BK Pod

In this episode of BK Pod, the focus is on three key areas affecting BAS Agents and bookkeepers right now. Kelvin Deer opens with an important update on ABN's recent engagement with AUSTRAC around the AML CTF Tranche 2 legislation — and why the outcome is a significant win for the profession. He unpacks why ordinary BAS, payroll and bookkeeping services should not be captured by obligations aimed...

In this episode of BK Pod, the focus is on the practical realities of Payday Super and the growing operational pressure it places on BAS Agents and bookkeepers. Rather than discussing legislation in theory, the episode explores the real-world issues practitioners are already facing as the ATO Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) moves toward closure and super obligations shift into...

In this episode of the BK Pod, the focus is on turning two major compliance pressures facing bookkeepers and BAS agents into practical, operational frameworks. First, the discussion centres on the Code of Professional Conduct—not as a theoretical obligation, but as something that must be actively evidenced within a practice. The key message is clear: it’s no longer enough to believe you’re complia...

In this month’s BK Pod, we cover two key developments affecting the bookkeeping profession. First, we provide an update on the proposed Tranche 2 Anti-Money Laundering (AML) reforms and what they may mean for BAS agents and bookkeepers. A practical decision-tree approach is discussed to help practitioners determine whether their services may trigger a requirement to register with AUSTRAC. The disc...

The latest episode of the BK Pod is out now—bringing you practical insights and updates to support your practice as we move into 2026.   Kelvin Deer (ABN Director) steps through a suite of new and upcoming tools for BAS agents, including the BAS Agent Readiness Checklist , AML/CTF Kit , Supervision & Review Playbook , Breach Reporting Guide , and the soon-to-be-released Payday Super Kit.   The...

In this episode of the BK Pod , we cover three key developments impacting bookkeepers and their clients: the evolving legal tests distinguishing contractors from employees, the upcoming closure of the ATO’s Small Business Super Clearing House (SBSCH), and important reminders around cyber security heading into the new year. The episode focuses on the recent Dickerson v Kagura Games case, which exam...

In this episode, Kelvin Deer, Peter Thorp and Kerrie Jarius tackle two of the biggest upcoming changes impacting bookkeepers and BAS Agents — the expansion of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules and the introduction of Payday Super (PDS). These reforms are reshaping compliance and cash flow planning, and while both carry uncertainty, the message is clear: preparation and perspective are key. Kelvin...

In this edition of BK Pod, Peter and Kerrie discuss Ordinary Time Earnings (OTE). The Payday Super (PDS) legislation also introduces an adjacent term, Qualifying Earnings (QE), that, together with OTE, will drive key elements of PDS. That means a very clear working knowledge of OTE becomes essential. Interpretive material on the ATO website has been enhanced to assist in this improved understandin...

In this edition of BK Pod, Peter and Kerrie provide an update on the confirmed closure of the SBSCH , which will occur at midnight on 30 June 2026 , regardless of Payday Super legislation timing. With over 250,000 employers needing to transition to a new Clearing House, bookkeepers will play a crucial role in educating clients, offering advice , and in some cases, implementing new solutions . The...

STP Finalisation & GIC Remission Reform: Two Critical Topics for Bookkeepers In this edition of BK Pod, Pete, Kelvin, and Kellie cover two key issues that every BAS Agent and bookkeeper should have on their radar as EOFY wraps up and a new financial year begins. First, Pete and Kellie discuss GIC remission reform , with an update on the ATO’s planned changes to how General Interest Charge remi...

Professional Conduct, GIC & PAYG: What Bookkeepers Need to Know In this episode of BK Pod, Kellie, Pete, and Kelvin unpack two critical updates every BAS Agent and bookkeeper needs to know. First, Pete and Kellie discuss the big shift in how the ATO is treating General Interest Charges (GIC) and Shortfall Interest Charges (SIC). From 1 July 2025, GIC and SIC are no longer tax-deductible, makin...

QMS – TPB Perspective In this episode of BKPod, Peter Thorp sits down with Deb Anderson from the Tax Practitioners Board to unpack one of the newest compliance obligations facing bookkeepers—Quality Management Systems (QMS). Now a requirement under Section 40 of the 2024 Code of Professional Conduct Determination, QMS is more than a buzzword—it's a practical system every BAS agent needs to underst...

