Daniel McCulloch
Partner  |  Smart Business Solutions

Daniel McCulloch’s journey in the world of business and finance has been one of steady growth, hands-on experience, and a deep understanding of what it takes to run and scale a business. As a Partner at SMART Business Solutions, he now focuses on providing strategic financial advice and mentoring both clients and his team. But before stepping into his current leadership role, Daniel walked the path of entrepreneurship himself—an experience that shaped his approach to accounting and advisory work.

Early Business Ventures: A Natural Entrepreneur

Long before becoming an accountant, Daniel’s first taste of business came from an unexpected place—golf clubs. As a teenager with an entrepreneurial mindset, he discovered a niche market, importing demo stock golf clubs from the U.S., breaking them down, and selling them online. His ability to spot an opportunity, manage inventory, and understand market demand gave him an early foundation in business operations. This hands-on experience in buying, selling, and managing finances sparked his long-term interest in business strategy and problem-solving.

Finding His Path in Accounting

Despite his entrepreneurial success, Daniel wasn’t initially set on a career in accounting. After high school, unsure of his next step, he pursued a business degree, where he quickly realised he had a knack for accounting and economics. Numbers made sense to him, and he enjoyed the logical, structured nature of financial problem-solving. After completing his degree and earning his Chartered Accountant certification, he joined a mid-tier accounting firm in Melbourne, gaining invaluable experience working with businesses of all sizes.

Building His Own Accounting Practice

While the corporate world provided structure, Daniel craved something more hands-on and personal. He made the leap to start his own accounting and bookkeeping practice on the Mornington Peninsula, working directly with business owners and helping them navigate the financial complexities of running a company.

Running his own firm was a game-changer. He wasn’t just an accountant—he was a business owner, wearing every hat from client service to business development, tax compliance, and operations. It was a rewarding but challenging period, and as his client base grew, he recognised the limitations of operating solo. He needed the right team and infrastructure to scale.

Joining SMART Business Solutions

As Daniel considered his next move, an unexpected opportunity arose. What started as a simple conversation with Shannon Smit, Founding Director of Smart Business Solutions quickly became a turning point in his career. Joining SMART offered Daniel the best of both worlds—he could continue working closely with business owners while being supported by a strong, innovative team.

Since joining in 2018, Daniel has played a key role in driving business growth at SMART. In July 2024, he was appointed Partner, shifting his focus from technical accounting to high-level strategy, business development, and mentorship.

What Sets Him Apart

Daniel’s edge as an advisor comes from his real-world business experience. He knows what it’s like to juggle multiple responsibilities, make tough financial decisions, and navigate growth challenges—because he’s been there himself. His clients appreciate his ability to see beyond the spreadsheets and offer advice that is both strategic and practical.

He takes a meticulous, thoughtful approach to problem-solving, ensuring clients get the best outcomes possible. Reliable and consistent, Daniel is known for his ability to break down complex financial concepts into actionable solutions, making business finance approachable for his clients.