The driving force behind everything I do in my business is to free purpose-led business owners from financial stress while consciously fulfilling social and environmental responsibilities. This podcast certainly helps achieve this vision and having started as a platform for sharing knowledge, it has evolved into a powerful marketing machine for my business.

After some careful consideration, I’ve come to realise that I need to slow the machine down and press pause on releasing episodes for the time being.

Despite the success and impact of this podcast, I feel a calling to deepen my engagement with my clients and free up time to give 100 per cent to my bookkeeping mentees in the Bookkeeping It Real mentoring program. I also need to be there for my team as they gear up for the next level of growth in my business, Straight Up Bookkeeping on top of the normal family commitments.

As I reflect on my podcasting journey, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for your support and engagement. I am so glad that I started this podcast. It has changed my business, strengthened my credibility and been so rewarding on many levels. While the future remains open-ended, I am committed to keeping the conversation alive, sharing industry insights, and connecting with you in new and meaningful ways.

I hope this episode also serves as an inspiration to you, knowing that you too have permission to look at your current situation and change things up. You don't need to keep doing things in your life or business just because you’ve always done them.

Until we meet again, take care, stay inspired, and please feel free to reach out to me if you would like to work together or simply stay connected. I truly appreciate your support.

Where to Find Bec:

• Website: https://straightupbookkeeping.com.au/
• Instagram: @straightup_bookkeeping
• Facebook: @straightupbookkeeping
• LinkedIn: @straight-up-bookkeeping

Getting your numbers right is crucial for business success, which makes having the right bookkeeper and accountant by your side all the more paramount. Many of my clients came to me following a bad bookkeeping experience elsewhere, where they received a lack of communication, errors in their bookkeeping, and they were left wanting a more solid relationship with their numbers person.

Finding the right bookkeeper or accountant for you and your business requires more than a quick Google. One of the first things to bear in mind is that bookkeepers and accountants do very different things. Bookkeepers focus on organising financial data at a transactional level and maintain a close relationship with you as the business owner. I like to say that bookkeepers are in the trenches with you, up close and personal with your day-to-day numbers. This is why it’s important to find someone you can trust and be vulnerable with.

Accountants, on the other hand, especially tax accountants, offer high-level strategic services like tax planning and compliance. They are less focused on the minutiae, cost a lot more than a bookkeeper due to the extra qualifications and compliance they undertake, and accountants often don't have a close relationship with their clients.

Some of the key considerations when choosing a numbers person for your business are:

1. Qualifications: Ensure your bookkeeper or accountant holds the necessary certifications and registrations, demonstrating professional competence.

2. Experience: Look for professionals with industry-specific experience to better cater to your business's unique needs. It makes a world of difference when your numbers person has prior experience working with businesses similar to yours.

3. Recommendations: Seek referrals from trusted sources to find a numbers person who aligns with your requirements. Don’t take just anyone’s word for it. Make sure you do thorough research and ask questions to any questions you have.

4. Location: While virtual services are prevalent these days, consider whether the physical location of your numbers person is essential to you. While it might seem preferable to be able to pop into an office to chat, from my experience, you can still build a wonderful relationship with your bookkeeper online.

5. Vibe and Values: Evaluate the cultural fit and values of the bookkeeper or accountant to ensure a harmonious working relationship. Look at their website and social media to really get a feel for the person and the way they work.

Choosing the right bookkeeper and accountant is a critical decision for any business owner. By considering qualifications, experience, recommendations, location, and compatibility, you can find a numbers person who fits your needs and contributes to the financial health of your business. Remember, a well-informed decision today can pave the way for long-term success tomorrow.

Where to Find Bec:

• Website: https://straightupbookkeeping.com.au/
• Instagram: @straightup_bookkeeping
• Facebook: @straightupbookkeeping
• LinkedIn: @straight-up-bookkeeping

- I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which I recorded this episode, the Coodjinburra People of the Bundjalung Nation, and the land on which you're listening to it. I pay my respects to the elders, past and present, of those lands. I extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners. Thank you for sharing this space with me. -

In today's fast-paced business world, having a clear understanding of your company's performance is essential. A business dashboard is a powerful data visualisation tool that displays key performance indicators (KPIs), metrics, and other relevant information in a visual format. I think they can be so beneficial to a business, which is why we’re diving into them in today’s episode. I’ll share the benefits of having a business dashboard, the metrics to consider, and how to design one.

