How this usually works
Start with the outcome you need, then match the right type of help. For example: “lodged BAS this quarter”, “clean books and monthly reports”, “set up payroll with STP”, “company tax planned and lodged”, or “Xero implemented and automated”.
Once the outcome is clear, it’s easier to decide whether you need a small business accountant, bookkeeping services, a BAS agent, payroll services, or a tax accountant. You can also use a new business accountant for setup and registrations.
What does an accountant do? The core responsibilities
Compliance and lodgements
Prepare and lodge income tax returns for individuals, companies, trusts and partnerships; prepare financial statements; advise on record‑keeping and substantiation; review for accuracy before submission.
GST, BAS and IAS
Register for GST/PAYG, ensure correct GST coding, prepare and lodge BAS/IAS, reconcile GST and PAYG, advise on cash vs accrual and GST on imports/exports.
Payroll and super
Set up payroll, handle awards and allowances, Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting, PAYG withholding, superannuation calculations and finalisation, and prepare annual payment summaries if required.
Bookkeeping oversight
Design your chart of accounts, fix historical issues, reconcile bank/credit cards, set up processes, and supervise bookkeepers for quality and consistency.
Management reporting
Deliver monthly/quarterly reports, cash flow forecasts, budgets and KPI tracking so you can understand margins, costs and runway.
Advisory and planning
Tax planning before year end, pricing and cash flow strategy, structure advice (sole trader vs company vs trust) and guidance on growth, financing and risk.
ATO and ASIC liaison
Communicate with the ATO on your behalf, manage payment plans and notices, and handle ASIC company changes and reminders.
Software and automation
Implement and optimise Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks; integrate apps for inventory, POS, time tracking and payments; create efficient workflows and controls.
Australian context to keep in view
- Check registrations on the TPB register if you need tax or BAS work done for a fee.
- Many small businesses work best with an accountant for compliance and advice plus a bookkeeper for day‑to‑day processing.
- Software choice matters. Confirm experience with your stack (e.g., Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks) and integrations.
- Provider fit includes service scope, communication rhythm, turnaround standards and pricing method.
Unsure whether you need a BAS agent or accountant? See BAS Agent vs Accountant. Comparing roles? See Bookkeeper vs Accountant.
Who does what: accountant vs BAS agent vs bookkeeper
- Accountant: tax planning and returns, financial statements, structure advice, management reporting, oversight and ATO/ASIC liaison.
- BAS agent: GST/BAS/IAS preparation and lodgement, GST coding reviews, PAYG and payroll BAS obligations.
- Bookkeeper: day‑to‑day transaction processing, bank reconciliations, AP/AR, payroll processing, receipts and document capture.
Many firms offer all three. Use our Accounting services hub to choose the best starting point.
What to compare before you commit
Scope
Confirm the exact inclusions: setup, cleanup, ongoing bookkeeping, BAS/IAS, payroll, year‑end, management reports and advisory.
Software fit
Ask for specifics on workflow, reconciliations and integrations—not just brand names.
Turnaround and communication
Set expectations for response times, meeting cadence, due‑date reminders and escalation during peak periods.
Commercial fit
Compare fixed fees, retainers and hourly rates; understand billing triggers and how out‑of‑scope work is quoted.
Useful comparison reads: Best Accounting Software for Small Business and Best Way to Prepare BAS.
What accountants handle by business type
- Sole traders: bookkeeping setup, quarterly BAS (if registered), deductions and annual return, simple payroll if paying staff, cash flow basics.
- Companies: payroll/STP and super, BAS/IAS, company tax and franking account management, ASIC changes, director loan compliance and structured reporting.
- Trusts/partnerships: distributions and minutes, partnership allocations, BAS, and entity‑level plus beneficiary/partner tax impacts.
- Startups: structure selection, registrations (ABN, GST, PAYG), software stack and chart of accounts, R&D tax incentive guidance and runway reporting.
Costs and pricing—what to expect
Common pricing models include fixed‑fee packages (BAS, payroll, monthly reporting), retainers for ongoing support, and hourly billing for projects or cleanup work. Ask for a clear scope, assumptions and how changes are handled before you approve.
If you only need processing, a bookkeeper may be the most efficient start. If strategy and year‑end compliance are in view, a small business accountant is often the right lead.
Best next steps
Write down the deliverable: lodged BAS, payroll running smoothly, clean books and monthly reports, software migration, year‑end tax planned and completed, or a regular finance rhythm.
Then shortlist providers against that deliverable and your software stack. Check registrations, experience and communication fit. Move into the relevant hub or comparison pages below to move from a broad question to a scoped engagement.
Frequently asked questions
What Does an Accountant Do?
They keep your business compliant and decision‑ready: tax returns and planning, BAS/IAS and GST, payroll and super, financial statements and monthly reporting, software setup, ATO/ASIC liaison, and advisory on structure, cash flow and growth.
What should I check before deciding?
Check TPB registrations (Tax/BAS Agent), relevant industry experience, software capability (Xero/MYOB/QuickBooks), clear scope, turnaround standards and pricing. Make sure the plan matches your deadlines and desired outcomes.
When should I get professional advice?
Any time the issue affects tax, BAS, payroll, structure, trust distributions, director loans, ASIC obligations or a significant business decision. It’s better to ask early than fix a costly mistake later.
What is the safest next step?
Define the exact outcome, review the most relevant service or comparison page, then use the form below to outline your situation so the right person can respond with a clear scope and timeline.