Running a business often means managing far more than the service or product your customers see. Behind the scenes, there are invoices, payroll, BAS, tax obligations, accounts and financial decisions competing for attention.
For Melbourne business owners researching help with those responsibilities, Bookkept is a local accounting and bookkeeping firm worth knowing about.
Led by principals Daniel Heness and Brendan Thorp, Bookkept provides accounting, bookkeeping and advisory services to sole traders and small and medium businesses. The firm works with clients across Melbourne as well as businesses elsewhere in Australia.
Why Bookkept may be relevant to Cosmopolitan Events readers
Cosmopolitan Events covers a broad mix of Melbourne businesses and industries, from restaurants, cafés and fitness providers to beauty businesses, trades and other local services.
Many businesses operating in these sectors have similar financial responsibilities even though their day-to-day work is very different. They may need to manage payroll, reconcile accounts, lodge BAS, meet tax obligations or simply understand how their business is performing financially.
Bookkept works across a similarly varied range of industries. Its listed clients and sectors include hospitality businesses, restaurants, cafés, gyms, trades, medical practices, retailers, professional services, startups, e-commerce businesses and contractors.
That broad business focus makes the firm relevant to readers who are researching accounting support rather than looking for an accountant specialising exclusively in one narrow profession.
Accounting and bookkeeping services from Bookkept
Bookkept brings several areas of financial administration and accounting together within the one firm.
Its services include bookkeeping and BAS preparation, accounting and tax, payroll, accounts payable and receivable management, tax compliance, business advisory and CFO services, cloud accounting setup and SMSF support.
For a small business owner, having access to several related services through the same firm may be useful as the needs of the business change.
A sole trader might initially need help with bookkeeping, BAS and an annual tax return, for example. A growing business employing staff could require payroll, cash-flow forecasting, budgeting and broader financial reporting as well.
Bookkept takes a technology-focused approach
Bookkept positions itself as a technology-driven accounting firm and works with cloud accounting platforms including Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks Online.
The firm can assist businesses with setting up and optimising cloud accounting systems as well as training their teams to use them.
Bookkept is listed as both a Xero Gold Partner and MYOB Gold Partner. It is also a Registered Tax Agent and ASIC Registered Agent.
For businesses moving away from manual financial administration or trying to make their existing accounting processes more efficient, this technology focus may be particularly relevant.
Fixed monthly accounting packages
Another feature worth considering when comparing accountants is Bookkept’s pricing approach.
Rather than relying solely on individual invoices for each piece of work, Bookkept offers fixed monthly packages tailored to the client’s requirements.
Examples provided by the firm start from $220 per month for a sole trader or contractor, $440 per month for a small hospitality business, and $660 per month for an established business with employees and more extensive reporting requirements.
These are examples rather than universal prices, so businesses should speak directly with Bookkept about their circumstances and confirm the services and costs that would apply.
The firm states that its packages include end-of-year tax and financial statements.
Support beyond basic bookkeeping
Bookkeeping may be the immediate reason a business owner starts looking for professional help, but Bookkept also provides services focused on financial planning and business decisions.
Its business advisory and CFO services include cash-flow forecasting, budgeting and business planning.
This can make Bookkept relevant to established and growing businesses as well as owners who primarily need assistance staying on top of their accounts and compliance.
The firm also offers accounts management covering areas such as invoicing, accounts payable and receivable, debtor management and purchase reconciliation.
Bookkept’s Melbourne presence and client feedback
Bookkept is based in Melbourne while providing services to businesses Australia-wide.
According to the information supplied by the firm, Bookkept has a 5.0 Google rating based on more than 89 verified reviews. It also reports that its growth has come through client referrals and that a number of clients have remained with the firm for five years or longer.
Those are useful signals to consider when researching a provider, although online ratings should form only one part of the decision.
As with any professional service, it’s sensible to speak with the firm directly, understand exactly what is included, check that its expertise suits your circumstances and compare your options before engaging an accountant.
Is Bookkept worth considering?
For sole traders and small to medium businesses looking for accounting or bookkeeping assistance, Bookkept is one Melbourne business worth researching.
Its broad service offering may be particularly useful for business owners who want bookkeeping, tax, payroll and financial advisory support available through the same firm rather than managing several separate providers.
Its cloud accounting capabilities may also appeal to businesses looking to improve how they manage their financial information.
Ultimately, the right accountant will depend on your industry, business structure, existing systems, budget and the level of support you need. Bookkept provides a free consultation, giving prospective clients an opportunity to discuss those requirements before deciding whether the firm is a suitable fit.
If you’re running a business and want help managing bookkeeping, tax, payroll or broader financial responsibilities, Bookkept is a Melbourne accounting firm worth looking into.
Explore Bookkept at bookkept.com.au or contact the firm on (03) 8568 3606 to enquire about its services and free consultation.
