How this usually works
Discovery and scoping come first. A short fit call clarifies your business model, expected turnover, whether you will employ, deadlines and the right structure for risk and tax (sole trader, company, trust or partnership). You should leave this step with a simple plan: which registrations you need, which software you will use, what gets done monthly/quarterly, and who is responsible for each task.
Setup follows. That typically includes ABN and TFN, GST registration if turnover is at or likely to exceed $75,000 (or if you choose to register early), PAYG withholding, Single Touch Payroll and super if employing, ASIC company registration and director ID if forming a company, plus cloud software configuration, bank feeds, chart of accounts, receipt capture and a BAS cycle. Ongoing support then covers bookkeeping, BAS, payroll, year‑end tax and regular check‑ins so you know what is due and when.
Australian context to keep in view
- You need an ABN before registering for GST. The GST registration threshold is $75,000 projected or actual turnover; voluntary registration is allowed if you want to claim credits. If a supplier doesn’t quote an ABN, payers may need to withhold 47% from payments.
- Hiring staff triggers PAYG withholding, mandatory Single Touch Payroll reporting and Super Guarantee (11.5% from 1 July 2024). Check award, minimum wage and onboarding obligations under Fair Work.
- Keep business and personal finances separate, retain tax records for at least five years, and use digital receipt capture. Quarterly BAS is common for new businesses unless you opt in to monthly.
What to compare before you commit
Scope
Confirm the scope fits a first‑time business: structure advice, registrations (ABN, GST, PAYG, STP, ASIC if a company), software setup, payroll, BAS, basic reporting, training and a clear onboarding timeline.
Software fit
Look for depth in Xero, QuickBooks or MYOB plus any add‑ons you use (e.g. Shopify, Stripe, ServiceM8, Deputy). Ask them to walk you through the workflow—not just name the tools.
Turnaround and communication
Ask how long setup takes (often 1–3 weeks), who you will speak to, response times for questions, and how urgent items are handled during peak tax/BAS periods.
Commercial fit
Compare fixed‑fee startup packages versus hourly billing, what’s included (BAS, payroll, year‑end), how catch‑up work is priced, and exit terms if you need to change direction.
Best next steps
Write down the outcome you want: clean books, on‑time BAS, payroll ready for your first hire, a software setup that matches how you sell, or a simple cash‑flow plan. This keeps the brief focused and avoids unnecessary complexity.
Gather key details (structure preference, forecast turnover, how you’ll get paid, target start date, any deadlines) and review the related pages in this section, including ABN Registration Help, Business Structure Advice, New Business Accounting Checklist, Business Name and Tax Set Up, Company Set Up Accountant and New Business Cash Flow Set Up.
When you’re ready, use the form below to describe your situation and get a clear plan, timeline and quote from someone who works with first‑time business owners.
Frequently asked questions
What does an accountant for first-time business owners do?
They help you select the right structure, register ABN/GST/PAYG, set up software and payroll (including STP and super), design simple bookkeeping and BAS routines, and guide you on cash flow and tax so you avoid first‑year mistakes.
Do I need to register for GST or PAYG when starting out?
Register for GST if your turnover is or is likely to be $75,000 in a 12‑month period, or voluntarily if you want to claim input tax credits. If you will pay employees or certain contractors, you must register for PAYG withholding and enable Single Touch Payroll; you’ll also need to pay super at the current Super Guarantee rate.
How much does setup cost and how long does it take?
Basic sole trader setups can be completed in 2–5 business days. Company or trust formation with software and payroll generally takes 5–10 business days once information is supplied. Upfront fees vary by scope, and ongoing bookkeeping/BAS is commonly offered as a fixed monthly package for startups.
What should I read next?
Work through the New Business Accounting Checklist, Business Structure Advice and ABN Registration Help pages. If you plan to incorporate or want to map your first‑year cash position, also see Company Set Up Accountant and New Business Cash Flow Set Up.