Your Bookkeeping Matters

What if the legal risks you’re worried about in business aren’t the biggest problem... it’s the ones you didn’t know to look for? In this milestone 100th episode, I’m joined by small business lawyer and strategist Tracey Mylecharane for a conversation that’s been a long time coming. We’re talking about the real issues we both see too often. Misaligned expectations, poor client onboarding, and the ripple effect that happens when legals and numbers are overlooked.Tracey breaks down the legal gaps business owners don’t realise are costing them time, money, and energy. We also chat about how working together (yep, she’s our client too) has shifted her perspective on her finances and made running her business feel clearer and more grounded.If you’ve been relying on templates, winging it with contracts, or assuming your invoice terms are enough, this is the episode you didn’t know you needed. It’s packed with insights on what protects you legally, how to build strong systems, and why knowing your numbers goes hand in hand with sustainable growth.This is the final episode on the podcast for now while I focus on other areas of the business, but it’s far from goodbye. And every conversation, insight and episode in the library is here for you to come back to whenever you need. You’re never doing it alone, and you were never meant to.Here’s what’s covered:The most common legal problems Tracey sees and how to avoid themWhy client onboarding sequencing matters more than most realiseHow your legal documents can actively support business growthThe link between strong legal advice and financial clarityWhat changes when you stop DIYing your legals and your financeLinks & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Connect with Tracey through her Podcast: Rise Up in BusinessInstagramLinkedInBook a Discovery Call to work with Accounted For You

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing it all in your business, or like stepping away would make everything fall apart, this episode is for you.I’m joined by my friend, client and trusted advisor Michelle Broadbent for a real conversation about what it actually means to be supported in business. We talk through the mindset shifts required to grow, the signs you might be ready for change, and what being a CEO really looks like when you’re not stuck in the weeds.Michelle shares her own experience of realising she didn’t need to manage everything alone, what led her to build a stronger support team, and the impact this has had across her business. She also opens up about how working with us at Accounted For You has given her clarity, confidence and time back, all things she now helps her own clients create too.This episode is full of honest insights, small steps and practical encouragement to help you stop holding everything together on your own and start building the right support around you.Here’s what’s covered:Why support isn’t a luxury, it’s a CEO-level decisionSigns you’ve outgrown doing it all yourselfWhat to look for in the right support team for your businessHow financial clarity creates space to lead and growOne small shift you can make this week to feel less alone in your business.Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Connect with Michelle through her website, Instagram or LinkedInBook a Discovery Call to work with Accounted For You

Finding the right bookkeeper isn’t about a quick fix or ticking a compliance box. It’s about choosing a partner who gets your business, supports your growth, and gives you the confidence to use your numbers. And the way the relationship starts, your onboarding, says a lot about how it will feel to work together long term.In this episode, I’m going behind the scenes to show what onboarding with us looks like and why the right fit matters so much. I share the difference between tailored support and bespoke work, when we’ve said no to potential clients (and why), and why following your own business process is essential.You’ll also hear how we structure our onboarding to give you clarity and support from day one. From discovery calls through to health checks, proposals, welcome packs, and ongoing touch points. And because we don’t believe in surface-level service, I’ll explain how we go beyond compliance to help you strengthen cash flow, refine processes, and build financial confidence as you growHere’s what’s covered:The importance of choosing a bookkeeper who is the right fit for your business, not the most convenient option.Why tailoring matters to us, but going completely bespoke isn’t what we do.Signs it may be time to rethink your current bookkeeping support.What you can expect from a structured, supportive onboarding process that prioritises both compliance and growth.Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Xero Money Saver guide here free resource with quick, practical tips to help you save money with the way your Xero is set up and used.

When it comes to creating an event your clients will remember (and rave about), the magic isn’t in how much you spend, it’s in the details. In this episode, I’m joined by Caroline Hutchison, General Manager of Events Fantastic, to talk about crafting events that feel elevated, thoughtful, and completely on brand.With over 20 years in the events world and experience on both the client and supplier side, Caroline shares a wealth of practical, unexpected tips to help you design an unforgettable experience, whether you’re planning a big-ticket conference, an awards night, or a more intimate workshop or VIP day. From clever budget shifts that make a big visual impact to those easy-to-miss finishing touches that shape how your guests feel, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas you can start using right away.We cover the power of working backwards from your event date, why “the list” is your ultimate planning tool, and how to focus on what matters most to your attendees so they leave feeling connected, valued, and impressed. Caroline also opens up about how outsourcing has transformed her business (including her decision to work with us at Accounted For You), and why finding your people, your trusted “business tribe”, is essential for long-term growth.Here’s what’s covered:Focus on how you want attendees to feel and use all the senses to create that atmosphereWork backwards from your event date with a detailed list to keep planning on trackUse budget strategically, invest where the impact is greatest and cut where it won’t be noticedKeep details consistent for a polished, professional lookOutsourcing frees up time for high-value work and growth opportunitiesLinks & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Website: Events FantasticYouTube: Events FantasticFacebook: Events Fantastic Australia

