Renae Pitargue, Author at First Class Accounts Ovens and Murray and Busy01 Consulting

All Posts by Renae Pitargue

Fundamentals of a Business Budget | Bookkeepers Albury Wodonga

The Fundamentals of a Business Budget

The Fundamentals of a Business Budget

If you want to take control of your business finances and set your sights on growth, you need a budget. It’s one of the most useful tools for staying on track and making smart, informed decisions.

Put simply, your business budget shows what you plan to do with your cash over the next 12 months. It helps you stay clear on where the money is coming from, where it’s going, and what you want the future to look like.

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we help business owners turn their budgets into practical tools using real-time data and industry-leading apps like Calxa, Futrli and Spotlight

So, you’re not just making plans, you’re actively managing your business with clarity and confidence.

What a budget tells you

Your budget is just one part of your financial toolkit. When you look at it alongside your profit and loss statement, balance sheet and cashflow forecast, you get a complete view of your business health. Together, these reports help you plan, monitor performance, and adjust as needed.

A budget gives you a forward-looking lens. It helps you forecast income and expenses, spot seasonal trends, and set targets that are grounded in data—not guesswork.

By comparing your actual results to your budget, you can quickly see where things are going to plan and where they’re not. That gives you time to act—before small issues become major problems.

Why budgeting makes a difference

Creating and using a budget gives you more than just a spreadsheet of numbers. It helps you:

  • Understand how your income and expenses change throughout the year

  • Set realistic financial goals and track your progress

  • Spot cash shortfalls or unexpected costs early

  • Stay motivated and focused on what matters most

  • Make confident, informed decisions at the right time

And once your budget is in place, it becomes a reference point for everything else. From managing day-to-day operations to planning for bigger moves like hiring staff or investing in new equipment.

We regularly support clients to build and refine budgets in platforms like Calxa, Futrli and Spotlight. These tools are powerful, visual, and designed to work with your accounting software. They help bring your numbers to life, so you can see what’s possible and take action faster.

Where to begin

Every budget starts with what you know: your regular income and expenses. From there, we work with you to add in assumptions about timing, growth, pricing, and planned costs.

Most businesses start with a single budget, but over time, you might develop a few different versions. For example, you might have:

  • A business-as-usual version, based on past results with minor adjustments

  • A worst-case version, to plan for lower-than-expected sales or higher costs

  • A best-case version, where you aim higher and prepare for growth

These versions can help you stress-test your business model and prepare for different outcomes, without the panic. First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray can guide you through each stage, setting up your budgets and tracking them monthly against your actual results.

And if you want to project out beyond the next 12 months, we can build multi-year budgets that support longer-term planning and investment.

Keeping it useful

A budget isn’t something you set and forget. It should evolve with your business.

We run monthly financial reports for our clients and compare them against their budgets. That way, they can make timely, informed decisions and adjust their plans based on what’s really happening, not what they hoped would happen.

Apps like Calxa, Futrli and Spotlight make it easy to track and visualise this performance over time. Whether you prefer a dashboard view, a simple graph, or a detailed breakdown, we help you get the insights in the format that works best for you.

Ready to start?

It’s never too late to build a budget that works. Whether you’re brand new to budgeting or looking to improve what you’ve already got, we can help you create a plan that’s relevant, practical, and aligned with your business goals.

Book a time with First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray and let’s set up a budget in your accounting software that gives you more control, more insight, and a clearer path forward.

Is Your Software Helping or Hurting Your Cybersecurity?

Is Your Software Helping or Hurting Your Cybersecurity?

Is Your Software Helping or Hurting Your Cybersecurity?

If you're using bookkeeping apps and cloud software in your business, which most of us are,  you're already taking a big step in the right direction when it comes to cybersecurity. But not all apps are created equal, and not all setups are secure.

We’re seeing more and more businesses rely on connected apps to manage payroll, invoicing, staff scheduling, time tracking, and more. That’s great for streamlining admin, but if the setup is clunky or inconsistent, you could be exposing your business to unnecessary risk.

Cloud doesn’t mean automatic safety

Using cloud software like Xero, Dext, Deputy, or ServiceM8 can absolutely help reduce human error and improve your data security. But just being ‘in the cloud’ isn’t enough. How you use these tools, and whether they’re set up properly, makes all the difference.

