Aussie Bookkeeping Basics

GST & BAS Made Simple (Without the Stress)

Deb Rowling — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 17:36:00 GMT

In episode 10 of Aussie Bookkeeping Basics, host Deb Rowling explains GST and BAS in simple terms for Australian business owners. She emphasises that if you’re GST-registered, GST is not your money—you’re holding it as a “tax collector” for the ATO. Deb breaks down the BAS process as adding up GST collected on sales, subtracting GST paid on business expenses, and paying the difference to the ATO, noting BAS is usually lodged quarterly (but can be monthly or annually).

To avoid bill shock and reduce stress, she recommends regularly calculating GST from income and transferring it into a separate GST bank account, ideally a high-interest account, alongside a transaction account.

Deb invites listeners to learn more through Cashflow Collective or contact her for help with calculations and reports.

00:54 GST and BAS Overview

01:11 GST Is Not Yours

01:56 How BAS Works

03:45 Set Aside GST Regularly

04:50 Simple Monthly Workflow

05:40 Two Accounts Strategy

06:59 Reduce Bill Shock

07:46 Get Help and Invitation

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is general in nature and is intended for educational purposes only. It does not take into account your personal circumstances and should not be relied upon as financial or tax advice. For advice specific to your situation, please speak with a qualified professional.

Follow Aussie Bookkeeping Basics on Facebook Instagram or Linkedin or the website https://www.aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

Get on the waitlist for the Cashflow Collective here:

https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au/waitlist-cashflow-collective/

This podcast is hosted by Deb Rowling for Aussie Bookkeeping Basics https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

This podcast is produced by Ellen Ronalds Keene for PERK Digital https://perkdigital.com.au

Profit vs. Cash Flow & Why Theyre Not The Same

Deb Rowling — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:56:00 GMT

In episode 9 of Aussie Bookkeeping Basics, host Deb Rowling unpacks the common confusion between profit and cash flow, explaining that profit is what’s left after expenses on paper, while cash flow is the real money moving in and out of the bank. She outlines how timing differences—like unpaid invoices, expenses due before income arrives, and tax obligations such as GST—can leave a profitable business short on cash.

Deb also introduces the ATO Small Business Benchmarks as a free way to compare your business to others in the same industry, noting hospitality’s tight margins, and stresses that up-to-date bookkeeping helps spot warning signs, and make clearer, less stressful financial decisions.

00:55 Cash Flow vs Profit

02:38 Why Cash Runs Out

04:34 Timing Gap Example

05:27 Why It Matters

06:58 ATO Benchmarks Explained

10:40 Bookkeeping Warning Signs

11:39 Identify the Problem

12:36 Wrap Up and Invite

Follow Aussie Bookkeeping Basics on Facebook Instagram or Linkedin or the website https://www.aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

Get on the waitlist for the Cashflow Collective here:

https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au/waitlist-cashflow-collective/

This podcast is hosted by Deb Rowling for Aussie Bookkeeping Basics https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

This podcast is produced by Ellen Ronalds Keene for PERK Digital https://perkdigital.com.au

DIY Bookkeeping vs Support: What is right for you?

Deb Rowling — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:18:00 GMT

In episode 8 of Aussie Bookkeeping Basics, host Deb Rowling explores the spectrum between DIY bookkeeping and full “done for you” support, outlining key pros and challenges of each. DIY can be lower cost and offer full control and awareness of your finances, but it can also be a major time sink and create uncertainty if you lack guidance or confidence. A done-for-you bookkeeper costs more in dollars but saves significant time, can be faster due to expertise, and provides confidence and clarity, backed by qualifications and experience such as supervised hours required for BAS agent work. Deb also highlights a middle-ground option for business owners who want to keep involvement and understanding while getting guidance, recommending her Cashflow Collective membership for support, accountability, co-working, and community.

00:54 Episode Overview

01:36 DIY Bookkeeping Pros

03:06 DIY Bookkeeping Challenges

04:30 Done For You Benefits

05:17 Why Expertise Matters

07:30 When To Outsource

08:29 The Middle Ground Option

09:56 Cashflow Collective Invite

Follow Aussie Bookkeeping Basics on Facebook Instagram or Linkedin or the website https://www.aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

Get on the waitlist for the Cashflow Collective here:

https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au/waitlist-cashflow-collective/

This podcast is hosted by Deb Rowling for Aussie Bookkeeping Basics https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

This podcast is produced by Ellen Ronalds Keene for PERK Digital https://perkdigital.com.au

Do You Actually Need a Bookkeeper?

