Below we have answered some of the most commonly asked questions about our services that are directed to us. If you have any other queries please feel free to contact us.
Bookkeeping
What is a Bookkeeper’s role?
Business owners rely heavily on their bookkeeper to support them with a range of activities including processing purchases, sales, receipts, payments, payroll, bank reconciliations, preparing Business Activity Statements, reporting and record keeping.
Today, however, being a bookkeeper is more than just processing the above transactions accurately. Working closely with business owners to use this information to evaluate performance and plan is vital. Developing sound business processes, taking advantage of current tools, and having a sound understanding of the current environment is essential.
What are the benefits of outsourcing bookkeeping to Trade Guardian?
Working with Trade Guardian bookkeepers means you get access to highly skilled services and affordable and practical help tailored to your specific needs. Some of the obvious benefits are highlighted below.
- Less complex administration
- Bills and suppliers paid on time
- Extra time to grow your business
- Highly qualified staff you can rely on
- No more chasing up invoice payments
- Tidy, accurate books and financial records
- Staff and sub-contractors paid correctly
- Valid and current insurance policies
- Up-to-date compliance paperwork
- Reduced hassles with authorities
- More time to enjoy life
- Fewer headaches
What qualifications should a bookkeeper have?
In 2010 new legislation was introduced to regulate the bookkeeping industry. This provided a framework for bookkeepers to become registered ‘BAS Agents’ and contributed to an overall improvement of skills, qualifications, and experience of bookkeepers and professionalisation of the industry.
A BAS Agent must at least have a Certificate IV in Accounting or Bookkeeping, be a member of a professional association, have a minimum number of hours of practical experience and commit to undertaking ongoing professional development.
Trade Guardian is a registered BAS Agent. We pride ourselves on encouraging professional development for all staff. Our team members hold a range of qualifications from Masters in Professional Accounting, Masters in Business Administration, Diplomas in Accounting, Certificate IV in Bookkeeping etc. To learn about our teams qualifications Click here
What is good bookkeeping software?
There are excellent bookkeeping software options available today all offering a range of features. Key features now include Cloud and multi-user access, integration with banks and other systems and apps, ease of use and links to clear training and support features etc.
We use a range of software including Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks. We also work with a range of Add-Ons to address specific requirements such as Point of Sale, staff rostering and timesheets systems etc.
We believe the best approach is to understand your business requirements and then select the most appropriate software to meet your needs. We will then assist with the set up and implementation with you.
Should my Accountant do my bookkeeping or be involved?
We love working closely with business owner’s Accountants. When all three parties work well together great advice and support can be given to a business owner.
Bookkeepers are well placed to provide more regular and detailed services. We understand the details of a business and can efficiently and cost effectively provide feedback, reports and meet BAS and payroll compliance requirements. We can also provide feedback to Accountants of emerging issues quickly.
Ultimately having information up to date makes it easier for Accountants to provide tax and other services more effectively as well. It’s all about teamwork!
Do I need to clean up my books before I hand them over to Trade Guardian?
Let us do it for you! It is one less thing you need to worry about. Truth is we can probably get the work done quicker and more accurately if we do it ourselves (with your help and input of course).
We will review where you are up to and work out a plan with you to get everything up to date. We can then map out a process for moving forward so you are always on top of your accounts.
Payroll
Can you help me run my Payroll?
YES. We can assist you in setting up good processes and systems for tracking staff hours, run payroll for you, send payslips, and undertake Single Touch Payroll reporting.
We can also help you at the end of the financial year with your Single Touch Payroll Finalisation obligations.
We will also work closely with you to ensure you meet your other employer obligations including Superannuation and Long Service Leave reporting.
Compliance
Will you be able to lodge my BAS?
YES. As registered BAS Agents we can lodge your Instalment and Business Activity Statements and also talk to the Australian Taxation Office on your behalf.
We can also assist with other industry based compliance reporting.
I am behind in my BAS and tax! What is the best way to get up to date?
It happens to the best of us sometimes, but we can work towards getting everything up to date with you.
We will review where you are up to and work out a plan to get everything up to date. We will prepare information to address any outstanding BAS lodgements and work with your Accountant to get any outstanding tax returns completed. We can also liaise with the ATO to provide updates and potentially put a payment arrangement in place.
Administration
Can you help me with other administrative tasks?
Of course we can! We do lots more than just bookkeeping. Get in touch with us to find out how else we can help you.
Working with Trade Guardian
Do you look after clients outside of Canberra? Can I work with your remotely?
YES. We are based in Canberra but work with a number of clients in the surrounding areas and around Australia. The cloud-based tools we have available to use now make it so simple to help you wherever you are located. It is just a matter of putting the right systems and procedures in place.
How much does it cost?
To ensure you are getting value for money we tailor our services to your specific needs. By doing this we can deliver cost effective services by building on your existing work practices and available resources. We also work closely with you to streamline processes and make things as easy as possible for you.
While we can work on casual or hourly rates if it suits you, we have also developed a range of fixed price packages. For more information click here
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we do! We are really interested in hearing from you and learning about your business.
Our first consultation with you is free. We can then meet, better understand your business and existing arrangement and assess how we can help you.
How will it work? How do I get paperwork to you?
One of the first things we do is work closely with you to understand the assistance you need and work up a procedure that make sense and suits you.
Getting paperwork from you is one of the first key steps. There are now a range of tools available to make this easy. This may include drop off/collection of paperwork, using Receipt Bank, Hub Doc, emails, accounting software etc.
Who will I work with? What team member?
To ensure continuity, one of our highly qualified Canberra-based staff members will be assigned to support you directly. A second staff member will also be allocated to ensure backup can be provided whenever necessary, i.e. leave.
There is plenty to love about having your very own team making sure the administration for your business is humming along like a well-oiled machine.