Accountants vs Bookkeepers: Who to Hire in Melbourne

Melbourne has a vibrant financial services sector, but for a small business owner, the choice between a bookkeeper and an accountant can be confusing. Are they the same thing?

No. While they work on the same financial data, their focus is entirely different. Here is how to decide who to hire for your Melbourne business.

The Melbourne Bookkeeper

Your bookkeeper is your first line of defence. They ensure your data is accurate and your compliance (BAS/Super) is up to date.

• Role: Data entry, bank reconciliations, payroll processing, accounts payable.
• Frequency: Weekly or Monthly.
• Software: Experts in Xero, MYOB, Dext.

The Melbourne Accountant

Your accountant is your strategic advisor. They take the data from the bookkeeper and turn it into tax returns and business advice.

• Role: Income Tax Returns, FBT Returns, Tax Planning, Structuring advice.
• Frequency: Quarterly or Annually.
• Focus: Compliance with the ATO and tax minimization.

Can one person do both?

Some firms offer both, but usually, the roles are split between different staff members because the skill sets (and hourly rates) are different. Paying a $300/hr CPA to do data entry is a waste of money.