Here’s what we often see:

  • Multiple users sharing the same login details

  • Unused staff profiles still active

  • App permissions too broad (full access when it’s not needed)

  • Out-of-date systems that haven’t been updated in years

These might seem like small things, but they’re the cracks where cybersecurity threats can sneak in.

It’s about integration and protection

When your apps are integrated properly, they don’t just talk to each other – they also work together to protect your data. For example:

  • Dext feeds your supplier bills directly into Xero, reducing manual data entry (and errors)

  • Single Touch Payroll connects your payroll to the ATO securely

  • Xero’s 2FA protects login access

  • Secure portals can replace email for sharing sensitive documents

Using apps the right way means less handling of data, fewer mistakes, and stronger protection for your business.

4 signs it’s time to review your app setup

You don’t need to be a tech expert to spot when something isn’t quite right with your app setup. If any of the below sound familiar, it’s probably time to take a closer look:

1. You don’t know who has access to what

If you’ve had team changes, or if your accountant, bookkeeper, or admin staff have come and gone over the years, there’s a good chance old logins are still floating around.

Inactive users with access to your bookkeeping system or business apps are a security risk. Even if they're no longer working with you, those credentials can still be used to log in, sometimes without you knowing.

A regular access check ensures only the right people have access, with the right level of permission.

2. You’re still emailing payslips or invoices as attachments

Email is one of the least secure ways to share sensitive documents. If you're still sending payslips, invoices, or ATO documents as attachments, there's a real risk of that information falling into the wrong hands.

Most modern bookkeeping apps offer secure portals or in-app document sharing. Using these features reduces the chance of human error and protects private information like bank details, TFNs, and ABNs.

3. You haven’t reviewed your connected apps in over a year

If it’s been a while since you looked at the apps linked to your accounting software, you could be running old versions, duplicating data entry, or worse, using apps that no longer meet security standards.

Technology changes fast. Regular reviews help you stay current, avoid software conflicts, and make sure you’re using the most secure and efficient tools for your business needs.

4. You’re relying on your team to remember strong passwords

Strong passwords are essential, but if you don’t have a password manager or two-factor authentication set up, you’re relying on memory (or worse, sticky notes).

The more systems your team needs to access, the more likely it is that corners will be cut. A proper login process, combined with tools like password managers and 2FA, protects your business from avoidable risks.

These issues don’t just affect security, they also affect efficiency and confidence in your systems.

How we help

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we regularly review clients’ app ecosystems to make sure:

  • Permissions are set correctly

  • Unused logins are removed

  • Integrations are working efficiently and securely

  • Everything is backed by the right processes and protections

We don’t just plug in new apps for the sake of it. We recommend and set up tools that actually make your business run better and safer.

Let’s get your systems working smarter and safer

If your apps are making life harder or leaving gaps in your cybersecurity, let’s fix that. We can help clean up your setup, make sure the right protections are in place, and give you back some peace of mind.

Safe systems are smart business. If it’s been a while since you reviewed yours, get in touch – we’re here to help.

Cybersecurity for small business

Cybersecurity: Why It Matters for Small Business

Cybersecurity: Why It Matters for Small Business 

Cybersecurity might sound like something only big corporates need to worry about. But if you’re using cloud accounting software, paying suppliers online, or sending staff payslips by email – you’re already part of the digital chain. And that means you’re a potential target.

What’s actually at risk?

For small business owners, a cyber attack isn’t just an IT issue. It can stop your operations in their tracks. If someone gets access to your bookkeeping system, they could:

  • Change payment details for suppliers or employees

  • Steal customer or employee data

  • Lock you out of your own system and demand a ransom

  • Lodge fake BAS or IAS statements with the ATO

  • Access your bank feeds and transactions

These aren’t just ‘what ifs’ – they happen. And when they do, they create a mess that’s expensive and time-consuming to clean up.

Your bookkeeping system holds the keys

Your bookkeeping system holds everything from payroll info to super details, supplier ABNs, ATO links, and your banking integrations. It’s often the first place a cybercriminal will go because it connects to all the key parts of your business.

That’s why we take data security seriously. As your bookkeeping partner, First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray has internal processes in place to protect your data. But there are things you can do, too.

5 practical things you can do today

You don’t need to be an IT expert to improve your cybersecurity. These simple actions make a big difference:

  1. Use strong, unique passwords – and change them regularly.

  2. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) – especially for Xero and your email.

