Do I need a bookkeeper?
Plenty of sole traders manage their own books. But once you have GST, staff or more transactions than you can keep up with, a bookkeeper usually pays for themselves in time saved and errors avoided.
- Registered Tax Agent 25377345
- Registered ASIC Agent 38112
- CPA qualified
- Certified Xero, MYOB & QuickBooks Advisors
- 15+ years’ experience
8 signs it’s time
- You’re registered for GST and BAS time is stressful
- Bank accounts are months behind on reconciliation
- You employ staff and run payroll and Single Touch Payroll (STP)
- Super is now due every payday under Payday Super
- You don’t know your profit until your accountant tells you
- You have overdue BAS or ATO letters
- You sell online across several platforms (Shopify, Amazon, eBay, Stripe, PayPal)
- You’re spending evenings on admin instead of the business
What the law requires
The ATO requires businesses to keep records that explain all transactions, generally for five years, and in English or easily converted to English. Records can be digital. If you have employees, you must report payroll through STP-enabled software each time you pay them.
Who can lodge your BAS
A bookkeeper can only charge for BAS services if they are registered with the Tax Practitioners Board as a BAS agent or tax agent. When choosing one, check the TPB register.
Payday Super raised the stakes
Since 1 July 2026, super guarantee (12% of qualifying earnings) must reach employees’ funds within 7 business days of each payday, and the super guarantee charge applies to late amounts. Employers who used to pay quarterly now need a tighter payroll routine.
What a bookkeeper does
Bank reconciliations, coding, invoicing and bills, payroll and STP, BAS preparation and monthly reports so you can see your numbers. See our bookkeeping service (from $495/month, BAS included) or our tax return service for your year-end return.
Frequently asked questions
When should a small business hire a bookkeeper?
Common points are GST registration, hiring staff, falling behind on reconciliations, or overdue BAS.
Can my bookkeeper lodge my BAS?
Only if they are a registered BAS agent or tax agent with the Tax Practitioners Board.
How long do I need to keep business records?
Generally five years, under ATO rules.
Can I do my own bookkeeping?
Yes. Many sole traders do. Software like Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks helps, and a bookkeeper can do a quarterly check before BAS.
Sources
ATO: record keeping for business · TPB: BAS agent registration · ATO: about Payday Super · ATO: what STP is. General information only, checked 23 October 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the relevant agency or ask us about your situation.
Talk to a Registered Tax Agent
Free 15-minute call, then a written fixed-fee quote within 1 business day. Online, Australia-wide.