Hi, My name is Rachel, and I’m the owner of Hate the Books Bookkeeping. I’ve been working in bookkeeping for over 30 years—first as an employee, and now as a small business owner myself.

I started Hate the Books because I noticed something common among many small business owners: they hate managing their books. It’s stressful, time-consuming, and frankly, not why most people get into business in the first place. But good financial management is critical for success, so I’m here to make that easier, clearer, and—dare I say—less painful.

Let’s be honest—how many of you have felt overwhelmed by your bookkeeping or finances at some point? (Pause and wait for a few hands to raise).

You’re not alone. Small business owners juggle a million things, and bookkeeping is often pushed to the bottom of the list. Unfortunately, that leads to common problems:

• Scrambling at tax time because your records are a mess

• Worrying about ATO compliance and potential fines

• Losing track of who owes you money or who you owe

These issues can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.

That’s where I come in. At Hate the Books Bookkeeping, my goal is to take the stress out of bookkeeping so you can focus on growing your business.

Here are some of the core services I provide:

• Everyday Financial Administration

• Bank reconciliations—keeping your accounts tidy and up to date

• BAS preparation and lodgement—so you stay compliant and avoid those nasty ATO penalties

• Payroll management—ensuring your employees get paid accurately and on time

• End-of-year financials—so everything is ready for your accountant at tax time

I use modern tools and cloud accounting software, so working with me is streamlined and efficient. No more piles of paperwork!

What makes Hate the Books different? I’m not just a bookkeeper—I’m a partner who’s invested in your success.

I take a proactive approach to your finances. Instead of just reacting to issues, I help you prevent them. This means clear reporting, and ensuring you understand what’s going on with your business.

Also, I’m approachable and down-to-earth. Numbers don’t have to be scary, and I believe in explaining things in plain English, not accounting jargon.

I’ve had the privilege of helping many small business owners simplify their bookkeeping and reclaim valuable time.

“Now, let’s bust a couple of common myths about bookkeeping:

1. “I can handle my bookkeeping once a year.”
   Waiting until tax time to organise your books is a recipe for disaster. Staying on top of it monthly saves you time, money, and major headaches.

2. Mixing personal and business finances is a huge mistake.
   It complicates your records and can cause compliance issues. A separate business bank account is a must.”

With clients across Australia, I truly enjoy the diversity they bring to my work. If this sounds like something you’re dealing with—if you’re ready to stop dreading the books—I’d be happy to help. I offer a free initial consultation to discuss your business needs and explore how I can simplify your bookkeeping.