Keep your hands on the tools, we'll handle the books
Say goodbye to paperwork headaches, missed deadlines, and tax-time stress. We do tradie bookkeeping, so you can focus on the job, get paid faster, and keep your cash flow in check.
Bookkeeping for Tradies
Bookkeeping for tradies should be about no complicated spreadsheets or jargon because we know that most tradies hate paperwork as it can be confusing, frustrating, and takes time away from getting the job done.
Some bookkeepers make it worse by overcomplicating things, drowning you in spreadsheets and accounting jargon. At Clients Needs Bookkeeping, we keep it simple.
Running a trade business in Melbourne isn’t just about getting the job done—it’s also about staying on top of invoices, expenses, tax, payroll and making sure your invoices are paid to keep cashflow positive.
But let’s be real—after a long day on-site, the last thing you want to do is sort through receipts, chase up invoices or worry about ATO deadlines. That’s where Clients Needs Bookkeeping services for tradies can help.
Whether you’re using Xero, MYOB, or even just sending us your receipts, we streamline everything so you can stay on top of your numbers without the headache.
Find out if bookkeeping is right for your business.
If we miss ATO deadlines you get free bookkeeping*
We find errors in current bookkeeping practices.
Bookkeeping services for tradies
We are bookkeepers that understand tradies have unique financial challenges like managing materials costs, fluctuating cash flow, subcontractor payments, and ATO compliance (TPAR, GST, BAS, Super, WorkCover, etc.) and our team knows how to process those financial transactions correctly, we understand the trades industry inside and out.
Led by Matthew, an experienced and down-to-earth bookkeeper servicing Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, we take care of everything from BAS lodgements and payroll to superannuation and bank reconciliations. Whether you’re a plumber, builder, carpenter, electrician, or any other tradie, we’ll keep your books in order so you can focus on completing jobs for your clients, not wasting time handling paperwork.
Let us take care of your books, so you can focus on what you do best—running your trade business. With packages starting from just $100 per month, 15+ years of experience, and a proven track record helping Melbourne tradies, we’re the trusted bookkeeping partner you need.
Get in touch today and ditch the paperwork for good.
Being a tradie isn’t like running an office job. You’re juggling materials costs, subcontractor payments, fluctuating cash flow, and strict ATO obligations like TPAR, BAS, and super. But too many bookkeepers treat every business the same, leaving tradies frustrated with generic advice that doesn’t fit their industry.
At Clients Needs Bookkeeping, we specialise in working with Melbourne tradies—from plumbers and carpenters to electricians, painters, and bathroom renovators.
With 15+ years of experience, we know exactly how to manage your books, keep cash flowing, and handle ATO compliance without the stress—starting from just $100 per month.
Finding a reliable bookkeeper isn’t easy.
You hear horror stories of missed BAS deadlines, incorrect tax filings, or bookkeepers who are impossible to reach when you need help. The last thing you want is to pay for a service that causes more stress than it solves.
At Clients Needs Bookkeeping, we’re known for our straight-talking, no-BS approach.
We keep everything transparent, accurate, and easy to understand, so you always know where your finances stand.
Plus, we’re only ever a phone call away—not hiding behind emails when you need urgent support.
Finding a reliable bookkeeper isn’t easy.
You hear horror stories of missed BAS deadlines, incorrect tax filings, or bookkeepers who are impossible to reach when you need help. The last thing you want is to pay for a service that causes more stress than it solves.
At Clients Needs Bookkeeping, we’re known for our straight-talking, no-BS approach.
We keep everything transparent, accurate, and easy to understand, so you always know where your finances stand.
Plus, we’re only ever a phone call away—not hiding behind emails when you need urgent support.
Most tradies hate paperwork—it’s confusing, frustrating, and takes time away from getting the job done.
Some bookkeepers make it worse by overcomplicating things, drowning you in spreadsheets and accounting jargon.
At Clients Needs Bookkeeping, we keep it simple.
Whether you’re using Xero, MYOB, or even just sending us your receipts, we streamline everything so you can stay on top of your numbers without the headache.
Late payments from customers can cripple a trade business. When invoices pile up unpaid, you’re left short on cash, struggling to pay suppliers, and constantly worrying about money.
Instead of spending hours chasing customers, let us automate your invoicing, track overdue payments, and make sure your cash flow stays strong.