The benefits of having a business dashboard:

By providing visual representations of key metrics they make it easier to quickly understand complex information. With real-time data updates, we can stay on track, identify areas for improvement, and respond confidently to changing situations. Having all your data in one place saves the time and effort you would spend collecting it, and ensures your team members are working off the same information.

Choosing metrics for your Dashboard:

When designing a dashboard, it's important to focus on metrics that are relevant to your business.

Unnecessary data will muddy the water and make it difficult to understand the health and performance of your business. It can be hard to figure out what to include, but don’t worry! I’ll take you through all of your options and share a practical example within my business.

How to set up a Dashboard:

Setting up a business dashboard would be hugely beneficial for any business, but that process and the end product are going to differ greatly. There are multiple approaches to designing a dashboard, and the appropriate one for your business will depend on your business needs, your budget, and your team's capacity to update the dashboard. I’ll layout these options so you know where to look, whether you want to invest in some software, use something you already have, or take a DIY approach.

A business dashboard is an invaluable tool for improving performance, efficiency, and decision-making in any business, regardless of size or industry. So, what are you waiting for? Start designing your business dashboard today and unlock the potential for growth and success.

Where to Find Bec:

• Website: https://straightupbookkeeping.com.au/
• Instagram: @straightup_bookkeeping
• Facebook: @straightupbookkeeping
• LinkedIn: @straight-up-bookkeeping

- I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which I recorded this episode, the Coodjinburra People of the Bundjalung Nation, and the land on which you're listening to it. I pay my respects to the elders, past and present, of those lands. I extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners. Thank you for sharing this space with me. -

Welcome to episode 100 of the Straight Up Small Business Podcast! This has been an incredible journey, and I'm so grateful to all of you for your support and listenership.

Today I want to give you a guide to payment plans with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Payment plans can be a lifesaver for sole traders or business owners struggling with cashflow, so I think it’s crucial to have a good understanding of what they are, how they work, and how to set one up. I’ll also discuss the rules you’ll need to follow, and share some tips for getting out of a cycle of debt.

What is a Payment Plan?:
A payment plan allows you to break down your tax debt owed to the ATO into manageable installments. These installments can be spread weekly, fortnightly, or monthly until the balance is cleared. Payment plans can be set up for business activity statement (BAS) debt, installment activity statement, or income tax debt.

Setting Up a Payment Plan:
Individuals, sole traders, and/or businesses, can typically apply for a payment plan with the ATO online. This is done where you usually handle your taxes. So for individuals and sole traders that’s through myGov, and for companies, it’s online services for business.

Sometimes you might not be able to set up a payment plan online. This might be because the debt exceeds $200,000, or you have overdue debts, or you have previously defaulted on a payment plan. In this case, you can still set up a payment plan, but you will need to contact the ATO by phone.

Once a payment plan is in place, there are a few important rules to follow:
Firstly, you can only have one payment plan per lodgement type at a time. In other words, you can have one payment plan for income tax debt and another for activity statement debt, but not two payment plans for different activity statement quarters simultaneously.

Secondly, installments must be made by the due date, and all future tax lodgments or payments must be made on time. If you are struggling to meet due dates it is crucial to communicate with the ATO and explore alternative arrangements, before your debt becomes overdue.

Mindfulness and Planning Ahead:
While payment plans can provide temporary relief in times of cash flow strain, it is essential to avoid relying on them for an extended period. The goal should be to free yourself and your business from payment plans as soon as possible. To achieve this, it is important to understand your tax savings needs and maintain a tax savings account.

Navigating tax debt can be scary, but it shouldn’t be. This episode shares everything you need to know about payment plans with the ATO which can help you overcome cash flow strain, and work towards financial freedom. I want you to be empowered to make informed decisions that improve your financial situation and build a thriving business!

Where to Find Bec:

• Website: https://straightupbookkeeping.com.au/
• Instagram: @straightup_bookkeeping

- I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which I recorded this episode, the Coodjinburra People of the Bundjalung Nation, and the land on which you're listening to it. I pay my respects to the elders, past and present, of those lands. I extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners. Thank you for sharing this space with me. -

Numbers can be scary, but they are not our enemies. As entrepreneurs numbers can be some of our strongest allies, providing us with a wealth of information to pave the wave to success.

My guest today is Chris Edwards, an entrepreneur who has founded multiple successful businesses, and we share a conversation about the importance of numbers for entrepreneurs. Chris shares valuable insights about her approach to managing finances, the importance of building a strong financial foundation, and the lessons she has learned along her journey.

