If you run a small business, you’ve probably heard the terms bookkeeper, BAS Agent and accountant used like they mean the same thing. They don’t. Each one is a different role, with different training, different legal responsibilities, and a different part to play in keeping your business financially organised and compliant.
Understanding the difference helps you get the right support at the right time, and avoid paying for (or missing out on) services you actually need. Here’s a plain-English breakdown of each role, so you know exactly who to call for what.
Bookkeeper — Records day-to-day transactions, reconciles bank accounts, manages payroll and keeps your Xero or MYOB file accurate and up to date. Prepares your records so they’re ready for BAS lodgement or your accountant’s review.
Registered BAS Agent — A bookkeeper who has completed additional qualifications and is registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). A registered BAS Agent can legally prepare and lodge your BAS on your behalf and provide BAS-related advice for a fee.
Accountant (CPA/CA or registered Tax Agent) — Handles tax returns, tax planning, financial statements, business structuring and higher-level strategic advice. Registered Tax Agents can lodge income tax returns on your behalf.
Important: GoBookaroo provides professional bookkeeping and business admin support. We are not currently a registered BAS Agent, Tax Agent or accountant, and we don’t provide services that require that registration. We work alongside your BAS Agent or accountant to keep your books accurate and ready for them.
Handles day-to-day financial admin — recording transactions, reconciling accounts, running payroll and keeping your records BAS-ready. Not authorised to lodge your BAS unless also a registered BAS Agent.
A bookkeeper registered with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB), authorised to prepare and lodge your BAS and give BAS-related advice for a fee. Check the TPB public register to confirm registration.
Handles tax returns, tax planning, financial statements and business structuring. A registered Tax Agent can lodge your income tax return on your behalf.
Most businesses use a bookkeeper year-round, then a registered BAS Agent or accountant at BAS and tax time — all working from the same accurate, up-to-date records.
Most small businesses in Kellyville and The Hills District need a bookkeeper all year round, a registered BAS Agent or accountant at BAS time, and their accountant again at tax time. Here’s a simple way to think about it:
Step 1. Get your day-to-day bookkeeping sorted with a reliable bookkeeper — this is the foundation everything else relies on.
Step 2. Use a registered BAS Agent to review and lodge your BAS, or an accountant for tax returns and tax advice.
Step 3. Keep your bookkeeper, BAS Agent and accountant talking to each other, so your records, BAS and tax return all line up.
GoBookaroo provides bookkeeping and business admin support only.
We are not a registered BAS Agent, Tax Agent or accountant unless stated otherwise, and do not provide tax advice or lodge BAS on your behalf.
Our role is to reconcile and organise your records — keeping your books accurate and ready for your registered BAS agent or accountant to review and lodge.
We think business owners deserve a straight answer about who does what — not marketing language that blurs the lines between bookkeeping, BAS work and accounting.
GoBookaroo focuses on doing bookkeeping properly: accurate records, reconciled accounts and BAS-ready files, so that when it’s time to see your BAS Agent or accountant, everything is already in order.
Only if they’re a registered BAS Agent with the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB). GoBookaroo is not currently a registered BAS Agent, so we prepare and reconcile your records so they’re ready for your BAS Agent or accountant to review and lodge.
Some do, but many accountants prefer to focus on tax returns and higher-level advice rather than day-to-day data entry. A dedicated bookkeeper is often more cost-effective for ongoing reconciliations, payroll and BAS-ready records.
Most established businesses use both — a bookkeeper for accurate day-to-day records, and a registered BAS Agent or accountant for BAS lodgement, tax returns and strategic advice.
You can search the Tax Practitioners Board public register online. If in doubt, always ask for their registration number.
Yes — we regularly work alongside our clients’ existing BAS Agents and accountants, keeping records accurate and organised so everyone’s job is easier.
If you’re not sure whether you need a bookkeeper, a registered BAS Agent, an accountant, or all three, get in touch. We’ll have an honest conversation about where your business is at and what kind of support will actually help.
