The SKC Accounting Knowledge Centre is a plain-English library for Australian sole traders and small-business owners. It explains common accounting, tax, cash-flow, payroll, structure and business-performance questions without assuming that the reader already knows the terminology.
Use the categories to start with the issue in front of you. Each guide provides general information and practical questions to consider. The guides do not take account of individual circumstances and do not replace professional accounting, taxation, legal or financial advice.
Browse by Topic
Starting a Business
Starting a business involves decisions about structure, registrations, records, cash and the cost of getting underway. These guides explain the financial foundations in plain English so you can separate the tasks that need attention now from decisions that depend on your circumstances.
Bookkeeping & Records
Reliable decisions start with reliable records. These guides cover bookkeeping routines, bank reconciliations, accounting systems, record retention and the financial controls that help a small business keep information current and reduce avoidable errors.
GST & BAS
GST and BAS obligations become easier to manage when you understand what is being measured, reported and set aside. These guides explain registration, turnover, GST classifications, reporting methods and practical cash-management habits.
Tax & Deductions
Business deductions depend on what an expense is, why it was incurred and how it is documented. These guides explain common expense questions, year-end preparation, tax losses, depreciation, vehicles and other issues that often need careful distinction.
Understanding Your Numbers
Financial statements become useful when you can connect each figure to a business question. These guides explain profit, margin, break-even, balance sheets, cash-flow statements and the difference between accounting performance and available cash.
Cash Flow & Working Capital
Cash flow is about timing as well as profit. These guides cover reserves, late-paying customers, growing sales, inventory, forecasts and practical ways to understand how long the business can meet essential commitments.
Employing People & Payroll
Employing people creates costs, records and reporting obligations beyond the headline wage. These guides cover paying yourself, hiring a first employee, payroll responsibilities, superannuation and testing whether another role is affordable.
Growth, Finance & Performance
Growth decisions use cash and create commitments. These guides help owners examine budgets, prices, debt, equipment, finance, locations, customer concentration and whether a proposed investment is likely to support the business.
Structures, Ownership & Exit
Structure and ownership decisions affect control, money flows, tax and future options. These guides explain companies, trusts, director loans, partners, investors, buying a business, valuation, succession and preparation for an eventual sale.
ATO, Risk & Compliance
ATO contact, overdue obligations, identity checks and financial distress can feel urgent. These guides explain the issue, the records to gather and the point at which timely professional or specialist help becomes important.
Featured Guides
Do I Need to Register for GST?
Registration is generally compulsory once GST turnover reaches $75,000; special rules and exceptions also apply.
How Much Cash Should My Business Keep in Reserve?
A common starting benchmark is enough cash to cover three to six months of essential operating expenses.
How Much Does an Employee Really Cost My Business?
Salary is only the starting point.
What Is Break-Even — and How Much Do I Need to Sell Before I Start Making Money?
Break-even is where total revenue equals total costs.
Let’s Talk About Your Business
A useful first conversation starts with what your business does, what is creating pressure and what you would like to improve. Book a Complimentary Initial Consultation to discuss the support that may suit your circumstances.