Prepared 26 September 2026 · Affordable Bookkeeper content team
Begin with the work you need
Write down the tasks causing difficulty: transaction entry, bank reconciliation, payroll, BAS, reporting or overdue records. This gives each provider the same starting point and makes quotes more comparable. A low hourly rate tells you little if the included work is unclear.
Check relevant registrations
If regulated BAS or tax services are part of the engagement, confirm who provides them and check the relevant TPB registration. A software badge and a professional membership are useful context, but they are not substitutes for the registration required for a particular service.
Ask how questions are handled
Good bookkeeping depends on your knowledge of the business as well as the provider’s skills. Ask how unclear transactions are raised, what response time is needed from you and how often you will hear from the team. A process you can maintain is more valuable than a complicated system you avoid.
Understand the quote
Separate routine processing, catch-up work, lodgements, software and reporting discussions. Confirm GST treatment and third-party charges. Ask how additional work is approved and what happens when transaction volumes change. A clear scope helps both parties avoid surprises.
Plan access and a handover
Use individual software invitations and suitable permissions. Confirm who owns the subscription and how records will be returned if the engagement ends. If you are changing providers, agree a cutoff date and identify outstanding tasks before anyone changes historical entries.
Choose a working relationship
You should be comfortable asking a basic question or saying you do not understand a report. Look for clear explanations, realistic commitments and familiarity with how your business operates. The goal is a dependable financial process that supports your decisions.
Related services
Official guidance: TPB: Public register ↗
General information. The appropriate approach depends on your business and current requirements.
