How this usually works
Start from the business change creating pressure: turnover growth, staff onboarding, software issues, ATO letters, or EOFY decisions. That reveals whether you need a bookkeeper, BAS agent, tax accountant or a broader small business accountant.
Then decide the time horizon. If there’s a deadline (BAS, payroll, finance application, or 30 June), engage now and stabilise. If not, scope the ideal workflow and choose support that grows with you.
Signs your business is ready to hire an accountant
- GST/BAS
- Approaching or over $75,000 GST turnover, or ride‑sourcing where GST applies from day one.
- Quarterly BAS creates stress, or you need help correcting past lodgements.
- Payroll
- Hiring your first employee or contractor needing PAYG and STP reporting.
- Unsure about awards, super guarantee, leave accruals or payroll deadlines.
- Year‑end and tax planning
- Want pre‑30 June planning for profit, super, depreciation, dividends or trust distributions.
- Need help with CGT events, small business concessions, or Division 7A.
- Structure and growth
- Setting up a company/trust, adding owners, or seeking funding.
- Needing cash flow forecasts, budgets, KPI reporting or a virtual CFO.
- Systems and accuracy
- Xero/MYOB file is messy, bank feeds broken, or reports don’t match reality.
- Inventory, projects or multi‑location operations need better controls.
Who you actually need (and when)
Bookkeeper
Day‑to‑day coding, reconciliations, receipts and tidy books. Good for keeping your file clean and ready for BAS and tax. See bookkeeping services.
BAS agent
Registered to lodge BAS/IAS and advise on GST, PAYG and fuel tax credits. Helpful for GST registrations, corrections and ATO queries. See BAS agent services.
Tax accountant
Handles year‑end accounts, tax returns, tax planning, structures, Div 7A and CGT. Essential for EOFY and complex issues. See tax accountant.
Small business accountant
Combines compliance with practical advice on cash flow, pricing and strategy. Good for growing companies. See small business accountant.
Payroll services
STP setup, awards, super, payroll cycles and year‑end finalisation. See payroll services.
Virtual CFO
Forecasts, budgets, board packs and finance readiness. For businesses needing better decision support. See accounting services hub.
Australian context to keep in view
- Registration and experience matter. Look for CA/CPA or registered tax/BAS agent status plus relevant industry experience.
- Clarify the scope: compliance only (BAS/tax) or advisory as well (planning, cash flow, dashboards).
- Deadlines drive value. A pre‑30 June review can save far more than it costs; post‑year‑end options are limited.
- Software helps, but process wins. Choose providers who explain workflows and controls, not just apps.
What to compare before you commit
Scope
Confirm your actual needs are covered: setup, clean‑up, BAS/tax lodgements, payroll, year‑end adjustments, reporting and advisory.
Software fit
Experience with your stack (e.g., Xero, MYOB, Dext, Hubdoc, payroll add‑ons) and a clear workflow for who does what, when.
Turnaround and communication
Service levels for busy periods, who your day‑to‑day contact is, and how urgent issues are escalated.
Commercial fit
Fixed fee vs hourly, package inclusions, meeting rhythm, and advisory availability when decisions are time‑sensitive.
Best next steps
Write the outcome you want: clean up the file, lodge BAS on time, fix payroll, complete year‑end tax, move to Xero/MYOB, or improve cash flow. Then shortlist providers against that outcome.
Use these pathways to narrow your choice quickly:
- For bookkeeping and tidy records: Bookkeeping services
- For BAS and GST: BAS agent services or Best Way to Prepare BAS
- For tax and structure: Tax accountant or Small business accountant
- For new ventures: New business accountant
Quick checklist before you engage
- ABN/ACN and business structure confirmed.
- Current software access and status (e.g., Xero/MYOB, bank feeds connected).
- Last lodged BAS/tax return dates and any ATO letters.
- Headcount and payroll frequency; super and STP status.
- Deadlines: BAS due, payroll issues, finance applications, or EOFY timing.
- Objectives: clean‑up, ongoing compliance, reporting, or advisory support.
Frequently asked questions
When should I hire an accountant?
When you hit the GST threshold, hire staff, approach EOFY planning, face ATO pressure, restructure, or need cash flow forecasts and funding support. These are the points where a professional delivers outsized value and protects you from penalties.
Do I need a bookkeeper, BAS agent or tax accountant?
Bookkeepers keep your records clean. BAS agents lodge and advise on GST/PAYG. Tax accountants handle year‑end accounts, returns, structures and tax planning. Most businesses use a mix: bookkeeper/BAS agent monthly, accountant for tax and strategy.
Do I still need an accountant if I use Xero or MYOB?
Yes. Software doesn’t replace tax law, structures, payroll compliance, or EOFY adjustments. An accountant reviews, corrects, lodges and plans so your reports match reality and your obligations are met.
What should I prepare before contacting an accountant?
Provide your structure, software access, recent BAS/tax lodgements, a current P&L and balance sheet if available, headcount, and a note on goals and deadlines. It speeds up quoting.
How often should I meet my accountant?
At minimum: quarterly for BAS and reviews. Many growing businesses meet monthly for cash flow, KPIs and planning, and book a pre‑30 June session for tax strategy.
What’s the fastest way to get matched?
Send a short brief with your deadline and software via the form below. We’ll guide you to the right page—bookkeeping, BAS, tax, or small business accountant—and get you moving.