Operating since 1986, Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris has become a premier destination in Arnhem Land. The business is busy, with a number of daily visitors coming through to visit highly protected and restricted land that has been occupied by Aboriginal people for more than 50,000 years, and experience some of the best Aboriginal rock art in the world, as well as a wide variety of animal life.
Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris was founded and run by Max Davidson. When he passed away, the business moved to his daughters, Lee and Diana, who still run it and oversee between 14 and 17 staff members. Being remote, they face particular challenges such as high turnover and lack of wifi.
Before working with Precision Advantage, Arnhemland Safaris worked with another bookkeeper, who moved into a government role leaving Lee and Diana in need of a replacement. Their previous bookkeeper recommended Felicity at Precision Advantage, and they were struck by how open and structured Felicity was.
“She had new ideas for us, and was very supportive,” Lee says. “I knew as soon as I met her that she was the right person. I get along fabulously with Felicity. She’s always happy to answer any questions, even if it’s beyond what’s typically part of her role as a bookkeeper.”
Lee and Diana were impressed with how much more efficient and easier the bookkeeping process became. Precision Advantage takes care of all wages, bookkeeping, system updating, moving to RMS including implementing the accounting side, and transitioning to Xero. She also introduced them to Dext for their receipts, making receipt management much easier.
“Felicity has stepped it up for us a little bit more. She’s implemented Xero and a new booking system [RMS], and set up the accounting side for all that, too. She’s contactable any time and is very forthcoming with information. Things are just so much more streamlined now. She made the transition very easy for us.”
Lee and Di have been impressed with how Felicity shares financial information with them, helping them to feel included and informed about the business in a way that didn’t happen before.
Because they started working with Felicity around 2019/2020, Lee and Diana were just switching to Xero when COVID hit. Being in the tourism industry, Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris suddenly found themselves without a lot of business. Felicity stepped up, pointing out government grants that were available to them and helping them with the applications. She also keeps on top of wage changes and any other vital information they may need.
“If you can get Felicity to be your bookkeeper, take her on. She’s so helpful and professional. Some people think of bookkeeping as just a job, but we’re friends not just clients. We’re not treated like a number. She’s professional and forthcoming with information, and easy to get along with. If we’ve got something to ask, it’s never a problem. Nothing is ever a problem, but she also keeps us all in line and is really good at guidance.”