Learning from Mistakes:

As many business owners are tempted to do, Chris tried to manage her own books when she began. Despite having a commerce degree and accounting knowledge, it was harder than she expected, and she ended up making costly mistakes. Chris encourages entrepreneurs to learn from her experience and emphasises the need to seek expert help early on to avoid such setbacks.

Choosing the Right Accounting Software:

Chris shares her experience using invoicing software when she started out in business. It was helpful, but insufficient for managing the finances of her business. She then transitioned to using Xero, which provides her with more comprehensive tools for tracking revenue, expenses, and financial performance. She even has separate Xero accounts for each of her ventures, allowing for a clear and accurate overview of each business's financial performance.

The Power of a Well-structured Chart of Accounts:

We also discuss the value of having a well-structured chart of accounts. While it may be tempting to create account codes for every little expense, Chris recommends consolidating and grouping expenses into meaningful categories. This allows for a clear and concise overview of financial metrics, making it easier to identify trends and potential areas for improvement.

Overcoming the Fear of Numbers:

There’s a common mindset Chris has observed over her years working with entrepreneurs, one of fear and negativity surrounding numbers. Many business owners express discomfort or even avoid dealing with financial matters, often citing a lack of confidence or math skills. She shares her personal journey in overcoming this fear and embracing numbers as allies. Chris encourages entrepreneurs to lean into their numbers, seek help from professionals, and develop a positive association with financial metrics.

Chris has a wealth of experience juggling various ventures and she’s learnt the importance of her numbers the hard way. By picking up on her missteps, tapping into accounting tools, and staying organized with your finances, you can set your business up for success.

So, whether you're at the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey or looking to level up your financial management skills, remember that numbers are your ally, not your enemy.

Where to Find Chris:

• Instagram: @Chris_Edwards_AU
• LinkedIn: chrisedwardshoneycombers

Where to Find Bec:

• Website: https://straightupbookkeeping.com.au/
• Instagram: @straightup_bookkeeping

- I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which I recorded this episode, the Coodjinburra People of the Bundjalung Nation, and the land on which you're listening to it. I pay my respects to the elders, past and present, of those lands. I extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners. Thank you for sharing this space with me. -

Today, I'm talking all about director's loans - a topic that has many business owners in a bit of confusion. This episode is geared towards business owners operating a company business structure, however if you’re a sole trader or in a general partnership, it’s important to stay on top of the ins and outs of business so that you can continue to make informed decisions.

When a working director receives a salary from their company, the process is similar to that of any other employee. The salary is processed through payroll, ensuring that taxes are withheld and super is calculated accordingly. This legitimate method of withdrawing money from a company offers a range of advantages. However, I see so many directors of companies lacking clarity around the correct ways to receive or use company funds, and therefore put themselves at risk. We’ll explore the best practices for receiving a loan from your company and the considerations you need to be aware of to ensure compliance with financial regulations.

Now, there’s more to director’s loans than a director taking money out of the company. Conversely, a director may contribute funds to their business bank account from their personal one - another type of director’s loan. For example, when I first started my business, there wasn’t enough cashflow in the business bank account to buy a car for travelling to see clients. So, I transferred my personal funds to the business to make the purchase, creating a loan to the company that was in my favour.

In this episode, I dive deeper into tackling repayments of loans before tax time, give you an overview of what franking credit is and why it is the most effective way to distribute profit to shareholders. But don’t worry - I keep it short and sweet so you can digest all the information easily!

Director's loans are significant, especially in the eyes of the ATO. Remember, the company’s money is not personally yours, and treating it as such has the potential to land you in some hot water come tax time. So, join me today and stay educated on how to keep doing good business.

LINKS


Previous episode mentioned: Business Structures: Which one is right for you?


Where to Find Bec:

• Website: https://straightupbookkeeping.com.au/
• Instagram: @straightup_bookkeeping
• Facebook: @straightupbookkeeping
• LinkedIn: @straight-up-bookkeeping

- I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which I recorded this episode, the Coodjinburra People of the Bundjalung Nation, and the land on which you're listening to it. I pay my respects to the elders, past and present, of those lands. I extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners. Thank you for sharing this space with me. -

As a business owner, keeping accurate and up to date records of your transactions is not only a legal requirement but also crucial for the success and growth of your business. So in this episode, I’m sharing some essential record-keeping responsibilities that every business owner should be aware of and why establishing good record-keeping habits is essential.

