Bookkeeping Service Agreement Template Australia

Bookkeeping Services Agreement

Document ID: TR-BKS-001 Effective Date: [//2026]

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Instructions for Use

• This agreement is to be completed jointly by the Client and the Service Provider. Ensure all [__________] fields are accurately filled and [ ] Option boxes are marked where applicable.
• Both parties must retain a signed original copy of this agreement for a minimum of seven (7) years following its termination for compliance and record-keeping purposes.
• Mandatory attachments include Schedule A (Scope of Services) and Schedule B (Fee Schedule), which must be fully completed and signed by both parties.

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1. Parties to the Agreement

This Bookkeeping Services Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into on this [____] day of [__________], [____]

1.1. The Client:

• Legal Name of Entity/Individual: [____________________]
• ABN/ACN (if applicable): [__________]
• Primary Contact Person: [____________________]
• Position/Title: [____________________]
• Registered Address: [____________________]
  • [____________________]
  • [____________________]
  • [____________________]
• Email Address: [____________________]
• Phone Number: [__________]

1.2. The Service Provider:

• Legal Name of Entity/Individual: [____________________]
• ABN/ACN (if applicable): [__________]
• Primary Contact Person: [____________________]
• Position/Title: [____________________]
• Registered Address: [____________________]
  • [____________________]
  • [____________________]
  • [____________________]
• Email Address: [____________________]
• Phone Number: [__________]

2. Engagement and Background

The Client desires to engage the Service Provider to provide bookkeeping services, and the Service Provider agrees to provide such services, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the attached schedules.

3. Scope of Services

3.1. The Service Provider shall perform the bookkeeping services for the Client as detailed in Schedule A – Scope of Services, which is attached hereto and forms an integral part of this Agreement.

3.2. Any services requested by the Client outside the scope defined in Schedule A shall be subject to a separate written agreement or amendment to this Agreement and may incur additional fees.

4. Term and Termination

4.1. Commencement Date: This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date stated above.

4.2. Term: * [ ] Fixed Term: This Agreement shall continue for a period of [__________] [months/years] from the Commencement Date, unless terminated earlier in accordance with this Agreement. * [ ] Ongoing: This Agreement shall continue on an ongoing basis until terminated by either party in accordance with this clause.

4.3. Termination by Notice: * Either party may terminate this Agreement by providing [__________] days' written notice to the other party. * Any fees outstanding for services rendered up to the effective date of termination shall remain payable by the Client.

4.4. Termination for Cause: * Either party may terminate this Agreement immediately by written notice if the other party: * Commits a material breach of this Agreement and fails to remedy such breach within [__________] days of receiving written notice specifying the breach. * Becomes insolvent, enters into liquidation, or has a receiver or administrator appointed over its assets. * Engages in any conduct that materially prejudices the reputation or business interests of the other party.

4.5. Effect of Termination: Upon termination, the Service Provider shall return all Client property, records, and data within [__________] days, subject to the Client having paid all outstanding fees. Obligations regarding confidentiality, privacy, and intellectual property shall survive termination.

5. Fees and Payment

5.1. Fees: The Client agrees to pay the Service Provider fees for the services rendered as set out in Schedule B – Fee Schedule, attached hereto and forming an integral part of this Agreement.

5.2. Invoicing: The Service Provider shall invoice the Client [ ] weekly / [ ] fortnightly / [ ] monthly / [ ] quarterly / [ ] upon completion of specific tasks. Invoices will be issued on [__________].

5.3. Payment Terms: Payment for invoices is due within [__________] days from the date of the invoice.

5.4. Late Payment: Without prejudice to any other rights or remedies available to the Service Provider, overdue invoices may incur a late payment fee of [__________]% per annum, calculated daily, from the due date until the date of payment. The Client shall also reimburse the Service Provider for any debt collection costs incurred.