Whether you're running a business from your spare room or clocking in a few admin hours at the kitchen bench, you’ve probably wondered what you can actually claim working from home — and what’s wishful thinking (no, your air fryer doesn’t count).This episode clears up the confusion around WFH deductions with a no-fluff breakdown of the ATO-approved methods you can use to claim - and how to get it right. I’ll walk you through the two main options available, who they’re best suited for, and exactly what you can and can’t include. If you’re second-guessing what counts or relying on TikTok tips, this one’s for you.With the ATO keeping a close eye on these deductions, it’s more important than ever to understand the rules, track your expenses properly, and stay on top of your records. You’ll leave this episode knowing the difference between fixed rate and actual cost methods, what each covers, and what to avoid so you don’t land in hot water at tax time.Here’s what’s covered:There are two ways to claim: the fixed rate method and the actual cost method - each has specific requirementsFixed rate covers things like internet, phone, power, and stationeryActual cost lets you claim what you’ve spentYou can’t double-dip or mix methods, and some items (like rent) are only claimable under strict conditions for business ownersRecords matter: keep invoices, receipts, and diaries to support your claimYour tax agent is your best friend for working out what applies to your setupLinks & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Grab our free Xero Money Saver guide hereATO Work From Home resource here

EOFY shouldn’t feel like an annual panic button, but if it still does, you’re not alone. This episode is for the business owner who’s been at it for a few years and still finds themselves scrambling, second-guessing, or flat out avoiding the numbers when June rolls around.Whether you’re DIYing or already have a bookkeeper, if you’re feeling behind and unsure what your BAS will be until it lands in your inbox, or scrambling to piece things together for your tax return, this is your sign to change things up. If you didn’t get a chance to review and optimise your tax position this year, it’s time for support which keeps you ahead, not playing catch-up.From real-life client stories to some exact points from the checklist we use in my bookkeeping practice, I’m walking you through what EOFY can look like when it’s done right, with clarity, confidence and way less stress. You’ll also hear a gentle but honest reality check about what your bookkeeper should be doing for you (and what to ask if you’re not feeling the love).Let this be the last EOFY you feel unprepared!Here’s what’s covered:EOFY isn’t the time to fix everything, it’s the deadline, not the strategyThe difference between a good bookkeeper and a great one? Ongoing support, clarity, and proactive insightsHidden costs in ecommerce and missed deductions in service-based businesses can lead to paying more tax than necessaryCreate a rinse-and-repeat EOFY checklist including super timing, stock takes, tidy payroll, and tax planningIf you’re still winging it or only hearing from your bookkeeper at BAS time, it might be time to reassessLinks & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Previous Podcast Ep: 03 My Top Tips for a Smooth EOFYBlog post: Here's Why Your EOFY Stock Take is a Good ThingBlog post: The EOFY Checklist for Small Business OwnersBook a Discovery Call here!

Whether you’re hiring your first team member or reshuffling how support looks inside your growing business, this conversation will help you make smarter, more sustainable decisions. I’m joined by hiring and leadership expert, and my friend, Paula Maidens, and together we dive into one of the biggest growth questions I see small business owners face: should this role be in-house, outsourced or offshored?It’s a topic full of opinions and assumptions, but Paula breaks it down with clarity and logic. We talk about how to weigh up true costs (spoiler: it’s not *just* about hourly rates), what red flags to watch for, and why your gut feel isn’t always the best hiring strategy.If you’ve ever wondered whether you're overpaying, under-briefing or building a team not quite right for where your business is heading, this episode gives you the practical tools and mindset shifts to figure it out.This one’s especially useful if you’re wearing too many hats and want to grow without losing control, profit, or peace of mind.Here’s what’s covered:Control, confidentiality and consistency are key drivers when deciding where a role should sitThe true cost of hiring isn’t limited to wages. Factor in training, communication, systems, and timeUse Paula’s 5-step framework to assess: cost, value, hours, risk, and medium-term fitOnboarding is crucial. Skipping it sabotages your hire and your ROIRed flags your outsourcing or offshoring setup isn’t working: disappearing acts, lack of process ownership, or system misalignmentPay attention to communication flow. If they can’t integrate with your systems or team, it may not be a good fitAlways document processes in your business, no matter who’s doing the task, in-house or externalWe had such a great chat, and there was so much to unpack - if you enjoyed this episode as much as I did talking to Paula, there’s an extended version over on YouTube. Pop over there if you want to hear even more insights we couldn’t quite squeeze into the podcast here.Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Paula Maidens Kickass Hiring & Interview MasterclassConnect with Paula:Website: Paula MaidensInstagram: Paula Maidens ConsultingLinkedIn: Paula MaidensPodcast: Big Dreams Great Teams

