Keeping a business financially organised becomes more complicated as payroll grows, transactions increase and software systems start connecting with other parts of the operation.
For Melbourne business owners researching bookkeeping support, Two Peas is one business worth knowing about.
Two Peas is a Melbourne bookkeeping and cloud accounting consultancy with more than 25 years of experience supporting Australian businesses. Its services extend beyond routine bookkeeping into BAS, payroll, software training, data migration, cleanup work and improvements to accounting and business systems.
That breadth may be particularly relevant to businesses that have outgrown a DIY setup or are finding that their current bookkeeping processes take too much time, provide too little visibility or no longer suit the way the business operates.
As with any professional service, it is worth comparing providers, confirming exactly what is included and discussing your particular requirements before deciding who is right for your business.
What does Two Peas do?
Two Peas provides bookkeeping and cloud accounting support to small and medium businesses across Melbourne, Victoria and wider Australia.
Its services include:
- ongoing bookkeeping
- BAS and IAS support
- payroll
- cloud accounting
- bookkeeping cleanup and catch-up work
- software setup and training
- data migration
- accounting software reviews
- business systems support
- inventory and ERP-related support
- financial reporting and advisory assistance.
Some businesses may only need a few hours of bookkeeping each month. Others may need payroll support, help getting overdue records back in order or assistance improving the systems connecting their accounting software with the rest of the business.
Two Peas states that it works with businesses ranging from startups through to established, multi-site and inventory-heavy operations.
Two Peas has more than 25 years of bookkeeping experience
Experience alone does not determine whether a bookkeeping business will be right for you, but it can be useful context when comparing providers.
Two Peas has been supporting Australian businesses for more than 25 years.
The business began when two bookkeepers, both named Pam, combined their practices in Malvern. Over time it developed a strong focus on bookkeeping software, training and support for small businesses, franchises and other growing organisations.
Since 2020, Two Peas has been owned by Director and Senior Bookkeeping Consultant Anna Eydlish.
Anna has more than 20 years of experience across accounting, auditing and finance. Her background includes cloud accounting, ERP systems, inventory management, manufacturing and job-based businesses. She is a member of ACCA and CPA at ASA level and holds a Master of Accounting from Charles Darwin University.
Two Peas also shares offices with sister company EWM Accounting, which is also led by Anna.
Bookkeeping support for different types of Melbourne businesses
One reason Two Peas may be relevant to Melbourne Guide readers is the range of industries its team supports.
According to the business, its clients include:
- builders and trades
- retailers and e-commerce businesses
- cafés, restaurants and hospitality groups
- franchise networks and franchisees
- medical and dental practices
- legal firms
- engineers and professional service businesses
- manufacturers
- startups
- multi-site businesses
- inventory-heavy operations.
Different industries can create very different bookkeeping requirements.
A hospitality business may be dealing with payroll and point-of-sale integrations. A builder may need systems that work with job-based processes. A retailer may need better inventory visibility. A medical or legal practice may use industry-specific software alongside its accounting platform.
For businesses with more complicated workflows, it can therefore be useful to look beyond whether a bookkeeper can reconcile accounts and consider how well they understand the systems surrounding the financial records.
Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks and broader software support
Software knowledge is a significant part of the Two Peas offering.
The business supports major accounting platforms including:
- Xero
- MYOB
- QuickBooks Online
- Ostendo ERP.
Its team also works with a range of connected platforms and applications, including systems used for payroll, retail, hospitality, reporting, legal practices, inventory and workforce management.
Examples listed by Two Peas include Deputy, TANDA, Retail Express, Redcat, LEAP, Fathom, Spotlight, Calxa and Shopify-connected workflows.
This may matter if your bookkeeping problem is not simply the bookkeeping itself.
Accounting issues can sometimes begin with poorly configured software, disconnected systems, duplicated processes or staff who have not been shown how to use the available tools properly.
Two Peas also provides software training for business owners, staff and franchisees using platforms such as MYOB and Xero.
Payroll, BAS and catch-up bookkeeping
Businesses do not always start looking for a bookkeeper when everything is running smoothly.
Sometimes BAS deadlines are becoming difficult to manage. Payroll may be taking too long. Accounts may not have been reconciled properly. The accountant may be asking for records that are not ready.
Two Peas offers assistance with these types of situations as well as ongoing bookkeeping.
The business reports experience with payroll for organisations with up to 500 staff, including trade businesses with award interpretation and site-based variations.
It also undertakes bookkeeping cleanup and catch-up work.
One example supplied by Two Peas involved a business with four MYOB files that had reportedly not been reconciled for almost two years. Three bookkeepers worked on bringing the records up to date over a six-month period.
That type of experience may be worth considering if you are looking for support with an existing bookkeeping problem rather than simply outsourcing routine work going forward.
A team-based approach rather than relying on one bookkeeper
When comparing bookkeeping businesses, continuity can be an important consideration.
Two Peas says clients usually work one-on-one with a bookkeeper while also having access to support from a broader team.
Its process includes an initial discovery stage and senior review before an ongoing bookkeeper is assigned. The stated aim is to identify existing issues, improve the file where necessary and match the client with someone suited to their requirements.
The business also describes having processes designed to keep work moving when a regular team member is unavailable.
For businesses that rely heavily on timely payroll, BAS preparation or regular financial reporting, asking prospective providers how they manage staff leave, handovers and quality control may be worthwhile.
Industry recognition and professional credentials
Two Peas lists a number of professional credentials, software partnerships and previous industry awards.
These include registered BAS agent capability within the team, Xero partner recognition, QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor status and long-standing Ostendo ERP accreditation.
The business also lists historical MYOB awards and recognition, including MYOB Partner of the Year for 2013–2014 and various national and state sales awards between 2009 and 2016.
It was also named as a finalist across several categories in the Australian Accounting Awards and Accountants Daily awards in 2020.
Awards and partner statuses should not be the only reason to choose a bookkeeping business, and current accreditation should always be confirmed directly where it is important to your decision. They can, however, provide another useful point of comparison when researching a provider’s background.
What to consider before choosing a Melbourne bookkeeper
A bookkeeping provider may have impressive credentials and still not be the right match for every business.
Before engaging Two Peas or another Melbourne bookkeeping service, consider asking about:
- which services are included in the proposed scope
- whether you need ongoing bookkeeping or temporary cleanup work
- how frequently your accounts will be reconciled
- who will actually manage your file
- what happens if your regular bookkeeper is unavailable
- whether BAS preparation or lodgement is included
- how payroll responsibilities are divided
- whether the team understands your accounting software
- experience with any industry-specific systems you use
- fees and billing arrangements
- how access to bank accounts and financial systems is managed
- what reporting you will receive
- whether the service can scale as your business grows.
If you operate in a regulated industry or need specialist tax or accounting advice, clarify which work is being completed by the bookkeeping team and when your accountant or another qualified professional needs to be involved.
Is Two Peas worth researching?
For Melbourne businesses looking for bookkeeping support, Two Peas is a name worth including in your research.
The business has a long operating history, works across several major accounting platforms and supports requirements ranging from basic ongoing bookkeeping to payroll, BAS, training, system improvement and complex catch-up work.
Its broader software and business-systems experience may make it particularly relevant to growing businesses whose bookkeeping problems are connected to inefficient processes rather than transaction entry alone.
Whether Two Peas is the right fit will depend on your business, software, workload, industry and the level of support you require.
Melbourne Guide recommends speaking directly with the business, checking current services and credentials where relevant, and comparing your options before making a decision.