  3. Don’t click suspicious links – especially in emails pretending to be from the ATO or banks.

  4. Limit user access – only give team members the access they need inside Xero or other apps.

  5. Schedule regular software updates – for your computer, phone, and apps.

Think of cybersecurity as a business process

Cybersecurity isn’t just about tech – it’s about process. Just like you have checks in place before making a large payment or hiring someone new, you need simple processes to protect your data.

If your current systems feel a bit patchy or you're not sure what’s in place, we can help. We regularly work with clients to:

  • Review user access levels

  • Set up app integrations securely

  • Introduce 2FA and safer login options

  • Recommend tools to protect your financial data

Safe systems support smoother business

Strong cybersecurity protects more than just your data – it protects your cash flow, payroll, and peace of mind. When your systems are secure, things run smoother. Payments go out on time. Reports stay accurate. And there’s less risk of costly disruption.

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we make sure your bookkeeping is done properly. That includes helping you make smart decisions about your systems and the way you use them.

If you're not sure where to start or want to double-check your current setup, let’s chat. A quick review now could save you a big headache later.

Understanding your cashflow statement | Albury Wodonga Bookkeepers

Understanding your cashflow statement

Understanding Your Cashflow Statement

When it comes to knowing how your business is really performing, understanding your cashflow statement is a must. It shows exactly how your business has generated and used cash (and cash equivalents) over a specific period. And that gives you valuable insight into what’s going on behind the scenes.

Alongside your profit and loss statement and balance sheet, the cashflow statement rounds out the full picture of your financial position. And once you understand how to read and use it, you’ll feel more confident in your day-to-day decisions.

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we prepare clear, easy-to-follow reports for our clients, so you’re not left guessing where the cash is coming from or where it’s going.

What your cashflow statement actually shows

The cashflow statement takes information from your other reports, specifically your profit and loss statement and balance sheet, and pulls it into one place to reflect your current cash position.

The difference is that this report is presented on a cash basis, not accrual. That means it focuses on actual money in and out of the bank during the reporting period, rather than invoices issued or received. It adjusts for movements in asset and liability accounts so you can see your real-world financial activity.

If your financial reports are managed by First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, you’ll know your cashflow data is accurate, up to date, and explained in a way that actually makes sense. We make sure you know how much cash you have available to spend, not just what’s on paper.

Breaking it down: where the money flows

Your cashflow statement is usually divided into three areas:

Operating activities cover everyday business operations. This includes income from customers, supplier payments, wages, tax, super, and regular expenses like rent and software. It’s the day-to-day engine room of your business. 

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we manage these processes for many clients, such as payroll, so your operations keep running smoothly.

Investing activities reflect money spent or earned from buying and selling things like vehicles, equipment, or other long-term assets. Security deposits and dividends received also sit here. If you’re making big investments or planning asset purchases, your cashflow report will show how they impact your bank balance.

Financing activities include things like loans, equity contributions, and repayments. If your business has borrowed money, repaid debt, or paid out dividends, those transactions are recorded in this section. 

Extra information that matters

Formal financial reports sometimes include “notes to the financial statements.” These explain unusual or significant events that affected your business but didn’t involve cash changing hands, things like asset revaluations, depreciation, or stock adjustments.

We ensure these are clearly documented if needed, especially when working alongside your accountant to prepare reports for lenders or investors.

Why it’s worth understanding

When you look at your cashflow statement, you're not just seeing a number. You’re seeing how well your business can meet its obligations, whether your operations are sustainable, and what’s possible in the short and long term.

It helps you answer questions like:

  • Can I cover my bills this month?

  • How strong is my overall cash position?

  • Are my operations generating enough cash to grow?

  • How do my income and actual cash movements compare?

Where your profit and loss shows performance over time and your balance sheet shows position at a point in time, your cashflow statement reveals the story of your financial movements and whether they’re moving in the right direction.

And if they’re not? That’s where we come in. First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray helps identify the gaps, streamline your processes, and put cashflow planning strategies in place. We also help you prepare for seasonal dips, avoid unnecessary cash crunches, and keep your team and suppliers paid on time.

Want to feel more in control of your cash?

You’re not alone. Most business owners we work with know their business is doing OK, but they’re not always sure where the money’s going, or what’s coming next.

Understanding your cashflow statement gives you back that clarity.

If you’re ready to feel more confident about your financial position and future outlook, let’s talk. First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray offers practical support that helps you get clear on your numbers, stay in control of your operations, and plan with confidence.