Deb Rowling — Thu, 28 May 2026 14:58:00 GMT

In episode 7 of Aussie Bookkeeping Basics, host Deb Rowling explores whether you actually need a bookkeeper, explaining that the best choice depends on your business context, complexity, and your willingness and time to learn.

Deb says DIY can work well for simple, service-based businesses with straightforward invoicing and good integrations, but bookkeeper support is helpful when you’re time poor, unsure, or second-guessing tasks like transaction categorisation.

She highlights that hiring a bookkeeper doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing, sharing examples such as a bookkeeper handling only invoicing, helping with tricky payment matching, or reviewing and lodging BAS through a “BAS buddy” service.

Deb recommends finding a bookkeeper who understands your industry and requirements, and invites listeners to join her Cashflow Collective for guidance, accountability, and community.

00:53 Do You Need a Bookkeeper

01:27 When DIY Works Best

02:49 Time Poor and Unsure

03:34 Flexible Support Options

05:07 Real Client Examples

06:16 BAS Buddy Checkups

07:08 Choosing the Right Fit

08:25 The Guided Support Sweet Spot

09:20 Cashflow Collective Invite

Follow Aussie Bookkeeping Basics on Facebook Instagram or Linkedin or the website https://www.aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

Get on the waitlist for the Cashflow Collective here:

https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au/waitlist-cashflow-collective/

This podcast is hosted by Deb Rowling for Aussie Bookkeeping Basics https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

This podcast is produced by Ellen Ronalds Keene for PERK Digital https://perkdigital.com.au

The Most Common Bookkeeping Mistakes

Deb Rowling — Thu, 21 May 2026 14:47:00 GMT

In episode 6 of Aussie Bookkeeping Basics, host Deb Rowling shares the three most common bookkeeping mistakes she sees and explains how business owners can fix them in a shame-free, jargon-free way.

First, she tackles avoiding bookkeeping altogether, noting that putting it off only makes things worse and that bookkeeping is an unavoidable hat for small business owners. Second, she addresses guessing expense categorisation, explaining that while the world won’t implode if an expense is mis-categorised, accurate details like GST, date, amount, and evidence matter, and more specific categories provide better financial insights than dumping everything into “other” or “miscellaneous.”

Third, she highlights the mistake of not reviewing entries to compare results over time. Deb also mentions her Cashflow Collective for support and guidance from an experienced BAS agent.

00:55 Welcome and No Shame

01:47 Mistake One: Avoiding Books

03:33 Mistake Two: Guessing Categories

04:41 Why Better Expense Categories Help

08:40 Mistake Three: No Reviews

09:13 Wrap Up and Next Steps

10:05 Invitation to Cashflow Collective

Follow Aussie Bookkeeping Basics on Facebook Instagram or Linkedin or the website https://www.aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

Get on the waitlist for the Cashflow Collective here:

https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au/waitlist-cashflow-collective/

This podcast is hosted by Deb Rowling for Aussie Bookkeeping Basics https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

This podcast is produced by Ellen Ronalds Keene for PERK Digital https://perkdigital.com.au

A Simple Weekly Bookkeeping Routine to Prevent Backlog and Stress

Deb Rowling — Thu, 14 May 2026 14:34:44 GMT

In episode 5 of Aussie Bookkeeping Basics, host Deb Rowling shares a simple weekly bookkeeping routine designed to feel calm and manageable through weekly rhythms rather than daily pressure. She recommends four essentials: issue invoices (especially for service-based businesses), record and match payments received, send reminders for overdue invoices to avoid awkward debt chasing and support early payment plans, and organise receipts by photographing and storing them in one consistent system.

Deb also suggests reconciling transactions by matching bank statements to what’s recorded in your accounting system and reviewing upcoming bills and cash needs so you understand your numbers beyond your bank balance. She notes that doing this weekly can complete most quarterly GST prep, and mentions her upcoming Cashflow Collective membership launching 1 June, plus a template to help stay on track.