With Clients Needs Bookkeeping, you’ll finally have steady, predictable income—without the stress.
Tradies don’t work 9 to 5—so why should your bookkeeper?
Many businesses struggle with getting help when they need it, stuck waiting for responses or dealing with bookkeepers who only operate within standard office hours.
At Clients Needs Bookkeeping, we work around your schedule, offering flexible support when you need it most.
Got an urgent BAS lodgement?
Payroll question?
We’re just a call away—day or night.
Falling behind on BAS, super, payroll, and WorkCover can mean fines, penalties, and a lot of unnecessary stress.
Let’s be real—keeping up with ATO regulations is the last thing you want to spend your time on.
At Clients Needs Bookkeeping, we guarantee that your ATO obligations are lodged on time and correctly, so you never have to stress about compliance again.
As a tradie, your time is best spent on the tools—not drowning in paperwork. But too often, chasing invoices, sorting receipts, and keeping up with tax deadlines eats into your nights and weekends.
If you’re sick of the financial admin piling up or stressing over ATO compliance, it’s time to bring in an expert. Clients Needs Bookkeeping takes care of everything from bank reconciliations and BAS lodgements to payroll and superannuation, so you can focus on running your business, getting paid on time, and keeping your cash flow strong.
Let us manage your bookkeeping so you can spend more time in the field.
If you’ve got staff, payroll isn’t something you can afford to get wrong. Wages, leave, super, and PAYG tax all need to be calculated accurately and on time—or you risk unhappy employees and compliance issues.
At Clients Needs Bookkeeping, we take the stress out of payroll, making sure your team gets paid correctly, on time, every time.
With our expert support, you’ll avoid payroll headaches, stay compliant with Fair Work regulations, and keep your staff happy—without the hassle.
Struggling to get your head around Xero or MYOB? You’re not alone! Many tradies find accounting software frustrating and time-consuming—but we make it easy.
At Clients Needs Bookkeeping, our team is Xero Silver & MYOB Diamond certified, meaning we know these platforms inside and out.
We’ll help you set up, optimise, and manage your accounts properly, so you’re not wasting time or making costly mistakes.
Get the benefits of smart bookkeeping software—without the stress.
Keeping up with tax and employee obligations can be a real headache, especially when you’re busy running a trade business.
TPAR lodgements, super payments, and Super Guarantee Charge (SGC) processing all come with strict deadlines, and missing them can lead to costly penalties.
At Clients Needs Bookkeeping, we take care of everything, ensuring your ATO submissions and payments are accurate, on time, and fully compliant.
No more stress—just peace of mind knowing your obligations are sorted.
Bookkeeper for your small business
Hire a small business bookkeeper with great reviews
Matthew is always accessible to provide advice when needed.
He is very efficient and knowledgeable and always presents himself in a very understanding and supportive manner.
Highly recommended.
Have been with Clients Needs for the past twelve months and the payroll/bookkeeping function of our businesses has never been more organised!
Always impressed with the response and turnaround times too!
Highly recommend!
Matthew is different, he gives you the service that you need from a bookkeeper.
He is flexible with his timings, and you can work closing with him to measure the performance of your of your business.
I highly recommend.
He has simplified everything for me, is efficient reliable and gets the job done.
Definitely recommend his services to everyone.
I have never had a bookkeeper so willing to help with any aspect of our business with a friendly helpful and respectful manner.
My mission is simple:
Take the financial chaos off your plate, give you clarity, and help your business grow.
Bookkeeping for Tradies costs & packages
Using the experience Clients Needs Bookkeeping has gained from working with hundreds of different tradies we have created easy to understand pricing for our range of services. These can suit any type of tradie business from sole traders to larger companies.
Whether you’re a tradie just starting out on your own that needs basic bookkeeping support or a larger company requiring comprehensive support including payroll management, we have a solution that can be customised for your business.
With 15+ years of experience working with tradies like plumbers, electricians, and carpenters, we understand the unique challenges you face, and we’re here to give you peace of mind. Let us handle your books while you concentrate on doing what you do best—running and expanding your business. With expert support from Clients Needs Bookkeeping, you gain financial clarity, save time, and avoid the stress of missed deadlines or compliance issues.
