Business Activity Statements (BAS)

As of March 1st 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 BAS Agents 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

I am a registered BAS Agent so that may give you confidence in the numbers, but at Broadwater Bookkeeping we also believe that great bookkeeping is not just about getting the compliance right – it’s about empowering you around your finances.