Understanding your balance sheet | Bookkeepers Albury Wodonga

Understanding Your Balance Sheet

Understanding Your Balance Sheet

Business owners often focus on how much money is in the bank. And fair enough, it’s an important figure. But your bank balance doesn’t tell the full story.

To really understand how your business is going, you need to look at the bigger picture. That’s where your financial reports come in. And one of the most important reports to get your head around is the balance sheet.

Let’s walk through understanding your balance sheet, what it is, what it tells you, and how it connects with the rest of your business performance.

What the balance sheet tells you

Your balance sheet, sometimes called a statement of financial position, gives a snapshot of your business’s financial position at a specific point in time. It works alongside your profit and loss and cash flow reports to show what your business owns, what it owes, and the value left over.

When your bookkeeping is accurate and up to date, your balance sheet becomes a powerful tool. At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we make sure your reports are reliable, easy to access, and actually make sense, so you’re not second-guessing the numbers.

Assets – what your business owns

Assets are everything your business owns or is owed. That includes your bank accounts, unpaid customer invoices, stock, equipment, vehicles, property, and even things like intellectual property or prepaid expenses.

Some assets are more short-term, like money in the bank or invoices due to be paid soon. Others are long-term, like a company vehicle or a commercial lease bond.

If you’re using accounting software like Xero, we’ll help set things up so your assets are correctly tracked. We also work with add-ons like inventory and project management tools to make sure everything feeds cleanly into your reports, giving you a clear picture of what’s sitting on your books.

Liabilities – what your business owes

Liabilities are your unpaid bills and upcoming obligations. This includes supplier invoices you haven’t paid yet, employee wages, super, tax, loans, and even deposits from customers for work you haven’t done yet.

Keeping on top of these is vital to avoid cash flow problems and ATO penalties. That’s why we look after all your payroll processing, STP reporting, super payments, and ATO lodgements. We also help you plan ahead, so you’re not caught short when quarterly or annual obligations roll around.

Equity – what’s left over

Equity is the part of the business that belongs to you. It’s what’s left once you take away everything you owe from everything you own. It includes the money you’ve put into the business, any retained profits, and drawings or dividends.

As you grow your business and earn profit, your equity increases. If you make a loss or draw money out, it decreases. Understanding how this figure changes over time can help you track long-term progress, especially when it comes to reinvesting or planning for growth.

We take the guesswork out of these figures. Our monthly reporting and real-world advice help you understand the impact of your business decisions and make better ones going forward.

The balance sheet equation

Assets = Liabilities + Equity. That’s the core formula.

It always has to balance. If it doesn’t, there’s an error somewhere that needs to be fixed. For example, if you buy a vehicle for $80,000 using a $20,000 deposit and a $60,000 loan, your asset value goes up by $80,000, your cash decreases by $20,000, and your liabilities increase by $60,000. Both sides of the equation remain balanced. 

If your balance sheet isn’t balancing, or you’re not confident the figures are correct, we can help. Our catch-up and cleanup work gets everything sorted and reconciled, so you can trust what you’re looking at.

But it’s not your market value

It’s worth noting that the equity figure in your balance sheet doesn’t reflect the market value of your business. Your assets are recorded at their original purchase value (less depreciation if applicable), not what they’d sell for today.

That means your business might be worth more (or less) than what your balance sheet says. Market value also considers things like goodwill, customer relationships, future earnings, and brand reputation, which don’t appear on the balance sheet.

If you’re planning to sell, expand, or apply for finance, we can work with your accountant to make sure you’ve got the full picture.

Let’s make your numbers mean something

The balance sheet can be one of the most misunderstood reports in business. But once you understand how it works, and how it links in with your other reports, it becomes one of the most useful.

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we don’t expect you to be a financial expert. That’s our job. We give you accurate, consistent reporting and explain what the numbers mean, so you can feel more in control and make better decisions for your business.

If you’re looking for a bookkeeper or payroll specialist in Albury Wodonga who keeps things running behind the scenes and helps you stay across your financial position, we’re ready when you are. Get in touch.

Payroll errors | First Class Accounts Ovens and Murray | Albury Wodonga

Why payroll errors cost more than you think and how to stop them

Why payroll errors cost more than you think – and how to stop them

Payroll errors aren’t just an admin hiccup. They can create serious financial problems, damage employee trust, and trigger compliance issues that take up hours of your time. For business owners, that means distraction from what you’re actually good at, running your business.

