Abax Bookkeeping

04/04/2026

31/03/2026

More important than you might think! 🧐

22/03/2026

One year of Abax Bookkeeping. 🎉

A year ago I registered an ABN, built a simple website, and hoped someone would actually hire me. Someone did — and that first client felt like proof that this thing was real.

The highlight reel is short but meaningful: landing that first paying client, and recently getting a review from a client that reminded me why I started this in the first place. Those two moments bookend a year I’m genuinely proud of.

The in-between wasn’t always pretty. There were quiet stretches where the work just… didn’t come. Weeks where I wondered if I’d overestimated myself or misjudged the market. Imposter syndrome is a real thing, and it doesn’t care how prepared you are.

But I kept the model simple, stayed selective with clients, and built systems I actually trust. Abax Bookkeeping is small by design — and that’s exactly the point.

Year two — here we go.

SoleTrader Bookkeeping BookkeepingBusiness SmallBusiness Tasmania HobartBusiness TasmanianBusiness BusinessReflections Entrepreneurship Freelancer SelfEmployed MicroBusiness ClientReview BuildingSomething YearOne LessonsLearned RealTalk SustainableBusiness WorkSmarter GratefulEntrepreneur BusinessMilestone AccountingLife ImposterSyndrome SmallWins FromTheGround BusinessOwner

21/03/2026

Running a business in Hobart is something else. ☕🏔️

You’re juggling the 9am Salamanca coffee run, chasing that invoice from November, and somehow still finding time to enjoy one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

Here’s the thing nobody tells you when you go out on your own down here — the numbers don’t sort themselves out. The invoices don’t reconcile themselves. And that “I’ll get to it later” pile? It only gets taller.

That’s where I come in. 👋

I’m Matt — Hobart-based bookkeeper and sole trader, running Abax Books. I work with small Tassie businesses who want their books clean, their head clear, and their time back. Simple monthly packages. No jargon. No drama. Just numbers that actually make sense.

If you’re a local tradie, freelancer, or small biz owner who’s been putting off sorting out the finances — this is your sign. 👀

Drop a 📋 in the comments if you want to know more, or send me a DM. Always happy to have a no-pressure chat.

Let’s keep more good Tassie businesses doing what they love. 🖤

02/03/2026

A common topic I have seen many times! Rule of thumb: get everything in writing ✍️

Working overtime?

Some awards and enterprise agreements let you take paid time off instead of being paid overtime rates for working outside your ordinary hours. This is also known as time in lieu (TIL) or time off in lieu (TOIL).

If you choose to take TOIL, it’s important to remember that most awards say you need a written agreement with your employer.

Most awards also say you can’t be forced to take TOIL instead of being paid for overtime.

27/02/2026

Was chatting with a client who said, half‑joking, “You must get sick of chasing me for things.”

What they didn’t realise is that the chasing wasn’t the issue at all. The real slowdown was them holding everything until it was “ready”. By the time it landed, it was a pile instead of a trickle.

Once we agreed they could just send things as they had them — rough edges and all — everything got easier. Faster for them, clearer for me, and way less mental load on both sides.

It reminded me how often small businesses try to carry everything alone until it’s perfect. I’m guilty of this myself! Most of the time, sharing it earlier is the thing that actually moves the work forward.

05/02/2026

I went to do a recurring task this week and realised I was completely fed up with spending three hours on it every single week, so instead of pushing through it again I spent those same three hours redesigning the workflow and managed to automate the whole thing going forward — no AI, just structure, logic, and a clearer process. Three hours invested, three hours saved every week from now on. Time well spent.

28/01/2026

Over the past 10 months, my business has grown faster and more meaningfully than I expected — not just in workload, but in understanding the kind of work where I can deliver the most value.

As things continue to build, I’m entering a new phase where I’m being more intentional and selective about the clients I take on. Not because I’m “too busy”, but because the right fit matters. When values, communication, and expectations align, the work is smoother, the outcomes are stronger, and both sides get far more from the partnership.

Taking on a client that isn't the right fit would essentially be a disservice to us both. However, this is a great position to be in as a business owner. It means I can hone in on clients who I believe I can make a real impact with - and enable us both to grow.

I am excited to see what 2026 holds for both my current clients, and the new ones I connect with along the way.

04/12/2025

Small businesses are under sharper ATO scrutiny in 2025.
Early compliance = less stress, fewer penalties, smoother cash flow, and stronger credibility.

💡 Don’t wait for deadlines. Review your records, plan for tax payments, and get advice early.

👉 Protect your business. Focus on growth. Stay compliant.

06/08/2025

Tax refunds are hitting your account right now—what if this year you transformed that windfall into your business’s next growth engine?

Instead of letting your refund sit idle, consider these smart reinvestment strategies:

✅ Upgrade your tech stack
Faster hardware or a new tool can turbocharge productivity and free up hours each week.

✅ Fuel targeted marketing
Invest in a small ad campaign or refresh your website to attract new clients.

✅ Invest in team training
A workshop or online course for you or your staff can pay dividends in efficiency and service quality.

✅ Shore up your cash reserves
Build a buffer for seasonal slumps or unexpected expenses, giving you peace of mind.

✅ Enhance client experience
Whether it’s a nicer office chair for yourself or a simple thank-you gesture for clients, small touches go a long way.

None of these moves should be a shot in the dark. Solid bookkeeping gives you real-time clarity on your true financial position—so you can decide with confidence where to allocate your refund.

Which reinvestment option speaks to you most? DM for a chat about your business.

25/07/2025

As the new financial year kicks off, now’s your moment to get your books in order and drive growth from day one. At Abax Bookkeeping, we’ve seen how a solid foundation sets the tone for everything that follows. Here are three simple steps to start strong:

• Reconcile your accounts monthly to catch discrepancies before they become headaches
• Review your budget line by line and cut any costs that aren’t pulling their weight
• Update your forecasts and set clear targets to keep momentum building

Ready to supercharge your finances? Our Tax-Day Cleanup package is built to streamline your processes and give you peace of mind all year long. Drop a comment, send a DM, or visit abaxbookkeeping.com.au to learn more. Let’s make this financial year your best one yet!