Businesses Going Global
International growth is a complex undertaking. Dayananda stresses that accountants are perfectly positioned to guide clients through these challenges.
“Issues such as brand establishment, market positioning, competitor pricing, compliance issues such as taxation and HR matters, and foreign exchange management all need expert attention from the start,” he says.
“There are huge risks if expansion is not properly planned.”
According to Dayananda, some key areas of focus include:
1. Advertising, Marketing, and Pricing Strategies
Establishing a new brand in a new market can often be unexpectedly expensive. Has the client conducted a thorough competitor pricing analysis? Is their brand strong enough to carry a premium in a new market? Pricing or budgeting mistakes at the outset can leave no room for correction.
2. Assembling a Core Expansion Team
Creating a skilled team with experience in essential areas and a blend of local and Australian market knowledge is vital. This team should oversee strategic alignment, cultural adaptability, operational consistency, and risk mitigation, among other objectives. The aim is to lead a seamless expansion project and ensure stakeholder confidence.
3. Tax and Compliance
International ventures can give rise to complex tax concerns, including Controlled Foreign Company (‘CFC’) rules and local/federal compliance. If businesses don’t get their initial tax structures right, the risk of cost and tax blowouts is high.
4. Transfer Pricing and Foreign Exchange Risk
Two challenges arise here. First, businesses must compile extensive documentation to comply with taxation and tariff rules. Second, foreign exchange fluctuations can quickly diminish margins or block profit repatriation. Financial hedging strategies may be required from day one.
5. Intellectual Property (IP) Protection
No matter the international model, whether operating from Australia, launching a joint venture, or opening a new entity, protecting trademarks, patents, and intellectual property with appropriate legal frameworks is a must.
Dayananda also points out that several industries are ripe for global growth, including:
- Food and agriculture
- Education
- Tourism
- Clean technology
- Manufacturing
- Mining, especially critical minerals
When Is a Client Ready to Fly?
Not every business is ready for overseas expansion. So, how can accountants assess a client’s readiness?
Dayananda recommends a practical checklist to determine whether the necessary boxes have been ticked:
- ✅ The business has verified via reliable market research that their pricing, product, and service mix suits the new market
- ✅ The organisation has the operational bandwidth to service the new market without harming its domestic performance
- ✅ There is enough financial capacity to support the setup and initial phases in the new territory
- ✅ The business understands the compliance landscape in the target country, covering tax, HR, marketing, branding, and product regulations
- ✅ A performance monitoring system is already in place to ensure targets are tracked and met early
“If losses build up unchecked, that new market can cost the business a lot more than it should over time,” warns Dayananda.
He concludes:
“There is a great deal to consider with global expansion; it is not an easy process. But if the company’s accountants and advisors have helped build strong foundations, the opportunities are very real.”
Need help preparing your business for international expansion?
At Australian Accountants, our team, led by globally experienced Principal Rasika Dayananda, is ready to guide you through every step of your global journey.
Get in touch today to explore how we can help make your business export-ready.