Retail & Hospitality
Accountant for Cafes, Restaurants and Retail Shops in Sydney
POS reconciliation, casual staff payroll, tips handling, BAS and stock management — we keep your books clean while you serve customers.
Retail and hospitality businesses operate on thin margins with high transaction volumes, complex payroll, and constant ATO compliance obligations. ANH Accounting works with cafés, restaurants, retail stores, and hospitality venues across Sydney.
Who we help in retail & hospitality
Cafe and restaurant owners
Cash handling, award payroll, supplier costs, GST and BAS with monthly profit visibility.
Retail shops and online sellers
Stock and COGS, POS and Shopify integrations, GST and margin reporting.
Cafe and business buyers
Due diligence on the numbers, structuring the purchase and tax planning from day one.
The accounting challenges retail & hospitality face
We have seen these issues repeatedly — and know exactly how to resolve them.
High-volume transaction reconciliation
Retail and hospitality businesses process thousands of transactions each month across multiple payment methods. We reconcile your POS system with your bank accounts and accounting records monthly.
Casual and part-time payroll complexity
Rostered casuals, split shifts, penalty rates, and high turnover make payroll one of the most administratively demanding areas for hospitality businesses. We manage end-to-end payroll and STP.
Stock and inventory management
Shrinkage, wastage, and end-of-period stock counts all affect your COGS and profitability. We set up inventory tracking in Xero and ensure stock movements are correctly reflected in your accounts.
Seasonal cash flow planning
Summer peaks, winter quiets, and event-driven surges create volatile cash flow. We prepare rolling cash flow forecasts so you are never caught short on BAS, super, or payroll obligations.
Free 30-minute strategy session
Get clear advice for your retail & hospitality business
- A registered tax agent reviews your situation
- You leave with at least one practical next step
- No obligation, and we reply within 24 hours
What we do for retail & hospitality
- Xero bookkeeping & POS integration
- Payroll for casual and part-time staff
- BAS / IAS preparation & lodgment
- Stock and inventory tracking
- Cash flow forecasting
- Annual tax returns
- Business structure advice
- ATO correspondence
What you can expect
POS and bank accounts reconciled every month
Payroll and super processed accurately every pay cycle
BAS lodged correctly and on time
Cash flow forecast available before every quarter
Why retail & hospitality choose ANH Accounting
Start with a free 30-minute session
We review your situation, identify savings opportunities, and outline exactly what we can do for your retail & hospitality business — no charge, no obligation.
After hours & weekend appointments available
Rated 5.0 on Google from 36 reviews
What clients say about working with ANH Accounting
Khaled was incredibly professional and prompt in assisting us with our ASIC paperwork. His efficiency and attention to detail made the process seamless. This is the kind of exceptional service everyone desires. Thank you, ANH Accounting, and a special thanks to Khaled!
I recently had the pleasure of working with ANH, and I can confidently say it was a fantastic experience! The quality of service was outstanding, with attention to detail and a commitment to excellence evident in every interaction. I appreciated their transparency throughout the process, making it easy to stay informed and involved.
Khaled was my accountant, very professional and gets the job done quickly. 5 Stars all day.
Common questions from retail & hospitality
What are the payroll obligations for casual hospitality staff?
Casual employees attract a 25% casual loading on top of the applicable award rate. They are entitled to super from the first dollar earned (as of 1 July 2022). Under Payday Super (from 1 July 2026), super must be paid on every pay run. Penalty rates for weekends, public holidays and late nights also apply under the Hospitality Industry General Award. We manage all of this end-to-end.
Do I need to charge GST on food and drinks?
Most basic food items are GST-free, but hot food, restaurant meals, and alcoholic beverages are taxable. Getting the classification wrong — particularly for mixed menus — is a common error we see in BAS audits. We review your menu and ensure correct GST treatment for every item category.
How do I manage tips in my accounting?
Tips paid to employees must generally be included in their ordinary earnings for payroll and super purposes. Tips retained by the business are assessable income. The correct treatment depends on how tips are collected and distributed. We assess your arrangement and ensure it is handled correctly in both your payroll and financial statements.
When does NSW payroll tax apply to a hospitality business?
Payroll tax applies once your total Australian wages exceed the Revenue NSW threshold, and related businesses can be grouped together. Wages include super and some contractor payments. Because the threshold changes, we check the current figure and monitor your wages so you are not caught out.
How do I pay weekend and public holiday penalty rates correctly?
Penalty rates are set by the Hospitality Industry (General) Award or the Restaurant Industry Award, depending on your business, and underpayment is a common compliance risk. We set up your payroll in Xero to apply the correct rates and loadings.
How should cash takings be recorded to satisfy the ATO?
Every cash sale should be recorded in your till or POS and banked intact, with cash payments to suppliers or staff documented separately. The ATO benchmarks cash businesses closely. We set up processes that keep your records clean and defensible.
What should I check on the books before buying a cafe?
Check the real profit by reconciling sales, bank deposits and supplier costs. Also look at staff entitlements, the lease and outstanding tax liabilities. A proper due diligence review can save you from overpaying. We carry out this review before you sign.
Can I claim equipment purchases straight away?
Small business entities may be able to claim an immediate deduction for eligible assets under the instant asset write-off, but the threshold and rules change frequently. We check the current rules before you buy and time purchases for the best result.
Related accounting specialisations
General information only, last reviewed October 2026. Tax rules and thresholds change, so confirm your situation with ANH Accounting (Registered Tax Agent RN 26258346) before acting.
Ready to get your accounting handled properly?
Book a free 30-minute session with ANH Accounting. We'll review your current situation, find opportunities, and tell you exactly what we can do for your retail & hospitality business.
Registered Tax Agent RN 26258346 · IPA · IFA · CPA · CA · Xero Certified · Est. 2018