Meet Melisa
Hi, I'm Melisa — a registered BAS Agent (26312417) and the founder of Mel-Balanced Bookeeping. I've spent years working hands-on in bookkeeping and financial management, and these days I help business owners across all kinds of industries, including construction and civil engineering, get on top of their numbers and feel in control of their finances again.
I'm based locally in the Penrith area, but thanks to today's technology, I work with clients all over Australia — wherever you are, we can connect by phone, video, or screen share just as easily as if I were sitting across the desk from you. One thing that won't change, though: it's always me doing the work. I don't offshore, and I don't have a team — when you work with me, you're getting me, personally, on your books. I also keep my client numbers deliberately manageable, so I can give everyone the attention and care they deserve.
Think of me as your one-stop bookkeeping support — whether that's the everyday stuff like bank reconciliation and tracking income and expenses, running payroll, preparing and lodging your BAS, or keeping on top of who owes you money and who you owe. I work in Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks Online, and I'll tailor things to however involved you want to be — from taking the whole lot off your plate as your financial controller, to just checking in monthly to make sure everything's accurate and BAS-ready.
At the end of the day, it's all about balance — reliable, accurate, stress-free bookkeeping that gives you clarity and confidence in your business finances, without you having to think twice about it.
Registered BAS Agent
Testimonials
Some lovely comments from colleagues I have worked with
Services
I provide reliable, accurate support to keep your business running smoothly.
I can help you take care of your day-to-day finances — I can provide full financial controller support where I take care of it all, or I can just provide a monthly check over your accounts to help you ensure your books are always accurate and BAS-ready.
I work across Xero, MYOB (AccountRight, Business, and Advanced), and QuickBooks Online, offering remote bookkeeping that lets us collaborate in real time. Whether you like to stay hands-on or prefer full support, I tailor my service to suit you and I am only ever a phone or video call away. Technology today means that we can screen share and I can talk you through any issue that you may be facing.
Bookkeeping isn’t just about staying compliant — it’s about gaining clarity and confidence. With my help, you get more than just numbers; you get a partner who’s here to help your business and your finances thrive.
General Bookkeeping Services
Stay on top of your finances with consistent, accurate bookkeeping.
I understand that staying on top of your books can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re also trying to run and grow a business. My general bookkeeping services are designed to take the pressure off by handling the everyday financial tasks that keep your business running smoothly. From recording transactions and reconciling bank accounts to tracking income, expenses, and generating reports, I provide consistent, accurate, and tailored support that gives you full visibility and control over your finances.
Payroll Services
Take the stress out of paying your team with our accurate and reliable payroll services. I manage everything from employee setup and payslip processing to superannuation, STP reporting, and award compliance—ensuring your staff are paid correctly and on time. Whether you have one employee or twenty, I make payroll simple, so you can focus on growing your business.
BAS Preparation & Lodgement Services
Stay compliant and stress-free with our reliable BAS Preparation service. I ensure your Business Activity Statements are accurately prepared and lodged on time, every quarter. I handle the numbers, so you can focus on running your business—confident that your GST, PAYG, and other obligations are under control.
Accounts Payable and Receivable Services
Staying on top of your accounts payable and receivable is essential for healthy cash flow—but it’s also one of the most time-consuming parts of running a business. I take the pressure off you by managing your incoming and outgoing payments with accuracy and consistency. From issuing invoices and following up on overdue payments to tracking bills and ensuring your suppliers are paid on time, I help you maintain smooth financial operations and strong business relationships.
Software Onboarding and Training
Getting started with accounting software? I offer personalised onboarding and training services tailored to your business. I will guide you step-by-step to set up your account correctly and provide hands-on training to ensure you and your team feel confident managing your finances with ease and efficiency.
Bank and Account Reconciliation Services
Accurate reconciliation is key to keeping your financial records reliable and up to date. My reconciliation service ensures your bank statements, credit cards, and accounting records match perfectly. I identify and resolve discrepancies quickly, giving you clear insight into your cash flow and helping you avoid costly errors or missed transactions.
Tailor-Made Bookkeeping packages
Every business is different, so your bookkeeping support should be too. Rather than locking you into a fixed package, I work on an hourly basis — so you only pay for the support you actually need, whether that's a few hours a month keeping your books ticking over, or more hands-on help with payroll, BAS, and reporting. As your business grows or your needs change, the support scales with you.
Still not sure? We'd love to hear from you
Click the button to fill out a form or give us a call to set up a free consultation.
We'd love to hear from you
Phone
0411739015ABN
96862257179
Operating Hours
Monday - 9am - 5pm
Tuesday - 9am - 5pm
Wednesday - 9am - 5pm
Thursday - 9am - 5pm
Friday - 9am - 5pm
Weekends and Public Holidays - Closed
BAS Agent Registration - 26312417
The Balanced Blog
What Is a BAS Agent – And Do I Really Need One?