Let’s make bookkeeping one of the smartest investments you’ll ever make for your trade business.
SILVER
Turnover less than$100,000
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BAS Lodgements
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Bank reconciliation multiple accounts
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Monthly P&L
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Balance sheet reconciliation
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All catchup work billed at current rate pro rata
GOLD
Turnover more than$100,000
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BAS Lodgements
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Bank reconciliation multiple accounts
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Monthly P&L
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Balance sheet reconciliation
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Catchup work billed at 50% discount
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Monthly BAS returns -
$100 per month
PAYROLL
Get support to manageyour payroll
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Super / STP / Workcover lodgements & end of year finalisations
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1 x employee –
$40 per month -
Up to 5 Employees –
$210 per month -
Up to 10 employees –
$315 per month -
10+ employees –
$Request a quote -
Monthly IAS –
$50 extra per month
OPTIONS
Choose what you needfor your business
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TPAR – Contractor monthly ABN checks / Contractor super payments / TPAR Lodgement –
$50 per month -
Receipts – Tracking or uploading of receipts x 15 –
$35 per month -
Regular face to face meeting –
1 x free per year $250 per meeting thereafter -
Video call meeting –
$0
Hiring a bookkeeper in Melbourne is not just an investment in the financial organisation of your business, it’s a smart business decision that saves both time and money. Tradies that use a bookkeeper ensure their accounts are accurate, preventing costly mistakes like overpaying tax, missing deductions, or mismanaging cash flow.
Plus, the cost of bookkeeping services are typically tax-deductible, meaning you can reduce your taxable income and lower your overall tax bill while keeping your finances in order. Instead of wasting hours struggling with receipts, invoices, and compliance, outsourcing to a bookkeeper allows you to focus on growing your business, improving efficiency, and increasing profitability. With expert support, you not only gain financial clarity but also free up valuable time, making bookkeeping one of the smartest investments a business owner can make.
Bookkeeping solutions for Tradies
Here are some examples of the simple bookkeeping solutions we have provided to business owners and tradies. By hiring a bookkeeper, you’re not just getting organised paperwork, you’re buying back time to focus on running your company, here are three examples of how we have helped other business owners
Example 1 -
Carpenter
This tradie started their career working as a sub contractor to gain experience in his trade, once he became very knowledgeable and confident he started servicing clients on his own and hired an apprentice to help.
He was unsure what to pay his apprentice, so we went through Paycheck plus over the phone to determine his exact pay rate and I requested the details to input the employee into the system to start producing payslips.
He had many questions about how it worked with the leave accruals, super and PAYG which we sorted out, I explained to just email me across the hours worked and I will fill create weekly payslips and pay the super quarterly for him. As my client is on the tools throughout the day he doesn’t have the energy or time to do this each night so I just tell him about much to pay the employee and this is a simple bank transfer for him.
After a few years he decided to hire an experienced contractor to help him out so he could expand as this contractor works for him 80% or more of the time the tax agent advised that we need to pay them super, each quarter I go through all the payments to this person and pay the SGC guarantee rate for him.
He was now in the position to expand, he started building houses and instead of being on the tools all day he was now organising trades, materials, and was able to delegate work to many different contractors to get the work done for him so he was now a managing director rather than a carpenter.
To assist a business owner to grow in this way feels great and from his point of view having me preparing all the bookkeeping work for him, he never had that stress of having to do it himself which allowed him to plan, grow at a successful rate without having the stress of managing paperwork.
Example 2 -
Home builder debt
This home building tradesman company requested my services as a consultant as they already had their own bookkeeper, so I checked over their work, helped with complex issues, and lodged the BAS and paid the super for them.
Their employee ended up leaving which left my client in a bad spot as no one was handling the invoicing & bank reconciliations, so our bookkeeping service for tradies helped them.
The client was very thankful that his business kept on running as usual keeping the cashflow coming in and bookkeeping organised. Again the next employee left and instead the owner hired an overseas admin person to take on this role including the payroll. Upon checking everything I found a large amount of errors in both the payroll, and GST allocations on invoicing.
Once it was all fixed I educated the admin person on the errors and to this day I still check everything in detail to make sure the accounts are sound.
Example 3 -
Roofer service
This roofing tradie was paying their accountant $700 per month to complete their BAS return, they only had bank reconciliation, 1 contractor, 3 employees and BAS Lodgements.
