The free Regans Business Readiness Kit
Good preparation is not about presenting perfect books. It is about making the current position clear. Use this free kit before a first appointment, a bookkeeping catch-up or a handover between advisers.
No email address or sign-up is required. Keep completed worksheets in your own secure records; this page does not collect your business information.
Download the free kit
Download the three-page Business Readiness Kit (PDF, 6 KB) for printing and use during your appointment preparation.
Download the blank missing-records tracker (CSV) to open in your preferred spreadsheet application. Keep your completed copy securely; do not return it through a public comment or social message.
1. Describe the work
Write a one-sentence goal: “I need to bring the bookkeeping up to date and clarify responsibility for the next BAS.” Add the period involved and any known deadline. List the business entities and accounting software relevant to that goal.
Avoid vague labels such as “everything needs fixing”. A small list of known issues gives the first discussion a practical starting point.
2. Take a records inventory
Identify where your bank statements, sales invoices, purchase records, previous reports and lodged documents are held. Record the last period reconciled and the latest work completed. If payroll is relevant, note who maintains those records and how changes are approved.
Mark each item as available, requested, missing or not applicable. Do not invent a balance, date or document to fill a blank.
3. Track the gaps
For each missing item, write the period, who can supply it, the next action and the date to follow up. A tracker entry could be: “Supplier invoice; August; accounts email; request replacement; follow up Friday.” Use descriptive labels instead of including tax file numbers, bank account numbers or staff details.
One shared list of unresolved items is usually easier to manage than several overlapping email chains. Agree who keeps the master copy current.
4. Ask the questions that define the job
What work is included in the quote? Which periods will be covered? What must I provide? Who maintains daily records? Who checks and approves the work? How will questions be raised? What happens if additional work is identified?
Also ask how records should be transferred securely and what permissions, if any, are required. Never put a password or authentication code on the worksheet.
5. Agree the next action
End the discussion with a short list of actions, the person responsible and the next review point. An appointment request is not confirmation that work has been accepted or a deadline will be met.
The kit is general preparation material. It does not replace advice about your circumstances or set tax, payroll or lodgement obligations.
You are welcome to share this page with another business owner. Please link to this original page so readers can find the current version.
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