What does a bookkeeper do?

A bookkeeper records financial transactions, reconciles bank accounts, manages accounts payable and receivable, processes payroll, prepares BAS statements, and maintains accurate financial records that form the basis for accounting and tax reporting.

Do bookkeepers need to be registered in Australia?

Bookkeepers who provide BAS services for a fee must be registered as a BAS Agent with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). General bookkeeping services do not require registration, but it is best practice to use a registered or qualified bookkeeper.

How much does a bookkeeper cost in Australia?

Bookkeepers typically charge $40–$100 per hour depending on experience and location, or offer monthly packages based on transaction volume. Cloud-based bookkeeping using Xero or MYOB can be more cost-effective for small businesses.

Should I use a bookkeeper or do my own books?

If your business processes more than a handful of transactions per month, a professional bookkeeper saves time, reduces errors, ensures BAS compliance, and frees you to focus on your core business. MyMoney® lets you compare bookkeeper proposals easily.

General Information Only

Bookkeepers

Day-to-day financial records, BAS, and payroll

Bookkeepers maintain the day-to-day financial records of a business — recording transactions, reconciling accounts, managing payroll, and preparing Business Activity Statements (BAS). Registered BAS agents are authorised to lodge BAS on behalf of clients.

What Bookkeepers Do

Bookkeepers provide essential financial record-keeping services that form the foundation of business financial management:

Recording day-to-day financial transactions (sales, purchases, receipts, payments)

Bank and credit card reconciliation

Accounts payable and accounts receivable management

Payroll processing including PAYG withholding and superannuation

BAS preparation and lodgement (if registered as a BAS agent)

GST tracking and reporting

End-of-month and end-of-year processing

Chart of accounts setup and maintenance

Cloud accounting software setup and training (Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks)

Inventory management and cost tracking

How a Bookkeeper Can Help

Engaging a bookkeeper may provide several advantages:

Freeing up business owners' time to focus on core operations and growth

Ensuring financial records are accurate and up-to-date for informed decision-making

Reducing the cost of year-end accounting — well-maintained books make tax time more efficient

Maintaining compliance with ATO lodgement obligations

Providing early warning of cash flow issues through regular reconciliation

Ensuring payroll obligations (PAYG, super guarantee) are met correctly and on time

Access to extended ATO lodgement deadlines (for registered BAS agents)

Regulatory Framework

Bookkeepers providing BAS services for a fee must be registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) as a BAS agent. Registration requires a minimum Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping or Accounting), completion of a TPB-approved course in basic GST/BAS taxation principles, and 1,000–1,400 hours of relevant experience. BAS agents must maintain professional indemnity insurance, comply with the Code of Professional Conduct, and complete 45–125 hours of CPE every three years. Registration is renewed every three years.

Key Regulatory & Oversight Bodies

TPB

Tax Practitioners Board

Bookkeepers providing BAS services for a fee must be registered as BAS agents with the TPB under the Tax Agent Services Act 2009. Unregistered provision of BAS services carries significant civil penalties.

Website Search TPB Register

ATO

Australian Taxation Office

The ATO administers BAS lodgement, PAYG, and superannuation guarantee obligations that bookkeepers help clients comply with.

Website

Key Qualifications & Requirements

TPB registration as a BAS agent (if providing BAS services for a fee)

Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping or Accounting)

Board-approved course in basic GST/BAS taxation principles

Documented relevant experience (1,000–1,400 hours)

Maintaining professional indemnity insurance

Compliant with TPB Code of Professional Conduct

Completing 45–125 hours CPE every three years

Why You May Need to Consider a Bookkeeper

There are a number of life events and circumstances where engaging a bookkeeper may be worth considering. The following are common scenarios — this is not an exhaustive list and is provided for general information only.

Starting a business

Setting up a proper chart of accounts and bookkeeping processes from the start prevents costly corrections later.

Falling behind on records

If financial records are not current, a bookkeeper can perform a "catch-up" to bring everything up to date before BAS or tax deadlines.

Payroll complexity

Managing payroll obligations — PAYG, super guarantee, leave accruals, STP reporting — requires accuracy and timeliness.

BAS lodgement

A registered BAS agent can prepare and lodge BAS, ensuring GST, PAYG, and instalment amounts are calculated correctly.

Transitioning to cloud accounting

Moving from spreadsheets or manual records to cloud software (Xero, MYOB) benefits from professional setup and training.

Where to Find a Bookkeeper

Locate a qualified bookkeeper through these channels:

Tax Practitioners Board Register — tpb.gov.au (verify BAS agent registration)

Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) — icb.org.au

Australian Bookkeepers Association (ABA)

MyMoney® Marketplace — post a brief describing bookkeeping needs and receive proposals from verified professionals

Related Verticals

Financial and professional services are interconnected. Depending on the situation, it may be worth exploring these related service areas:

Tax Agents Accountants Finance Brokers

Important Notice & Disclaimer

The information above is general in nature and does not take into account individual business objectives, financial situations, or needs. It is not business or tax advice. Before making decisions about bookkeeping arrangements, consider whether the information is appropriate for the circumstances.

The final decision about engaging any professional service provider rests with you. MyMoney® Marketplace facilitates connections between consumers and verified service providers — it does not provide personal advice or endorse any individual provider.

General advice only — does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether the information is appropriate before acting on it.

MyMoney® Marketplace is operated by Global Mutual Funds Pty Ltd (ABN 20 090 555 436, AFSL 222640). For more information, please read our Financial Services Guide.

Related Insights

View all

Expert articles and guides about bookkeeper services in Australia.

Ready to explore bookkeeper services?

Post a brief on MyMoney® Marketplace and receive proposals from verified bookkeepers who compete on merit.