NN Accountability Bookkeeping and Training Group - Xero Training & Setup

04/09/2026

A recent Xero influencer campaign has caused quite a reaction among accountants and bookkeepers.

Xero doesn’t replace your accountant. And neither does AI.

The message was essentially that small businesses could use Xero and AI instead of paying an accountant.

And honestly?

I think this conversation is worth having.

Because AI absolutely IS changing accounting.

It can help businesses:

✅ Automate bookkeeping
✅ Categorise transactions
✅ Reconcile accounts
✅ Produce reports
✅ Analyse financial data
✅ Identify unusual transactions
✅ Save hours of manual work

And I am completely on board with that.

But there is a BIG difference between producing financial information and understanding what that information means for your business.

A software platform can tell you that your profit is down.

But will it ask:

👉 Why?
👉 Is your pricing wrong?
👉 Are your margins falling?
👉 Is your cash flow becoming a problem?
👉 Are your expenses increasing unnecessarily?
👉 Are you meeting your Australian tax and compliance obligations?
👉 Is the information in Xero actually correct in the first place?

And perhaps most importantly…

Who is there when you don't know what question to ask?

That's where I believe the role of accountants and bookkeepers is changing.

We shouldn't be fighting AI.

We should be using it.

The future isn't:

❌ Accountant OR AI
It's:
🤝 Accountant + AI + Xero

Let technology handle more of the repetitive work.

Let accountants spend more time on the things technology can't replace easily — judgement, context, strategy, accountability and human conversations.

As accountants, we need to adapt.

As business owners, we should embrace technology.

But don't confuse having access to your numbers with having someone who understands your numbers.

That's a very different thing.

What do you think? Has AI made your accountant more valuable — or do you think it will eventually replace them?

03/09/2026

02/09/2026

31/08/2026

Your Roadmap to Becoming an Online Bookkeeper in Australia.

Becoming a successful online bookkeeper in Australia involves much more than learning accounting software. You need a solid understanding of accounting principles, Australian compliance requirements, business processes, and the confidence to work with real clients.

Business owners aren’t simply looking for someone to enter transactions. They want a bookkeeper who can keep their records accurate, help them stay compliant, and provide reliable financial information they can use to make better business decisions.

If you’re considering a career as an online bookkeeper, here are 5 key steps to help you get started:

1. Build a Strong Accounting Foundation

Start with the fundamentals. Learn how assets, liabilities, equity, income and expenses work, as well as GST, bank reconciliation, payroll and financial reports.

Once you understand the accounting behind a transaction, learning bookkeeping software becomes much easier.

2. Understand Australian Bookkeeping & Compliance

Australian bookkeeping comes with specific rules and responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with GST, BAS, PAYG, superannuation, payroll obligations, tax invoices and ATO requirements.

Being a good bookkeeper isn't just about entering numbers correctly — it's about understanding why they need to be recorded correctly.

3. Become Confident With Cloud Accounting Software

Learn the platforms commonly used by Australian businesses, including Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks Online.

Start by becoming highly confident with one platform before expanding your skills. Understanding how the software connects with everyday bookkeeping processes is more important than simply knowing where to click.

4. Practise Real-World Bookkeeping

Watching tutorials is a great starting point, but practice is where your confidence develops.

Work through realistic scenarios such as entering bills and invoices, reconciling bank accounts, applying GST codes, setting up bank rules, processing payroll and completing month-end procedures.

The more real-world situations you practise, the better prepared you’ll be when working with your first client.

5. Find Your Niche & Build Your Professional Position

Consider the types of businesses you would like to work with. You could specialise in areas such as e-commerce, trades, professional services, real estate, NDIS providers or small businesses.

Having a clear niche can help you stand out, communicate your expertise and attract the right clients.

Your Bookkeeping Career Starts With Preparation

Online bookkeeping is a skill-based career, and there are no shortcuts.

Learn. Practise. Make mistakes. Correct them. Keep improving.

The knowledge and confidence you build today can become the foundation for a successful bookkeeping career tomorrow.

26/08/2026

2021 was a BIG Year of Growth!

Looking back, it taught me an important lesson:

Don’t be afraid to start something new.

You never know where one small idea might lead.

If you have an idea that could help others, give it a go! You don’t need to know exactly where it will take you.

Take that first step, believe in yourself and keep going. You got this!

25/08/2026

How did you choose your accountant? 🤔💰

Was it…

👩‍💼 “My friend uses them, so they must be good.”

⭐ “They had great Google reviews.”

💰 “They were the cheapest.”

📍 “They’re close to my house.”

☕ “I liked them after one coffee.” 😂

Or perhaps…

📊 “They actually explained things in a way I could understand!” 🙌

Choosing an accountant is a bit like choosing a hairdresser — you want someone you can trust, communicate with, and come back to year after year. 😄

So, let’s settle this:

👉 What is the #1 thing you look for when choosing an accountant?

Price? Experience? Availability? Industry knowledge? Communication? Someone who actually answers your calls? 📞😂

And if you already have an accountant…

What made you choose them in the first place?

We’d love to hear your answers! 👇

24/08/2026

⚠️ Before You Pay Your ASIC Renewal

We've noticed that some clients are paying third-party invoices for their ASIC annual renewal without realising they are not paying ASIC directly. Companies such as Registration often send notices that look official but charge additional service fees on top of the standard ASIC renewal cost.

If you receive an ASIC-related invoice and are unsure whether payment is required, please email us first. We usually send your ASIC annual review documents directly and can confirm whether the invoice is from ASIC or a third-party provider, helping you avoid unnecessary fees.

24/08/2026

Monday Tip: TPAR

If your business pays contractors for cleaning, building & construction, courier, IT or security services, you may need to lodge a Taxable Payments Annual Report (TPAR) with the ATO by 28 August.

Not sure if TPAR applies to your business? Check the ATO information before the deadline!

https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/preparing-lodging-and-paying/reports-and-returns/taxable-payments-annual-report

20/08/2026

💰 Should you be paying yourself a wage from your business?

One of the most common questions we hear from business owners is:

“How much should I pay myself?” 🤔

And the answer is… it depends!

Your business structure matters.

👤 Sole trader?
You generally don’t pay yourself a wage. Money you take from the business is usually treated as owner’s drawings rather than a salary.

🏢 Company?
The rules are different. Depending on how you take money from your company, you may need to consider wages, PAYG withholding, superannuation and other tax obligations.

💡 And here’s the important part:

Just because there is money sitting in your business bank account doesn’t mean it’s all yours to take.

You need to consider GST, tax, super, upcoming expenses and your overall cash flow before deciding how much you can safely take out.

👉 Not sure whether you’re paying yourself the right way? It’s worth getting advice before you start transferring money from the business account.

FAQ: Your business. Your money. But are you taking it out the right way? 😉