Crest Accountants works with small business owners who want clear, reliable account support without the confusion. Our small business accountants help with structure setup, bookkeeping systems, BAS, tax compliance, payroll and general financial reporting, giving owners the information they need to run their business with confidence. We have been doing this since 1973 all over Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers, understanding no two businesses operate the same.
Owners typically come to our small business accountants for one of two reasons. The first are getting started and want everything compliant from day one. Others reach out once the numbers get bigger and their responsibilities grow. Either way, our team offers accounting services that suit the stage you’re in, focusing on practical advice and steady support. If you need accountants who know how to work alongside real businesses on the Gold Coast, we are here to help.

What Can An Accountant Do For My Small Business?
A small business accountant can help with tax compliance, BAS lodgements, payroll, bookkeeping, business structuring, cash flow management and financial reporting, giving you the information you need to make better decisions and stay compliant with the ATO.
At Crest Accountants, We Specialise In:

Why Do I Need An Accountant For My Small Business?
You need an accountant to stay on top of your tax obligations, avoid ATO penalties, and understand your cash flow before problems arise, not after. Most small business owners find the time and complexity involved in managing their own finances grows faster than expected as the business does.
We work with everyone from sole traders to large family-run operations, with the level of involvement shifting as your business grows. If you’d like guidance or ongoing accounting support, book in a time to speak with our team.
How To Find a Good Accountant For Small Business
A good small business accountant should have experience working with businesses at your stage, understand your industry, offer proactive advice rather than just end of year tax returns, and be someone you feel comfortable talking openly about your finances with.
Located in Burleigh Heads, our small business accountants work with owners throughout Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Tweed and the Northern Rivers. Parking is easy and public transport is close by, so visiting us is super easy.
You just have to watch our testimonial videos or read our reviews to see how we work with small business owners. Our focus is making managing your tax, GST and all the other areas of business finances as simple and streamlined as possible.
Get started with a consultation to see how we can help your business.
Why Choose Crest Accountants For Small Business Accounting?
Crest Accountants has been working with small business owners across the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Northern Rivers since 1973. As a family-run business ourselves, we take the time to understand your goals and provide proactive, transparent advice at every stage of your business, not just at tax time. We work with everyone from sole traders to large family-run operations, and it’s why our clients stay with us for years and regularly refer us to their networks.
Our Step By Step Accounting For Small Business
Setting up accounting for your small business doesn’t have to be complicated. At Crest Accountants, we follow a clear process to get your finances in order from day one and keep them that way as your business grows.

We get to know you, your business and your goals.

We review your current financials and set up or streamline your accounting software and processes.

We manage your BAS, payroll, tax returns and ATO reporting throughout the year, keeping you across your finances with regular reports and proactive advice.

