How To Grow With JobMaker
March 10, 2021
JobMaker information for 2021!
2021 is shaping up to be an interesting year for businesses in Australia. With faster than expected growth and changes to restrictions confidence is returning to the community. To encourage this growth the federal government has introduced a new scheme for businesses to employ additional young job seekers aged 16–35 years. Eligible employers can access the JobMaker Hiring Credit
for each eligible additional employee they hire between 7 October 2020 and 6 October 2021.
JobMaker Explained
The scheme will be backdated to commence on 7 October 2020 and provide eligible employers with the following payments for up to 12 months for new jobs created where they hire the following young workers:
- $200 a week for hiring a worker aged 16 to 29 on at least 20 hours a week
- $100 a week for those aged 30 to 35
It is important to note that the scheme will run for 12 months and that is the hiring period – not the payment period. The payment period could extend into 2022, depending on the hiring date of the eligible employee. Employers who hire an eligible employee on the last day of the scheme (6 October 2021), may be eligible for hiring credits for the subsequent 12 months until 6 October 2022.
Who is eligible?
The criteria is very broad for this scheme. Any business with an ABN, is registered for PAYG withholding, is up to date with lodgment obligations and is currently reporting through STP is eligible.
The excluded employers are as follows:
- employers who are claiming JobKeeper
- entities in liquidation or who have entered bankruptcy
- federal, state, and local government agencies (and entities wholly owned by these agencies)
- employers subject to the major bank levy
- sovereign entities (except those who are residents)
- Australian entities owned by a sovereign entity
JobMaker Dates
The JobMaker Hiring Credit scheme starts on 7 October 2020. It may be possible to claim payments relating to employees hired up until 6 October 2021. Employees hired on or after 7 October 2021 are not eligible employees.
- 6 December 2020 – registrations open
- Register from 6 December 2020. Only register once and each business must be registered before any claims can be lodged.
- 1 February 2021 – first claim period opens
- Claim JobMaker Hiring Credit payments from 1 February 2021 as long as registered businesses have met the other eligibility requirements (including reporting through Single Touch Payroll).
- 30 April 2021 – first claim period closes
- Claim JobMaker Hiring Credit for the first JobMaker period until the end of 30 April 2021. Claim by the end of the claim period to receive JobMaker Hiring Credit for that period.
- 6 October 2022 – scheme ends
- The JobMaker Hiring Credit scheme will end on 6 October 2022.
Claim period dates for later JobMaker periods are set out below:
- Period 1: 7 October 2020 to 6 January 2021
- Period 2: 7 January 2021 to 6 April 2021
- Period 3: 7 April 2021 to 6 July 2021
- Period 4: 7 July 2021 to 6 October 2021
- Period 5: 7 October 2021 to 6 January 2022;
- Period 6: 7 January 2022 to 6 April 2022
- Period 7: 7 April 2022 to 6 July 2022
- Period 8: 7 July 2022 to 6 October 2022
How to grow with JobMaker
JobMaker is a great option for businesses that are not only planning to recover but to grow in the next 12 months. For businesses that are currently experiencing growth this lowers the cost of employing new people, particularly in the e-commerce space.
For businesses who may be currently pre-growth but are anticipating and planning for growth after the return off office workers or lifting of restrictions, such as retail and hospitality, now is the time to start planning new hires in the coming quarter who are eligible for this scheme.
Other businesses specifically in the service industry may be planning to move their delivery into new physical or online locations this year. The time is now to start thinking about the right support staff for these changes who are eligible for the scheme.
Any questions about how to plan your growth and how this scheme could work for you? Please get in touch
we are always happy to help!
