Yes. For a micro business with only a handful of transactions, a disciplined Excel ledger plus proper source documents can work. As volumes rise, manual data entry becomes slow and error prone. Cloud software like Xero imports bank feeds automatically, tracks GST and produces BAS reports in seconds, saving time and reducing risk.

Yes. Many owners start out doing their own bookkeeping but proper setup and guidance at the beginning is crucial. The important part is understanding GST, coding transactions correctly and reconciling the bank account routinely. As the business grows, obligations like GST, payroll, PAYG and super are vital manage accurately. Having a bookkeeper handle the ongoing work, or step in regularly to review and correct, helps keep your records reliable and reduces the risk of costly errors.

Yes. Xero Central’s tutorials can teach you the basics at your own pace. The catch is that Xero offers several ways to enter bills, reconcile payments and track GST and only some fit your workflow.

A one‑to‑one Xero consultation matches the right features to your processes, cutting out guesswork and rework.

Absolutely. If you have already subscribed to Xero and hit a wall, contact us about a Xero Setup  Rescue session. We review what you have built so far, correct bank feeds, chart of accounts and GST settings, and walk you through the remaining steps. You finish with a clean, fully configured file and a clear action plan.

Start with a Xero Health Check. A qualified adviser reviews bank feeds, reconciliations, GST codes and clearing accounts to spot duplicates, missing transactions and setup errors. You receive a clear list of fixes or a quote for us to handle them, giving you a solid foundation for accurate accounts.

Yes. Because a company is a new legal entity with its own ABN you should start a fresh Xero file. The change‑over is more than copying data, it affects opening balances, GST cycles, payroll registrations and bank feeds. A tailored transition planning consultation sequences these dependencies and keeps both the old and new records fully compliant.

A Registered BAS Agent is licensed by the Tax Practitioners Board to advise on and lodge BAS, GST, PAYG withholding and superannuation. They must meet education, experience and ongoing professional standards.

Working with a BAS Agent as your bookkeeper means your BAS is prepared correctly, your payroll and GST obligations are handled in line with ATO requirements and you have support if the ATO ever asks questions. It provides assurance that your records and reporting are compliant.

If your bookkeeper is providing services for a fee as a contractor, they must be a BAS Agent to advise on or lodge BAS, GST, PAYG or superannuation. A non-registered bookkeeper can enter data, but they cannot make decisions about GST coding or payroll compliance without supervision from a BAS Agent.

If your business is registered for GST or has employees, working with a Registered BAS Agent ensures your obligations are managed correctly and reduces the risk of ATO issues.

Bookkeeping fees vary depending on the size of the business, the volume of transactions and whether payroll is involved. Most bookkeepers charge either an hourly rate or a fixed monthly fee. For small and stable businesses, quarterly bookkeeping can be a lower-cost option. Businesses with regular payroll or higher activity usually need monthly or weekly support.

Working with a Registered BAS Agent generally costs more than working with a basic data entry bookkeeper, because a BAS Agent is qualified, experienced, insured and required to maintain ongoing professional education. This ensures your records are accurate, obligations are met and your reporting is done to a high standard.

Fixed price packages provide predictable costs and clear inclusions based on the support level your business needs.

Start by checking reputable sources. Look at the partner directory for the accounting software you use, the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers register and the Tax Practitioners Board lookup to confirm BAS Agent registration. Read Google reviews to understand how they work with clients.

A good bookkeeper should be registered if they are providing BAS services, insured and clear about their scope of work.

Look for someone who offers structured processes, communicates clearly and can explain financial information in a way that makes sense for your business.