How this usually works
A practical small business accountant for companies process starts with a short review of structure, software and deadlines. Expect a triage to stabilise compliance (ATO and ASIC), a process redesign to tighten controls, and ongoing reviews for accuracy and insight.
- Setup and catch‑up: file access, bank feeds or statements, payroll data, prior returns and ASIC records.
- Compliance stabilisation: BAS/GST, PAYG, STP, superannuation, company tax return and year‑end financials.
- Controls and workflow: approvals, reconciliations, month‑end checklists, documentation and audit trail.
- Reporting cadence: monthly or quarterly management reports, cash flow, budgets and variance analysis.
Need to triage first? Use the form below to flag urgent BAS, payroll or tax pressure and get prioritised help.
Services a company accountant can cover
Compliance
BAS and GST, PAYG and STP, superannuation, company tax returns and year‑end financial statements. Many firms also handle BAS agent services and tax lodgements in‑house.
Payroll
Onboarding, awards application, leave, STP finalisation and super guarantee. See payroll services for detail.
ASIC and company secretarial
Annual reviews, registered office, director changes, share updates and general reminders to keep your company in good standing.
Software and controls
Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks setup/migrations, bank rules, inventory, project/job costing, and month‑end checklists to prevent rework.
Management reporting
Monthly packs, KPIs, cash flow, budgets and board‑ready summaries—especially helpful as you grow or seek finance.
Advisory
Tax planning, dividends and franking, remuneration mix, scenario modelling and working capital improvement. See accounting services and new business accountant for adjacent options.
Australian context to keep in view
- Check credentials: look for CA or CPA, and ensure tax/BAS work is done by a registered agent.
- ATO systems change often. Expect clear processes for BAS lodgement dates, STP, super and director duties.
- Choose software for workflow, not brand. Ask for a walkthrough of reconciliations, approvals and month‑end.
- If you only need compliance, say so. If you want insights and planning, look for advisory capability too.
What to compare before you commit
Scope
Confirm inclusions: bookkeeping oversight, BAS, payroll, year‑end, ASIC and reporting. Clarify what triggers out‑of‑scope fees.
Software fit
Make sure they can show you the workflow in your system (Xero, MYOB, QBO) and explain controls, not just features.
Turnaround and communication
Ask about month‑end timelines, BAS cycles, meeting rhythm and how urgent issues are escalated during peak periods.
Commercial fit
Compare fixed‑fee vs hourly, service levels, reporting depth and whether you want compliance only or advisory as well.
Pricing and typical timelines
Prices vary by transaction volume, payroll size, inventory, add‑ons and reporting depth. As a guide only:
- Quarterly BAS for a small company: from a few hundred dollars per lodgement.
- Year‑end company tax and financials: from the low thousands depending on complexity and catch‑up.
- Ongoing monthly packages: from a few hundred to several thousand for bookkeeping oversight, BAS, payroll and reports.
Timelines: allow 1–2 weeks for a light review, longer for catch‑ups, migrations or multi‑entity groups. Urgent BAS or payroll fixes can often be triaged first.
Best next steps
Write down the exact outcome you want: clean books, lodged BAS, payroll fixed, reliable monthly reports, software migration or strategic advice. Shortlist providers against that outcome, not titles alone.
Use these hubs to refine your path: bookkeeping, BAS, payroll, tax, and the broader accounting services hub. If you need location‑based options, try accountant near me.
Frequently asked questions
What does a small business accountant for companies usually involve?
It combines setup, review, compliance lodgements and steady communication. For companies, that means BAS/GST, payroll and STP, super, year‑end financial statements, company tax returns and help with ASIC annual reviews—plus software control and management reporting if needed.
How do I know if this service suits my business?
If you have GST, employees, finance needs or deadlines, an accountant keeps you compliant and decision‑ready. Clear signs include overdue BAS, payroll issues, software changes, growth or recurring questions about cash flow and profit.
What should I compare before choosing a provider?
Compare scope, fee model, software capability, turnaround, qualifications (CA/CPA and registered agent status), and whether they are proactive or purely reactive.
How much will it cost?
Pricing depends on complexity and volume. Expect BAS from a few hundred per quarter, year‑end from the low thousands, and monthly packages from a few hundred upwards. Request a scoped estimate for accuracy.
Can you assist with ASIC and company secretarial?
Yes, many accountants act as ASIC agents: they handle annual reviews, director changes, addresses and basic share updates. Confirm inclusions in your engagement letter.