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Running a small business in Australia is a journey filled with passion, hard work, and countless decisions. Amidst the daily operations, it’s easy to overlook one of the most critical aspects of long-term success: regular financial reviews. These aren't just about crunching numbers; they're about understanding the health of your business, identifying opportunities, and mitigating risks. Why Regular Financial Reviews are Non-Negotiable 1. Informed Decision-Making Without a clear picture of your finances, every business decision becomes a gamble. Regular reviews provide you with the data needed to make informed choices, whether it's about investing in new equipment, expanding your team, or adjusting your pricing strategy. 2. Identifying Trends and Opportunities Financial data often tells a story. By regularly reviewing your income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports, you can spot trends in revenue, expenses, and profitability. This allows you to capitalise on growth opportunities and address potential issues before they escalate. 3. Cash Flow Management Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. Regular reviews help you monitor your cash inflows and outflows, ensuring you have enough liquidity to cover your operating costs and seize opportunities. It can also highlight potential cash flow shortages, giving you time to implement solutions. 4. Budgeting and Forecasting A well-constructed budget is a roadmap for your financial future. Regular reviews allow you to compare your actual performance against your budget, identify deviations, and adjust your forecasts accordingly. This iterative process helps you stay on track and plan more effectively. 5. Tax Compliance and Optimisation Australia's tax landscape can be complex for small businesses. Regular financial reviews, often in conjunction with a qualified bookkeeper or accountant, ensure you're meeting your tax obligations and taking advantage of all available deductions and incentives. 6. Measuring Performance Against Goals Every business sets goals, whether they're related to revenue growth, profit margins, or cost reduction. Financial reviews provide the metrics you need to track your progress and assess how effectively you're achieving your objectives. 7. Early Problem Detection Catching financial problems early can save your business from significant challenges down the line. Whether it's declining sales, increasing expenses, or unexpected liabilities, regular reviews act as an early warning system. How Often Should You Review Your Finances? The frequency of your financial reviews will depend on the size and complexity of your business. However, a good general guideline for most Australian small businesses includes: ● Weekly/Fortnightly: Quick check of cash flow and key performance indicators. ● Monthly: Detailed review of profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow statements. ● Quarterly: Comprehensive review, including budget vs. actual analysis, and planning for the next quarter. ● Annually: Year-end review, tax planning, and strategic financial planning for the coming year. Getting Started with Your Financial Reviews If the idea of regular financial reviews feels daunting, consider these steps: Set aside dedicated time: Treat financial reviews as a critical business activity, not an afterthought. Utilise accounting software: Tools like Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks Online can automate much of the data collection and reporting. Work with a professional: A qualified bookkeeper or accountant can provide invaluable expertise, helping you interpret your data and make sound financial decisions. Regular financial reviews are not a burden; they are an investment in the stability and growth of your Australian small business. By making them a consistent part of your business routine, you empower yourself with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate challenges and seize opportunities, ensuring a healthier financial future. For more information on how we can assist with your financial reviews and bookkeeping needs, please contact us at https://www.360accountingservices.com.au
Staying Organised: Financial Document Management Tips In today's fast-paced world, keeping your financial documents in order can seem like a daunting task. However, proper financial document management is crucial for everything from tax season to personal financial planning. This blog post will provide you with practical tips to help you stay organised and on top of your finances. Why is Financial Document Management Important? Effective financial document management offers several benefits: ● Easier Tax Preparation: Having all your documents readily available makes tax season less stressful and reduces the chances of errors. ● Improved Financial Planning: A clear overview of your financial records allows for better budgeting and future planning. ● Protection Against Fraud: Organised documents can help you quickly identify and report suspicious activity. ● Access to Important Information: Whether it's for a loan application or an insurance claim, quick access to your documents is invaluable. Essential Tips for Financial Document Management 1. Digitise Your Documents One of the most effective ways to manage your financial documents is to go paperless where possible. ● Scan and Save: Use a scanner or a scanning app on your smartphone to convert physical documents into digital files. Save them in a secure, cloud-based storage system like Google Drive or Dropbox. ● E-Statements: Opt for electronic statements from your bank, credit card companies, and utility providers. This reduces paper clutter and often provides immediate access to your statements. 2. Create a Consistent Filing System Whether you prefer physical or digital files, a consistent and logical filing system is key. ● Categories: Create clear categories for your documents, such as: ○ Bank Statements ○ Credit Card Statements ○ Loan Documents ○ Investment Records ○ Tax Documents ○ Insurance Policies ○ Utility Bills ● Sub-Categories: Within each category, consider sub-categories by year or type. ● Naming Convention (Digital): For digital files, use a consistent naming convention (e.g., "Bank_Statement_2025_October"). 3. Implement Regular Review and Purge Cycles Don't let documents pile up. Schedule regular times to review and purge unnecessary papers and files. ● Monthly Review: Dedicate an hour each month to sort through new documents, file them, and shred anything you no longer need. ● Annual Purge: Before the end of the year, do a comprehensive review of all your financial documents. Dispose of anything that has exceeded its retention period. 4. Secure Your Documents Protecting your financial information is paramount. ● Physical Documents: Store important physical documents (e.g., property deeds, birth certificates) in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box. ● Digital Documents: ○ Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts and cloud storage. ○ Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. ○ Back up your digital files regularly to an external hard drive or another secure cloud service. 5. Know What to Keep and For How Long It's important to understand the retention periods for different types of financial documents. Document Type Tax Returns & Records Bank Statements Credit Card Statements Loan Documents Investment Statements Insurance Policies Utility Bills Property Deeds 6. Utilise Financial Management Software Consider using personal finance software or apps to help track expenses, manage budgets, and even link to your bank accounts for automated categorisation. This can significantly reduce the amount of manual organisation required. Conclusion Organising your financial documents doesn't have to be overwhelming. By implementing these tips – digitising, creating a consistent filing system, regular reviews, securing your information, and understanding retention periods – you can achieve a more streamlined and less stressful approach to financial management. Start today, and give yourself the peace of mind that comes with being financially organised. For more financial tips and advice, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media!
