In this piece, bookkeeper Linja Reid explains everything she wishes business owners knew about accounting.
There’s a very specific kind of dread that comes with opening your accounting software and realising you have no idea what you’re looking at. Or worse – you haven’t opened it in weeks… or months… or since your accountant ghosted you in 2022.
As an bookkeeper, I see you. And I promise: you’re not the only one.
Over the past 25 years, I’ve worked in and around small businesses, and now I spend my days helping women manage their business finances without fear or embarrassment. I can confidently tell you: your Xero file is not the worst I’ve seen. And no, I’m not judging.
But there are a few things I do wish more small-business owners knew – especially if they’ve ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or like they somehow missed the class where everyone else learned how to do this.
Avoidance isn’t laziness, it’s a nervous system response.
If your stomach flips or your brain fogs at the thought of logging into Xero, you’re not flaky or irresponsible. You’re probably overwhelmed or under-supported – but more than that, I’d bet you simply don’t have the capacity to take in new information in those moments.
When we feel unsure or threatened, our brains and bodies can shut down. It’s that “lights are on but nobody’s home” feeling. That’s biology, not failure.
Understanding your numbers shouldn’t activate your stress response. If it does, you need support that feels safer and slower – and you absolutely shouldn’t feel pressured to just “push through”. That’s when the overwhelm ramps up, everything feels harder, and suddenly you’re ready to burn it all to the ground.
We don’t need more information, we need transformation.
Yes, there are webinars, tutorials, e-books, and forums galore. But if you’ve ever sat through a 90-minute training and walked away more confused than when you started – join the club. Learning which buttons to press in your software means absolutely nothing if you don’t genuinely understand why you’re pressing them or what’s happening in the background.
What you really need is someone who can help you apply what matters to your business. Someone who can explain what’s important to you – and what’s completely irrelevant. Someone who can walk you through setting things up in a way that supports your brain and your bandwidth.
While AI tools can help, if the real issue is that you just can’t connect the dots between what’s on the screen and what’s happening in your business, they don’t always cut it. Even in an AI-powered world, there’s still so much to be said for personalised, human context – especially for neurodivergent business owners juggling a lot.
Shame around money often starts early but it doesn’t have to stay.
So many of us carry stories about “not being good with numbers,” usually dating back to how we felt in maths class. Add a couple of confusing chats with accountants, and it’s no wonder people freeze when it’s time to talk finances.
But here’s the kicker: you were never taught this properly. Nobody talks about how a handful of bad experiences with numbers can stop you from asking questions when you become a business owner (because spoiler: you don’t magically get gifted this knowledge when you get your ABN!).
This is not a reflection of your intelligence – it’s simply a gap, and gaps can be filled with the right guidance.
This is where your bookkeeper comes in: You’re allowed to ask questions and you’re allowed to start again. You just need to find the person you feel safe asking that first question. After that, the rest tend to flood out.
Clarity in your numbers = confidence in your business.
When you know what’s coming in, what’s going out – and why – you can make better decisions. Full stop.
Understanding your numbers helps you price better, spot patterns, pay yourself consistently, and plan ahead without guessing. No more 3am panic about tax bills. No more winging it. While it might feel like it sometimes, bookkeeping isn’t just another chore on your to-do list – it’s the foundation for sustainable growth and peace of mind.
You don’t need to be a “numbers person”, but you do need to understand the basics.
You can absolutely outsource your bookkeeping if that works for you – but handing it off without understanding what’s being done leaves you vulnerable. At the end of the day, bookkeepers and accountants act on your behalf – and they can only work with the information you provide. If there’s a mistake, the ATO comes to you.
And if you choose to DIY? You don’t need to become an expert – but you do deserve support from someone who speaks your language. That means no jargon and no judgment. Just someone who can help you set things up in a way that makes sense to you.
If your bookkeeping feels heavy, scary, or soul-sucking, know this: it’s not because you’re bad at business. It’s because no one ever taught you how to do it in a way that actually works for you. And that’s something you can absolutely change.
