Professional Boundaries for Bookkeepers
About Course
Every Bookkeeper reaches moments where a task feels just a little too complex, too legal, or too “this doesn’t feel like my job”. That moment matters – because stepping outside your scope can expose you, your clients, and your insurance.
This micro-course is designed to give you clarity and confidence. You’ll learn exactly where your professional boundaries sit, when to call in an expert, and how to build a strong referral network that protects your clients and strengthens your business.
By the end, you’ll know how to recognise risk early, how to refer with confidence, and how to position yourself as a trusted professional who understands both your strengths and your limits.
Staying in your lane isn’t stepping back – it’s levelling up your professionalism.
What Will You Learn?
- Know what’s in scope for a Bookkeeper - and what isn’t
- Identify when to involve accountants, payroll experts, HR, or lawyers
- Protect yourself by understanding insurance and compliance limits
- Avoid common risks in tax, payroll, and legal areas
- Refer clients confidently and build a trusted expert network
Course Content
Understanding your scope and why boundaries matter
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Introduction
00:44 -
Your role as a Bookkeeper
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The power of knowing when to refer
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The impact of straying outside your scope
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Common pitfalls when Bookkeepers overstep
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Knowledge test
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Summary
When to bring in the experts: Accounting, Payroll, Legal, and more
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Introduction
00:49 -
When to bring in an Accountant?
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When to Bring in a Payroll Expert?
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When to Bring in Legal Advisors?
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When other experts are essential?
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The expert referral matrix
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Knowledge test
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Summary
Building your expert network + real-world referral scenarios
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Introduction
00:44 -
Continuing Education: developing from Junior to Senior
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How to build your network of experts
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Real-world referral scenarios
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Scenario 1: complex tax planning
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Scenario 2: GST discrepancies or complex returns
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Scenario 3: payroll errors and complex employee entitlements
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Scenario 4: business restructure or sale
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Scenario 5: accounting for a complex investment portfolio
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Scenario 6: legal disputes or contract review
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Scenario 7: business valuation or acquisition
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Scenario 8: employee share schemes or complex benefits
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Knowledge test
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Summary
01:37