Simple Financial Habits for Business Owners Running a business comes with a myriad of responsibilities, and sometimes, financial management can feel overwhelming. However, by adopting a few simple financial habits, business owners can maintain better control over their finances, ensure long-term stability, and reduce stress. This blog post will outline some essential practices that can make a significant difference. 1. Separate Business and Personal Finances This is perhaps the most fundamental rule for any business owner. Commingling funds can lead to confusion, complicate tax filings, and make it difficult to accurately assess your business's financial health. ● Open Separate Accounts: Set up distinct bank accounts and credit cards for your business. ● Avoid Personal Expenses from Business Accounts: Even small, seemingly insignificant personal purchases from your business account can create headaches. ● Pay Yourself a Salary: Treat yourself as an employee of your business and pay yourself a regular salary. 2. Track All Income and Expenses Accurate record-keeping is crucial for understanding where your money comes from and where it goes. This information is vital for budgeting, forecasting, and tax preparation. ● Use Bookkeeping Software: Invest in reliable accounting software like MYOB, Xero, or QuickBooks. These tools automate many tasks and provide clear financial reports. ● Categorise Transactions: Consistently categorise your income and expenses. This helps you identify spending patterns and areas for improvement. ● Keep Receipts: Digitise or keep physical copies of all business-related receipts. This is essential for auditing and expense verification. 3. Regular Review of Financial Statements Don't just record transactions; understand what they mean. Regularly reviewing your financial statements will provide insights into your business's performance. ● Profit and Loss (P&L) Statement: Review your P&L monthly to see your revenues, costs, and profits. ● Balance Sheet: Check your balance sheet quarterly to understand your assets, liabilities, and equity. ● Cash Flow Statement: Analyse your cash flow regularly to ensure you have enough liquidity to meet your obligations. 4. Create and Stick to a Budget A budget is your financial roadmap. It helps you allocate resources effectively, prevent overspending, and work towards your financial goals. ● Develop a Realistic Budget: Base your budget on historical data and realistic projections. ● Monitor and Adjust: Regularly compare your actual spending to your budget and make adjustments as needed. ● Allocate Funds for Taxes: Set aside a portion of your income for taxes, as estimated taxes can be a significant surprise if not planned for. 5. Build an Emergency Fund Just like personal finances, businesses need an emergency fund to weather unexpected challenges, such as a sudden drop in sales, equipment breakdown, or economic downturns. ● Set a Target: Aim to have at least 3-6 months of operating expenses saved. ● Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers from your operating account to your savings account. 6. Regularly Reconcile Bank Statements Bank reconciliation ensures that your internal records match your bank statements. This helps catch errors, detect fraud, and verify the accuracy of your books. ● Monthly Reconciliation: Reconcile your bank accounts and credit card statements every month. ● Investigate Discrepancies: Promptly investigate any differences between your records and the bank's records. 7. Seek Professional Advice While these habits provide a strong foundation, there will be times when you need expert guidance. ● Consult a Bookkeeper or Accountant: A professional bookkeeper or accountant can help set up your systems, ensure compliance, and provide strategic financial advice. ● Tax Planning: Work with a tax professional to optimise your tax strategy and ensure you're taking advantage of all eligible deductions. By consistently practicing these simple financial habits, business owners can gain a clearer picture of their financial health, make informed decisions, and pave the way for sustainable growth. Start implementing these habits today, and watch your business thrive. For more detailed guidance and personalised support, contact us at 360 Accounting Bookkeeping Services. We're here to help your business succeed. Contact Us: Phone: Parikshit Kikla (PK) Email: pkikla@360accountingservices.com.au Website: https://www.360accountingservices.com.au/
Running a small business in Australia is a journey filled with passion, hard work, and countless decisions. Amidst the daily operations, it’s easy to overlook one of the most critical aspects of long-term success: regular financial reviews. These aren't just about crunching numbers; they're about understanding the health of your business, identifying opportunities, and mitigating risks. Why Regular Financial Reviews are Non-Negotiable 1. Informed Decision-Making Without a clear picture of your finances, every business decision becomes a gamble. Regular reviews provide you with the data needed to make informed choices, whether it's about investing in new equipment, expanding your team, or adjusting your pricing strategy. 2. Identifying Trends and Opportunities Financial data often tells a story. By regularly reviewing your income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports, you can spot trends in revenue, expenses, and profitability. This allows you to capitalise on growth opportunities and address potential issues before they escalate. 3. Cash Flow Management Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. Regular reviews help you monitor your cash inflows and outflows, ensuring you have enough liquidity to cover your operating costs and seize opportunities. It can also highlight potential cash flow shortages, giving you time to implement solutions. 4. Budgeting and Forecasting A well-constructed budget is a roadmap for your financial future. Regular reviews allow you to compare your actual performance against your budget, identify deviations, and adjust your forecasts accordingly. This iterative process helps you stay on track and plan more effectively. 5. Tax Compliance and Optimisation Australia's tax landscape can be complex for small businesses. Regular financial reviews, often in conjunction with a qualified bookkeeper or accountant, ensure you're meeting your tax obligations and taking advantage of all available deductions and incentives. 