How Melbourne new business setups usually run
A strong new business accountant melbourne process starts with a short discovery: your proposed structure, registrations needed, industry specifics, software, reporting cadence and any lodged-or-overdue obligations.
Work then splits into three stages:
- Immediate triage: ABN/TFN, GST and PAYG registration, bank feeds, STP payroll, invoice and receipt capture.
- Process design: chart of accounts, workflows for bills and expenses, monthly close and BAS calendar, founder dashboards.
- Ongoing review: BAS, payroll and super cycles, cash‑flow and profit tracking, tax planning before year‑end.
Services a new business accountant can cover
- Structure advice: sole trader, company, trust or partnership, plus ASIC and director ID considerations.
- Registrations: ABN, TFN, GST, PAYG withholding, Single Touch Payroll, payroll tax (if applicable), WorkCover.
- Software and systems: Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks Online setup, bank feeds, receipt capture, app integrations.
- Bookkeeping and BAS: coding, reconciliations, quarterly or monthly BAS, fuel tax credits where relevant.
- Payroll: onboarding, pay runs, superannuation, leave, STP reporting and end‑of‑year finalisation.
- Cash‑flow and pricing: budgets, breakeven, runway for startups and early tax planning.
- Training and handover: owner and team training, process documentation, clear support channels.
If you only need part of this list (for example, just GST/PAYG and Xero setup), a focused scope will often be faster and more cost‑effective.
Australian and Victorian context to keep in view
- An ABN is required before registering for GST. If you do not quote an ABN, payers may be required to withhold 47% from payments.
- GST registration is compulsory once turnover reaches $75,000 (ride‑sourcing and taxi services must register regardless of turnover).
- Victorian employers should consider WorkCover insurance and, if thresholds are reached, payroll tax registration.
- Company setup involves ASIC fees and ongoing annual reviews; trusts require a trust deed and proper record keeping.
- Single Touch Payroll (STP) is mandatory for employees; superannuation must be paid by the due dates to avoid penalties.
What to compare before you commit
Scope
Confirm the proposal actually covers your new business accountant melbourne needs: structure advice, registrations, software setup, BAS/payroll and training.
Local vs remote
Decide whether you want in‑person meetings in Melbourne or a remote‑first service with robust systems and clear SLAs.
Turnaround and communication
Ask about response times, meeting rhythm, who to contact for urgent issues and how lodgement deadlines are tracked.
Software stack
Check depth with Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks Online and any add‑ons (payments, inventory, time tracking, job costing).
Commercial fit
Compare fee structure (fixed vs hourly), inclusions, notice periods and how advisory is delivered beyond compliance.
Pricing guide (Melbourne)
Indicative ranges to help you budget your startup setup. Actual fees depend on scope and complexity:
- ABN/TFN, GST and PAYG registrations: $150–$600+ (ABN itself is free; fees cover professional preparation and advice).
- Company setup: $600–$1,500+ professional fees, plus ASIC charges; trust establishment varies based on deed and advice.
- Software setup and training (Xero/MYOB/QBO): $300–$1,200 depending on accounts, payroll and integrations.
- BAS preparation and lodgement: $150–$450 per period.
- Ongoing bookkeeping: $70–$140+ per hour or a monthly package based on volume.
- Payroll setup and first run: $250–$900, then per‑employee or monthly thereafter.
Ask for transparent inclusions, and confirm what happens if volumes grow or you need extra help during busy periods.
Best next steps
Write down the outcome you want: structure confirmed, registrations completed, software live, payroll compliant, BAS lodged, or better cash‑flow visibility.
Shortlist providers against that outcome. The right fit will explain the process clearly, set expectations early and connect the work to your growth plan.
Use the related Melbourne pages and the New Business pillar to refine your brief before you make contact.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a local provider in Melbourne?
Not always. Many services can be delivered remotely, but a local provider is helpful if you want in‑person meetings, knowledge of Victorian obligations (like WorkCover and payroll tax thresholds), or easier handover of records.
What does a new business accountant do for Melbourne startups?
They help choose and set up the right structure (sole trader, company, trust or partnership), register ABN, TFN, GST and PAYG, implement bookkeeping and payroll (Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks), set up Single Touch Payroll, plan cash flow and manage BAS and tax lodgements.
Which structure should I choose?
It depends on risk, ownership, expected profit and admin appetite. Sole trader is fast and low cost. Companies add asset protection and flexibility for growth. Trusts can help with distribution. Get tailored advice before you register or sign contracts.
How much does a new business accountant cost in Melbourne?
Indicative ranges: ABN/GST/PAYG setup $150–$600+; company setup professional fees $600–$1,500+ plus ASIC fees; bookkeeping setup and training $300–$1,200; BAS preparation $150–$450 per lodgement; ongoing bookkeeping $70–$140+/hour or fixed monthly; payroll setup $250–$900.
How quickly can you set up ABN, GST and payroll?
ABN/TFN can often be applied for the same day, GST/PAYG within 1–3 business days (ATO processing dependent), and Single Touch Payroll setup typically within a week once software access and bank feeds are ready.
Which software should I use: Xero, MYOB or QuickBooks?
Choose based on your industry add‑ons, payroll needs, inventory and reporting. Xero is popular with startups and app integrations, MYOB suits some inventory and local requirements, and QuickBooks is strong on value. Your accountant should fit the stack to your workflows.