Most of us treat our accountant like a stranger who happens to know our numbers. Someone we email at tax time, brace ourselves for, and quietly hope is not judging us. But what if that relationship could feel like the complete opposite?

In this Mini Moment, Sam sits down with her own accountant, Paris from Group One Accounting, to talk about what it actually looks like to work with someone who gets you. Not just someone who lodges your BAS on time, but someone you can be honest with, lean on, and yes, even cry to about tax.

Because here is the part most salon owners never get told. Your accountant is not there to be your business strategist, and expecting that will only leave you let down. The real shift comes from knowing what the job actually is, asking for exactly what you need, and finding the person who fits the way you work.

What we cover

• What an accountant is actually responsible for, and what they are not
• The real difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant
• The questions to ask before you take someone on, from communication style to fees and response time
• Why Sam pays her accountant a set amount each week, and how that protects her cashflow
• How to find an accountant who feels personal, not just professional
• Why you should never feel judged by the person doing your books

The right accountant does not just know your numbers. They make you feel safe in your own business.

FAQs

What is the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?

A bookkeeper handles the day to day reconciling, data entry and the quarterly BAS that Australian businesses lodge for GST. An accountant usually comes in at the end of the financial year to tidy everything up and do the tax level work, though plenty of accountants can cover both.

What should you ask before hiring an accountant?

Ask how they communicate, how quickly they respond, and how they charge, including whether phone calls are billed. Being clear about what you need up front is what stops you feeling disappointed later.

Should I do my own bookkeeping as a salon owner?

For a lot of smaller salons, basic reconciling and paying wages is simpler than it looks, and learning it first keeps your head in your own business. You can always hand it over once you understand what is involved.

Mentioned in this episode:

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