6. Measuring Performance Against Goals Every business sets goals, whether they're related to revenue growth, profit margins, or cost reduction. Financial reviews provide the metrics you need to track your progress and assess how effectively you're achieving your objectives. 7. Early Problem Detection Catching financial problems early can save your business from significant challenges down the line. Whether it's declining sales, increasing expenses, or unexpected liabilities, regular reviews act as an early warning system. How Often Should You Review Your Finances? The frequency of your financial reviews will depend on the size and complexity of your business. However, a good general guideline for most Australian small businesses includes: ● Weekly/Fortnightly: Quick check of cash flow and key performance indicators. ● Monthly: Detailed review of profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow statements. ● Quarterly: Comprehensive review, including budget vs. actual analysis, and planning for the next quarter. ● Annually: Year-end review, tax planning, and strategic financial planning for the coming year. Getting Started with Your Financial Reviews If the idea of regular financial reviews feels daunting, consider these steps: Set aside dedicated time: Treat financial reviews as a critical business activity, not an afterthought. Utilise accounting software: Tools like Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks Online can automate much of the data collection and reporting. Work with a professional: A qualified bookkeeper or accountant can provide invaluable expertise, helping you interpret your data and make sound financial decisions. Regular financial reviews are not a burden; they are an investment in the stability and growth of your Australian small business. By making them a consistent part of your business routine, you empower yourself with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate challenges and seize opportunities, ensuring a healthier financial future. For more information on how we can assist with your financial reviews and bookkeeping needs, please contact us at https://www.360accountingservices.com.au
Staying Organised: Financial Document Management Tips In today's fast-paced world, keeping your financial documents in order can seem like a daunting task. However, proper financial document management is crucial for everything from tax season to personal financial planning. This blog post will provide you with practical tips to help you stay organised and on top of your finances. Why is Financial Document Management Important? Effective financial document management offers several benefits: ● Easier Tax Preparation: Having all your documents readily available makes tax season less stressful and reduces the chances of errors. ● Improved Financial Planning: A clear overview of your financial records allows for better budgeting and future planning. ● Protection Against Fraud: Organised documents can help you quickly identify and report suspicious activity. ● Access to Important Information: Whether it's for a loan application or an insurance claim, quick access to your documents is invaluable. Essential Tips for Financial Document Management 1. Digitise Your Documents One of the most effective ways to manage your financial documents is to go paperless where possible. ● Scan and Save: Use a scanner or a scanning app on your smartphone to convert physical documents into digital files. Save them in a secure, cloud-based storage system like Google Drive or Dropbox. ● E-Statements: Opt for electronic statements from your bank, credit card companies, and utility providers. This reduces paper clutter and often provides immediate access to your statements. 2. Create a Consistent Filing System Whether you prefer physical or digital files, a consistent and logical filing system is key. ● Categories: Create clear categories for your documents, such as: ○ Bank Statements ○ Credit Card Statements ○ Loan Documents ○ Investment Records ○ Tax Documents ○ Insurance Policies ○ Utility Bills ● Sub-Categories: Within each category, consider sub-categories by year or type. ● Naming Convention (Digital): For digital files, use a consistent naming convention (e.g., "Bank_Statement_2025_October"). 3. Implement Regular Review and Purge Cycles Don't let documents pile up. Schedule regular times to review and purge unnecessary papers and files. ● Monthly Review: Dedicate an hour each month to sort through new documents, file them, and shred anything you no longer need. ● Annual Purge: Before the end of the year, do a comprehensive review of all your financial documents. Dispose of anything that has exceeded its retention period. 4. Secure Your Documents Protecting your financial information is paramount. ● Physical Documents: Store important physical documents (e.g., property deeds, birth certificates) in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box. ● Digital Documents: ○ Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts and cloud storage. ○ Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. ○ Back up your digital files regularly to an external hard drive or another secure cloud service. 5. Know What to Keep and For How Long It's important to understand the retention periods for different types of financial documents. Document Type Tax Returns & Records Bank Statements Credit Card Statements Loan Documents Investment Statements Insurance Policies Utility Bills Property Deeds 6. Utilise Financial Management Software Consider using personal finance software or apps to help track expenses, manage budgets, and even link to your bank accounts for automated categorisation. This can significantly reduce the amount of manual organisation required. Conclusion Organising your financial documents doesn't have to be overwhelming. By implementing these tips – digitising, creating a consistent filing system, regular reviews, securing your information, and understanding retention periods – you can achieve a more streamlined and less stressful approach to financial management. Start today, and give yourself the peace of mind that comes with being financially organised. For more financial tips and advice, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media!