The good news? Preventing payroll mistakes is simpler, less stressful, and far more cost-effective than cleaning up the mess after something’s gone wrong.

Let’s look at what payroll errors can really cost and how to reduce the risk with the right processes, systems, and support.

When payroll goes wrong: the real costs

Getting payroll right every pay cycle is more important than most people realise. Here’s what can go wrong and what it can cost you.

Underpaying your team

Missed hours, incorrect award rates, or misclassified roles can lead to underpayments that quickly add up. You might not notice until it’s too late, but once flagged, you could be facing:

  • Back pay for every affected employee

  • Interest or penalties from the Fair Work Ombudsman

  • A loss of trust within your team

Overpaying without knowing

If you’ve overpaid someone and didn’t pick it up straight away, recovering those funds can be legally tricky and awkward. In many cases, businesses wear the loss.

Superannuation mistakes

Late or incorrect super payments don’t just lead to admin headaches. You could be charged the Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC), which adds interest and admin costs on top of what you already owe.

Payroll tax errors

Misreporting your payroll tax obligations can trigger penalties or audits from your state revenue office resulting in more cost, more time, more stress.

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we help reduce the risk of all these errors with end-to-end payroll support. Our payroll specialists handle everything from setup and processing to compliance, so nothing gets missed.

It’s not just about money, it’s about people

People rely on their pay being accurate and on time. When it’s not, it affects more than just their bank balance.

Repeated payroll issues can cause:

  • Low staff morale

  • A drop in productivity

  • Increased staff turnover

  • A damaged employer reputation

In small business, trust matters. If your team can’t rely on their pay being right, it impacts your workplace culture and retention. Word gets out quickly, especially in tight-knit communities like Albury Wodonga.

When you outsource your payroll to a trusted bookkeeper like First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, you’re not just paying for a service, you’re investing in your team’s confidence and satisfaction.

Payroll compliance is no longer optional

Australian payroll legislation is detailed, technical, and constantly changing. Staying across award conditions, leave entitlements, super rules, and Fair Work requirements is a full-time job in itself.

If your business is found to be non-compliant, the consequences can be serious:

  • Audits or investigations by the Fair Work Ombudsman

  • Fines of up to $93,900 per breach for businesses

  • Legal action or enforceable undertakings

  • Risk of unfair dismissal claims from incorrect final payments

Payroll errors can also have flow-on effects like inaccurate leave accruals, incorrect termination payouts, or poor financial data for decision-making.

We work with business owners to keep everything above board and up to date. Whether you're employing staff for the first time or managing a growing team, First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray can help ensure your payroll is accurate, compliant, and audit-ready.

Prevention is better (and cheaper) than the fix

Fixing payroll errors once they’ve happened is rarely quick and it’s never cheap. Prevention, on the other hand, sets you up for smoother operations and fewer surprises. Here’s how to reduce your risk.

1. Use a payroll expert, not just software

Software can automate payroll but it can’t interpret awards or advise on leave entitlements. Payroll specialists know the rules and ensure everything aligns with your obligations.

2. Keep your systems clean

Payroll relies on accurate timesheets, award rates, super details, and more. Our bookkeeping team can review your data regularly to keep it clean and consistent.

3. Document your payroll process

A clear process helps everyone know what needs to happen each pay cycle, especially useful when team members are away or your business grows.

4. Stay up to date with changes

We track updates to legislation, awards, and superannuation thresholds so you don’t have to. You’ll always be compliant. No surprises, no missed changes.

5. Automate what you can

We help implement connected apps and tools to reduce manual handling and human error. Think time tracking, leave approvals, award interpretation, and pay run automation, all working together.

A better way to manage payroll

When payroll is reliable, your team is happy, your compliance is covered, and you’ve got fewer interruptions to your day. That’s where we come in.

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we take the stress out of payroll with a service that’s accurate, consistent, and done-for-you. Whether you’ve got one employee or a growing workforce, we’ll make sure your payroll runs like clockwork, so you can get back to business.

If you’ve been burnt by payroll mistakes or want peace of mind that everything’s being done right, let’s talk.

Wages compliance for small business | First Class Accounts Ovens and Murray | Payroll Albury Wodonga

Underpaying your staff is now a criminal offence: what this means for your business

Underpaying your staff is now a criminal offence: what this means for your business

Paying your employees the correct amount is an important part of being an employer. To tighten up this process, the Australian Government has just introduced a new Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code, that makes underpaying your employees a criminal offence.

