Do I Need a Bookkeeper or an Accountant (or Both)?
- Quirk & Co Allan
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
One of the most common questions we hear is: “Should I get a bookkeeper or an accountant?”
You’re not alone, and it’s a fair question. And the answer depends on more than just ticking a compliance box. It comes down to what kind of support you need to stay across your numbers, make decisions, and keep your business financially healthy.
Let’s break it down.
What does a bookkeeper do?
Bookkeepers handle the day-to-day tracking of your money.
That includes:
Recording every sale and expense
Reconciling accounts (making sure your bank account matches your records)
Organising receipts and data
Keeping your financial records up to date
If you’re behind on your books or have no idea what your monthly cash flow looks like (cash flow = the money coming in vs going out of your business), a bookkeeper is your first step.
What does an accountant do?
Accountants step in for tax time and financial reporting.
They help with:
Preparing and lodging your tax
Making sure you stay compliant with the ATO (Australian Tax Office)
Interpreting your reports
Answering specific tax questions
But many accountants stop there, and that’s where most business owners start feeling stuck. Knowing your revenue (the total amount your business earns) is helpful, but not when you’re unsure what to do with it.
So... what's missing?
Here’s what most business owners really need, but don’t know to ask for: Someone who brings the two together and helps you make decisions.
That means:
Helping you understand what your profit actually is (profit = what’s left over after covering costs)
Working with you on how to improve it
Showing you how to use your financial data to make smart business choices
Making sure your finances support your bigger goals and not just compliance
At VBA, we do it differently.
That means:
Your books are up to date
Your tax is under control
And you’ve got someone who helps you actually use those numbers to grow your business
We’re not just here to report the past, but we help you shape the future.
If you’re asking this question, you probably need more support, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Start by learning the VBA way here.
תגובות