00:00 Weekly Routine Overview

01:04 Four Weekly Essentials

01:17 Send Invoices Weekly

02:17 Record Incoming Payments

03:47 Chase Overdue Invoices

05:07 Organize Receipts Fast

05:54 Reconcile And Review

07:15 Benefits And Momentum

07:58 Cashflow Collective Plug

08:55 Template And Wrap Up

Follow Aussie Bookkeeping Basics on Facebook Instagram or Linkedin or the website https://www.aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

Get on the waitlist for the Cashflow Collective here:

https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au/waitlist-cashflow-collective/

This podcast is hosted by Deb Rowling for Aussie Bookkeeping Basics https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

This podcast is produced by Ellen Ronalds Keene for PERK Digital https://perkdigital.com.au

Why Your Bank Balance Is Lying to You

Deb Rowling — Thu, 07 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

In episode 4 of Aussie Bookkeeping Basics, host Deb Rowling explains why relying on your bank balance creates confusion for business owners: it’s only a snapshot of what’s in the account right now and leaves out crucial context like unpaid bills, upcoming expenses, invoices sent but not yet paid, and money already spoken for—especially GST. Deb highlights the “GST trap” for Australian businesses registered for GST, where part of income isn’t yours but is held on behalf of the ATO, often causing BAS-time shock. She shares a practical $10,000 example to show how available cash can be far less once GST and upcoming costs are considered, and offers four simple steps: recognise the bank balance isn’t the full picture, track cash coming in and out, set aside GST immediately, and review reports like profit and loss and balance sheet. She also recommends a separate GST bank account (ideally without a debit card) and transferring GST (e.g., $10 from a $110 payment) as soon as income arrives.

00:00 Bank Balance Myth

01:16 Missing Money Pieces

02:16 The GST Trap

03:44 A $10k Breakdown

05:11 Why It Feels Stressful

05:52 Four Simple Steps

07:41 Two Accounts for GST

11:24 Wrap Up and Next Steps

Follow Aussie Bookkeeping Basics on Facebook Instagram or Linkedin or the website https://www.aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

Get on the waitlist for the Cashflow Collective here:

https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au/waitlist-cashflow-collective/

This podcast is hosted by Deb Rowling for Aussie Bookkeeping Basics https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

This podcast is produced by Ellen Ronalds Keene for PERK Digital https://perkdigital.com.au

The 3 Numbers Every Aussie Small Business Owner Needs to Know

Deb Rowling — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:04:00 GMT

In this episode of Aussie Bookkeeping Basics, host Deb Rowling explains that you don’t need lots of reports to understand your business finances, just three key numbers: your bank balance, your profit (what’s left after expenses), and what’s owed (outstanding bills and unpaid invoices).

Deb highlights that relying on the bank balance alone can be misleading, and encourages listeners to run a simple profit and loss report to check net profit, then review what they owe and what customers owe them. She stresses “noticing, not perfecting,” acknowledging the emotions these numbers can bring while focusing on consistency and small confidence-building actions like following up one overdue invoice, paying one bill, sending an invoice, or paying yourself.

Deb invites listeners to reach out via the website or social media, or ask their bookkeeper or accountant for help finding these numbers, and not to stay stuck in the overwhelm. Take one small step today.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Overview

00:35 Three Key Numbers

01:19 Bank Balance Basics

02:38 Check Your Profit

03:45 What You Owe and Owed

04:57 Record and Reflect

05:32 Quick Confidence Wins

06:06 Where to Get Help

06:59 Final Encouragement

Follow Aussie Bookkeeping Basics on Facebook Instagram or Linkedin or the website https://www.aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

Get on the waitlist for the Cashflow Collective here:

https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au/waitlist-cashflow-collective/

This podcast is hosted by Deb Rowling for Aussie Bookkeeping Basics https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

This podcast is produced by Ellen Ronalds Keene for PERK Digital https://perkdigital.com.au

Bookkeeping vs Accounting: The Basics for Aussie Small Businesses

Deb Rowling — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:38:00 GMT

In episode 2 of the Aussie Bookkeeping Basics podcast, host Deb Rowling strips bookkeeping back to fundamentals, explaining bookkeeping as the day-to-day tracking and correct recording of income, expenses, individual transactions, and GST, and accounting as the bigger-picture reporting and income tax work.

