Frequently Asked Questions
Get the Answers to Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Get the Answers to Common Questions
1. Who can use your services?
Our services are ideal for small businesses, tradies, startups, and growing companies looking for professional accouing and financial support.
2. How do you charge for your services?
Fees depend on the services required and the complexity of your business. We provide a clear quote upfront.
3. Do I need to provide my financial records?
Yes, we need accurate and complete records to provide effective bookkeeping, accounting, and advisory services.
4. Can you help with business planning and budgeting?
Absolutely! We offer business advisory, budgeting, cash flow management, and Virtual CFO services to help you plan and grow.
5. Do I need a financial licence to work with you?
No, As Chartered Accountants, we provide general financial advice, reporting, and strategy. We do not provide personal financial product recommendations.
6. How do I get started?
You can fill out our online engagement form or contact us directly. We’ll discuss your needs and start providing support immediately.
7. Are my financial details safe with you?
Yes. We treat all client information as strictly confidential and follow strict privacy and security standards.
8. Can you work with businesses in other states?
Yes. We primarily operate under NSW law, but we can provide services to clients in other states, considering relevant regulations.
9. How often will you provide reports or updates?
We provide reporting and updates based on your needs — weekly, monthly, quarterly, or as required for business decisions.
10. What is the difference between accounting and bookkeeping?
Accounting is the process of interpreting, classifying, and summarizing financial information for decision-making, while bookkeeping is the process of recording financial transactions in a systematic and organised manner.
1. What bookkeeping systems do you use ?
We work with Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks Online, Hubdoc, Deputy, Slack and more.
2. Can you help clean up messy or overdue bookkeeping ?
Yes, we specialise in catch-up bookkeeping and can reconstruct your records accurately and quickly.
3. How do I send you receipts and documents ?
You can upload them through cloud-based apps like Hubdoc, or send via email. We make the process paperless and easy.
4. Do you provide monthly financial reports ?
Yes, we provide P&L, balance sheets, cash flow summaries and any custom reports you need to track your business health.
1. What is Single Touch Payroll (STP) ?
STP is an ATO system requiring you to report wages and super each pay cycle. We ensure all STP lodgments are done accurately and on time.
2. Do you provide full-service payroll ?
Yes. We manage all aspects of payroll including payslips, superannuation, PAYG withholding, STP reporting and leave accruals. End-of-year reporting is handled through STP, so employees can access their Income Statement directly via myGov, no more paper payment summaries required..
3. What happens if I pay super late ?
Late payments incur the Super Guarantee Charge (SGC), which includes interest and admin fees. We help prevent this with proactive reminders and processing.
4. What is the current superannuation rate in Australia ?
As of 1 July 2025, the super guarantee rate is 12%.
5. How often do I need to pay superannuation ?
Super must be paid at least quarterly, but many employers pay it monthly. We ensure timely super contributions to avoid penalties.
6. Can you help with WorkCover and payroll tax ?
Yes, we handle WorkCover registration, wages reconciliation, and ensure payroll tax compliance across Australian states.
7. Do I need to register for PAYG withholding ?
Yes, if you employ staff or contractors who voluntarily request withholding. We can register and manage this for you.
8. How is PAYG withholding calculated on wages ?
We calculate it based on the employee’s tax file declaration, wages, and any relevant offsets or adjustments.
1. How are your services priced ?
We offer transparent, fixed-fee monthly packages as well as customised solutions for complex needs.
2. Is there a lock-in contract ?
No. Our services are month-to-month, and you can scale or cancel with one month notice.
3. What if I already have an accountant ?
We can collaborate with your current accountant or provide a complete transition plan if you're ready to switch.
4. Can I access my financials anytime ?
Yes. We use cloud software that gives you real-time access to your financials anywhere, anytime.
1. What is a BAS and do I need to lodge one ?
A BAS (Business Activity Statement) reports GST, PAYG and other obligations. You must lodge it if you're registered for GST.
2. When are BAS due ?
Quarterly BAS is usually due on the 28th of the following month (e.g., March quarter is due 28 April). Monthly lodgers follow different timelines.
3. Can I claim GST on past purchases before I registered for GST ?
Yes, you can claim GST credits for purchases up to four years before registration, if used in your business and proper tax invoices are available.
4. What if I lodge my BAS late ?
Late lodgments may attract penalties and interest from the ATO. We help you catch up and negotiate penalty relief where possible.
5. What tax planning strategies do you offer ?
We advise on super contributions, asset purchases, income timing, business structure, and more — all to reduce your tax legally.
6. Can I amend a lodged BAS or tax return ?
Yes, amendments can be made if you discover an error. We handle this with the ATO to keep your records accurate.
7. Are there special GST rules for eCommerce businesses ?
Yes, especially when selling internationally or through platforms like Shopify and Amazon. We're experts in cross-border GST issues and A2X integrations.
8. What is PAYG Instalment and how does it work ?
It’s a system for pre-paying your income tax in instalments. We help manage, adjust and forecast your PAYG obligations.
9. What is Division 7A and how does it impact business owners ?
It applies when private companies lend money to shareholders without proper documentation. These can be taxed as dividends. We help you stay compliant.
10. What are your tax return services ?
We prepare and lodge individual, sole trader, partnership, company, and trust tax returns, with a focus on maximising deductions and staying compliant.
1. What software do you recommend for small businesses ?
We recommend Xero, Quickbook, Slack, Hubdoc, OpenFlare and more — based on your industry and goals.
2. Can you migrate my accounts to Xero or another platform ?
Yes. We handle full data migration, setup and training for smooth transitions with no downtime.
1. What industries do you work with ?
We support businesses in retail, eCommerce, health & fitness, tourism, trades, real estate and professional services — to name a few.
2. Do you offer cash flow forecasting and budget planning ?
Yes. We provide forecasts, scenario analysis and financial modelling to help you make informed decisions.
3. Do you help restructure or setup new entities ?
Yes, we advise on company vs trust vs sole trader structures, and manage all relevant registrations and ASIC compliance.
1. What is a fractional finance team ?
A fractional finance team provides you with access to experienced CFOs, accountants, and financial analysts — without the cost of hiring full-time staff. It’s ideal for growing businesses needing strategic financial expertise on a part-time or scalable basis.
2. How does a fractional CFO differ from a bookkeeper or accountant ?
A fractional CFO focuses on strategic decisions like forecasting, cash flow management, capital raising, and growth planning. Bookkeepers and accountants handle day-to-day data entry, compliance, and reporting. We offer a layered solution with all roles as needed.
3. Is a fractional finance team cheaper than hiring internally ?
Yes. You only pay for the time and expertise you need, without the overheads of full-time salaries, training, superannuation, or recruitment costs.
4. Who is fractional finance best suited for ?
This model suits startups, scale-ups, and established businesses that need expert financial insight but don’t have the budget or workload for full-time hires. It's also perfect for businesses undergoing rapid change or looking for investor readiness.
5. Will I have regular meetings with the fractional team ?
Absolutely. We provide ongoing check-ins, monthly or quarterly strategy sessions, and reporting reviews — all tailored to your preferences.
6. What roles are included in Sapiens Accounting Solutions fractional finance team ?
Our team includes fractional CFOs, financial controllers, payroll specialists, tax advisors, and cloud integration experts — tailored to your business goals and stage.
7. How do you ensure data security and confidentiality with a remote team ?
We use secure, encrypted cloud platforms and strict access protocols to protect your financial data. Our systems are compliant with Australian privacy and accounting standards.
8. Can we scale the service up or down ?
Yes. Our fractional services are fully scalable. You can adjust the level of support as your business grows, slows, or changes direction.
