Bookkeeping Software Setup and Rescue
Most messy books trace back to one thing: a file that was set up wrong. Wrong chart of accounts, wrong GST codes, payroll bolted on in a hurry. We set up Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks files properly - and rescue the ones that weren’t.
Sound familiar?
- The file was set up by whoever had time that week
- GST codes are guesswork, so every BAS is guesswork too
- Reports don’t reflect how the business actually runs
- A migration went sideways and now nothing reconciles
All fixable. Most of it faster than you’d think.
What our setup and rescue work covers
New file setup
Chart of accounts designed for your business, GST codes right from day one, bank feeds, invoice templates and user permissions configured properly.
File rescue and repair
Duplicated contacts, years of miscoding, unreconciled feeds, broken payroll - diagnosed and repaired without losing your history.
Migrations
MYOB to Xero, QuickBooks to Xero, desktop to cloud - planned, tested and reconciled, with opening balances that actually balance. We are upfront about what history can and cannot move, and we preserve the rest so your records stay compliant.
Payroll configuration
Awards, pay items, leave accruals, super and STP Phase 2 categories set up correctly - the most common and most expensive thing we find broken.
Integrations and add-ons
Receipt capture, point-of-sale, job costing and payment tools connected so data flows once, not typed three times.
Why get the setup done properly
- A Registered BAS Agent designs the GST and payroll configuration - the parts that bite hardest when wrong
- 25+ years of seeing exactly how bad setups fail, across Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks
- Every setup is documented, so you’re never dependent on us (or anyone)
- Training available in the same engagement - see our Xero and MYOB training
- Charged by the hour in five-minute increments, with an estimate after a free file review
Common questions
Should I move from MYOB to Xero (or stay put)?
It depends on your payroll complexity, industry add-ons and what your team already knows. We work across both - so unlike a partner locked to one platform, we’ll recommend what suits your business. Sometimes that’s staying put: the cost of migrating, and the reality that your full history won’t follow you, are good reasons not to switch without a clear payoff.
Can you fix our file without starting again?
Usually, yes. Most files are repairable with a structured cleanup. Occasionally a fresh file genuinely is faster and safer - we’ll tell you which yours is after a review, with reasons.
How long does a setup or migration take?
A clean new-file setup typically takes days, not weeks. Migrations depend on history and payroll complexity - we plan them around your BAS cycle so there’s a natural clean cutover date.
Will we lose historical data in a migration?
Be cautious of anyone who promises a migration brings everything across, because it won’t. Conversions typically move your balances plus a limited window of recent transactions; older history, attachments, full reconciliation and payroll detail often don’t come with them, and some items have to be re-entered by hand. That’s not a reason to avoid switching. It just means we plan for it: we agree upfront exactly what moves, and we make sure everything you’re required to keep is preserved before anything is switched off.
Do we still need our old software after switching?
Often, yes, at least for a while. A migration doesn’t carry your full history across, and the ATO’s record-retention rules mean you still need access to those older records. Neither Xero nor the cloud-only MYOB Business lets you download a full, restorable backup, so before you cancel anything we make sure your history is safe - either by exporting and archiving the records properly, or, where that isn’t enough, by keeping read-only or dormant access to the old file for as long as you’re required to retain it. We’ll tell you honestly which applies to your situation.
Often paired with
Software Training
One-on-one Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks training built around your business - learn your own file, not a demo company.
Bookkeeping
Accurate, up-to-date books that keep you compliant, informed and off the back foot - weekly, monthly or rescue jobs.
Payroll
Wages, super, STP and Fair Work obligations handled correctly, every pay run - before problems become back-pay bills.
Want software that works the way your business does?
Start with a free chat with Nicolette - no obligation, no judgement.