I went through the bookkeeping and explained to them they were spending too much time on reconciling the payroll, they were using some backwards method to reconcile through the electronic clearing a/c when all you had to do was send both the payslip & Payment to the payroll clearing a/c and reconcile it through the bank rec section.
This saved a lot of messing around and time, also they were manually entering all the bank feeds instead of setting up rules for the transactions, I offered to charge them $310 per month for my work, my client is very happy with the work and I am still with them saving them $4000 a year in fees.
Bookkeeping tasks we do for tradies
A detailed look at the tasks our team can deliver
A tradie bookkeeper in Melbourne can play a crucial role in helping your business manage its financial records easily, stay compliant with tax regulations and a maintain healthy cash flow.
- Entry of all business transactions
- Accurate tracking of sales and stock
- Reconciliation of bank accounts, credit card accounts, loan accounts, inter-entity loan accounts
- Preparation of accounts in line with ATO requirements
- Preparation and lodgement of STP reports
Keeping track of your business transactions can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Bank reconciliation ensures that your financial records match your bank statements, helping to identify discrepancies, prevent fraud, and maintain accurate cash flow tracking. At Clients Needs Bookkeeping, we meticulously reconcile your accounts, ensuring every transaction is accounted for, so you have a clear picture of your business’s financial position.
- Retrieving Bank Statements – Accessing up-to-date bank statements from financial institutions to compare with business records.
- Matching Transactions – Comparing bank transactions with entries in the accounting system to ensure accuracy.
- Identifying Discrepancies – Spotting any missing, duplicate, or incorrect transactions that need to be corrected.
- Correcting Errors – Investigating and resolving mistakes, such as incorrect payments, duplicate charges, or bank errors.
- Allocating Bank Transactions – Ensuring all incoming and outgoing funds are categorised correctly in the financial records.
- Recording Missing Transactions – Entering any bank transactions that were not initially recorded in the accounting system.
- Reconciling Credit Card and PayPal Accounts – Ensuring that all business accounts, including credit cards and online payment platforms, are balanced.
- Reviewing Outstanding Payments and Deposits – Checking for unprocessed payments or deposits that haven’t cleared the bank.
- Checking for Fraudulent Transactions – Identifying and reporting any unauthorised or suspicious transactions.
- Ensuring GST and Tax Accuracy – Verifying that GST on transactions is correctly recorded for accurate BAS reporting.
- Preparing Reconciliation Reports – Providing business owners with a report summarising reconciled transactions and any outstanding issues.
Paying employees correctly and on time is crucial to keeping your business running smoothly. Our payroll services cover everything from wage calculations and tax withholdings to superannuation contributions and Single Touch Payroll (STP) compliance. We take the complexity out of payroll processing, ensuring your staff are paid accurately while keeping your business compliant with Fair Work regulations.
- Weekly, fortnightly, monthly pay runs, whether salary or hourly employees, full time, part time or casual
- Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting
- Preparation of pays from time sheets
- Preparation of superannuation remittances and PAYG remittance
- Leave calculations – annual, sick, long service
- Termination of employment calculations
- Year end STP reconciliations, reporting and ATO lodgement
- Preparation of payroll tax returns
Managing accounts payable is vital for maintaining good relationships with suppliers and keeping cash flow under control. We track your outstanding bills, ensure invoices are paid on time, and help you avoid late fees or supply chain disruptions. Let us handle your accounts payable so you can focus on running your business without worrying about overdue payments.
- Entry of bills and preparation of electronic files for upload to banking software for payment to suppliers
- Monitoring of ages payables, to ensure the most urgent bills are paid first
- Monitoring of cash flow
- Recording Supplier Invoices – Accurately entering invoices into the accounting system as soon as they are received.
- Verifying Invoice Details – Checking that invoices are correct, match purchase orders, and align with agreed-upon terms.
- Scheduling Payments – Organising due dates to ensure bills are paid on time while maintaining cash flow.
- Processing Payments – Paying suppliers through bank transfers, credit cards, direct debits, or cheque payments as required.
- Reconciling Supplier Accounts – Ensuring payments match the correct invoices and addressing any discrepancies.
