About The Bookkeeping Business
The Bookkeeping Business is a professional bookkeeping and BAS agency based in Warrnambool, but also servicing Australia wide, dedicated to helping small and medium-sized businesses stay on top of their finances with clarity and confidence. Founded and run by me, Carol Owen. I am a Registered BAS Agent and have run my own successful business for the last 18 years. Prior to that, I worked as a Finance and Administration Manager, a Project Manager and a Fraud Investigator in both government and private industries. So when I say "I have you covered" — I can provide a proven track record of experience and success. I provide a full suite of bookkeeping services — from day-to-day transaction coding and bank reconciliation through to BAS preparation and lodgement, payroll processing with STP reporting, accounts payable and receivable management, and comprehensive financial reporting.
My skills, experience and clients span a diverse range of industries including trades and construction, retail, hospitality, professional services, franchises, and property development. No two businesses are the same, and I tailor my approach to suit the specific needs of each client — whether you're a sole trader just starting out, an established company needing a bookkeeping rescue, or a growing business looking for ongoing support.
I am passionate about leveraging technology to make bookkeeping simpler and more efficient. As a Xero Silver Partner and Advanced Xero Certified Advisor, I specialise in migrating businesses to Xero and setting them up with the right apps and integrations — including AI-powered tools like Xero's JAX — to minimise admin, reduce errors, and give business owners back their time.
At The Bookkeeping Business, I believe that great bookkeeping is about more than just numbers. It's about building a trusted partnership, providing clear and actionable financial insights, and giving you the peace of mind that your obligations are handled accurately and on time. Whether you need a one-off BAS lodgement, ongoing monthly bookkeeping, or help getting your books back in order, I'm here to help.
I Love Bookkeeping
For me, bookkeeping is a serious job — and I genuinely find it fun. I want you to look forward to our monthly chat about your finances, where we celebrate your wins together and find practical solutions to keep those wins coming. Your numbers should feel like good news, not a chore.
Comprehensive Bookkeeping Services
From daily bookkeeping to BAS lodgement, I handle every aspect of your financial administration with precision and care.
Business Health and Growth Analysis
In-depth analysis of your business structure and financials to identify trends, marketing needs, business opportunities, areas to improve and build on - giving you the clarity and confidence to make informed decisions and drive sustainable growth.
DIY Bookkeeper?
Not sure where to start but know you can do your own bookkeeping? I will get you set up, advise on time saving apps, and provide basic training to get you started - including the use of AI to minimise the administration of your finances, saving you time and money.
New Business or Business Idea?
Have a brand new business and not sure where to start with red tape, taxes, registrations and licenses, marketing, customer contracts and quality control - let alone the bookkeeping? I offer packages to cover everything you need to do before you start.
Rescue Bookkeeping
When your bookkeeping is really far behind, or it's half done, or there are lots of errors it can be really daunting to know how to go about fixing it. I enjoy this type of work and I really enjoy handing back a complete and accurate set of books to enable you to concentrate on doing what you do best! Best of all, your accountant will love it too!
Payroll Services
End-to-end payroll processing including superannuation, STP reporting, and leave management for your team.
GST, BAS Preparation & Lodgement
Expert guidance on GST obligations, IAS lodgement, and ensuring your business meets all regulatory requirements. Accurate preparation and timely lodgement of your Business Activity Statements, ensuring full ATO compliance.
Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)
Accurate preparation and lodgement of your Fringe Benefits Tax returns, ensuring your business meets all ATO obligations on time.
Bank Reconciliation
Meticulous reconciliation of all accounts ensuring every transaction is accounted for and accurate.
Financial Reporting
Clear, insightful monthly and quarterly reports that give you a true picture of your business performance.
Migration to Xero Financial Software Specialist
Seamlessly migrate your business finances to Xero with expert guidance. I handle the full transition — chart of accounts setup, data migration, integrations, and staff training — so you're up and running with minimal disruption.
Accounts Payable & Receivable
Complete management of your invoicing, bill payments, and cash flow tracking to keep your finances in order.
Qualified, Registered &
Dedicated to Your Success
With over 20 years of dedicated experience in bookkeeping and financial administration, I bring a depth of knowledge and attention to detail that gives my clients confidence in their numbers.
As a Registered BAS Agent with the Tax Practitioners Board, I am legally qualified and insured to prepare and lodge BAS, IAS, and handle all your bookkeeping needs. I stay current with the latest tax legislation and accounting software to provide you with the best possible service. I am dedicated to your success in an ever changing environment.
Your success is my success and together we work as a partnership towards a strong business that withstands economical turmoil.
Industry Experience
With over 20 years of bookkeeping experience, I've worked across a wide range of industries — bringing industry-specific knowledge to every client relationship.
Construction & Trades
Retail & E-commerce
Hospitality & Food Service
Professional Services
Micro Businesses & Personal Services
Non-Profit Organisations
Real Estate & Property
Franchises
Property DevelopmentThe Difference Is in the Detail
Choosing the right bookkeeper means more than just compliance — it means having a trusted partner who understands your business, can help you grow and teach you how to read financials and plan for the future!
Fully Registered & Insured
Registered BAS Agent with the Tax Practitioners Board. Professional indemnity insurance for your peace of mind.
Never Miss a Deadline
Proactive reminders and timely lodgement so you never face late fees or ATO penalties again.
Growth-Focused Insights
Beyond number crunching — receive actionable financial insights that help you make smarter business decisions.
Personal & Reliable
You work directly with me — not a revolving door of staff. Consistent, reliable, and genuinely invested in your success.
Proudly Australian Owned & Operated
No Outsourcing
Full Transparency
Reliability
Trusted by Business Owners
Here's what my clients have to say about working with The Bookkeeping Business.
