What Do Bookkeepers Do?

Updated for the 2025–26 income year (tax returns lodged from 1 July 2026), with 2026–27 changes noted. Reviewed 19 October 2026.

What do bookkeepers do? In short: all the financial record keeping you don't have the time or expertise to do properly. A good bookkeeper keeps your records accurate and up to date, gets your compliance done on time, and gives you information to run your business.

Data entry and coding

Recording every sale and purchase in your accounting software, allocating it to the right account and GST code, and keeping the chart of accounts tidy.

Expense tracking

Matching bills to purchase orders and receipts, entering petty cash and credit card purchases, and flagging unusual spending.

Invoicing and receipts

Sending invoices promptly, following up late payments and recording money received – often the make-or-break task for small business cash flow.

Payroll

Checking timesheets, calculating pay, leave and commissions, reporting through Single Touch Payroll, and paying super at 12%. From 1 July 2026, Payday Super requires super to be paid with each pay run. If your wages exceed your state's threshold, payroll tax (a state tax) may also apply.

Banking and reconciliations

Connecting bank feeds, reconciling accounts and credit cards, and making sure the books match the bank.

BAS and GST

Preparing and lodging your BAS – which must be done by a registered BAS agent or tax agent if you're paying someone to do it. Quarterly BAS are due 28 October, 28 February, 28 April and 28 July. Some industries also need a Taxable Payments Annual Report by 28 August.

Reporting

Regular profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow and aged receivables reports, plus year-end files for your accountant.

See our bookkeeping and BAS services, or read 7 signs of a great bookkeeper.