- Handling Payment Disputes – Resolving issues related to incorrect charges, duplicate invoices, or missing payments.
- Managing Business Expenses – Keeping track of regular outgoings such as rent, utilities, subscriptions, and supplier payments.
- Maintaining Supplier Records – Keeping up-to-date contact details, account numbers, and payment terms for each vendor.
- Generating Aged Payables Reports – Providing reports on outstanding bills to help the business owner manage cash flow.
- Prioritising Payments – Identifying critical payments to avoid late fees, service disruptions, or damage to supplier relationships.
Unpaid invoices can create cash flow issues that hold your business back. Our accounts receivable service ensures you stay on top of outstanding customer payments by tracking invoices, following up on overdue accounts, and improving collection processes. We help you get paid faster, so your cash flow remains healthy and predictable.
- Entry of invoices and customer payments
- Monitoring of aged receivables, sending of statements
- Following up overdue debtor payments
- Generating and Sending Invoices – Creating accurate invoices for goods or services provided and sending them to customers promptly.
- Recording Payments Received – Accurately logging all payments made by customers into the accounting system.
- Tracking Outstanding Invoices – Monitoring unpaid invoices and identifying overdue accounts.
- Sending Payment Reminders – Issuing polite but firm reminders to customers with outstanding balances.
- Following Up on Overdue Payments – Contacting customers directly to chase up unpaid invoices and arrange payments.
- Reconciling Customer Accounts – Ensuring all payments received match the correct invoices and identifying any discrepancies.
- Applying Payments to Invoices – Allocating received payments to the appropriate invoices in the accounting system.
- Issuing Credit Notes or Adjustments – Managing refunds, discounts, or corrections when needed.
- Maintaining Customer Records – Keeping up-to-date records of customers, including contact details and payment history.
- Providing Aged Debtors Reports – Preparing reports showing outstanding debts to help the business owner understand cash flow.
Understanding your business’s financial health is key to making informed decisions. We prepare profit and loss statements and balance sheets, giving you clear insights into your income, expenses, and overall financial position. With these reports, you can plan for growth, identify trends, and keep your business on the right track.
- Preparation of reports, including profit and loss, balance sheet, cost centre profitability, cash flow, budget
- Recording Income and Revenue – Accurately tracking all business income, including sales, services, and other revenue streams.
- Categorising Expenses – Ensuring all business expenses (e.g., wages, rent, utilities, supplies, marketing) are recorded correctly.
- Reconciling Revenue and Expenses – Matching recorded income and costs against bank statements to ensure accuracy.
- Calculating Gross Profit – Determining gross profit by subtracting cost of goods sold (COGS) from total revenue.
- Tracking Operating Expenses – Monitoring fixed and variable costs to understand how they impact profitability.
- Identifying Profitability Trends – Analysing P&L statements over time to spot revenue growth, expense patterns, or potential financial risks.
- Ensuring GST and Tax Accuracy – Confirming that GST is correctly recorded to align with ATO reporting requirements.
- Preparing Monthly, Quarterly, or Annual P&L Reports – Providing business owners with clear, easy-to-understand financial summaries.
Lodging your Business Activity Statement (BAS) correctly and on time is essential to avoiding penalties from the ATO. We take care of the entire BAS process, ensuring accurate GST reporting and compliance with tax regulations. With our expertise, you can be confident your BAS lodgements are stress-free and error-free.
- Preparation of BAS and IAS returns, and reconciliation of accounts
- Tracking GST on Income and Expenses – Recording and reconciling Goods and Services Tax (GST) collected on sales and paid on purchases.
- Reviewing Business Transactions – Ensuring all financial records are accurate, complete, and correctly categorised before reporting to the ATO.
- Preparing the BAS Statement – Compiling data for GST, PAYG withholding, PAYG instalments, fuel tax credits, and other tax obligations.
- Reconciling BAS Figures – Cross-checking BAS data against financial reports to identify discrepancies before lodgement.
- Lodging BAS with the ATO – Submitting the Business Activity Statement on time through the ATO portal or accounting software.
- Managing PAYG Withholding and Instalments – Ensuring that employee tax withholding and business tax instalments are reported correctly.
- Claiming GST Credits – Identifying eligible GST credits on business expenses to reduce tax payable.
- Checking for Errors or Omissions – Reviewing BAS reports to ensure there are no missing transactions or miscalculations.