Understanding Record Keeping Obligations

In Australia, you are legally obligated to keep records of all your transactions related to tax and superannuation matters. This includes revenue and expense records such as invoices, bills, and receipts. You must also maintain documents that outline decisions, choices, estimates, determinations, or calculations made for your business's tax and superannuation affairs. In short, every transaction and relevant documentation must be recorded and retained.

Maintaining accurate and complete records is not just about meeting your legal obligations; it also has a range of benefits for your business. Effective record-keeping allows you to monitor the health of your business by keeping track of your income and expenses and helps you comply with any regulatory requirements. Keeping accurate records will also keep you well-prepared for tax time and ATO audits, should they come knocking. Trust me, The Australian Taxation Office has robust data-matching capabilities and conducts regular audits to ensure compliance.

Use Accounting Software

I highly recommend using Xero as your accounting software to streamline your record-keeping process. This software allows you to link your business bank account, ensuring all transactions are automatically recorded. On the topic of bank accounts, make sure you separate your business and personal expenses to simplify your financial management and also protect your privacy.

Have Support Documentation for Each Transaction

While the bank feed in your accounting software provides a great overview of your transactions, it is essential to support each entry with relevant documentation. For sales, provide invoices sent to clients or data from underlying sales systems. For expenses, keep receipts and tax invoices from suppliers. Remember, to claim GST on expenses, you need to have a tax invoice from the supplier.

Leverage Technology

Take advantage of innovative applications like Hubdoc or Dext to streamline your record keeping. These tools allow you to capture and store documents electronically, providing a centralised location for all your records. They also extract relevant data, facilitating smooth bookkeeping into your accounting software.

Organise Your Documentation

Establish a systematic approach to document storage using cloud-based platforms such as Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox. Create folders for different areas of your business, such as finance, HR, legal, and insurance. Within each folder, organise documents by financial year or relevant categories. This structured approach ensures easy retrieval of information when you need it.

By adopting good record-keeping practices, you not only ensure compliance with regulatory requirements but you’ll also gain a clear understanding of your business's financial health. So stay organised, follow the rules, and keep proof of your compliance. These small steps will protect you from potential penalties, make financial management more efficient, and contribute to a good night sleep every

- I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which I recorded this episode, the Coodjinburra People of the Bundjalung Nation, and the land on which you're listening to it. I pay my respects to the elders, past and present, of those lands. I extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners. Thank you for sharing this space with me. -

Today, we dive into bookkeeping skills and how to best record your business transactions in Xero. The foundation of accurate bookkeeping in Xero is an understanding of the chart of accounts, which is a comprehensive listing of all the accounts in your business accounting system. It consists of five categories: Assets, Liabilities, Equity, Revenue, and Expenses.

Xero provides default account codes for each of these, but it's essential to customize your chart of accounts to fit your business. I’ll share the key things to consider for each of these categories:

1. Revenue Account Codes:
A single revenue account code may suffice for some businesses but, if you have different revenue streams in your business or revenue streams that attract different tax rates, then you might want to set up additional revenue account codes. Individual accounts will help you to make better, more informed business decisions, but be wary not to go too granular and create confusion.

2. Other Income Account Codes:
Other income refers to income received that is not part of your normal trading activities. It could include interest income, grants, or any other income unrelated to your core business. Creating separate account codes for these income sources will give you a better understanding of their impact on your business.

3. Expense Account Codes:
Coding expenses accurately is crucial for effective bookkeeping. Xero provides default account codes for common expenses such as rent, cleaning, and insurance. However, our businesses are not default, so purposefully grouping expenses will provide valuable insights, and better reflect how we operate.

4. Direct Cost Account Codes:
Direct costs are expenses directly incurred in producing or providing your goods or services. Whatever industry you’re in it's important to distinguish direct costs from other operating expenses. Create separate account codes for direct costs to calculate your gross margin accurately.

5. Assets and Liabilities:
Assets and liabilities are essential components of your balance sheet but are typically best left in the hands of your bookkeeper. Still, it's important to familiarize yourself with the asset and liability account codes, to help you navigate these sections effectively.

Mastering transaction coding in Xero is essential for effective bookkeeping and financial reporting. By understanding the chart of accounts, customizing it to suit your business's unique needs, and coding transactions accurately and consistently, you can generate insightful reports and make informed business decisions.

Where to Find Bec:

• Website: https://straightupbookkeeping.com.au/
• Instagram: @straightup_bookkeeping
• Facebook: @straightupbookkeeping
• LinkedIn: @straight-up-bookkeeping