Running a business without solid financial systems is like driving with your eyes closed. It’s risky, stressful, and unsustainable. This checklist covers the non-negotiables every small business owner must have in place to avoid the chaos and keep things on track.Whether you’re in your first year or five years in, these seven financial must haves are what I make sure every client of mine is across, because they’re the difference between winging it and running a profitable, compliant business.This isn’t a scare tactic. It’s a practical guide to help you stay in control, avoid costly surprises, and make smarter money moves with confidence. You don’t need to know everything, but you do need a solid handle on the essentials or the right expert in your corner.If you're unsure whether your financial setup is working for you or against you, this episode is your starting point.Here’s what’s covered:The two business bank accounts I consider non-negotiable (yes, two)The mistake I see far too often when it comes to GSTWhy staying “sort of” up to date with your numbers won’t cut itWhat should always be on your invoices, and when it’s missing what it says about you and your businessThe smartest move you can make, even if you're not a finance personLinks & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Previous Podcast Ep: 78 Is Your Tax Invoice Giving Me a Headache?Bookkeeping Matters Learning HubBlog post: The 6 Bank Accounts Every Business Needs

Pricing is one of the trickiest parts of running a business, and it’s also one of the easiest ways to watch your profit disappear. If you’re working non stop, but cash still feels tight, chances are your pricing strategy is the problem (whether you realise it or not). In this episode, I’m breaking down the exact mistakes I see female-led businesses making with their pricing. It's the same traps I’ve seen with my own clients, and even faced myself. From guessing your prices and forgetting hidden costs, to relying on outdated models or chasing competitors’ rates, these issues chip away at your profit fast. The good news? Once you know what to look for, you can turn things around. I’ll walk you through the practical steps to review your pricing properly. So you can make sure it covers all your true costs (including those sneaky ones like admin time, taxes, and overheads), supports your goals, and keeps your business sustainable. No fancy spreadsheets needed, just simple, actionable advice to get you back on track. If pricing has ever felt overwhelming or you’ve been putting off a proper review, this is your reminder small changes can make a massive difference to your bottom line. Here’s what’s covered: Why “set and forget” pricing is a recipe for profit loss, and how often you should review your pricesThe danger of hourly pricing when your business evolves (and how one client turned things around by switching models)What happens when you copy competitors’ pricing, and why it usually backfiresThe true costs you need to build into your pricing to avoid accidentally working for freeWhy discounting feels like a quick win but can seriously damage your brand and long-term profitHow to set clear pricing boundaries and focus on value instead of dropping your pricesLinks & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Free Tool Pricing CalculatorPrevious Podcast Ep: 19 Pricing for Profit (and Mistakes to Avoid)Previous Podcast Ep: 82 Beyond Profit: Why Adding Value Matters MostWatch this episode on YouTube

Running a small business often means wearing many hats, but when it comes to bookkeeping, trying to DIY can hold you back more than help. If you’re serious about growth, it’s time to stop thinking of a bookkeeper as someone who merely clicks buttons in Xero. The right bookkeeper becomes part of your team, helping you make confident, informed decisions and setting your business up for sustainable success.Bookkeeping goes beyond data entry, it plays a key role in your business growth. From cleaning up messy accounts to setting up smarter systems and giving you the financial clarity you need to scale, this episode is packed with insight. Whether you’re overwhelmed by overdue invoices or unsure how much to set aside for BAS, after this episode you’ll walk away understanding exactly how a proactive bookkeeper can help move your business forward.Here’s what’s covered:How a great bookkeeper helps you see the full picture of your businessThe unexpected ways they can support your decision making and strategyWhy you don’t need to have it all figured out before working with a bookkeeperHow they help you stay focused on what mattersWhat it looks like when your numbers finally start working for youLinks + Resources :Podcast Episode 09: Bookkeeper vs AccountantPodcast Episode 36:Hiring a Bookkeeper? Here’s What You Need To KnowPodcast Episode 10: Should You Outsource or DIY your Books?Watch this episode on YouTubeLearn more about working together with Accounted For You