So, what counts as an underpayment? And are there any exemptions to the new Code?

What is the Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code?

From 1 January 2025, intentionally underpaying an employee’s wages or entitlements can be a criminal offence. This doesn’t include honest mistakes – for example, if accidental payroll errors are made. But the new Voluntary Small Business Wage Compliance Code (or the Code) does now make it an offence to intentionally underpay a team member.

The Fair Work Ombudsman can investigate suspected criminal underpayment offences and refer suitable matters for criminal prosecution. If, as an employer, you’re convicted of a criminal offence, a court can impose fines, prison time, or both.

To help reduce the risk of compliance issues, many small businesses are turning to professional payroll specialists. First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray provides end-to-end payroll support to ensure your employees are paid correctly, award interpretations are up to date, and records are accurate and complete.

What constitutes ‘underpaying an employee’?

No employer wants to be faced with criminal proceedings for failing to pay an employee correctly. So, what does underpayment mean in this specific context?

Underpayment may include:

  • Not paying sufficient wages, including penalty rates, overtime rates and allowances (or not paying them at all).

  • Not paying amounts required by the applicable award or enterprise agreement.

  • Not paying other entitlements, for example superannuation for some employees.

Even unintentional underpayments can cause disruption. If you’re not sure whether your payroll system is keeping up, it’s worth speaking with a qualified bookkeeper. 

First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray can help review your payroll process and ensure your calculations align with current legislation, removing the stress of interpreting complex award requirements.

Are there any exemptions?

There are some exemptions to the new Code. In some limited circumstances, the criminal offence won’t apply to particular entitlements.

The exceptions broadly apply to:

  • Employees in New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania and Victoria who are employed by sole traders, partnerships, other unincorporated entities, or non-trading corporations.

  • Most Victorian state government employees.

  • Tasmanian local government employees.

Get up to speed with the Code and wages compliance

You can get a full breakdown of the new Code, and your wages compliance responsibilities as an employer in the new Guide To Paying Employees Correctly.

If you’re concerned about meeting this new compliance checklist, or how it will affect your day-to-day payroll activities, please do get in touch with the team.

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we work with business owners across Albury Wodonga to keep payroll accurate, on time and compliant. As expert bookkeepers and payroll specialists, we handle the behind-the-scenes tasks so you can focus on what you do best.

Staying compliant without the stress

Getting your payroll right isn’t just about compliance. It’s about supporting your team, protecting your business, and freeing up your time. 

If you want clarity, confidence, and a reliable partner to manage your payroll obligations, reach out to First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray today.

12 Xero Apps to Build the Right Stack for Your Business | First Class Accounts Ovens and Murray

12 Xero Apps to Build the Right Stack for Your Business

12 Xero Apps to Build the Right Stack for Your Business

If you’re a Xero user, you’ll know all about the thousands of apps and solutions that you can integrate with your favourite cloud business platform.

But do you know what apps other Aussie small businesses are using? And are there other helpful tools in the ecosystem that aren’t on your radar?

Here’s our rundown of some popular apps in the Xero Australia app store.

12 Xero apps you might not know about

There are so many apps in the Xero store now that it can be hard keeping up to date with the latest additions. To make your life easier, we’ve got the lowdown on the top dozen apps.

Dext

Automate your bookkeeping with Dext. Capture receipts, track expenses and mileage, and connect to Xero, 11,500+ apps, banks and more.

Tanda

Tanda helps manage rosters, timesheets, and award compliance with ease. It integrates with Xero to simplify payroll and improve workforce management.

Stripe

Stripe makes it easy to accept payments from debit cards, credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay for online invoices sent from Xero – so you can get paid faster.

Syft from Xero

Analytics is an interactive and collaborative financial reporting tool that delivers everything from simple reports through to integrated forecasts.

Approval Max

Makes it easy for Xero customers to build robust financial controls across accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR).

Square

Whether online or in-person, get paid quickly and securely with a variety of hardware and software to process credit cards, Apple Pay, and Android Pay, including touch-free options.

ServiceM8

The job management app for trade contractors and service businesses, with everything to help you cut paperwork, complete more jobs and provide amazing customer service.

Tradify

The job management app for tradespeople! Tradify is the best tool for the job. Manage enquiries, quoting, job tracking, staff management, timesheets, invoicing & more!

Lightspeed

Lightspeed is a cloud-based point of sale (POS) and retail management platform that integrates with Xero to automate sales, inventory, and customer data syncing.