"Carol has been part of my life longer than almost anyone in my professional world. We first worked together in 2003. And then when I left to start my own business, she taught me how to use MYOB and gave me my first real understanding of how the numbers work.
So bringing Carol on board as my bookkeeper for Heart Content in 2019 was one of the easiest decisions I ever made.
Carol is a true specialist. She's experienced, trustworthy and utterly no-nonsense. She reports on my financial position in a way that makes sense to me, keeps me on top of reporting and taxes, and is always there to answer any question, no matter how small.
In my experience, having a bookkeeper who combines genuine expertise with clear communication and real availability is rare, and it makes an enormous difference to how confidently I run and grow my business.
If you're a small business owner who wants to feel in control of your finances rather than confused by them, Carol is exactly who you need in your corner."
Heart Content
Amey L, Creative Content Director
"Working with Carol has made our bookkeeping completely seamless. Our BAS lodgements are always on time and accurate, and I no longer worry about the numbers. She's always available to answer questions and provide support, which means I can stay focused on growing the business."
Liz P
Finance and Administration Manager, Hit The Switch Pty Ltd
"I have been with The Bookkeeping Business for nearly 18 years. Carol has kept my books clean, helped onboard new staff and kept me compliant with tax and super obligations. She is always available when I have questions, need additional financial reports or help liaising with the ATO. This has allowed me to focus on growing my business, I can take holidays without worry and ensures i consider both current and future financial needs."
Justin M
Director, Precision Electrical & Plumbing
"Carol at The Bookkeeping Business has been taking care of my paperwork for over ten years now and I couldn't be happier. She keeps my documentation up-to-date, provides sound advice and gives me a cheeky nudge if I'm lagging. Thanks Carol! :)"
William A
Ainger Creative
"I would highly recommend Carol and the Bookkeeping Business. Carol is friendly, efficient, non-judgemental and knows accounts and upcoming changes inside and out. Carol is very proactive and will save your sanity. She also has a great sense of humour!"
Jackie B
Southern Disability Advocacy
"I honestly don't know what I would have done without Carol! I had been trying to keep on top of all my own bookwork and, before I knew it, everything had completely gotten away from me and I was so overwhelmed by it all. Carol came in and was an absolute lifesaver.
She is so easy to talk to, never makes you feel silly for not understanding something, and explains everything in a way that actually makes sense. What I love most is that you can tell she genuinely cares and wants to help, rather than making you feel like you're just another client.
She has taken such a huge weight off my shoulders and made something I used to stress about feel completely manageable. Her fees are also incredibly reasonable for the amount of help, knowledge and peace of mind she provides.
I'm so grateful I found Carol and would recommend her in a heartbeat to anyone who needs help getting their books under control. She really is worth her weight in gold! ❤️"
Bec Goul
Ultimutt Doggy Daycare
Meet JAX — Xero's AI Financial Superagent
JAX (Just Ask Xero) has evolved from a simple chat assistant into a full AI superagent that automates your bookkeeping, answers questions about your finances in plain English, and keeps you in control every step of the way. As your bookkeeper, I use JAX to work smarter and faster on your behalf — so you get more accurate books with less effort and therefore, less cost.
What is JAX?
JAX is Xero's agentic AI platform — a master orchestrator that directs multiple AI agents working behind the scenes to complete tasks on your behalf. It launched in beta in 2024 and was rebuilt into a superagent in September 2025. It's available on Xero Grow plans and above, and it's changing the day-to-day reality of bookkeeping for businesses across Australia.
Invoice on the Go
Send an SMS or WhatsApp message like "invoice Smith Constructions $2,400 for bathroom renovation" and JAX creates and sends the invoice from Xero — no desk required. Perfect for trades, field service, and anyone who finishes a job onsite and wants to get paid faster.
Ask Your Numbers Anything
Ask JAX plain-language questions about your own financial data — "What's my gross profit trend?" or "How much do I owe suppliers right now?" — and get instant charts and answers without navigating reports. It can also pull in real-time external information like interest rates and market benchmarks to give contextualised insights.
Built-in Accuracy Controls (JAX Assure)
Every AI output is cross-checked against Xero's own accounting logic before being applied. Low-confidence actions are flagged for your review. Unlike generic AI tools, JAX is trained specifically on accounting and compliance workflows — so it understands GST, BAS, STP, and ATO requirements.
A word from me: JAX is a powerful tool, but it works best with clean, well-structured books. It doesn't replace your bookkeeper or accountant — it handles the routine so I can focus on the complex, the strategic, and the things that actually move your business forward. I'm here to make sure you get the most from it, safely and accurately.
Insights & Expert Advice
Stay informed with the latest tax updates, payroll tips, and insights on running a smarter, more efficient business.
Key Changes to STP Phase 2 — What Every Employer Needs to Know
Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 expanded reporting requirements mean employers must now report additional payroll information directly to the ATO. Here's what's changed and how to stay compliant.
BAS Lodgement Deadlines — Don't Get Caught Out This Quarter
Missing a BAS lodgement deadline can result in penalties and interest charges from the ATO. Here are the key dates for quarterly and monthly lodgers to keep on your radar.
How AI Is Changing Bookkeeping — And Why That's Good News for Your Business
AI tools like Xero's JAX are automating repetitive bookkeeping tasks — bank reconciliation, invoice matching, expense categorisation — saving business owners hours every week.
Let's Talk About Your Books
Book a free, no-obligation consultation and discover how I can simplify your bookkeeping.
Phone
0425 859 972
owenoakeyconsulting@gmail.com
Location
Warrnambool Vic 3280
Hours
Mon – Fri, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Prefer to chat? Give me a call during business hours, or send an email anytime — I aim to respond within 24 hours.