What Is a BAS Agent?
A BAS Agent is a registered professional authorised by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) to prepare and lodge Business Activity Statements (BAS) on your behalf. These statements report your GST, PAYG withholding, and other tax obligations to the ATO.
To become a registered BAS Agent, a bookkeeper must meet strict educational, experience, and ethical standards—including ongoing professional development and holding appropriate insurance.
Put simply: a BAS Agent is a qualified expert who ensures your business stays ATO-compliant.
Do I Really Need One?
The short answer? If you’re registered for GST—yes.
Here’s why:
ATO compliance is non-negotiable. Mistakes or late lodgements can result in penalties.
BAS rules are complex and change often. Having an expert means you don’t have to keep up with it all.
You’ll save time and money. DIY bookkeeping might seem cheaper, but errors and inefficiencies cost more in the long run.
Peace of mind. With a BAS Agent, you’ll feel confident that everything is correct and up-to-date.
And here’s the kicker: Only registered BAS Agents (or tax agents) can legally charge a fee to prepare or lodge BAS. So if someone’s helping you with this and they’re not registered—they shouldn’t be.
What Does a Bookkeeper (and BAS Agent) Actually Do?
When people think of bookkeeping, they often imagine piles of receipts and endless spreadsheets. But really, a bookkeeper is the organiser of your business’s money story — keeping track of what’s coming in, what’s going out, and making sure everything adds up neatly.
At Mel-Balanced Bookkeeping, we’re not only bookkeepers, we’re also a registered BAS Agent. That means we take care of your everyday financial records AND your ATO reporting, so you don’t have to juggle multiple people for the job.
What We Do at Mel-Balanced Bookkeeping
Here are the everyday jobs we handle for your business, explained simply:
✅ Track Income Every time money comes into your business — from sales, services, or invoices — we record it so nothing is missed.
✅ Track Expenses We also keep track of what money is going out — things like supplies, rent, wages, or bills — so you always know where your money is going.
✅ Check the Numbers We reconcile your bank accounts (fancy word for making sure the records match your bank statements) so your books are accurate and balanced.
✅ Process Payroll If you have staff, we make sure they’re paid correctly and on time, including superannuation and leave entitlements.
✅ Organise Receipts and Records We keep all the important paperwork — invoices, receipts, and bills — neat, tidy, and ready when you or your accountant need them.
✅ Prepare and Lodge BAS We calculate, prepare, and lodge your Business Activity Statements (BAS) — making sure GST, PAYG withholding, and other obligations are reported correctly and on time.
✅ Deal Directly with the ATO If there’s a question, deadline, or issue, we can speak to the ATO on your behalf — saving you time (and stress).
✅ Keep You Compliant We make sure you’re meeting all your legal requirements for GST, PAYG, superannuation, and reporting.
“But I already have an accountant — don’t they do that?”
That’s a really common question. The short answer is: accountants and bookkeepers (and BAS Agents) work together, not instead of each other.
Your accountant usually looks after the bigger picture — things like tax planning, end-of-year financial statements, and business strategy.
Your bookkeeper/BAS Agent looks after the day-to-day details — keeping your records accurate, managing payroll, lodging BAS, and keeping everything ready for your accountant.
Think of it like this: the bookkeeper keeps the house tidy every day, while the accountant comes in at the end of the year to make sure everything is in the right place for the future.
Both are important — and together, they make your financial life much smoother.
✨ At Mel-Balanced Bookkeeping, we cover both bookkeeping and BAS services — so your business numbers are not only neat and accurate but also fully compliant and ATO-ready.
Payday Super Is Here: What It Means for Your Business
Payday Super is now law, effective 1 July 2026. If you employ staff, here's what's changed.
What's Changed
Previously, super only had to be paid quarterly. Now, you need to pay super every time you pay your staff — weekly, fortnightly, or monthly — with contributions reaching their super fund within seven business days of payday. No more quarterly catch-up.
Why It Matters If You Get It Wrong
The old safety net is gone. Previously, a missed quarterly deadline could be fixed by paying the Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC) by the 28th of the next month. That offset no longer exists — once a payment is late, the SGC applies straight away, including interest and an administrative uplift. The ATO has said it will take a practical approach in this first year for businesses making a genuine effort, so getting your systems sorted now is what counts.
What to Check Now
✅ Payroll software — confirm it supports Payday Super reporting
✅ Super payments — if you used the ATO's Small Business Clearing House, note it closed 30 June 2026 — you'll need an alternative
✅ Cash flow — budgeting for super every pay run, not just quarterly
✅ Pay codes — make sure your setup correctly captures Qualifying Earnings
Need a Hand?
If you're not sure your business is compliant, I've been helping clients get their payroll and super processes Payday Super–ready. Get in touch if you'd like a second set of eyes on your setup.