How to Know When Your “Books Are Cooked” (And why a bookkeeper is your best partner in your business)

It’s a phrase you never want to hear: “your books are cooked.” This can be due to innocent mistakes, rushed recordkeeping, or something more serious like messy financials that can cost your business more than just money.  They can cost you time, credibility, and peace of mind.  So how do you know when it’s time to engage a professional bookkeeper?

·         Your bank balance doesn’t match your accounting software.

If your bank reconciliation is constantly off and you’re not sure why, chances are there are unreconciled transactions, duplicates, or missing entries lurking in the background.

·         You can’t confidently say what your business owes—or is owed.

Unpaid supplier invoices? Clients disputing what they owe you? If your accounts payable and receivable are a guessing game, your books aren’t telling the real story.

·         BAS time is a nightmare.

If you dread BAS time, scramble to gather data, or frequently make amendments, that’s a sign your financial records aren’t being maintained properly throughout the quarter.

·         Your reports make no sense.

Do your Profit and loss statements showing strange swings? Suspiciously high expenses or unexplained income? If the numbers don’t reflect what you know about your business, something’s not right behind the scenes.

·         You're always behind.

If bookkeeping is forever at the bottom of your to-do list, chances are things have slipped through the cracks—possibly more than once.

Why a bookkeeper is crucial for all businesses no matter how big or small

A professional bookkeeper does more than “keep the books.” They bring order, accuracy, and clarity to your financials so you can make informed decisions and grow with confidence. Here’s how:

✔ Stay compliant.

With up-to-date records and regular bank reconciliations, you’ll always be ready for BAS lodgement, audits, or ATO queries.

✔ Save time.

Instead of drowning in data entry or chasing invoices, you’ll be free to focus on what you do best, running your business.

✔ Gain insight.

Clean, accurate books mean you get real visibility over your cash flow, profit margins, and expenses so you can plan ahead instead of reacting.

✔ Avoid costly mistakes.

Small errors in Xero or misclassified transactions can add up to big issues. A bookkeeper will catch them before they become a problem.

✔ Get peace of mind.

✔ Allow you to work on your business.  Not just in your business.

Knowing a professional is managing your financial records means fewer surprises and more control over your business’s future.

At Coghill & C. Accounting, we offer affordable, fast, and friendly bookkeeping support where we don’t just “punch numbers” but also help you understand your business.  Whether you’re a sole trader who’s just getting started or a growing business in need of regular help we’re here to make things easier.

If you're starting to suspect your books might be a little cooked get in touch and we will help you set things right.