Running a business comes with plenty to keep track of before you even get to BAS, payroll, tax, cash flow and financial reporting.
For Melbourne business owners researching professional support with those responsibilities, Bookkept is a Melbourne-based accounting and bookkeeping firm worth knowing about.
The firm works with small and medium businesses and sole traders across Melbourne, as well as clients elsewhere in Australia. Bookkept combines traditional accounting and tax services with bookkeeping, payroll, cloud accounting and business advisory support.
As with any professional service featured on Melbourne Talk, this information is intended as a starting point for your research. Check Bookkept’s current services, fees and suitability directly with the firm before deciding whether it is right for your business.
Why Bookkept may be relevant to Melbourne businesses
One of the practical considerations when choosing an accountant is whether the firm can support the different financial tasks your business needs.
Bookkept provides a broad range of services under the one business. These include bookkeeping and BAS, accounting and tax, payroll, accounts management, tax compliance, business advisory and CFO services, cloud accounting setup and SMSF support.
That breadth may be useful for businesses looking to consolidate several financial and administrative functions rather than finding a separate provider for each one.
Bookkept says it works with businesses across industries including retail, trades and construction, healthcare, hospitality, professional services, technology, e-commerce and manufacturing.
Its client base includes businesses and professionals such as dentists, physiotherapists, doctors, electricians, plumbers, restaurants, cafés, gyms, lawyers, psychologists, IT contractors and startups.
Bookkeeping, BAS and tax support
Keeping financial records current is an important part of running a business, but it can also consume time that could otherwise go towards customers, staff and day-to-day operations.
Bookkept provides ongoing bookkeeping using cloud-based accounting platforms, along with BAS preparation and lodgement.
Its accounting and tax services include business and individual tax returns, financial statements, company and trust accounting and tax planning. The firm also provides assistance with ATO compliance requirements covering areas such as GST, BAS, PAYG, payroll tax and income tax.
Bookkept is a Registered Tax Agent and ASIC Registered Agent.
Bookkept also provides payroll and accounts management
Businesses with employees can have another layer of administration to manage.
Bookkept’s payroll services cover payroll processing, Single Touch Payroll reporting, superannuation and PAYG management. It also offers accounts management services covering accounts payable and receivable, debtor management, invoicing and purchase reconciliation.
These services may be relevant to Melbourne businesses that have grown beyond handling every financial administration task internally or simply want ongoing assistance keeping their accounts organised.
Cloud accounting with Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks
Bookkept positions technology as an important part of how it works with businesses.
The firm can implement and optimise Xero, MYOB Advanced Business and QuickBooks Online and provide training for a client’s team. Bookkept is also a Xero Gold Partner and MYOB Gold Partner.
For businesses moving away from manual processes or trying to make better use of an existing accounting platform, cloud accounting support may therefore be another reason to include Bookkept in their research.
Business advisory for companies looking beyond compliance
Not every business needs its accountant solely for tax returns and compliance.
Bookkept also offers business advisory and CFO services, including cash flow forecasting, budgeting, business planning and strategic financial guidance.
This broadens the firm’s offering for established or growing businesses that want greater visibility over their finances and assistance with planning, rather than simply having their historical numbers processed.
How Bookkept structures its pricing
Another factor worth considering when comparing accountants is how fees are structured.
Bookkept uses fixed monthly packages tailored to the requirements of individual clients. Its published examples range from packages for sole traders and contractors through to hospitality businesses with employees and established firms requiring payroll, cash flow reporting, budgeting and other ongoing services.
The examples provided by Bookkept start from $220 per month for a sole trader or contractor, $440 per month for its example small hospitality business and $660 per month for its example established firm.
These are examples rather than a quote for every business. Requirements can differ substantially, so readers should contact Bookkept directly to confirm current inclusions and pricing for their circumstances.
What should you consider before choosing Bookkept?
Finding an accountant is not simply about locating the closest firm or comparing one headline price.
Think about what you actually need help with. A sole trader wanting BAS and annual tax assistance may have very different requirements from a company with ten employees, fortnightly payroll and regular cash flow forecasting.
It can be useful to ask prospective accountants which services are included in their fees, how often you will communicate, who will manage your account, which accounting platforms they use and what happens when your requirements change.
Bookkept is led by principals Daniel Heness and Brendan Thorp and emphasises direct client relationships alongside its technology-driven approach.
The firm also reports a 5.0 Google rating based on more than 89 verified reviews. Online reviews can provide additional information when researching a provider, but they should be considered alongside your own questions, requirements and due diligence.
Is Bookkept worth considering?
If you’re researching accountants or bookkeepers in Melbourne, Bookkept is one business to look at.
Its combination of bookkeeping, accounting, tax, payroll, cloud accounting and advisory services makes it relevant to a wide range of business situations, from sole traders needing regular financial administration through to established businesses requiring broader reporting and planning support.
The next step is to compare its services with your requirements and other suitable providers. Bookkept offers a free consultation, which gives prospective clients an opportunity to discuss their business and find out what services and pricing may apply.
Business information, fees and availability can change. Check current details directly with bookkept.com.au before engaging the firm.
