Sometimes all it takes to achieve our financial goals is the right advice.

RW Aland & Co has been providing solid business and taxation advice to people in Dalby and surrounding districts for 50 years.

Partners in the business, Mike Bowdler and Michael Harth, are building on that experience and going one step further to offer additional services in the area of business development.

"We're making a shift towards business development with the aim of helping people reach their financial goals," Michael said.

"Many of our clients have plans to develop their businesses to the next stage, so we help them achieve that."

With an emphasis on 'helping clients help themselves' the firm provides practical suggestions on ways to improve financial success.

Services are designed to value add to existing business and are individually tailored to meet the needs of each client.

And with hands-on experience in retail and small business, both partners are well placed to understand the financial challenges facing business owners.

Before going into full-time accountancy Michael ran his own picture framing business in his home town of Chinchilla. He has a Bachelor of Commerce and recently completed the CPA Australia study program ranking nationally in the top three per cent.

"Having owned my own business, I can see over the fence and appreciate the challenges of successfully operating a small business," Michael said.

Mike completed his Bachelor of Business in Toowoomba and took up a position with Aland & Co, eventually purchasing the company in 2001. This year, Michael joined him as a partner in the business after three years with the practice.

The company name has remained unchanged since Dick Aland established the firm in 1954 but the business has evolved and expanded over the years with the acquisition of other accounting practices.

With 11 staff employed full-time, the practice is capable of carrying out a wide range of services in the areas of compliance and general business operations.

Maintaining personal contact with clients and building solid relationships is part of the firm's business philosophy.

"Building a good client relationship is the most rewarding part of our work. We like to get out there and meet people and see how they do things. And it's that relationship that keeps people coming back," Mike said.