Deb outlines why it’s good practice to have both a bookkeeper (often a qualified BAS agent who can advise on GST and handle transaction entry and compliance) and an accountant (typically a tax agent who advises on income tax) working together. She reassures business owners they don’t need to be “numbers people,” but do need basic financial foundations, including weekly habits: keep receipts for business expenses, send invoices or generate sales, and ensure transactions are accurately represented in the accounting system.

Deb encourages consistency over perfection and suggests starting clean from a chosen date to reduce overwhelm.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Overview

00:39 What Bookkeeping Really Is

02:09 Bookkeeping vs Accounting

02:22 Why You Need Both

03:35 BAS Agents and Qualifications

04:46 You Don’t Need to Be a Numbers Person

06:43 Weekly Bookkeeping Basics

08:18 Consistency Over Perfection

08:41 Start Clean and Build Habits

10:03 Wrap Up and Next Steps

Follow Aussie Bookkeeping Basics on Facebook Instagram or Linkedin or the website https://www.aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

Get on the waitlist for the Cashflow Collective here:

https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au/waitlist-cashflow-collective/

This podcast is hosted by Deb Rowling for Aussie Bookkeeping Basics https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

This podcast is produced by Ellen Ronalds Keene for PERK Digital https://perkdigital.com.au

Welcome to Aussie Bookkeeping Basics: Understanding Your Business Numbers Without Jargon

Deb Rowling — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:28:00 GMT

In this episode of Aussie Bookkeeping Basics, host Deb Rowling introduces the podcast and its goal of helping Australian small business owners understand their numbers without jargon, judgment, or overwhelm. Deb shares her background transitioning from primary school teaching into running a bookkeeping business, where she noticed capable clients often felt embarrassed or confused about finances, especially when software shows a profit but there’s no cash in the bank (or the reverse). She explains that bookkeeping is more than data entry or ATO compliance: it’s tracking what comes in and goes out, what’s left, and what’s most profitable or costly so you can make informed decisions. Deb clarifies the podcast is not tax advice or software training, and previews upcoming basics, weekly tips, common mistakes, interpreting reports, and mindset shifts.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Mission

00:47 Meet Deb Her Story

01:23 Why Numbers Feel Confusing

02:43 Who This Podcast Helps

03:47 What Bookkeeping Really Means

05:28 What This Podcast Is Not

06:29 What Youll Learn This Season

07:38 Follow and Stay Connected

08:19 Final Reassurance and Goodbye

Follow Aussie Bookkeeping Basics on Facebook Instagram or Linkedin or the website https://www.aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

Get on the waitlist for the Cashflow Collective here:

https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au/waitlist-cashflow-collective/

This podcast is hosted by Deb Rowling for Aussie Bookkeeping Basics https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

This podcast is produced by Ellen Ronalds Keene for PERK Digital https://perkdigital.com.au

ABBP Aussie Bookkeeping Basics Trailer

Deb Rowling — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 05:02:59 GMT

Welcome to Aussie Bookkeeping Basics — the podcast that helps Aussie small business owners feel confident and in control of their numbers.

Hosted by Deb Rowling, a registered BAS Agent, bookkeeper & teacher, each episode breaks down bookkeeping, BAS, GST, and business finances in plain English — no jargon, no stress.

Whether you DIY your books or just want to understand what your accountant’s talking about, you’ll find practical tips, real-world examples, and down-to-earth advice to make bookkeeping simple, meaningful, and even a little bit fun.

Do you want to finally understand your GST and BAS without the overwhelm?

Are you tired of feeling lost when you look at your business finances?

Would you love to do your own bookkeeping with confidence (and maybe even enjoy it)?

If you said yes to any of these, grab a cuppa and let’s make your books (and your business) balance beautifully.

Follow Aussie Bookkeeping Basics on Facebook Instagram or Linkedin or the website https://www.aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

Get on the waitlist for the Cashflow Collective here:

https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au/waitlist-cashflow-collective/

This podcast is hosted by Deb Rowling for Aussie Bookkeeping Basics https://aussiebookkeepingbasics.com.au

This podcast is produced by Ellen Ronalds Keene for PERK Digital https://perkdigital.com.au