Online bookkeeping, BAS and payroll service

Small business owners, tradies, cafes and online sellers who want the admin handled without hiring staff.

Monthly retainers per client, or hourly rates for catch-up work and one-off clean-ups. Payroll is usually charged per pay run or per employee.

• Bookkeeping in cloud software
• Organised and reliable
• Knowing GST and payroll basics
• Clear written communication

• You generally need to be registered as a BAS agent to charge a fee for BAS services, so check before taking paid work
• Professional indemnity insurance, as errors can cost clients penalties
• Payroll and super have strict deadlines, so check you can cover leave and busy periods
• Secure handling of client logins, bank feeds and personal data
• Check whether your council requires approval for a home-based business

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $1,000 to $4,000, depending on your software subscriptions, insurance and website. Your own costs will vary, so price up your tools before you start.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many clients you take on and the services you offer. It can start part-time, at around 8 hours a week or more.

Things to check: you generally need to be registered as a BAS agent to charge a fee for BAS services, so check before taking paid work. Also check professional indemnity insurance and how you will securely handle client logins and personal data.