Shopify

Connect your Shopify store to your Xero account for easy management of your ecommerce business finances.

Deputy

Deputy is a powerful scheduling and rostering tool for managing teams and tracking time. It integrates with Xero Payroll to simplify staff management.

RosterElf

A simple cloud-based rostering system that takes the stress out of scheduling your employees. It integrates seamlessly with Xero to process timesheets and save you hours.

Need help setting up or managing your app stack?

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we don’t just manage your books. We help you choose the right Xero-connected apps, set them up properly, and make sure they’re working together efficiently.

Whether it’s payroll, rostering, job tracking, ecommerce, payments, or reporting, we’ll work with you to create a setup that suits your business and supports your goals.

We make sure everything gets done accurately, on time and without any fuss—so you can focus on what you do best.

If you want support with your Xero app stack, get in touch. We're here to help.

Common Software Implementation Mistakes And How to Avoid Them | First Class Accounts Ovens and Murray | Albury Wodonga Bookkeepers and Payroll Specialists

Common Software Implementation Mistakes And How to Avoid Them

Common Software Implementation Mistakes And How to Avoid Them

Implementing new software in your business should be an exciting step toward improving efficiency and productivity. The right system can streamline operations, reduce errors, and save time. 

But if the implementation isn’t handled correctly, it can lead to frustration, wasted money, and unnecessary complications. 

Here are some of the most common software implementation mistakes businesses make and how to avoid them.

1. Poor Data Migration Planning

Switching to new software often means transferring large amounts of data (financial records, payroll history, customer details, and more). If this data is incorrect, outdated, or messy, it can lead to serious problems.

We’ve seen businesses struggle with duplicate or missing financial records after a rushed migration. 

Before moving to a new system, we recommend cleaning and verifying data to prevent errors. Our team can assist in organising and migrating financial data accurately, ensuring a smooth transition without disruptions to payroll, invoicing, or compliance.

2. Failing to Identify Business Needs Before Choosing Software

Choosing software without first assessing your needs is like hiring a new team member without checking their qualifications. 

Many businesses rush into software decisions based on price or recommendations rather than determining what will best support their workflows.

Before selecting a system, consider what’s slowing your business down. 

  • Are payroll processes taking too long? 

  • Is invoicing a constant headache? 

  • Are you struggling to keep track of cash flow in real-time? 

First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray works with businesses to identify these bottlenecks and ensure you choose software that directly addresses your pain points. 

3. Setting Unrealistic Timelines

Software implementation isn’t a one-day job. Expecting a full rollout in a short period often leads to rushed processes, poor training, and mistakes that could have been avoided.

A phased approach is often the best strategy. Set realistic goals and ensure your team has the time and support to adjust. We work with businesses to create structured implementation plans, helping them transition without disrupting daily operations.

4. Ignoring Software Integration

A common mistake is choosing software that doesn’t integrate well with existing systems. For example, if your payroll system doesn’t connect with your accounting software, you might end up entering the same data twice—leading to inefficiencies and increased risk of errors.

At First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray, we help businesses select and implement solutions that integrate seamlessly. When implementing Xero and add-on Apps, or another financial management tool, we ensure your systems work together to simplify reporting and reconciliation processes.

5. Not Involving Your Team Early On

Software isn’t just about features, it’s about how well your team can use it. 

Rolling out a system without their input can result in resistance, confusion, and lack of adoption.

To prevent this, involve key staff members from the start. If you're implementing a new accounting or payroll system, consult the people who will use it daily. 

We’ve seen businesses struggle with software adoption simply because their teams weren’t included in the decision-making process. 

6. Skipping Proper Training

Software is only as good as the people using it. Without proper training, teams tend to stick to old habits or misuse the system, leading to errors and inefficiencies.

If you're implementing bookkeeping or payroll software like Xero, it’s crucial to have role-specific training. A payroll administrator needs different training than someone handling accounts payable. 

First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray can provide training sessions to ensure your team fully understands and utilises the software’s features, reducing errors and improving efficiency.

Setting Your Business Up for Success

Software implementation should be a step forward, not a setback. 

With the right planning, training, and support, your business can avoid these common pitfalls and make the most of new technology. 

First Class Accounts Ovens & Murray is here to help. Whether you need assistance selecting the right software or managing a seamless transition, get in touch with us today to make your software implementation a success.

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