How did you get into bookkeeping?

I have been working in Taxation and Business Advisory for around 15 years, mainly focused on end of year reporting and tax returns for businesses in all industries and family groups!
While I loved doing this, I found there was often a disconnect between the practical side of running a business and the annual review of a tax return.

These reports are often historical and are not the most helpful for decision-making for business owners. Data entry into accounting software is often overlooked and underutilised; we don’t know the true value of the numbers we are looking at.
That is where I come in! Let me translate the numbers into real-time, helpful data that you can use for informed decision making.

What can we do to turn our accounting software into decision making tools?

Don’t stop at “just getting the books done”. Your accounting data is filled with information about your business, so use it!

Utilise periodic reports, budgets and analysis to see how your business is performing. Using real-time data allows for the best decision making, including early intervention of any issues and business goal reassessments.

I already have an accountant, do I need a bookkeeper?

Both are super important to your business!

Your accountant will take the data produced by your bookkeeper to review, make recommendations and minimise your taxation liability.

A bookkeeper is a person that can assist with day-to-day financial recording, compliance and lodgments.

Running a business is a daily juggle. Having a bookkeeper allows you the peace of mind that your financial obligations are being met throughout the year. You will have accurate data, and the confidence to be able to rely on the financial data for your decision making.

What type of business’ have you worked with?

Every kind! Working in Public Practice has given me exposure to business’ in every industry, including property development, medical and legal firms and retail business.

However, over the past 5 years I have been mostly working with clients in the agricultural industry, including farming, forestry, aquaculture and wineries.

Farming & agricultural business’ offer unique challenges. Being driven by uncontrollable events (weather, interest rates, global markets) & seasonal cashflows means there is extra importance on having sound financial understanding of your business.

How does remote bookkeeping work?

The beauty of the internet!

If you are operating through a cloud-based accounting software program, your bookkeeping can be done from anywhere. Your bookkeeper can access your financial records online and update them in real-time. This allows businesses to have up-to-date reports whenever you need them.

While this makes the bookkeeping side more convenient, it is still important to have easy and open communication.

I thoroughly still believe in face-to-face communications. I am conscious that dealing with financial data is sensitive and it is important that my clients have trust in me and my work. Financial reviews and discussions allow me to get to know the clients on a personal level and develop a sense of understanding of their business.

What is a Registered BAS Agent?

A BAS Agent (Business Activity Statement Agent) is authorised to prepare and lodge BAS and IAS returns on your behalf. They can also provide advice on GST and PAYG taxes.

Any bookkeeper who provides bookkeeping services for fee, & where decisions are made in relation to GST must be a registered BAS Agent.