Simple Financial Habits for Business Owners Running a business comes with a myriad of responsibilities, and sometimes, financial management can feel overwhelming. However, by adopting a few simple financial habits, business owners can maintain better control over their finances, ensure long-term stability, and reduce stress. This blog post will outline some essential practices that can make a significant difference. 1. Separate Business and Personal Finances This is perhaps the most fundamental rule for any business owner. Commingling funds can lead to confusion, complicate tax filings, and make it difficult to accurately assess your business's financial health. ● Open Separate Accounts: Set up distinct bank accounts and credit cards for your business. ● Avoid Personal Expenses from Business Accounts: Even small, seemingly insignificant personal purchases from your business account can create headaches. ● Pay Yourself a Salary: Treat yourself as an employee of your business and pay yourself a regular salary. 2. Track All Income and Expenses Accurate record-keeping is crucial for understanding where your money comes from and where it goes. This information is vital for budgeting, forecasting, and tax preparation. ● Use Bookkeeping Software: Invest in reliable accounting software like MYOB, Xero, or QuickBooks. These tools automate many tasks and provide clear financial reports. ● Categorise Transactions: Consistently categorise your income and expenses. This helps you identify spending patterns and areas for improvement. ● Keep Receipts: Digitise or keep physical copies of all business-related receipts. This is essential for auditing and expense verification. 3. Regular Review of Financial Statements Don't just record transactions; understand what they mean. Regularly reviewing your financial statements will provide insights into your business's performance. ● Profit and Loss (P&L) Statement: Review your P&L monthly to see your revenues, costs, and profits. ● Balance Sheet: Check your balance sheet quarterly to understand your assets, liabilities, and equity. ● Cash Flow Statement: Analyse your cash flow regularly to ensure you have enough liquidity to meet your obligations. 4. Create and Stick to a Budget A budget is your financial roadmap. It helps you allocate resources effectively, prevent overspending, and work towards your financial goals. ● Develop a Realistic Budget: Base your budget on historical data and realistic projections. ● Monitor and Adjust: Regularly compare your actual spending to your budget and make adjustments as needed. ● Allocate Funds for Taxes: Set aside a portion of your income for taxes, as estimated taxes can be a significant surprise if not planned for. 5. Build an Emergency Fund Just like personal finances, businesses need an emergency fund to weather unexpected challenges, such as a sudden drop in sales, equipment breakdown, or economic downturns. ● Set a Target: Aim to have at least 3-6 months of operating expenses saved. ● Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers from your operating account to your savings account. 6. Regularly Reconcile Bank Statements Bank reconciliation ensures that your internal records match your bank statements. This helps catch errors, detect fraud, and verify the accuracy of your books. ● Monthly Reconciliation: Reconcile your bank accounts and credit card statements every month. ● Investigate Discrepancies: Promptly investigate any differences between your records and the bank's records. 7. Seek Professional Advice While these habits provide a strong foundation, there will be times when you need expert guidance. ● Consult a Bookkeeper or Accountant: A professional bookkeeper or accountant can help set up your systems, ensure compliance, and provide strategic financial advice. ● Tax Planning: Work with a tax professional to optimise your tax strategy and ensure you're taking advantage of all eligible deductions. By consistently practicing these simple financial habits, business owners can gain a clearer picture of their financial health, make informed decisions, and pave the way for sustainable growth. Start implementing these habits today, and watch your business thrive. For more detailed guidance and personalised support, contact us at 360 Accounting Bookkeeping Services. We're here to help your business succeed. Contact Us: Phone: Parikshit Kikla (PK) Email: pkikla@360accountingservices.com.au Website: https://www.360accountingservices.com.au/
