Accountant And Bookkeeper

 Hi, I’m Zoe Hadley. I’ve been an accountant in Australia for over 35 years, and in that time, I’ve worked with all kinds of small business owners café owners, tradespeople, retailers, and family-run shops. One thing I’ve noticed is that payroll and superannuation are consistently a source of stress.

I often hear business owners say:

"Zoe, I love running my business, but the thought of managing PAYG and super just overwhelms me. I don’t even know where to start!"

I completely understand. When I first started out, even the simplest payroll tasks could make a business owner’s head spin. Over the decades, I’ve seen firsthand how managing payroll incorrectly can create unnecessary stress, upset employees, and even attract fines from the ATO. That’s why it’s so important to know who can help and how to get it right.

Understanding Payroll and Super in Everyday Terms

Payroll isn’t just paying wages it’s about making sure your staff are fairly compensated, taxes are paid correctly, and super contributions are made on time. Superannuation, meanwhile, is the money you put aside for your employees’ retirement. It might seem like just numbers, but it’s also about trust and security for your team.

Here’s what’s involved in simple terms:

• Payroll: Calculating wages, allowances, overtime, deductions, and PAYG withholding, then reporting it accurately through Single Touch Payroll (STP).
• Superannuation: Paying the correct contributions (currently 11% of ordinary earnings) into your employees’ super funds.

Mistakes here aren’t small—they can damage your relationship with staff, attract penalties, and create weeks of unnecessary stress. I’ve seen business owners cry tears of frustration over payroll errors, and I’ve also seen the relief when it’s finally handled properly.

As a trusted bookkeeping outsourcing company, Globus Prosourcing helps small and medium businesses gain clarity, accuracy, and peace of mind with tailored bookkeeping solutions. Whether you need ongoing support or a full financial cleanup, Globus Prosourcing ensures your books are always in perfect shape  saving you time and protecting your profits.

Who Can Handle Payroll and Super?

There are several options, and the right one depends on your business size, budget, and comfort level. Let’s go through them.

1. Your Accountant

Many business owners come to me because they feel lost. As an accountant, I don’t just crunch numbers; I take the weight off your shoulders. I can:

• Set up a payroll system that works for your business
• Calculate wages, PAYG, and super contributions accurately
• Lodge reports with the ATO and ensure compliance
• Offer guidance on awards, entitlements, and leave

I remember working with a café owner, Sarah, who constantly stressed about super deadlines. Her staff were frustrated, and she felt guilty every time she missed a payment. After setting up a reliable system and handling payroll on her behalf, she could finally focus on her customers and her menu, not spreadsheets and ATO notices.

Accountants offer expertise and reassurance. You know the numbers are right, and if anything goes wrong, you have someone to call who actually understands the rules.

2. A Bookkeeper With Payroll Experience

Bookkeepers are a practical and cost-effective solution for small business owners. Many small businesses hire bookkeepers to handle day-to-day payroll because it’s more affordable than an accountant doing everything.

A skilled bookkeeper can:

• Calculate wages and deductions accurately
• Manage super contributions
• File STP reports and maintain payroll records
• Ensure compliance with awards and entitlements

I once worked with a small family-run retail store. They were doing payroll manually on spreadsheets, and mistakes kept happening. Employees were upset, and the owner felt overwhelmed. When we brought in a professional bookkeeper, payroll became predictable and smooth. Staff were happy, and the owner finally got some peace of mind.

3. Payroll Service Providers

If your business is growing, a dedicated payroll service provider can be a lifesaver. These companies handle:

• Automatic wage calculations
• PAYG withholding and super remittance
• Integration with accounting software
• Compliance checks and audits

One of my clients, a trades business, switched to a payroll service as his team expanded. Before, he spent hours every week worrying about mistakes. After outsourcing, he no longer had to stress about deadlines or miscalculations. His staff were paid correctly every week, and he could finally focus on winning new contracts.

4. HR or Administration Staff

In slightly larger businesses, internal HR or admin staff can manage payroll and super but only if they are properly trained. Mistakes here can be expensive: late super payments, incorrect PAYG withholding, and STP errors can all result in fines. I always advise: use software, double-check calculations, and review systems regularly.

Real Problems I’ve Seen Business Owners Face

Over my 35 years, I’ve noticed some recurring issues:

1. Late super payments – Staff get frustrated, and fines are possible
2. Incorrect PAYG withholding – Miscalculations can attract penalties
3. Manual payroll errors – Paper or spreadsheet systems are unreliable
4. STP reporting mistakes – Accuracy is crucial to stay compliant

I once helped a small family business that tried to manage payroll manually. Within a few months, employees noticed underpayments, and the ATO flagged missing super contributions. Fixing it took weeks and caused enormous stress. That situation could have been avoided with professional help.

How Payroll Outsourcing Works

Outsourcing payroll is simpler than many think. Here’s how it generally works:

1. Collect employee info – Hours worked, wages, super fund details
2. Calculate PAYG and super – Done accurately each pay cycle
3. Remit payments – PAYG to the ATO, super to funds
4. Report and file – BAS and STP compliance
5. Review – Occasionally check rates, awards, and systems for accuracy

Some business owners prefer to approve payroll before payments, while others fully delegate the process. Either way, outsourcing removes stress and ensures compliance.

Lessons From My Career

After decades of helping business owners, here’s what I always say:

• Don’t try to do payroll alone – Mistakes can be costly and stressful
• Professional help saves time and energy – Accountants, bookkeepers, or payroll services are worth it
• Focus on your business – Payroll is important, but it shouldn’t drain you
• Regularly review systems – Even outsourced payroll needs occasional checks

Payroll isn’t just numbers it’s about trust, staff satisfaction, and peace of mind. Done correctly, it makes your business run smoother and protects everyone involved.

Final Thoughts

So, who can manage payroll and super for your small business?

• Accountants – Provide expert guidance and comprehensive support
• Bookkeepers – Handle daily payroll efficiently and affordably
• Payroll service providers – Great for growing teams or busy owners
• Internal HR/admin staff – Works with proper training, oversight, and software

The right solution depends on your business size, budget, and confidence. Done correctly, payroll and super management frees your time, protects your employees, and ensures compliance, letting you focus on what matters most: growing your business.

Remember, this isn’t just about numbers. It’s about people, trust, and your business’s future. Handled properly, payroll becomes one less thing to worry about and that peace of mind is priceless.

— Zoe Hadley