Three roles, one clearer financial picture
A bookkeeper, BAS Agent and accountant can all be important to a small business, but they solve different problems. The most productive arrangement is usually not choosing one in isolation; it is making sure the roles, records and questions reach the right person at the right time.
The details of every engagement differ, so ask each adviser to explain their scope in plain language before work begins.
What each role commonly handles
A bookkeeper commonly maintains the day-to-day financial records: reconciliations, transaction coding, supplier and customer information, payroll administration and reporting. A Registered BAS Agent can provide BAS services within the registered scope, including preparing and lodging activity statements.
An accountant or registered tax agent commonly provides income-tax services, tax planning, financial statements and broader advice. Many businesses benefit when the bookkeeper keeps the records current, the BAS Agent handles BAS obligations within scope and the accountant uses clean information for tax work.
- Bookkeeper: current records, reconciliations and useful internal reports
- Registered BAS Agent: BAS services within their registration scope
- Accountant or tax agent: tax returns, tax advice and financial statements
- Employment adviser: award, contract and workplace questions
- Business owner: approvals, source documents and commercial decisions
How to avoid duplicated work
Give your advisers permission to communicate where appropriate, agree on the software and record-sharing process, and keep a list of recurring deadlines. The greatest efficiency usually comes from clean records and clear handovers, not from asking one adviser to make decisions outside their expertise.
If you are unsure who should answer a question, start by describing the issue and ask which role is appropriate.
Build a routine you can keep
The most useful bookkeeping habit is the one that is repeated. Set a regular time to collect source documents, review transactions and ask questions while the detail is still familiar. This is usually more effective than a large clean-up close to a BAS deadline.
A bookkeeper can help design the routine and keep the records current, but business owners still play an important role in approving information and explaining transactions that are not clear from a bank feed.
Know when to ask for specialist advice
Bookkeeping and BAS support are practical services, not a substitute for legal, employment or income-tax advice. Where a question involves awards, contracts, business structure, tax planning or a complex tax position, confirm it with an appropriately qualified adviser.
Linda Kops is a Registered BAS Agent (registration number 26001801). BAS services are provided within that registered scope, with clear records giving your accountant or tax adviser a better starting point.