How We Helped Keith, a Busy Tradie, Sort His Books and Beat ATO Stress

Tradies receipts

If you’re a tradie who’s buried in receipts, behind on your BAS, and dodging calls from your accountant — you’re not alone. Keith was in the exact same spot.

At Out & About Bookkeeping, we specialise in helping time-poor tradies like Keith regain control of their finances, stay compliant, and get their weekends back. Here’s how we turned his bookkeeping chaos into clarity.

😵 The Problem: Late BAS, Overdue Super, and a Fed-Up Partner

Keith runs a small construction business in South Australia. Like many sole traders, he’s great on the tools but struggles with the admin side.

When Keith first came to us, he said:

“I haven’t opened my bank app in weeks. I just feel sick looking at it.”

His pain points were all too familiar:

  • BAS lodgements months behind
  • Super payments not up to date
  • Receipts piled up in the ute
  • No system for job costing or forecasting
  • A partner losing patience with the constant financial stress

The ATO had started sending reminder letters. Keith was overwhelmed and embarrassed — but knew something had to change.

🚑 The Rescue: One Call, No Judgment, Just Action

We started with a free Rescue Call, our no-pressure onboarding for new clients.

In 30 minutes, we:

  • Identified overdue BAS and super lodgements
  • Reviewed his Xero file and data entry
  • Outlined a clean-up plan — step-by-step, no jargon
  • Liaised with his accountant to make sure we were all aligned

Keith didn’t need a lecture. He needed help. And fast.

✅ The Result: Sorted Books, Less Stress, and a Plan That Works

Within two weeks:

  • All overdue BAS was lodged
  • Super payments were reconciled and scheduled
  • Payroll was brought up to compliance
  • Receipts were digitised and categorised
  • We implemented fortnightly check-ins to stay ahead

Keith now has visibility over his cash flow and confidence that things are handled.

“I finally feel like someone’s got my back. I can breathe again.”

👷 Bookkeeping for Tradies Doesn’t Have to Be a Nightmare

If you’re running a trade business and feeling buried under paperwork, BAS, or payroll, you’re not the problem — your systems are.

At Out & About Bookkeeping, we offer:

  • Done-for-you bookkeeping support
  • BAS and payroll compliance
  • Rescue packages to clean up the mess
  • Ongoing support to keep you on track

No judgment. No stress. Just real help from people who get it.

📞 Ready to Get Sorted?

Your first step is our free Bookkeeping Rescue Call — 30 minutes to figure out where things are going off track and how we can help.

👉 Book your free Rescue Call now

Let’s make this the last tax time you dread.

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