Coffee with Raylene and Kelly from Bookkeeping
This month, we caught up over a cuppa with Raylene and Kelly - two of the friendly faces behind our Bookkeeping team. Between laughs and stories, they gave us a great peek into what bookkeeping really involves (and no, it’s not just typing in numbers).
Quietly Essential
“Our work often flies under the radar, but it’s crucial,” Raylene says. “We make sure clients are on top of their BAS, IAS and super, and we don’t just send it and forget it. We follow up to make sure it’s paid.”
That quiet, steady support takes a lot off clients’ plates.
What Makes a Good Relationship?
“Understanding the client’s business,” says Kelly. “Everyone’s different. When we know their challenges and goals, we can really help.”
They agree that communication is everything. “If we’re all on the same page, things run so much smoother.
One Small Change, Big Time Saver
Their top tip? Upload receipts and paperwork straight into your software.
“It’s such an easy win,” Kelly says. “Saves time, saves paper, and helps us (and the accountants) get things right the first time.”
Little Things That Matter
Often it’s the day-to-day help that makes a difference—like showing clients how to run reports or find info in their software.
“We want them to feel confident. A little training goes a long way,” Raylene adds.
It’s Not Just Data Entry
“There’s still a bit of a myth that bookkeeping is just typing in numbers,” Kelly says. “But it’s more than that. Data collection can be as simple or as complex as you make it. And a lot of people don’t realise just how much their software can actually do.”
Automation helps, but it’s not foolproof. “Auto-coding can get it wrong, we still need to check things and make judgment calls.”
Tools of the Trade
Both love cash coding in Xero, a feature designed to speed up bank reconciliation by letting you view and code multiple transactions in bulk, all on one screen. It’s perfect for catching up after a backlog or managing high volumes of transactions. “It’s a great time saver and keeps things tidy,” they agree.
And when it comes to receipts and invoices, cloud tools like DocuWare and Hubdoc have completely changed the game. No more chasing bits of paper or scrolling through email chains, just snap a photo or upload a file, and the software reads the key details them straight to your accounting software. It makes life a whole lot easier!
Common Slip-Ups?
Wages getting posted straight to expenses instead of the clearing account.
Forgetting that some expenses include GST-free parts—or are completely GST-free.
“Those little details can really trip people up,” Raylene says. “That’s why we love helping our clients learn how to get these things right, a few small tweaks can make a big difference over time.”
Why They Love It
The team vibe helps “our corner of the office is a fun place to be” but they both genuinely love solving problems.
“There’s something really satisfying about getting a bank rec to balance. Zero is the goal!”
How They Got Here
Raylene: “I started helping out at Dad’s business when I was 16 green ledger books and all. Then TAFE, and I’ve never looked back.”
Kelly: “I was in admin for years. I did a Cert IV thinking it’d be good for semi-retirement… but turns out I love the numbers. They just make sense.”
The Hardest Part?
Payroll. Both agree it’s the most complex part of the job. “It’s not just hours worked. You need to understand awards, entitlements, leave—it’s a lot.”
However, even though it’s challenging, it’s one of the most important things to get right — and it definitely keeps you on your toes.
And When the BAS Dust Settles?
“A good G&T never goes astray,” laughs Raylene. “We also try to do something as a team—go out for lunch, have a laugh. It’s a great way to unwind.”
Interview by the Bookkeeping Team