- Keeping Up with ATO Deadlines – Tracking quarterly or monthly BAS due dates and ensuring timely lodgement to avoid penalties.
- Communicating Tax Liabilities – Informing business owners of any GST or tax amounts due, so they can manage cash flow accordingly.
- Advising on Payment Plans (if needed) – Assisting business owners in setting up payment plans with the ATO if they face financial difficulties.
- Maintaining BAS Records – Keeping accurate and compliant financial records in case of an ATO audit or review.
Keeping accurate records means ensuring every receipt matches an invoice, preventing discrepancies and making tax time easier. We meticulously match your receipts with corresponding transactions, reducing errors and improving the accuracy of your financial reporting.
- Collecting and Organising Receipts – Gathering receipts from business owners, employees, and suppliers, whether they are paper copies or digital files.
- Verifying Invoice Details – Checking that each receipt corresponds to the correct invoice by confirming amounts, dates, and supplier details.
- Recording Receipts in the Accounting System – Entering transaction details into accounting software such as Xero, MYO.
- Matching Payments to Invoices – Ensuring that payments made are applied to the correct invoice to prevent duplicate or missing payments.
- Reconciliation of Bank Statements – Cross-checking bank transactions with recorded invoices and receipts to ensure accuracy.
- Identifying Missing or Unmatched Receipts – Flagging any missing documentation and requesting the necessary receipts from suppliers or employees.
- Correcting Discrepancies – Investigating and resolving mismatched amounts, duplicate entries, or incorrect allocations.
- Ensuring GST Compliance – Making sure GST is correctly recorded on receipts for accurate BAS lodgements and tax reporting.
- Tracking Employee Expenses and Reimbursements – Managing business expense claims and ensuring receipts align with approved purchases.
- Preventing Fraud and Errors – Spotting potential issues like duplicate payments, unauthorised expenses, or incorrect amounts.
- Maintaining Digital Records – Keeping electronic copies of receipts and invoices to ensure easy access for audits and tax reporting.
- Providing Reports on Outstanding Invoices and Payments – Helping business owners understand who has been paid, who still owes money, and what expenses have been claimed.
If your business pays contractors, you may need to lodge a TPAR with the ATO. We handle the process from start to finish, ensuring all required contractor payments are reported correctly and lodged on time to keep your business compliant.
- Identifying Reportable Contractor Payments – Determining which suppliers and subcontractors need to be included in the TPAR based on ATO guidelines.
- Collecting Contractor Details – Ensuring the business has accurate records of each contractor’s ABN, business name, and total payments received.
- Recording Payments to Contractors – Tracking all payments made to contractors throughout the financial year, including labour costs and service fees.
- Verifying Data Accuracy – Checking that contractor payment details are correctly recorded in the accounting system to prevent errors in the report.
- Reconciling Contractor Payments with Financial Records – Ensuring reported payments match the business’s profit and loss statements and bank transactions.
- Preparing the TPAR Report – Compiling the necessary payment data and formatting it according to ATO requirements.
- Lodging the TPAR with the ATO – Submitting the completed Taxable Payments Annual Report by the 28th of August deadline each year.
- Reviewing for Missing or Incorrect Information – Identifying any missing contractor details or discrepancies before lodgement.
- Updating Business Records – Keeping contractor details up to date for future reporting periods.
- Ensuring Compliance with ATO Regulations – Making sure the business meets its obligations to avoid potential fines or audits.
- Providing Advice on Contractor Tax Obligations – Helping business owners understand their responsibilities regarding tax withholding and compliance.
- Maintaining TPAR Records for Audit Purposes – Keeping copies of lodged reports and supporting documents in case of an ATO review.
Staying compliant with superannuation obligations is essential for any business with employees. We handle super payments and SGC processing, ensuring your staff receive their entitlements on time while helping you avoid penalties for late or missed contributions. With our support, you can stay on top of your super obligations without the stress.
- Preparation of superannuation payments
- Calculating Superannuation Contributions – Ensuring that the correct Super Guarantee (SG) percentage is applied to eligible employee earnings.
- Processing Super Payments – Making superannuation contributions through SuperStream-compliant payment methods before the ATO deadline.