5.5. Expenses: * [ ] All agreed-upon out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred by the Service Provider in performing the services (e.g., software subscriptions, postage) will be reimbursed by the Client upon presentation of valid receipts. * [ ] All expenses are included in the agreed fees.

5.6. GST: All fees and charges stated in Schedule B are exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST) unless otherwise specified. GST will be added to invoices where applicable under Australian tax law.

6. Client Obligations

The Client agrees to:

• Provide accurate, complete, and timely information and documentation necessary for the Service Provider to perform the services.
• Grant the Service Provider necessary access to accounting software, bank accounts, and other systems as required for the provision of services.
• Appoint a primary contact person to liaise with the Service Provider.
• Review all reports and information provided by the Service Provider and notify the Service Provider of any discrepancies or concerns within [__________] days of receipt.
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations relating to its business operations.

7. Service Provider Obligations

The Service Provider agrees to:

• Perform the services with due care, skill, and diligence, in a professional and timely manner, and in accordance with generally accepted bookkeeping practices in Australia.
• Maintain appropriate professional indemnity insurance with coverage of at least [AUD __________].
• Maintain the confidentiality of all Client information as per clause 8.
• Comply with all applicable Australian laws and regulations, including those related to privacy and data protection.
• Engage appropriately qualified and experienced personnel to perform the services.

8. Confidentiality

8.1. Both parties acknowledge that they may have access to confidential information (including but not limited to business plans, financial data, client lists, and intellectual property) of the other party.

8.2. Each party agrees to keep all such confidential information strictly confidential and not to disclose it to any third party without the prior written consent of the disclosing party, except as required by law or for the purpose of obtaining legal or professional advice.

8.3. This obligation of confidentiality shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

9. Privacy

9.1. The Service Provider acknowledges its obligations under the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

9.2. The Service Provider agrees to handle all personal information obtained from the Client in accordance with its privacy policy and the APPs. The Service Provider shall not use or disclose personal information for any purpose other than providing the services or as required by law.

9.3. The Client warrants that it has obtained all necessary consents for the Service Provider to collect, use, and disclose any personal information provided to the Service Provider for the purposes of this Agreement.

10. Data Security

The Service Provider shall implement and maintain reasonable technical and organisational security measures to protect Client data and information from unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. The Service Provider shall notify the Client immediately of any suspected or actual data breach.

11. Limitation of Liability

11.1. The Service Provider's liability for any claim arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), or otherwise, shall be limited to the total fees paid by the Client to the Service Provider under this Agreement in the twelve (12) months preceding the event giving rise to the claim.

11.2. The Service Provider shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential loss or damage, including loss of profits, revenue, data, or goodwill, howsoever arising, even if advised of the possibility of such loss or damage.

11.3. This limitation of liability does not apply to liability for fraud, wilful misconduct, or any liability that cannot be excluded or limited by law.

12. Intellectual Property

All intellectual property rights in any materials or work product created by the Service Provider specifically for the Client under this Agreement shall vest in the Client upon full payment of the relevant fees. The Service Provider retains ownership of its general methodologies, tools, and know-how used in providing the services.

13. Independent Contractor

The Service Provider is an independent contractor and not an employee, partner, or agent of the Client. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as creating an employment, partnership, or agency relationship between the parties. The Service Provider is responsible for its own superannuation, taxation, and insurance obligations.

14. Subcontracting

The Service Provider may [ ] Yes / [ ] No subcontract any part of the services, provided that the Service Provider remains fully responsible for the performance of the services and ensures that any subcontractor complies with the terms of this Agreement, particularly with respect to confidentiality and privacy.

15. Dispute Resolution

15.1. In the event of any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, the parties agree to first attempt to resolve the dispute through good faith negotiations.

15.2. If the dispute is not resolved within [__________] days, either party may refer the dispute to mediation by a mediator agreed upon by the parties. If the parties cannot agree on a mediator, a mediator will be appointed by the President of the Australian Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators.

