Productivity / Professional development
Business finances | Seek financial help
While you're responsible for the financial wellbeing of your business, it's important to seek professional advice and help when needed.
Business finances | Seek financial help
While you’re responsible for the financial wellbeing of your business, it’s important to use professional advice and services when needed. Whether it’s getting your financial statements in order or seeking financial advice to get your business on the right track, there are a number of services available. The range of professionals you may consider include:
Bookkeepers
Bookkeepers can record your day-to-day financial transactions. They can also look after your banking, chase up payments, organise staff wages and even prepare your financial statements. However, bookkeepers can’t prepare or lodge your Business Activity Statement (BAS) unless they are also a registered BAS agent.
Accountants
Registered accountants can prepare your financial statements, help identify and avoid financial problems, lodge your tax return and other reporting obligations. However, if you want your accountant to lodge your BAS on your behalf, you should check that they’re also a registered BAS Agent.
BAS Agents
BAS Agents are registered professionals that specialise in providing BAS preparation and lodgement services. To find a registered agent or to check the registration details of a particular agent, you can search the Online BAS Agent Register .
Free tax assistant visit
You can organise a free tax assistance visit if you need help with your Australian Business Number (ABN), Goods & Service Tax (GST), Pay as you go (PAYG), Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT), activity statements, record keeping and superannuation.
Financial counsellors
If you’re experiencing financial difficulty, a financial counsellor can help you manage your affairs in the short-term and plan for the future. For a list of financial counsellors near you, visit the Insolvency and Trustee Service Australia (ITSA) website.
Rural financial counsellors
The Rural Financial Counselling Service provides free financial counselling to eligible rural businesses experiencing financial hardship. Counsellors can visit your farm or business and provide you with information and referral services.
Small Business Credit Complaints Clearing House
The Small Business Credit Complaints Clearing House provides an avenue for small businesses to direct their issues about access to and the cost of bank finance. If you have a Small Business Credit complaint, you can submit your complaint online .
What to do…
- Visit the MoneySmart website for help with choosing an accountant
.
- Find a bookkeeper by contacting the relevant association on our Directory of government and business associations.
- Find a business advisor on our Advisor Finder tool.
- Check the Online BAS Agent Register
to check the credentials of your agent.
- Contact the Australian Taxation Office on 13 28 66 if you wish to organise a free tax assistance visit
or if you are having trouble paying off your tax debts
.
- Find your nearest Financial counsellor
on the ITSA website.
- Find your nearest Rural Financial Counselling Service
on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.
More information…
- See how to manage your finances in your state or territory.