- Tracking Superannuation Due Dates – Ensuring that quarterly super payments are processed on time to avoid penalties.
- Reconciling Superannuation Records – Cross-checking payroll reports with superannuation payments to confirm accuracy.
- Identifying Unpaid or Underpaid Super – Reviewing payroll records to ensure employees receive their full super entitlements.
- Lodging Super Guarantee Charge (SGC) Statements – If super payments are missed or paid late, preparing and lodging the SGC statement with the ATO.
- Setting Up Salary Sacrificing for Employees – Assisting with pre-tax super contributions and ensuring they are correctly processed in payroll.
- Maintaining Accurate Super Records – Keeping thorough documentation of all super transactions for audit purposes.
- Handling Employee Super Queries – Addressing questions from employees about their superannuation entitlements and payments.
- Providing Superannuation Reporting – Generating reports for business owners to track super payments and compliance status.
Bookkeeping for tradies in Melbourne
Contact details
Opening hours
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Mon- Fri: 9am - 9pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 9pm
Our service locations
Frequently asked questions
What is bookkeeping for tradies and how is it different to other services?
Bookkeeping for tradies is the process of managing the financial side of a trade business in a clear, organised, and accurate way. It includes tracking income and expenses, preparing and lodging BAS, managing payroll, keeping up with superannuation obligations, and staying on top of accounts payable and receivable.
While this may sound similar to general bookkeeping, tradies face unique challenges that require a more tailored approach.
Unlike office-based businesses, tradies are often on the road, working on multiple job sites, and dealing with cash flow that can change week to week. They may struggle to keep track of receipts, miss invoicing jobs, or forget to follow up on payments. This makes it harder to know where the business stands financially, and can lead to missed tax obligations or late payments.
A bookkeeper who has experience working with tradies takes these challenges into account. Our service is designed to be simple, flexible, and supportive, with systems that fit around a busy workday. Our bookkeeper team will work with each tradie to make sure jobs are invoiced on time, that materials and labour costs are tracked properly, and that payments are chased when needed. Our team will also make sure that everything is compliant with tax and employment laws, so there are no surprises from the ATO.
In what situations would it make sense for a tradie to consider using a bookkeeper?
There are several common situations where it makes clear sense for a tradie to start using a bookkeeper. These usually come down to saving time, reducing stress, avoiding costly mistakes, and making the business more efficient. Below are the most common reasons that our company sees when a tradie asks us about our services;
1. You’re too busy on the tools to deal with paperwork
Most tradies work long, physical days and don’t have time in the evenings or weekends to keep up with receipts, invoicing, and chasing payments. A bookkeeper takes this responsibility so you can focus on getting the job done and enjoying your time off.
2. Your paperwork is piling up
If you’ve got a glovebox full of receipts, invoices you haven’t sent, or BAS deadlines creeping up, it’s time to call in a bookkeeper. They’ll organise your financial records, keep everything up to date, and make sure nothing gets missed.
3. You’re behind on BAS, super, or tax
Missing ATO deadlines can lead to penalties, interest charges, or extra stress. A bookkeeper ensures everything—BAS, superannuation, payroll—is submitted accurately and on time, keeping your business compliant.
4. You’re not sure where your money is going
If cash flow feels tight but you’re not sure why, a bookkeeper can help you track income and expenses, spot areas of overspending, and give you a clear picture of your financial position.
5. You’re hiring staff or subcontractors
Once your business starts to grow, managing wages, entitlements, PAYG, super and WorkCover can become complex. A bookkeeper ensures your payroll is done correctly and your legal obligations are met.
6. You’re using accounting software but not confident with it
Software like Xero or MYOB can be helpful—but only if set up and used correctly. A bookkeeper can help you get the most from your system, ensuring it works for your business, not against it.
7. You want to grow your business
When you know your finances are in good hands, you can focus on quoting more jobs, building your team, or expanding your services. A bookkeeper gives you financial clarity, which makes confident decision-making easier.
What tradie services will typically use a bookkeeper?
Most trades-based businesses can benefit from using a bookkeeper—especially as their workload grows and their admin becomes harder to manage, the most common types of tradies that Clients Needs Bookkeeping helps are;
1. Plumbers
Plumbing businesses often deal with multiple jobs per day, material purchases, subcontractors, and equipment hire. A bookkeeper helps manage job costing, track expenses, invoice clients promptly, and handle BAS and payroll.
