What Do Bookkeepers Do?

What Do Bookkeepers Do? A Guide for Business Owners

Every business, whether it’s a startup, a tradie, an e-commerce brand, or a growing consultancy, needs to know exactly where its money is going. That’s where bookkeepers come in.

A bookkeeper is more than just someone who “does the numbers.” They are financial organisers, compliance allies, and time-saving heroes for small and medium businesses. In this guide, we’ll break down what bookkeepers do, how they support your business, and why hiring a virtual or freelance bookkeeper through WorkMate Pro is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make.

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🧾 What Is a Bookkeeper?

A bookkeeper is a financial professional responsible for recording, organising, and maintaining a business’s day-to-day financial transactions. While they are not accountants (who often focus on tax advice and financial strategy), bookkeepers play a foundational role in keeping your business financially healthy, organised, and compliant.

Think of a bookkeeper as your financial housekeeper — making sure every receipt, invoice, and transaction is tracked and tidy.

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💼 Key Responsibilities of a Bookkeeper

Bookkeeping tasks can vary based on the business size and sector, but generally include the following:

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✅ 1. Recording Financial Transactions

• Logging purchases, sales, receipts, and payments

• Categorising transactions accurately into the general ledger

• Using accounting software like Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks

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✅ 2. Bank Reconciliation

• Matching transactions in your bank statements to your internal records

• Identifying and resolving any inconsistencies

• Ensuring your financial data is accurate and up to date

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✅ 3. Invoicing and Accounts Receivable

• Creating and sending invoices to clients

• Monitoring overdue payments and sending reminders

• Keeping track of incoming cash flow

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✅ 4. Accounts Payable

• Entering and managing bills from suppliers

• Scheduling payments to avoid late fees

• Managing recurring subscriptions or payment schedules

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✅ 5. Payroll Support

• Processing employee pays

• Calculating superannuation and leave entitlements

• Ensuring STP (Single Touch Payroll) compliance in Australia

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✅ 6. BAS & GST Preparation

• Preparing data for Business Activity Statements

• Calculating and reporting GST (Goods and Services Tax)

• Ensuring ATO compliance (note: actual lodgement is often done by a BAS agent or accountant)

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✅ 7. Financial Reporting

• Generating profit & loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports

• Helping business owners understand where the money’s going

• Highlighting areas for improvement in spending or billing

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🔍 What’s the Difference Between a Bookkeeper and an Accountant?

Most businesses benefit from using both: a bookkeeper for daily support and an accountant for tax season and strategic guidance.

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🧠 Why Bookkeeping Matters for Your Business

📈 1. Better Financial Visibility

With up-to-date records, you know exactly how much you’re making, spending, and owing — crucial for planning and growth.

⏰ 2. Saves You Time

Stop spending nights sorting receipts or updating spreadsheets. A bookkeeper handles it for you, so you can focus on operations or sales.

💰 3. Improves Cash Flow

Good bookkeepers help track unpaid invoices, optimise payment cycles, and ensure you don’t run short unexpectedly.

🧾 4. Stay ATO Compliant

Inaccurate or late BAS submissions can result in penalties. A bookkeeper ensures your records are ATO-ready.

📊 5. Prepares You for Growth

Clean books make it easier to apply for loans, attract investors, or expand confidently.

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💰 How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Bookkeeper?

Costs depend on experience, services needed, and whether you hire locally or offshore.

Many businesses hire bookkeepers on a retainer or package model, such as:

• $500/month for weekly reconciliation and monthly reports

• $800/month for full-service bookkeeping including payroll

WorkMate Pro helps you find flexible options — from hourly freelancers to ongoing part-time support — without the overhead of a full-time hire.

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🌏 Why Hire a Bookkeeper Through WorkMate Pro?

Unlike general freelancing platforms, WorkMate Pro connects you with experienced, pre-vetted virtual assistants and bookkeepers who:

• Understand Australian business and tax systems

• Have experience using Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, and more

• Are available on a flexible basis (hourly, project, monthly)

• Can work remotely and securely to manage your books with confidence

• Come with task tracking, time logging, and communication tools built in

Whether you need someone for 5 hours a week or a full day’s support, we’ll match you with the right bookkeeper for your needs.

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🛠️ What Software Do Bookkeepers Use?

Most modern bookkeepers work entirely online using cloud-based tools:

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🧩 Real-World Examples

💡 Startup Founder Struggling with BAS

A Sydney-based tech startup had recurring issues with late BAS lodgement and missing receipts. Through WorkMate Pro, they hired a virtual bookkeeper who reconciled 6 months of data, set up a better filing system, and automated recurring invoices.

Result: On-time BAS, lower stress, and more accurate forecasting.

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🛒 E-commerce Store Needing Weekly Support

An online fashion retailer needed someone to track weekly sales, reconcile Shopify payments, and prepare simple reports. They hired a remote bookkeeper for 10 hours/month.

Result: Financial clarity, fewer errors, and better stock management.

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🔧 Tradie Business Getting Behind on Admin

A Melbourne-based plumbing business used to rely on the owner’s partner for admin help. They switched to a part-time WorkMate Pro bookkeeper to manage Xero, payroll, and invoice reminders.

Result: Smoother cash flow, less family stress, and better ATO compliance.

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📥 How to Hire a Bookkeeper with WorkMate Pro

Step 1: Post Your Requirements

Tell us what you need — weekly reconciliation? Payroll? BAS support?

Step 2: Get Matched

We’ll shortlist vetted bookkeepers (local or offshore) based on your business type and tools.

Step 3: Interview and Hire

Chat directly with candidates, then onboard quickly.

Step 4: Delegate and Grow

Enjoy accurate books, reliable support, and better business decisions.

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🙋 FAQs

Q: Do I need a bookkeeper if I already have an accountant?

A: Yes. Bookkeepers handle daily and weekly tasks — accountants typically work monthly, quarterly, or annually.

Q: Is it safe to give a remote bookkeeper access to my data?

A: Yes — especially when using cloud-based tools with user permissions and two-factor authentication. NDAs and limited access are also common.

Q: What’s the difference between a virtual bookkeeper and an in-house one?

A: Virtual bookkeepers work remotely and often on a freelance basis, offering more flexibility and lower cost.

Q: Can I hire someone just for BAS preparation?

A: Absolutely. Many WorkMate Pro bookkeepers offer monthly or quarterly BAS services only.

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🏁 Final Thoughts: Bookkeeping Is Business Critical

Bookkeeping isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes — it’s about having control over your business finances. Whether you’re bootstrapping a startup or growing a seven-figure business, a skilled bookkeeper keeps your financial engine running smoothly.

With WorkMate Pro, you get access to reliable, experienced bookkeepers without the hassle of hiring in-house. Focus on what you do best — and let us handle the numbers.

✨ Ready to hire a bookkeeper the smart way?
Visit www.workmatepro.com and post your bookkeeping brief today.

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