Providing More Than Accounting For Small Business Owners
Running a small business involves more than just keeping the books in order. At Crest Accountants, we work with you across every area of your business finances, including:
- Bookkeeping
- Business structuring
- BAS lodgements
- Payroll
- Tax compliance
- Financial reporting
- Virtual CFO services
Whether you’re just starting out or managing a growing team, we’re here to make sure your finances are working as hard as you are.
When Should I Hire a Small Business Accountant?
The right time to hire a small business accountant is earlier than most people think. While many business owners wait until tax time, bringing an accountant on board from the start can save you from costly mistakes and set your business up with the right structure and systems from day one.
As a general rule, it’s worth speaking to an accountant when you are:
- Starting a new business and need the right structure in place.
- Registering for GST or taking on your first employees.
- Finding that managing your own books is taking too much time.
- Growing quickly and need better visibility over your cash flow.
- Approaching tax time and unsure what you can claim.
The earlier you engage an accountant, the more value they can add, not just at tax time but throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions About SME Accounting
Some of the essentials of basic accounting for small businesses include:
- Separating business and personal finances.
- Choosing a cash versus accrual accounting method.
- Recording all transactions.
- Tracking expenses.
- Managing invoices.
- Performing bank reconciliations.
- Understanding business’s profitability and financial health.
A small business accountant can help with all of these tasks to help you save time and stress, as well as to help stay compliant.
Yes, you can do your own small business accounting, but it becomes increasingly difficult and time-consuming as your business grows. Sole traders with simple finances can often manage their own books, but once you have employees, GST obligations, BAS lodgements and tax planning to consider, the risk of errors and missed obligations increases significantly. Most business owners find the time spent on accounting is better directed back into the business.
Yes, it’s very worthwhile hiring an accountant for a small business owner. Accountants help save you time, offer strategic guidance and help you stay tax compliant by taking over the time-consuming tasks and making sure you meet your financial obligations on time.
Sole traders are not legally required to have an accountant, but it is strongly recommended. Managing your own tax, GST and BAS as a sole trader is manageable in the early stages, but an accountant can help you avoid costly mistakes, claim every deduction you’re entitled to, and free up your time to focus on running your business. As your income grows, the value of having professional advice typically far outweighs the cost.
The cost of a small business accountant varies depending on the size of your business, the complexity of your finances and the services you need. Basic tax return services start from a few hundred dollars, while ongoing accounting support including BAS, payroll and financial reporting is typically charged as a monthly fee. The best way to get an accurate figure is to book a consultation so we can understand your specific needs.
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What Gold Coasters Are Saying About Working With Our Family Business Accountants
Posted on stefan kublerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been dealing with the Crest Team for over a year now. I have found their knowledge with all aspects from Bookkeeping to Tax Guidance, ATO Regulations and obligations to be Over 100%. Very friendly and Helpful Team. Highly recommend their ServicesPosted on Valeria DavidovTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Craig Pearson has been my accountant for more than 6 years now and I can only say that he is highly professional.Posted on Stephen ChildsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Crest Accountants have provided great service towards our accounting needs for our family business and SMSF. A special mention to our personal accountant Nicole Amaya for all her support and direction over the years and we would certainly recommend Crest Accountants.Posted on Serena KeeffeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve had a great experience working with the Crest team. Their clarity in explaining financial matters makes everything easy to understand, even when things get complex. They consistently provide proactive advice that helps me stay ahead rather than just reacting at tax time, which has been incredibly valuable. What really stands out is their focus on long-term support—they genuinely care about helping you grow and make better financial decisions over time. A special mention to Ange, who is always so helpful, responsive, and approachable. She goes above and beyond to make sure everything runs smoothly and no question goes unanswered. Highly recommend to anyone looking for reliable, forward-thinking accounting support.Posted on Marco RuasTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I couldn’t be happier with the service I’ve received from Angela at Crest Accountants. She is incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and always takes the time to explain things clearly so I feel confident about my finances. Her attention to detail and proactive approach has saved me both time and money, and she consistently goes above and beyond to make sure everything is handled perfectly. Communication is always prompt and friendly, and nothing ever feels like too much trouble. It’s rare to find someone so trustworthy and genuinely invested in their clients’ success. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for an outstanding accountant.Posted on Terrie WatsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Crest accountants have been our accountants for over 20 years during that time Angela and Wes have supported our businesses with clarity and efficiency They have always been proactive in advising us of changes in the taxation realm and attending to all our accountancy needs in a timely manner I would not hesitate in recommending them to anyone looking for a honest reliable accountancy servicePosted on Toby SydneyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a doctor with very little financial knowledge, Crest accountants have been incredibly helpful and supportive in helping me set up my Telehealth business and sort out my accounting needsPosted on Jarvis ArcherTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wes at Crest Accountants is great to deal with. Really helpful and works closely to understand and solve challenges.Posted on Christie LambertTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently undertook a complex property transaction. Wes and the team at Crest made it so easy for me. Highly recommend Crest for any property/tax related advice. Thank you!

