Small Business Accountant for Startups

How startup accounting usually works

A solid for startups process starts with a short discovery to confirm structure, registrations, software, bank accounts, payroll needs and any deadlines. From there, your accountant typically works across three layers:

1) Setup and triage: Choose structure, obtain ABN/TFN, register GST and PAYG if needed, open bank accounts, implement Xero/MYOB/QuickBooks, set your chart of accounts, connect bank feeds and set up Single Touch Payroll.

2) Process design: Document how sales, expenses, payroll and receipts flow through the business. Add tools like Dext or Hubdoc, automate recurring items, assign roles and due dates, and create a compliance calendar.

3) Ongoing review: Monthly bookkeeping and reconciliations, BAS preparation and lodgement, superannuation, payroll checks, management reports and year‑end tax. Adjust the workflow as volume and complexity change.

Australian context to keep in view

• An ABN is free and is usually needed before GST registration; companies also require an ACN.
• Register for GST when turnover is expected to reach $75,000 in a 12‑month period (taxis and ride‑sourcing must register regardless of turnover).
• PAYER registrations: set up PAYG withholding if you have employees; payroll must report via STP each pay run.
• Superannuation Guarantee applies to eligible employees (currently 11.5%). Pay and report by due dates to avoid penalties.
• Quarterly BAS is generally due 28 days after the quarter ends (agents may access extensions). Keep bank feeds and reconciliations current.

What to compare before you commit

Common startup scenarios we handle

• New company setup with founders, cap table tracking and first‑time payroll.
• Ecommerce or subscriptions with Stripe, Shopify or WooCommerce integrations and settlement reconciliations.
• Quarterly BAS with historical cleanup and process fixes to avoid repeat issues.
• Cash flow and runway reporting for funding or board updates.
• Switching accountants or software without losing momentum mid‑year.

Typical costs and pricing models for startups

Pricing varies by transaction volume, payroll size, software setup and advisory needs. As a guide only:

• Initial setup and registrations: $600–$2,500+ depending on complexity.
• Software and workflow setup: $400–$2,000 depending on integrations and training.
• Ongoing bookkeeping and BAS: $200–$1,200+ per month (volume and frequency drive price).
• Payroll: often billed per employee per pay run, with a minimum monthly fee.
• Year‑end company accounts and tax: $1,200–$3,500+ depending on size and records.

Ask for a written scope, inclusions, exclusions and review points as your startup grows.

Software stack ideas for startups

Choose tools that match your sales channels and reporting needs, and that your accountant supports well:

• Core: Xero, MYOB Business or QuickBooks Online with bank feeds and logical chart of accounts.
• Receipts: Dext or Hubdoc to capture bills and receipts to reduce manual entry.
• Payments and sales: Stripe, PayPal, Square, Shopify or WooCommerce integrations configured for clean reconciliations.
• Payroll: native payroll with STP reporting and superannuation clearing house.
• Reporting: simple dashboards for cash, gross margin and runway; export packs for investors or boards.

Best next steps

Write down the outcome you need now: registrations and setup, reliable bookkeeping, BAS caught up, payroll sorted, or investor‑ready reporting.

Shortlist providers based on that scope. Ask them to outline the process, timeline, responsibilities and how they’ll keep you informed as you grow.

Use the related pages below to move into the most relevant subtopic, comparison page or local service page, then make contact with a concise brief.