How this usually works
A good request an accountant process starts with a short discovery call and a files review. Expect questions about your structure (sole trader, company, trust, partnership), software (Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks), ATO status, payroll setup (STP), and any deadlines like BAS, tax or lender requests.
From there, work typically runs in three phases: 1) Immediate triage for urgent items (e.g., BAS lodgements, payroll corrections, ATO responses), 2) Process design to clean up bookkeeping, receipts, bank feeds and coding rules, and 3) Ongoing review to keep BAS, payroll and tax accurate and management reporting useful.
Australian context to keep in view
- Scope clarity prevents rework. Decide if you want compliance only (BAS, tax, payroll) or advisory support such as budgets, cash flow and KPI reporting.
- Registrations matter. For tax advice and returns, use a registered tax agent; for BAS/GST, a registered BAS agent; many providers are also CPA or CA qualified.
- Deadlines drive priorities. BAS (quarterly/monthly), STP finalisation, super guarantee cut-offs and tax dates set the initial triage order.
- Software depth beats brand familiarity. Ask how the accountant will structure your chart of accounts, bank rules, tracking categories and app integrations.
- Industry experience helps. Hospitality, construction, eCommerce and professional services each have different GST, payroll and job-costing nuances.
What to compare before you commit
Scope
Confirm what “request an accountant” includes now and later. Typical inclusions: bookkeeping cleanup, BAS/GST, payroll (STP), year-end tax, management reporting, and software optimisation. List exclusions to avoid surprises.
Software fit
Check their workflow in your system (Xero/MYOB/QuickBooks). Ask how they will automate bank rules, receipts and approvals, and how you will exchange documents.
Turnaround and communication
Agree service levels: how quickly they respond, meeting rhythm, who handles ATO queries, and how urgent items are escalated during lodgement peaks.
Commercial fit
Understand pricing (fixed, hourly or hybrid), minimum terms, scope review points, and any add-ons for cleanup or catch-up work.
Best next steps
Write a one-paragraph brief that names the outcome you want (e.g., “lodge two overdue BAS, stabilise payroll and deliver monthly cash flow reporting”). Add your software, structure and any deadlines. This makes it faster to match you to the right help.
Then shortlist providers who can explain onboarding steps clearly, set expectations early and connect today’s tasks to your wider business goals.
If you are still defining the brief, start with the hubs for Accounting Services, Small Business Accountant and Tax Accountant, or jump straight to the form below.
Frequently asked questions
What does request an accountant usually involve?
It typically includes a records review, scoping, cleanup or catch-up work, then a steady cadence of BAS/GST, payroll (STP), and tax compliance. Many businesses also add management reports, cash flow, budgets and software improvements once the foundation is stable.
How do I know if this service suits my business?
If you have overdue compliance, unclear numbers, payroll issues, a software change, or you are growing and need better reporting, request an accountant. The right provider will triage deadlines first and then design a process that sticks.
What should I compare before choosing a provider?
Compare scope, turnaround, software workflow, fees, registrations and communication style. Ask for onboarding steps, a first-30-days plan and a clear list of inputs needed from you.
What should I read next?
Browse Accounting Services, Bookkeeping Services, Tax Accountant, BAS Agent Services, Payroll Services, or visit the Help Centre for step-by-step answers.