Straight answers to fair questions
The things Melbourne business owners actually ask us - answered the way we’d answer them on the phone.
What’s the difference between a bookkeeper, a BAS agent and an accountant?
A bookkeeper records and reconciles transactions. A Registered BAS Agent can additionally prepare and lodge BAS, advise on GST/PAYG and deal with the ATO on those matters - with Tax Practitioners Board oversight and insurance behind them. A tax accountant prepares income tax returns and tax planning. NJM&Co covers the first two and works in with your accountant.
What does bookkeeping with NJM&Co cost?
We charge by the hour, billed in five-minute increments. You’re paying for a Registered BAS Agent with 25+ years’ experience, not data entry. A clean file also cuts your accountant’s fees significantly at year end, which is often the bigger saving. After a free chat, you’ll get a realistic estimate.
My books are months (or years) behind. Where do I start?
With the free chat. We triage what the ATO needs first, bring lodgements up to date, negotiate payment plans where needed, then set up a monthly rhythm so it never happens again. Catch-up work is one of the most common jobs we do.
Do you replace my accountant?
No - we complement them. We keep the books clean all year and hand your accountant a tidy file at tax time, which usually shrinks their bill. Many of our client relationships were referred by accountants.
Which software do you support?
Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks are our day-to-day platforms - daily bookkeeping, payroll, setup, file rescue, migrations and training. Beyond those, we work across virtually any bookkeeping or accounting software, including custom and in-house systems. We recommend whatever genuinely suits your business.
Is my financial data safe with you?
Yes. Your work is done by our Australian-based team - we never outsource it offshore - and we access your files on a controlled, per-engagement basis under QMS/ISO-aligned processes. The cloud accounting platforms we work in (such as Xero, MYOB and QuickBooks) store and back up data on their own enterprise-grade infrastructure, which can include servers outside Australia, under their own security and privacy standards. We never sell or share your information.
Do you work with businesses outside Melbourne?
Yes - we have clients right across Australia. Melbourne is home and where any onsite work happens, but cloud software means we support businesses Australia-wide, wherever you are.
What happens in the free chat?
You describe the situation - honestly, mess and all. Nicolette tells you what she’d do about it, what it roughly costs, and whether NJM&Co is the right fit. No obligation, and you’ll leave with a clearer picture either way.
Service-specific questions
Each service page answers the detailed questions for that service:
Question not answered here?
Ask it in a free chat - that’s what it’s for.