At a glance
- A few housekeeping tasks that help to improve your systems and processes can make a huge impact on your business.
- These jobs include reviewing your financials and expenses, updating your website and doing a tech audit.
- Not all clients are equal. Make this year about working with the right people, not more people.
- Ensure your CPE counts in 2025 so you can expand and update your knowledge.
- If you’re not doing so already, start charging what you’re worth.
Accountants and BAS agents aiming for a spectacular 2025 should review their businesses and improve any systems and processes that may be holding them back.
With the industry evolving so rapidly due to technological advancements and rising demand for accuracy, efficiency and regulatory compliance, all accounting professionals need to be performing at their best, say experts.
“A new year is the perfect time to reset, refine and refocus,” says accounting practice coach and consultant Amanda Gascoigne.
“But too many small and solo accounting practice owners are so focused on serving clients that they neglect their own businesses — leaving little room for strategic planning or process improvement.”
Here are 9 housekeeping tasks that accountants and BAS agents can implement to streamline their workflows, enhance operations, and create a business that truly benefits them, their team and their clients.
1. Do a check-in
Accounting and bookkeeping practice owners spend countless hours analysing their clients’ financials but often overlook their own, says Gascoigne.
“You know the old saying: What gets measured gets managed.”
She suggests reviewing your budget and financials at least monthly, just as you advise your clients to do.
“Track your profitability per client — not just revenue. Some of your biggest revenue clients may also be your least profitable,” she says.
“Identify where you’re leaving money on the table through undercharging, scope creep, inefficiencies or outdated pricing models.”
2. Check your website is still current
For many accounting professionals, their website is a case of ‘set and forget’ but this simply isn’t good enough anymore, says small business and accounting expert Debra Anderson.
“Have you added services or stopped any? Have you hired new staff? Often in the ‘About Us’ section, there are pictures of staff who haven’t been there for 10 years,” she says.
“If you want clients, they must be able to find you, and your information should be current.”
3. Do a tech audit
Consider whether your systems are helping you or holding you back due to lost efficiency, wasted hours and unrealised income, says Gascoigne.
“Technology should streamline workflows, free up your time and create capacity for higher-value work.”
She recommends cutting out unused or non-integrated software and ensuring your accounting, CRM and workflow tools communicate seamlessly in the cloud.
Anderson says it’s worth keeping an eye on the rapidly evolving software market.
“Subscriptions are becoming so expensive. You want to ensure you’re getting the best value for money. Check alternatives for prices, features and integrations. Do they offer better security than when you first considered them?”
And explore AI to enhance current systems and processes.
“Automate wherever possible to handle repetitive admin tasks, client queries, draft emails and financial report summaries,” says Gascoigne.
4. Ensure you’re cyber safe
Given the wealth of data handled by tax and BAS agents, security must be a top priority.
“Cybersecurity is probably one of the biggest risks to anybody’s business right now,” says Anderson.
Cyber awareness training is a good idea for you and your staff, she says, with Cyber Wardens offering a free one-hour course that also counts as Continuing Professional Education (CPE).
To enhance security, Anderson suggests enabling auto-updates on all devices and utilising password managers.
“Use the new year as an opportunity to eliminate duplicated or weak passwords and set up multi-factor authentication wherever possible.”
5. Engage with your clients (the right ones)
“In 2025, it’s time to work with the right people, not just more people,” says Gascoigne.
“Clients who haggle over fees, expect free advice, delay providing information or don’t pay on time may be costing you more than they’re worth.”
She suggests categorising clients as A, B, C and D or having a team discussion to identify clients who cause stress.
“Let go of energy-draining clients and implement the right pricing and clear expectations to convert D clients to B. And focus your marketing, messaging and referrals on attracting A clients who truly value what you do.”
“Some of your biggest revenue clients may also be your least profitable.”
Amanda Gascoigne, Accounting practice coach and consultant
It’s also a great idea to review client records at the start of each financial year and arrange a catch-up to ensure everything is on track and to discuss their priorities. Additionally, create a compliance calendar with key dates for BAS lodgements, payroll tax, superannuation contributions and other obligations.
6. Charge what you’re worth
If you haven’t updated your pricing in the last 12 months, you might be working harder than necessary for less than you deserve, says Gascoigne.
She advises switching from hourly billing to project billing, encouraging upfront payments and automated billing, setting clear client expectations and deliverables to eliminate scope creep, and introducing tiered service packages.
“Bundle compliance, advisory and support services into structured pricing models that reflect real value.”
And stop giving away free advice, she says.
“Move from ‘quick questions’ to structured discovery calls or paid strategy sessions.”
7. Plan your learning for the year
To maintain registration, tax agents need 120 hours of CPE over three years, while BAS agents require 90. Anderson advises seeking learning opportunities that provide good bang for buck, allowing you to acquire new skills or update existing knowledge.
“There are so many cost-effective online courses that you can do at a time that suits you. IPA offers some amazing courses, some delivered in conjunction with universities that it considers relevant to our profession.”
8. Build a great culture
A thriving practice isn’t just about profitability, it’s also about creating a workplace where people feel valued and supported, says Gascoigne.
“With talent shortages in the industry, retaining great staff means offering more than just a pay rise. Today’s accountants and bookkeepers want flexibility, career growth and a culture that supports their wellbeing. Prioritise training, mentorship and career progression.”
“Cybersecurity is probably one of the biggest risks to anybody’s business right now.”
Debra Anderson, Small business and accounting expert
If you’re looking to hire, February is the golden month, adds Anderson.
“Everyone returns after the Christmas break, and those considering a job change are making the move now. Post your job advertisements early because good candidates get snapped up quickly.”
9. Re-evaluate your work/life balance
Achieving balance is vital for mental and physical health, so it’s important to regularly assess if you’re getting it right.
“Working from home is both a gift and a curse,” says Anderson. “If you’re working too much, schedule time in your day for activities like walking the dog, going to the gym or reading a book.
The IPA is holding a Live BAS & Bookkeeping Bundle, a series of live sessions over the coming months designed to elevate your skills in managing key aspects of bookkeeping and payroll. This in-depth program will provide you with essential knowledge and practical strategies to excel in areas such as BAS fundamentals, payroll obligations, employee FBT management, and cashflow mastery. More information here.
