So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and start your own business in Australia. Maybe you’re a tradie going solo, a freelancer chasing creative dreams, or a side hustler turning weekend work into weekday wins. No matter the path, one truth unites all new business owners: sooner or later, you’ll have to face the books.
Yep — the not-so-glamorous world of accounting.
But before you break into a cold sweat at the thought of reconciling transactions or deciphering BAS reports, take a deep breath. The good news? You don’t need to throw half your startup capital at expensive software or hire an accountant just yet. There are excellent free accounting tools out there, and they’re more than enough to get your business off the ground without accidentally lodging your tax return in Sanskrit.
Why Bother with Accounting Software in the First Place?
You might be tempted to keep things “simple” with a trusty spreadsheet or a notepad that’s mysteriously always covered in coffee stains. But here’s the thing — messy finances have a sneaky habit of becoming expensive problems.
Using proper accounting software from day one means you can track income, expenses, and GST like a pro. You’ll avoid the annual panic attack that comes with tax season, and you’ll look extremely competent if you ever need to show your numbers to a lender, investor, or slightly suspicious partner.
Plus, you’ll finally understand where your money’s going — and who still hasn’t paid that invoice from six weeks ago. (Looking at you, “Client X.”)
What’s Out There for Free?
There’s a growing list of free or low-cost accounting software, even for Aussies who need GST-friendly tools.
Wave is a global favourite — totally free and easy to use, though it’s not built specifically for Australian tax laws. Rounded is a great Aussie-made option for freelancers and sole traders, with BAS features baked in and an interface that doesn’t make you cry.
Others like ZipBooks or SlickPie offer simple solutions too, but again — not all of them play nicely with the ATO, so check before you commit. Xero and MYOB, the big names in town, offer free trials and cheaper starter plans if you want something that scales later.
How Do You Choose the Right One?
Picking the right software isn’t about bells and whistles — it’s about what makes your life easier. Ask yourself a few honest questions:
If it ticks those boxes and doesn’t make you want to launch your laptop into the sea, you’re probably onto a winner.
Wave
Wave is a free, cloud-based accounting software platform that offers a surprisingly solid set of features — especially considering the price tag: $0.
It’s designed for small businesses, freelancers, and self-employed folks who need to manage their finances without getting tangled in complex systems or monthly fees. It was originally a Canadian company (eh!), but it’s been widely adopted around the world.
While Wave isn’t Australian-made and doesn’t directly support features like BAS or STP (Single Touch Payroll), many Aussie freelancers and small operators still find it incredibly useful — especially at the beginning of their business journey.
ZipBooks
ZipBooks is a cloud-based accounting software platform aimed at small business owners, freelancers, and sole traders. It's designed to be simple, clean, and intuitive — so you can spend more time running your business and less time screaming at spreadsheets.
It offers a free tier with basic accounting, invoicing, and reporting features, and paid plans if you need more advanced tools.
While it’s built primarily for the U.S. market, some Aussie business owners use ZipBooks for its user-friendly interface and basic bookkeeping functions — especially in the early stages of their business journey.
SlickPie
SlickPie is a cloud-based accounting software designed for small businesses, solopreneurs, and freelancers. It made waves a few years ago for offering a fully free accounting suite that included features like automatic data entry from receipts — something even some paid platforms don’t offer.
The software was built to be easy to use, especially for non-accountants (read: normal people who don’t know their debits from their credits). It was available globally, including for Australian users — although it wasn’t built specifically with Aussie tax needs in mind.
Important Note: As of now, SlickPie appears to be inactive or shut down. The company’s website and app have been offline since around 2021–2022, and it hasn’t been updated or supported since.
Why “Official” Tools Matter (Even for Tiny Businesses)
Using legitimate accounting software is more than just ticking boxes. It means your records are clean, your reports make sense, and your accountant (when you get one) won’t need a bottle of wine just to get through your books.
It also means you’re ready if the ATO comes knocking — which is a lot less scary when everything’s tracked properly and not scribbled on the back of a Woolies receipt.
Should You Just Outsource the Whole Thing?
Let’s be real: some people are born to reconcile bank statements. Others would rather wrestle a crocodile than file a BAS.
If you’re in the second camp, outsourcing your accounting might be a great idea. Whether it’s a bookkeeper you meet once a month or a fully managed service, handing off the numbers can free you up to focus on the stuff that actually grows your business.
Think of it like this: if your zone of genius is building houses, designing websites, or making killer coffee — why spend your precious time staring blankly at spreadsheets?
In Summary: Get the Tools, Save Your Sanity
Starting a business is a wild ride, and accounting doesn’t have to be the scariest part. With free software options and smarter systems, you can keep your finances tidy without breaking the bank.
And hey — if all else fails, remember: accountants do have a sense of humour. We just hide it between line items and general ledgers.
