Starting a bookkeeping or accounting business
Small businesses always need someone to keep their books straight, which makes bookkeeping a steady business to run from home or an office. But some services, such as preparing and lodging activity statements for a fee, need registration. This guide covers what you can offer, how to register, how to price, and how to win and keep clients.
In short
- General bookkeeping doesn't need registration, but providing BAS services for a fee does - you must register with the Tax Practitioners Board.
- BAS agent registration needs a qualification, a Board-approved GST/BAS course, relevant experience and professional indemnity insurance.
- Choose a niche and a clear set of services, and price by fixed monthly packages where you can.
- Get to know the main accounting software platforms, and work alongside your clients' accountants.
- Client financial data is sensitive. Protect it with strong security, clear agreements and good records.
Bookkeeping, BAS services and accounting
It helps to be clear about what you’ll offer, because the rules differ:
| Service | What it covers | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeping | Recording transactions, reconciling bank accounts, invoicing, paying bills, chasing debtors, preparing reports | Not required for general bookkeeping |
| BAS services | Preparing and lodging activity statements, advising on GST, PAYG withholding and other BAS provisions | The Tax Practitioners Board says you must be registered to provide BAS services for a fee or other reward |
| Tax agent services | Tax returns and tax advice | Registration as a tax agent, with higher requirements |
| Accounting and advisory | Financial statements, budgeting, business advice | Some services need a professional accounting qualification or registration |
Many people start with bookkeeping, then register as a BAS agent to offer a fuller service.
Registering as a BAS agent
To register as a BAS agent, the Tax Practitioners Board requires you to:
- be at least 18 and a fit and proper person
- hold at least a Certificate IV in Financial Services (Bookkeeping or Accounting), or a higher bookkeeping or accounting award
- complete a Board-approved course in basic GST/BAS taxation principles
- have relevant experience: the hours required depend on your pathway, and can include work done under the supervision of a registered agent
- hold professional indemnity insurance that meets the Board’s requirements
- apply online, with identity documents and evidence of your qualifications and experience.
Registered agents must also complete continuing professional education and follow the Code of Professional Conduct. Check the Board’s website for current requirements and fees before you apply.
Set up the business
- Business registrations: ABN, business name and any others you need. See Registering a business.
- Structure: many start as a sole trader. Talk to an accountant about what suits you. See Sole trader, partnership, company or trust?.
- Workspace: a quiet, secure place to work, often at home. See Running a legitimate home-based business.
- Insurance: talk to an insurance broker about the cover you need, including professional indemnity if you’re registering with the Board.
- Engagement letter: a written agreement for each client covering services, fees, responsibilities, access to systems and how either side can end it. See Contracts and legal basics.
Choose your niche and services
Specialising makes marketing easier and work faster:
- By industry: trades, hospitality, allied health, not-for-profits, property.
- By size: sole traders, or businesses with a few staff and payroll.
- By service: monthly bookkeeping, payroll, catch-up and clean-up work, software set-up and training.
Write a short list of packages with what’s included, so clients know what they’re buying.
Pricing
| Model | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed monthly package | Regular bookkeeping and BAS | Scope clearly what’s included; review if volumes grow |
| Hourly rate | Catch-up work, unpredictable jobs | Clients can’t predict the cost |
| Per task | Payroll runs, one-off set-ups | Many small invoices to manage |
Base packages on things that drive your time: number of transactions, bank accounts, staff on payroll and how organised the client is. Track your time even on fixed fees, and review prices at least once a year.
Software and systems
- Learn the main cloud accounting platforms your clients use, and consider their partner or adviser programs for training and support.
- Use practice management tools for jobs, deadlines, time tracking and client communication.
- Keep a deadline calendar for every client’s lodgements and payments.
- Document your processes so the work is consistent and you can bring on help later.
Protecting client data
You’ll handle bank details, payroll records and personal information.
- Use multi-factor authentication on every system, and a password manager.
- Get your own login to each client’s software, never shared credentials.
- Send and receive documents through secure portals, not ordinary email attachments.
- Back up your own records, and keep them as long as required.
- Check whether the Privacy Act applies to you; the OAIC has a checklist for small business.
- Watch for payment redirection scams: always confirm changed bank details by phone before updating them.
See Cyber security and backups.
Finding clients
- Accountants and tax agents: many prefer clients to arrive with tidy books. Build referral relationships both ways.
- Your network: former employers, colleagues and local businesses.
- A simple website with your niche, packages and an easy way to book a call. See Building a small business website.
- Google Business Profile and reviews from happy clients.
- Local business groups and industry associations. See Networking and referrals.
Common questions
Do I need to be registered to work as a bookkeeper?
Not for general bookkeeping, such as data entry, bank reconciliations and invoicing. But the Tax Practitioners Board says you, your company or partnership must be registered to provide BAS services for a fee or other reward.
What do I need to register as a BAS agent?
The Tax Practitioners Board requires you to be at least 18 and a fit and proper person, meet the qualification and experience requirements, hold professional indemnity insurance that meets its requirements, and apply online with supporting documents and the application fee.
How should a bookkeeper price their services?
Many bookkeepers offer fixed monthly packages based on the number of transactions, bank accounts and staff, with extras priced separately. Hourly rates suit one-off clean-ups and unpredictable work. Review prices at least once a year.
How do bookkeepers find clients?
Referrals from accountants and existing clients are the main source. A clear niche, a simple website, a complete Google Business Profile and involvement in local business groups help people find and trust you.