How an online service accountant typically works
A solid engagement starts with a short review of your structure (sole trader, company, trust or partnership), revenue model (subscriptions, retainers, projects), payment platforms, and current reporting cadence. We note any looming deadlines for BAS, tax or payroll, then set priorities.
The work usually runs in three layers:
- Immediate triage — clear backlogs, fix broken feeds, map payout fees and stabilise BAS/payroll.
- Process design — implement clearing accounts, build rules for Stripe/PayPal, set revenue recognition and reporting packs.
- Ongoing review — monthly closes, cash and MRR dashboards, tax planning and compliance lodgements.
If you need hands‑on help, head to bookkeeping for online services or request help now.
Australian context to keep in view
- GST registration — required once turnover reaches $75k. Services to non‑residents may be GST‑free if conditions are met; domestic supplies are generally taxable.
- BAS and PAYG — quarterly (or monthly) BAS plus PAYG and super obligations if you run payroll. See BAS agent services and payroll services.
- Platforms and marketplaces — reconcile settlement batches, fees, refunds and chargebacks correctly using clearing accounts and automation.
- Financial rhythm — monthly close with MRR, churn, ARPU and runway tracking helps owners steer growth and cash with fewer surprises.
What to compare before you commit
Scope
Confirm bookkeeping, BAS, payroll, tax and advisory needs. For subscriptions, ensure deferred revenue and revenue recognition are included.
Software fit
Check fluency in your stack: Xero/QBO/MYOB, Stripe, PayPal, GoCardless, Chargebee/Recurly, time tracking and CRM. Ask for their reconciliation approach.
Turnaround and communication
Set expectations for monthly close dates, BAS lodgement timing, escalation paths and how support is handled during peak periods.
Commercial fit
Compare fixed vs time‑based pricing, advisory access, reporting depth (MRR, cohort, CAC/LTV), and meeting rhythm.
Common scenarios we fix
- Stripe/PayPal settlements are hard to match to invoices and GST looks wrong on BAS.
- Subscriptions are booked as cash sales; no deferred revenue or MRR tracking.
- Mixed local and overseas clients; unsure which invoices attract GST.
- Contractors, employees and remote teams; need STP Phase 2 and super streamlined.
- Rapid growth without a monthly close; owners want reliable dashboards and cash forecasts.
Explore focused help: online service bookkeeping, online service payroll, and online service tax and BAS.
Best next steps
Write down the exact outcome you want: cleaner books, accurate BAS, STP‑compliant payroll, subscription revenue recognition, or better cash and MRR reporting.
Shortlist providers against that outcome, not just job titles. The best online service accountant explains their reconciliation method, sets a clear close timetable and shows how reporting will inform decisions.
If you are ready to move, use the form below to describe your business and deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
Why do online service businesses need a specialist accountant?
Online services use subscriptions, retainers or projects and rely on platforms like Stripe or PayPal. A specialist handles deferred revenue, GST on cross‑border services, payout fees and automation so your BAS, tax and reports are right the first time.
Which software should an online service accountant be fluent in?
Xero, QuickBooks Online or MYOB for the ledger, plus Stripe, PayPal, GoCardless and subscription tools like Chargebee or Recurly. They should design clearing accounts, rules and integrations that keep fees, refunds and GST accurate.
Do I need to register for GST?
Generally yes once GST turnover reaches $75k. Supplies to overseas clients can be GST‑free if you meet export conditions; domestic sales are usually taxable. Your accountant will confirm treatment and manage BAS.
How are Stripe and PayPal payouts reconciled?
Post gross revenue and GST, record platform fees and refunds, then match settlement batches to bank deposits via a clearing account. Proper mapping avoids overstating revenue or GST.
Can you also handle payroll and contractors?
Yes. We can implement STP Phase 2, super, PAYG and leave rules, and clarify contractor vs employee treatment. See payroll for online services.