About
Outstanding Bookkeeping
Helen Grapsas
Bookkeeper
I understand small business – the journey, the challenges, the rewards.
I grew up being involved with my family’s wholesale giftware business from a very young age. While studying for an Economics degree majoring in Accounting, I started working part-time at reception, working my way up to Chief Financial Officer in charge of a team of four.
When my family decided to sell the business, I started talking to my peers and looking at career options. My accountant marvelled that I would be a great bookkeeper and in that moment, I knew it was my calling. In 2005, I established Outstanding Bookkeeping Melbourne and the rest is history. I love helping businesses. It makes me happy when I see them thrive. I feel immense satisfaction knowing that I make a huge difference to their lives. Today, many of my original clients are still with me, as I’ve become part of their business growth.
Aside from “doing” the work as a bookkeeper, BAS agent, payroll and report analysis advisor, I believe in educating clients and monitoring their accounts; explaining why and how things are done and what their numbers mean so they are more empowered when making decisions. I also continue to stay abreast of all the latest laws and practices in the industry by participating in continuing education including conferences and seminars.
Background
Helen Grapsas established Outstanding Bookkeeping Melbourne in 2005 after she “retired” as Chief Financial Officer of a wholesale giftware business that was sold.
Her mission then, remains the same today – to free up your time so you can focus on your goals and dreams. We are passionate about providing value to businesses. That means paying attention to detail, ensuring you have the most up to date, accurate and timely information crucial for decision making.
We are knowledgeable, organised and efficient. And we care. We take the time to listen to your specific needs to tailor our bookkeeping services & solutions that tick all the boxes. Above all, we want you to have peace of mind, knowing that your business is in good hands; with outstanding experts & Melbourne’s best BAS agents.
Professional Associations, Memberships, Registrations and Licenses
Australian Bookkeepers Network (ABN)
The Australian Bookkeepers Network has been renowned as innovative industry leaders since 2001! We provide unique support tools, resources and a network of experts that enable bookkeepers to make well informed strategic business decisions and stay ahead in their industry.
Our team of research accountants, tax agents, accounting law experts and professional administrators is committed to the best interests of Australian bookkeepers. Maintaining professional standards, we strive to offer only the highest quality products and services.
How ABN Helps Your Bookkeeper
ABN has helped thousands of bookkeepers by offering guidance and the practical tools needed to run a successful bookkeeping practice. From engaging a client, to raising revenue, employing staff, whether you are a big business or small, ABN will help you achieve your professional goals.
ABN membership is open to bookkeepers at all stages of business, including BAS Agents and non-BAS Agents, and resources are distributed online giving you fast, easy access and the ability to extract the most out of your membership.
Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB)
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers is the largest bookkeeping institute in the world. It promotes and maintains the standards of bookkeeping as a profession, through the establishment of a series of relevant qualifications and the award of grades of membership that recognise academic attainment, working experience and competence.
The Institute’s objectives are:
- to promote bookkeeping as a profession
- to enable bookkeeping to gain recognition as an integral part of the financial profession
- to promote training in the principles of bookkeeping
- to improve the career prospects of its members
Consultation with commerce and industry has confirmed and amplified the Institute’s assessment of the need for qualified bookkeepers.
Tax Practitioners Board of Australia
The peace of mind of a regulated industry
As of March 1st 2010 the ATO regulated the bookkeeping industry. Now, all bookkeepers providing a BAS Service are required to register as a BAS Agent.
Outstanding Bookkeeping are a registered BAS agent.
The requirements of a BAS Agent are:
- Certificate IV in Financial Services – Bookkeeping or Accounting
- Member of a recognised Professional Association
- Over 1000 hours relevant experience
- Professional Indemnity insurance
- Ongoing Professional Development
What does that mean for you?
In the past, a bookkeeper was able to complete a MYOB or Quicken course and start charging for their services. Unfortunately, due to their lack of experience, they often left a mess. The client could do nothing about it except find someone else who, hopefully, would be able to clean up the mess. It is a costly exercise both financially and emotionally.
Professional code of conduct
As a BAS Agent there is a professional Code of Conduct in relation to:
- Honesty and integrity
- Independence (acting lawfully)
- Confidentiality
- Competence
Breaching the Code of Conduct can result in termination of the registration and Civil Penalties involving fines up to $137,500. At last there is something that can be done if you are left in a mess.
We are Registered BAS Agents so that may give you confidence in the numbers, but the Outstanding Bookkeeping believes that great bookkeeping is not just about getting the compliance right … it’s about getting an outstanding service!