2. Electricians
Electricians usually operate as either sole traders or small teams. With ongoing supply purchases, varying job scopes, and compliance requirements, a bookkeeper ensures everything from payroll to TPAR reporting is handled accurately.
3. Builders and Carpenters
Construction trades often manage progress payments, variations, subcontractors, and complex invoicing. A bookkeeper can help keep track of costs across multiple jobs, ensure suppliers are paid on time, and make financial reporting easier.
4. Painters and Decorators
While painting may have simpler job structures, these trades still require invoicing, expense tracking, GST reporting, and super payments. Bookkeepers help avoid admin overwhelm and ensure smooth financial operations.
5. Landscapers and Gardeners
These trades often include both one-off and ongoing services. A bookkeeper helps with recurring invoices, payroll for casual staff, equipment depreciation, and staying on top of ATO obligations.
6. Tilers, Plasterers, and Waterproofers
Working across residential and commercial sites, these trades handle labour-heavy jobs with tight schedules. A bookkeeper supports them by managing timesheets, job costing, and keeping super and BAS lodgements under control.
7. HVAC Technicians and Sparkies
These services often work under strict safety and compliance rules. A bookkeeper helps maintain clean records, process employee entitlements correctly, and keep the books ready for tax time or audits.
8. Roofers and Fencers
Often dealing with seasonal demand and variable job sizes, bookkeepers can assist these businesses in managing quotes, cash flow, and GST reporting while ensuring accurate job tracking.
What questions should a tradie ask a bookkeeper before choosing one to use?
Before a tradie hires a bookkeeper, it’s important to ask the right questions to make sure they understand your industry, your business needs, and can provide the right level of support. Here are some smart questions to ask:
1. Do you have experience working with trades businesses?
Look for someone who understands the specific needs of tradies—like job costing, invoicing on the go, managing subcontractors, and tracking tools or materials. Industry experience means less time explaining how your business works.
2. What bookkeeping services do you offer?
Make sure they cover the essentials for tradies:
- BAS lodgements
- Payroll and superannuation
- TPAR reporting
- Accounts payable/receivable
- Bank reconciliation
- Matching receipts and invoices
3. Are you registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB)?
Only registered BAS agents can legally lodge BAS and deal with ATO-related matters on your behalf. This is a must-have if you want someone to take care of compliance properly.
4. What accounting software do you work with?
Ask if they’re familiar with the software you use—Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, etc. If you don’t use any yet, ask what they recommend and if they can help set it up and train you.
5. How do you charge for your services?
Get clear on pricing—whether it’s a flat monthly fee, hourly rate, or package. Ask if they offer flexible pricing based on how big or small your business is, and what’s included in each option.
6. How do you communicate and send reports?
A good bookkeeper should keep you updated with regular financial reports and make it easy for you to ask questions. If you’re always on site, ask if they’re happy to communicate via phone, text or email and if they offer monthly summaries.
7. Can you help with improving cash flow and chasing late payments?
This is a major pain point for tradies. A bookkeeper who can track debtors, send reminders, and give cash flow insights adds serious value.
8. How often will you work on my books?
Some bookkeepers work weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Make sure their schedule matches how often you need things like invoices sent, wages processed or BAS lodged.
9. Can you work directly with my accountant?
It’s helpful if your bookkeeper and accountant can collaborate—especially at tax time. This saves you time and helps avoid errors or double handling.
10. What makes you different from other bookkeepers?
This gives them a chance to talk about their unique strengths—like long-standing tradie clients, fast turnaround, clear communication, or proven systems that save time and money.
Does a sole trader need a bookkeeper?
A sole trader has to perform many different functions including sales, marketing, customer support, administration and bookkeeping. As the business grows it then becomes harder to manage all of these aspects well. Therefore one of the most important things a sole trader should consider is the use of a bookkeeper because it can ensure that your cashflow is positive, BAS is paid & all the financial paperwork is in order which the other functions can’t help with.
How much does outsourced bookkeeping cost?
The cost of outsourced bookkeeping can vary depending on the complexity of your business, the level of service you need, and how frequently you want the work done. Our costs for bookkeeping start at just $100 per month with a range of options available to increase the level of service you received.