In this episode of BK Pod, Kellie Powell, Leanne Lewis and Darren Hagarty shine a spotlight on one of the most misunderstood areas in bookkeeping— accounting for travel expenses . As the end of financial year approaches, we unpack the nuances that bookkeepers need to understand when it comes to travel-related claims and entitlements. They begin by clarifying the difference between a travel allowan...

In this episode of BKPod, we’re tackling three urgent topics that every bookkeeper and BAS agent needs to have on their radar. First up, Kelvin Deer joins us to unveil ABN’s upcoming QMS Intensive. With new TPB regulations requiring all BAS agents to maintain a documented Quality Management System (QMS), Kelvin explains what this means for bookkeepers—regardless of business size. He breaks down th...

In this episode of BKPod , we dive into three major changes affecting bookkeepers and BAS agents right now. First, Kelvin Deer explores the growing role of AI in bookkeeping, from automating client education and content creation to streamlining reporting and admin tasks. Learn how AI tools can boost efficiency—without replacing human expertise. Next, Peter Thorp and Kerrie Jarius break down the up...

Episode Overview Welcome to the first BKPod episode of 2025! In this episode, we dive into important industry updates for bookkeepers and BAS agents, including new legislative changes, compliance obligations, and key government proposals that could impact your clients. Topics Covered 1. Updates from the ABN Team New Engagement Letter Template – Now updated for recent TASA changes . Make sure to re...

The BK Pod - Episode 7: Navigating QMS, Payday Super, and Novated Lease Challenges Episode Summary In this episode of The BK Pod , Kellie Powell and her guests tackle critical updates and challenges for bookkeepers as the year winds down. From the latest on the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) Code of Conduct changes to the implications of Payday Super, this episode is packed with actionable insights...

Episode Summary: In this episode, Darren Hagarty, a technical specialist with ABN, delivers an insightful session on key changes in the tax, superannuation, and GST landscapes for 2024, with a forward look into 2025. Darren explores pressing topics from the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) current areas of focus and legislative updates to court cases shaping the field. This episode is a must-lis...

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of the bookkeeping profession and the importance of open consultation with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), and the implications of recent legislative changes, including payday super. Our panel discusses the challenges and opportunities these developments present, stressing the need for proactive engagement and strong advocacy within the indu...

In this episode of BK Pod, we cover a range of essential updates and technical insights for bookkeepers. First, Kelvin Deer walks us through the complex issue of converting foreign currency transactions into Australian dollars, sharing two primary methods for handling income and expenses. Then, Peter Thorp and Kerry Jarius discuss the new Payday Super initiative outlined by Treasury, highlighting...

Welcome to another episode of BKPod, brought to you by ABN. This episode is packed with crucial updates and insights into superannuation, cyber security, and payroll management. Here’s what’s covered: Superannuation Guarantee Charge (SGC) - Kelvin Deer : Superannuation Payments : Employers must pay 11.5% of an employee's ordinary time earnings into their super fund by the 28th day of the month fol...

In this episode of the BK Pod, we provide bookkeepers with updates on the latest news, legislative changes, and industry updates relevant to the industry. Kelvin Deer, ABN/ABA Director, and Hank De Jonge, Director of De Jonge Read, discuss the ATO's increased efforts to collect outstanding tax debts, which have grown significantly, and emphasise the severe implications for businesses with tax debt...

Welcome to this episode of the BKPod, where we bring you the latest updates and critical information for bookkeepers. Join Kellie Powell, Kelvin Deer, Kerrie Jarius, Peter Thorp and Darren Hagarty as they discuss July and August timelines, small business ATO debt program and Super Guarantee data matching.  Kelvin Deer - Key Deadlines for the New Financial Year Breakdown of July and August timeline...

Welcome to this episode of the BKPod, where we bring you the latest updates and critical information for bookkeepers. Join Kellie Powell, Kelvin Deer, Kerry Jarius, Peter Thorp, and Darren Hagerty as they discuss new breach reporting rules, increased ATO super guarantee audit activity, and the GST implications of digital currency payments. New Breach Reporting Rules Kelvin Deer discusses the new b...

In this episode of the BK Pod, we chat about the budget announcements affecting small businesses, updates from the Australian Bookkeepers Association on their advocacy work, and summaries of recent technical publications from the ABN. Welcome and Overview Host: Kellie Powell Introduction : Welcoming listeners to the first episode of the BK Pod by ABN, aimed at keeping bookkeepers informed and upda...