Bookkeeping doesn’t have to be hard. If you’re looking for ways to make bookkeeping easier, you’re not alone. With the right systems and habits in place, you can free up your time and gain control of your business finances.
It doesn’t have to be messy, confusing, or a last-minute scramble at BAS time either.
If you put the right systems and habits in place now, you can make bookkeeping easier – giving you more time to focus on growing your business (and less time stressing about receipts).
Here are 15 practical ways to streamline your bookkeeping, make your bookkeeping easier and keep your business finances running smoothly:
1. Move everything to the cloud
Paperwork gets lost. Cloud-based systems don’t.
Save yourself the stress by storing your receipts, invoices, and financial records digitally.
2. Use a proper accounting system to make bookkeeping easier
Spreadsheets have their place – but not for serious business finances.
Systems like Xero offer automation, integrations, and real-time reporting.
3. Set up bank feeds
Link your business bank accounts directly to your accounting system.
This way, transactions pull in automatically – no more manual data entry.
4. Use bank rules and automations
Systems like Xero allow you to create “rules” to automatically code common transactions.
It saves hours of time (and helps keep your accounts tidy and consistent).
5. Use a receipt-capturing app
Apps like Hubdoc or Dext automatically pull in your receipts, invoices, and bills – and send them to your accounting system, matched to the correct transaction.
6. Create a weekly finance habit
Don’t let your bookkeeping pile up.
Set aside 30-60 minutes each week to reconcile accounts, check cash flow, and update your records.
7. Keep business and personal accounts separate
Always use a dedicated business bank account and credit card.
Mixing personal and business expenses makes bookkeeping a nightmare.
8. Automate your recurring bills
Set up automatic payments or scheduled bills in your system to avoid missing due dates and to streamline your cash flow management.
9. Automate your recurring invoices
If you have clients on retainers or subscription payments, automate your invoicing so nothing falls through the cracks.
10. Get clear on your Chart of Accounts
A well-structured Chart of Accounts makes it easier to categorise transactions consistently – which means more accurate reporting.
11. Have a system for chasing overdue invoices
Don’t just cross your fingers and hope clients will pay.
Use automated reminders, or set a simple follow-up process to manage receivables.
12. Reconcile your accounts regularly to make bookkeeping easier and stress-free
Aim to reconcile your bank accounts and credit cards weekly.
It’s much faster than trying to do it all at once at month-end or BAS time.
13. Know your key deadlines
Stay on top of BAS lodgements, super payments, and tax deadlines.
Set calendar reminders or work with a bookkeeper who keeps you accountable. You can download our compliance calendar here.
14. Build a finance “tech stack” that works for you
Pick the right tools for your business – whether that’s Xero + Hubdoc / Dext, or something else – and stick to them.
15. Work with a professional bookkeeping team
DIY only gets you so far.
At a certain point, it makes more sense to have experts keeping your records up-to-date, compliant, and accurate – so you can focus on running (and scaling) your business.
The Bottom Line?
Good bookkeeping isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes.
It’s about giving yourself financial clarity, confidence, and control – so you can lead your business forward.
If you’re tired of bookkeeping headaches (or just ready to make life easier), we’d love to help.
At Inline Partners, we specialise in smart, streamlined bookkeeping systems that grow with your business. Check out more about our Bookkeeping Services.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a free consult here with us below or head to our Contact Page 👉
