FAQ

What’s the difference between an Accountant & Bookkeeper/BAS Agent?

A Bookkeeper/BAS Agent is there to support your business by handling day to day activities. Such as data entry, processing supplier purchases & receipts, Paying supplier bills, Creating Sales invoices, recording payments, reconciling bank statements, Processing wages, reporting STP, budgets, cashflow reporting, Calculating & preparing superannuation payments & reconciliations, Preparing and lodging IAS & BAS. Keeping you client with certain industry ATO reporting EG: TPAR.

A Certified Bookkeeper is trained & skilled in all things GST/ Payroll.

Whereas; An Accountant (CA / Tax Agent) handles Tax returns, SMSF, ASICS, Business operating structures, CGT, FBT, Advice for “Tax” matters including returns & planning and so much more! Accountants appreciate SME businesses working with trusted bookkeepers to ensure the day to day processes are up to date. It makes it a lot easier for Accountants to do their jobs when your books are in order and up to date.

It is always good practice for your Bookkeeper to keep in touch with Accountant throughout the year.

What Software do you use?

In short- A bookkeeper should be able to use any software.

However personal choice -I am a Diamond Partner with MYOB and have been using their software over 12yrs. I am certified in Xero too.

Software I currently use throughout my business - Practice Ignition, Myob, Xero, Easy Business App, Dext, G-suite, Google, Windows, Dropbox etc..

Does a Bookkeeper need any qualifications?

YES! To be a Bookkeeper you need a Certificate IV in Financial Services Bookkeeping and or Accounting (I have both!) Once you have passed and attained Certification you need to have 1400 hours practical experience to apply to the Tax Practioners Board to become a BAS Agent. TASA Services regulation started in 2009. Part of your Training is in GST and Payroll.

Note: it is actually illegal for a subcontractor to carry out Bookkeeping (For GST registered entities) & Provide BAS services without a BAS Agent License. See WWW.TPB.GOV.AU