https://beanguru.com/blog/ Bookkeeping insights for Australian small business owners, from Judith Jackson — Registered BAS Agent. en-au 2026 Bean Guru Pty Ltd hello@beanguru.com (Judith Jackson) hello@beanguru.com (Judith Jackson) Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +1000 https://beanguru.com/blog/five-financial-habits-part-1.html Separate your business money, know your four key numbers, and set aside tax as income comes in. Simple, powerful, no software required. Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +1000 https://beanguru.com/blog/five-financial-habits-part-1.html https://beanguru.com/blog/what-does-a-bas-agent-do.html A BAS agent prepares and lodges your BAS, advises on GST and PAYG, and deals with the ATO on your behalf. What they do, how they differ from tax agents, and why registration protects you. Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +1000 https://beanguru.com/blog/what-does-a-bas-agent-do.html https://beanguru.com/blog/financial-health-scorecard.html Rate your business finances out of 10 with this quick self-assessment. Ten honest questions, what your score means, and where to focus first. Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +1000 https://beanguru.com/blog/financial-health-scorecard.html https://beanguru.com/blog/outsourced-bookkeeping-guide-australia.html What's included, what it costs (from $350/month), how it compares to hiring in-house or offshore, and how to choose a provider. Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +1000 https://beanguru.com/blog/outsourced-bookkeeping-guide-australia.html https://beanguru.com/blog/what-does-a-xero-certified-bookkeeper-do.html What a Xero certified bookkeeper actually does, why certification matters, how to choose one in Australia, and what it costs. Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +1000 https://beanguru.com/blog/what-does-a-xero-certified-bookkeeper-do.html https://beanguru.com/blog/how-much-does-a-bookkeeper-cost-australia.html Bookkeepers in Australia typically charge $70–$120 per hour, or $350–$1,500 per month on a fixed-fee package. Here's what drives the price, what hidden costs to watch for, and how to choose. Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +1000 https://beanguru.com/blog/how-much-does-a-bookkeeper-cost-australia.html https://beanguru.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-miss-your-bas-lodgement-date.html Missed your BAS lodgement date? Here's exactly what the ATO does, what the penalties look like, and the fastest way to get back on track without making things worse. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-miss-your-bas-lodgement-date.html https://beanguru.com/blog/cashflow-vs-profit-whats-the-difference.html Confused about cashflow vs profit? Learn why your business can show a profit on paper but still struggle with cash in the bank—and what to do about it. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/cashflow-vs-profit-whats-the-difference.html https://beanguru.com/blog/do-i-need-a-bookkeeper.html Do I need a bookkeeper? Yes. Here's why bookkeeping is about more than just numbers—it's about growth, clarity, and making confident business decisions. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/do-i-need-a-bookkeeper.html https://beanguru.com/blog/the-real-cost-of-diy-bookkeeping.html DIY bookkeeping might seem cheap, but it's actually costing you thousands. Here's what you're really giving up when you do it yourself. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/the-real-cost-of-diy-bookkeeping.html https://beanguru.com/blog/risks-of-using-an-unregistered-bookkeeper.html Thinking about hiring an unregistered bookkeeper to save money? Here's why that decision could cost you thousands in penalties and stress. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/risks-of-using-an-unregistered-bookkeeper.html https://beanguru.com/blog/can-i-claim-it-a-guide-to-tax-deductions.html What can you claim as a business expense? Here's a practical guide to tax deductions that won't trigger an audit. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/can-i-claim-it-a-guide-to-tax-deductions.html https://beanguru.com/blog/types-of-business-structure-australia.html Confused about business structures? Understand sole trader, partnership, company, trust, and joint venture — what each structure means for your bookkeeping and compliance. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/types-of-business-structure-australia.html https://beanguru.com/blog/payroll-its-not-as-straightforward-as-you-think.html Payroll seems simple until it's not. Understand awards, casual vs contractor rates, and compliance requirements that catch business owners off guard. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/payroll-its-not-as-straightforward-as-you-think.html https://beanguru.com/blog/payroll-and-leave-what-employers-need-to-know.html Managing employee leave correctly is complex: accrual, public holidays, long service leave, time in lieu. Here's what every Australian employer needs to know. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/payroll-and-leave-what-employers-need-to-know.html https://beanguru.com/blog/super-guarantee-what-it-is-and-when-its-due.html Super Guarantee explained: what it is, when it's due, and what happens if you miss the deadline. Plus: why the charge costs more than the super itself. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/super-guarantee-what-it-is-and-when-its-due.html https://beanguru.com/blog/gst-claims-is-your-supplier-registered.html Can't claim GST on every purchase. Your supplier must be GST registered. Here's how to check and why it matters for your BAS. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/gst-claims-is-your-supplier-registered.html https://beanguru.com/blog/travel-expenses-what-you-can-and-cant-claim.html Confused about what travel expenses you can claim? Here's the complete guide to business travel deductions for Australian small businesses — what counts, what doesn't, and how to keep records. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/travel-expenses-what-you-can-and-cant-claim.html https://beanguru.com/blog/entertainment-expenses-what-small-businesses-need-to-know.html Entertainment vs staff amenities: do you know the difference? Here's what the ATO considers deductible entertainment and what it doesn't — with the checklist you need. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/entertainment-expenses-what-small-businesses-need-to-know.html https://beanguru.com/blog/end-of-financial-year-bookkeeping-checklist.html End of financial year bookkeeping doesn't have to be stressful. Here's your complete EOFY checklist to ensure your books are ready for your accountant — and you're ready for tax time. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/end-of-financial-year-bookkeeping-checklist.html https://beanguru.com/blog/end-of-month-bookkeeping-processes.html End-of-month bookkeeping shouldn't be overwhelming. Here's the exact process to close your month cleanly — so you know your financial position by the 10th of the next month. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/end-of-month-bookkeeping-processes.html https://beanguru.com/blog/why-reconciling-your-accounts-matters.html Bank reconciliation feels tedious but it's one of the most important bookkeeping tasks. Here's why it matters and how to do it properly — without the headache. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/why-reconciling-your-accounts-matters.html https://beanguru.com/blog/how-to-get-paid-faster-without-damaging-client-relationships.html The practical guide to chasing overdue invoices without losing clients. Real strategies to get paid faster while keeping relationships intact. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/how-to-get-paid-faster-without-damaging-client-relationships.html https://beanguru.com/blog/bookkeeping-basics-for-new-business-owners.html Starting a new business? Here's what you need to know about bookkeeping from day one — so you can focus on growth, not scrambling at tax time. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/bookkeeping-basics-for-new-business-owners.html https://beanguru.com/blog/questions-to-ask-your-accountant.html Don't know what to ask your accountant? Here are the questions that actually matter — before tax time, not after. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/questions-to-ask-your-accountant.html https://beanguru.com/blog/contractor-vs-employee-getting-the-classification-right.html Having an ABN doesn't automatically make someone a contractor. Here's how to classify your team correctly — and why it matters. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/contractor-vs-employee-getting-the-classification-right.html https://beanguru.com/blog/is-your-bookkeeper-a-registered-bas-agent.html Is your bookkeeper registered with the ATO? What that actually means — and why it matters for your business. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +1100 https://beanguru.com/blog/is-your-bookkeeper-a-registered-bas-agent.html