Question 1

Are you an insured business and do you guarantee your work?

Accepted Answer

We hold Professional Indemnity Insurance as required by the Tax Practitioners Board.

Question 2

Do you have a favourite customer story you would like to share?

Accepted Answer

We don't have favourite customer stories....we keep all client information confidential.

Question 3

What do you like most about your job?

Accepted Answer

We love helping people transform their office systems, to allow them to see how where they are heading.  Just talking to a client and listening to the way that they process things before we commence our work, gives us the opportunity to see how things work within their business and allows us to come up with suggestions that will streamline the process.    Moving clients from manual bookkeeping systems into something that we have set up for them, tailored invoices, set up their chart of accounts and made easy to use is a great feeling.  Also, knowing that next time they see their accountant that there will be a LOT less pressure is nice to have in the back our our minds.

Question 4

What questions should a customer ask to hire the right service professional?

Accepted Answer

If you are looking for a bookkeeper, check that they are a registered BAS agent.  In 2010 the ATO regulated the bookkeeping industry.  There is more information on my website here:  http://www.somervillebookkeeping.com.au/about-us/what-is-a-bas-agent  ...and you can check the BAS Agent register here: http://www.tpb.gov.au/tpb/agent_register.aspx

Question 5

What makes you the most reliable and trustworthy person for the job?

Accepted Answer

We've worked in this industry for years and pride ourselves our confidentiality.  It's vital that you can trust that your bookkeepers will guard your privacy.

Question 6

Why should a customer hire you over another service provider?

Accepted Answer

As of 1st March 2010, the ATO regulated the bookkeeping industry.  Now all bookkeepers providing a BAS Service are required to register as a BAS Agent.  The requirements of a BAS Agent are: Certificate IV in Financial Services - Bookkeeping or Accounting Member of a recognised Professional Association Over 1000 hours relevant experience Professional Indemnity insurance Ongoing Professional Development What does that mean for you?  In the past, a bookkeeper was able to complete a MYOB or Quicken course and start charging for their services.  Unfortunately, due to their lack of experience, they often left a mess.  The client could do nothing about it except find someone else who, hopefully, would be able to clean up the mess.  It is a costly exercise both financially and emotionally.  As a BAS Agent, there is a professional Code of Conduct in relation to: Honesty and integrity Independence (acting lawfully) Confidentiality Competence Breaching the Code of Conduct can result in termination of the registration and Civil Penalties involving fines up to $137,500.  At last there is something that can be done if you are left in a mess.  We are Registered BAS Agents, so that may give you confidence in the numbers, but at Somerville Bookkeeping Services we believe that great bookkeeping is not just about getting the compliance right ... it's about empowering you around your finances!

Question 7

How can a customer save money before you start the work? Please give 3 tips

Accepted Answer

We are happy to take on book work in any state.  Sometimes you just want to hand it over and get on with running your business. However, if you'd like to put a few processes in place to keep things organised, it makes things run smoother at our end.    Some simple steps like having a manilla folder each for: Bills to pay Bills paid from cheque account Credit card dockets Cash dockets Bank/credit card statements

Question 8

What makes your pricing competitive?

Accepted Answer

A "Cloud" Bookkeeper will save you space, time and money You may prefer to utilise our remote access services (in the cloud), allowing us to do your bookkeeping from our office, but giving you access from your computer, tablet or mobile phone.  It's an excellent way of having a professional bookkeeper and BAS Agent without the space, computer, printer, software or even desk requirements. See, we've freed up some space for you already!  Better still, we offer a monthly fixed price fee which includes our preferred bookkeeping software, Xero, so there are no up front software costs.

Question 9

How do you normally charge for your service?

Accepted Answer

We usually charge an hourly rate, however, we've found that for some clients it works best to charge a flat monthly fee.  This particularly suits our tradie clients who have one bank account and want to just post us all their invoices at the end of the month.

Question 10

What experience, skills, qualifications or training do you have to make you the right person for the job?

Accepted Answer

Registered BAS Agent Experienced Bookkeepers  Member:  Australian Bookkeepers Network

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