How this usually works
A focused MYOB migration starts with discovery: entity type, current system, reporting cadence, BAS and payroll status, inventory/jobs usage, and any ATO or banking deadlines. This keeps the scope aligned with your real pressure points, not just the software move.
Typical stages:
- Scoping and cutover planning: choose MYOB Business or AccountRight, confirm history to migrate, agree a go‑live date.
- Data preparation: tidy the source file, lock prior periods, reconcile bank/GST, fix payroll categories if needed.
- Mapping and import: map chart of accounts and tax codes, import contacts, items, jobs/categories, opening balances and selected history.
- Configuration: set up bank feeds, user roles, document settings, invoice templates, payment services and add‑ons.
- Payroll setup: build pay items, leave accruals, super settings and lodge STP Phase 2 test submissions.
- Testing and sign‑off: compare BAS, P&L, Balance Sheet, Aged Receivables/Payables and payroll reports before switching over.
- Go‑live support: monitor first bank feed sync, assist staff, and schedule the first BAS in MYOB.
If your current records need repair first, complete a MYOB clean up or a file review before migrating. This keeps errors out of your new file.
Australian context to keep in view
- STP Phase 2: make sure payroll categories, pay items and reporting categories map correctly for ATO submissions on day one. See MYOB payroll help.
- GST and BAS: confirm tax code mapping and run test BAS in both systems around the cutover month. Your MYOB BAS agent should sign off.
- Bank feeds: connect feeds and verify opening balances and reconciliation states so month‑end doesn’t drift.
- Inventory and jobs: test item valuation and jobs/categories reporting if you rely on margins, WIP or project reporting.
- Add‑ons: check integrations (payments, inventory, time tracking, e‑commerce) for compatibility with your chosen MYOB product.
- Security and access: set role‑based access and two‑factor authentication for owners, bookkeepers and your MYOB accountant.
What to compare before you commit
Scope
Confirm the scope covers the real job behind MYOB migration: clean up (if needed), data prep, imports, payroll/STP, bank feeds, add‑ons, testing and post‑go‑live support.
Software fit
Check experience with MYOB Business vs AccountRight and with your source system (Xero, QuickBooks, Reckon, Excel). Ask for a walkthrough of the workflow, not just brand names.
Turnaround and communication
Agree timelines for each phase, who is responsible for data exports, and how sign‑off works around BAS and payroll cycles.
Commercial fit
Compare fixed‑fee vs hourly, what’s included in post‑go‑live support, and whether you’ll also get ongoing MYOB bookkeeping or setup assistance.
Best next steps
Decide your cutover month, how much history you want in MYOB, and who needs access on day one. If you have overdue BAS, payroll issues or unreconciled banking, fix those ahead of time.
Then shortlist providers who can connect software setup to Australian compliance and weekly operations: bookkeeping flow, BAS cadence, payroll timing, management reporting and cash flow needs.
Use these related pages to refine scope: MYOB setup services, MYOB clean up, MYOB file review, and MYOB payroll help.
Frequently asked questions
What does MYOB migration usually involve?
A complete MYOB migration covers planning a cutover date, mapping the chart of accounts and GST codes, importing opening balances and selected history, bringing across contacts/items/jobs, configuring bank feeds and STP Phase 2 payroll, and testing BAS and core reports before go‑live.
How long does a MYOB migration take?
Simple moves take 3–5 business days. Files with payroll, inventory, multi‑entity setups or 24+ months of history typically take 1–3 weeks including review and testing.
What should I compare before choosing a provider?
Compare scope, pricing method, software experience (MYOB Business vs AccountRight and your current system), turnaround, qualifications (BAS agent/Tax agent), and whether they include post‑go‑live support.
Will BAS and payroll reconcile after migrating?
They should—if GST code mapping and payroll category mapping are done correctly, with pre‑ and post‑migration reconciliations and STP tests. Ask your provider for BAS and payroll sign‑off.
Which MYOB product should I choose?
Most SMEs use MYOB Business. Choose AccountRight if you rely on specific desktop features or add‑ons. A brief scoping call will match product features to your industry and reporting needs.
Do I need a clean up before migrating?
If your current file has coding errors, unreconciled accounts or payroll issues, do a clean up first so you don’t import problems into MYOB. See MYOB Clean Up Services.