Business Accounting FAQs
Frequently Asked
Questions
We understand that small business owners often ask the same key questions about accounting, tax and financial advice.
This Business Accounting FAQ is designed to give you clear, practical answers on topics like accounting fees for small businesses in Australia, what a business accountant actually does and the support you can expect when starting out.
Whether you’re comparing costs, seeking clarity on an accountant’s role, or exploring career opportunities, you’ll find straightforward guidance here.
FAQs
We’re not your typical accounting firm. We combine expert accounting knowledge with practical, hands-on business advice. We’ve helped hundreds of businesses across Melbourne and Australia set up, streamline their finances, and grow sustainably.
Whether you are a startup or an established company with employees, we make sure you are business compliant, confident and set up for success.
Rubiix. More control. Less chaos.
Business accountants are more than just “tax people.” At Rubiix, our role goes far beyond compliance. We’re your partners in business growth. We help you stay compliant with ATO requirements, prepare and lodge BAS, GST, and tax returns, and structure your business for maximum tax efficiency and protection.
We also provide cashflow and budgeting support to help you stay in control of your finances, profit improvement strategies to boost your bottom line, and business planning and forecasting to guide your long-term success.
We’re not just here to lodge tax returns — we’re here to help your business thrive.
The cost of an accountant for a small business in Australia typically ranges between $175 – $600 per hour depending on the complexity of your needs, the accountant’s expertise, and your business structure. Some accountants offer fixed-price monthly packages which can be more cost-effective and predictable for ongoing support.
Absolutely. At Rubiix, we help new business owners every day to get their business off the ground the right way.
What Rubiix can help you with:
- Advising on the best business structure (sole trader, company, trust, partnership)
- Registering your ABN, GST, and business name
- Handling ASIC company registrations
- Applying for TFN, PAYG, and BAS requirements
- Setting up Xero or other accounting software so you’re ready from day one
- Providing cash flow advice, tax planning, and budgeting
What we don’t do:
- Provide legal advice on contracts or leases (this requires a lawyer)
- Register trademarks or IP (handled by IP specialists)
- Offer financial planning advice (unless through a licensed adviser)
We focus on giving you the strong financial foundations you need to start and grow your business with confidence. While we cannot directly offer legal or financial advice, we have a network of advisors across multiple disciplines that can assist you in those areas.
In most cases, no. Your business address should reflect where you operate or receive correspondence.
Every company must have a registered office. This means for any company registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), there must be a physical street address in Australia designated as the company's official point of contact for legal and government documents. Some accountants, including Rubiix, allow their office address to be used as your registered office for ASIC purposes. This is an additional service and needs to be arranged in advance.
Your trading address must reflect your actual place of business, such as your home office, shopfront, or warehouse.
We can list Rubiix as your tax agent’s address, which means all ATO mail comes directly to us. This ensures you never miss an important notice.
When it’s time to prepare your tax return, your accountant will need accurate and complete records to ensure compliance with the ATO. Typically, this includes:
- Financial records: profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and bank statements.
- Expense records: receipts, invoices, payroll information, and superannuation details.
- Tax documents: BAS statements, GST reports, previous tax returns, and any ATO correspondence.
- Business structure details: whether you operate as a sole trader, partnership, company, or trust.
The more organised and detailed your records are, the more deductions you’re likely to capture, making tax time simpler and smoother.
Salaries for business accountants in Australia vary depending on experience, qualifications, and the size of the business they work in. On average:
Graduate Accountants: $55,000 – $70,000 per year
Mid-Level Accountants (3–5 years): $70,000 – $95,000 per year
Senior Accountants / Managers: $95,000 – $130,000+ per year
Partners or Firm Owners: Earnings can exceed $200,000, depending on the size of the client base.
At Rubiix, we believe in rewarding career progression and offer a supportive environment where accountants can grow their skills, work with diverse clients, and achieve their financial and professional goals.
Speak to the Rubiix team today about setting up your new business. We’ll help you avoid costly mistakes and give you peace of mind from day one.
Contact Rubiix Business Accountants today to book a free and confidential 30-min consult with our team.
