Too Busy to Check the Books? Gogglebox Star Jad Nehmetallah Says That's Exactly the Problem

H&R Block SMB Ambassador and hospitality owner warns small business owners that day-to-day demands can leave finances on autopilot, at exactly the wrong time

For Jad Nehmetallah, the lessons that shape how he runs his business didn’t come from a boardroom; they came from watching his Lebanese family build a life in Australia from the ground up. 

Known to audiences as a personality on Gogglebox Australia, Jad is also the owner of Parramatta hospitality venue MISC. As he prepares to open a second venue later this year, he says the values he learned growing up, working hard, building carefully and never taking financial stability for granted, remain central to how he approaches business today. 

But as his business has grown, so has the pressure that comes with it.“When you’re managing staff, suppliers, costs and growth all at once, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger financial picture,” says Nehmetallah. “You’re so focused on keeping things moving that the things you should be watching closely can slip.” 

It’s a reality Jad believes many small business owners experience. Not because they don’t care, but because every day brings another decision, another challenge and another demand for their attention. As he prepares to expand his business, Jad says taking the time to properly understand the numbers behind the operation has become just as important as the day-to-day itself. 

“I thought running one business meant I understood tax time,” he says. “Preparing to open a second venue while running MISC. made me realise just how many moving parts sit behind growth, from cash flow and supplier costs to compliance. Getting the right support is everything.” 

Built on Sacrifice, Not Shortcuts 

Growing up in a Lebanese family that migrated to Australia for a better future shaped Nehmetallah’s perspective on business, financial responsibility and long-term stability. He says watching his family work tirelessly to build a life from the ground up gave him an appreciation for the value of hard work, financial security and not taking opportunities for granted. 

Always refer to the ATO for the most up-to-date tax guidance and information at ato.gov.au. If you’re unsure about your business or tax obligations, speak with a registered tax agent like H&R Block Australia for personalised advice. Tax obligations and outcomes depend on individual circumstances and current ATO guidelines.

“My family sacrificed a lot to build a life here, so I’ve never taken business or money lightly,” says Nehmetallah. “Now that I have my own wife and family, you think differently. You want to protect what you’re building and make smart decisions as you grow. You can build a business on hard work, but as you grow, asking the right questions matters just as much. Experts like H&R Block help make sure nothing important slips through the cracks.” 

What Slips Through the Cracks When Life Gets Busy 

Jad says being a business owner, and preparing to open a second venue, has made him more aware of the patterns that trip up many small business owners at this time of year. H&R Block Australia sees the same issues play out across thousands of tax returns every year. 

• Assuming last year’s approach was "good enough" without reassessing whether it still fits where the business is now 
• Missing legitimate deductions because expenses haven't been properly tracked and documented throughout the year 
• Waiting until EOFY to review your financial position instead of identifying issues and opportunities earlier 
• Mixing personal and business expenses, making it harder to understand true business performance 
• Missing key deadlines and compliance obligations due to competing business priorities, resulting in unnecessary penalty fees 

Why EOFY Is the Time to Take Stock 

EOFY can provide an important opportunity for business owners to review their position, identify potential gaps and ensure opportunities haven’t been overlooked throughout the year. 

“The most expensive mistakes aren’t always the obvious ones,” says H&R Block Australia Director of Tax Communications, Mark Chapman. “They’re the potential deductions never claimed, the records never reviewed and the issues left unchecked. EOFY is often when business owners discover what those oversights have really cost them. But identifying those gaps is also the first step to fixing them. The earlier you take stock, the sooner you can make informed decisions, correct course where needed and strengthen your position for the year ahead.” 

EOFY is an opportunity to review what's working, address what isn't and ensure your business isn't carrying avoidable risks into the new financial year. Speaking with a registered tax agent can help identify overlooked opportunities, fine tune where needed and give you confidence you're heading into the year ahead on the right footing. Don't tax yourself. Visit hrblock.com.au