15.3. The costs of mediation shall be borne equally by the parties, unless otherwise agreed or ordered by the mediator.

16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [__________] (e.g., New South Wales, Victoria) and the Commonwealth of Australia. The parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [__________].

17. Entire Agreement

This Agreement, together with its schedules, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties concerning its subject matter and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, and negotiations, whether written or oral.

18. Variation

Any variation or amendment to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by authorised representatives of both parties.

19. Notices

Any notice required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be in writing and sent to the respective addresses or email addresses specified in Section 1. Notices sent by email are deemed received upon successful transmission, provided no error message is received. Notices sent by post are deemed received [__________] business days after posting.

20. Schedules

The following schedules are attached to and form part of this Agreement:

• Schedule A – Scope of Services
• Schedule B – Fee Schedule

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Execution and Signature Block

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

For the Client:

Authorized Signature: ____________________ Printed Name: [____________________] Title: [____________________] Date: [____/____/2026]

For the Service Provider:

Authorized Signature: ____________________ Printed Name: [____________________] Title: [____________________] Date: [____/____/2026]

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Schedule A – Scope of Services

This Schedule details the specific bookkeeping services to be provided by the Service Provider to the Client.

Services Included:

• [ ] Data Entry & Transaction Categorisation
• [ ] Bank & Credit Card Reconciliation
• [ ] Accounts Payable Management (supplier invoices, payments)
• [ ] Accounts Receivable Management (customer invoicing, collections)
• [ ] Payroll Processing (up to [__________] employees)
  • [ ] PAYG Withholding Calculation
  • [ ] Superannuation Guarantee
  • [ ] STP Reporting
• [ ] BAS/IAS Preparation & Lodgement
  • Frequency: [ ] Monthly / [ ] Quarterly
• [ ] Financial Reporting (e.g., P&L, Balance Sheet)
  • Frequency: [ ] Monthly / [ ] Quarterly
• [ ] Budgeting Assistance
• [ ] Cash Flow Management
• [ ] Software Setup & Support (specify: [____________________])
• [ ] General Ledger Management
• [ ] Other Services: [____________________________________________________]

Services Excluded (unless separately agreed):

• Tax advisory services (e.g., tax planning)
• Auditing
• Legal advice
• Investment advice
• Debt collection agency services

Client's Accounting Software & Access Details (e.g., Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks):

• Software Used: [____________________]
• Access Type: [ ] User Access / [ ] Accountant Access
• Login Details (to be securely shared separately): [____________________]

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Schedule B – Fee Schedule

This Schedule outlines the fees payable for the services described in Schedule A.

Option 1: Fixed Monthly Retainer

• Monthly Fee: AUD [__________] (exclusive of GST)
• Services Included: All services specified in Schedule A.
• Additional Hourly Rate (for services outside scope): AUD [__________] per hour (exclusive of GST)

Option 2: Hourly Rate

• Hourly Rate: AUD [__________] per hour (exclusive of GST)
• Estimated Monthly Hours: [__________] hours
• Minimum Monthly Charge: AUD [__________] (exclusive of GST)

Option 3: Project-Based Fees (for specific tasks)

• Task/Project: [____________________] - Fee: AUD [__________] (exclusive of GST)
• Task/Project: [____________________] - Fee: AUD [__________] (exclusive of GST)
• Task/Project: [____________________] - Fee: AUD [__________] (exclusive of GST)

Option 4: Itemised Service Fees

• Service: [____________________] - Fee: AUD [__________] [per month/per transaction/per item]
• Service: [____________________] - Fee: AUD [__________] [per month/per transaction/per item]
• Service: [____________________] - Fee: AUD [__________] [per month/per transaction/per item]

Reimbursable Expenses (if applicable, refer to Clause 5.5):

• Types of expenses agreed for reimbursement: [____________________]
• Maximum monthly reimbursement limit: AUD [__________]

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Disclaimer: This document is provided as a standardized framework. Consult qualified legal counsel for jurisdiction-specific statutory compliance.