IMPACT REPORT 2024
“I’ve always believed that small businesses have the power to create big change”
At Straight Up Bookkeeping, we’re turning that belief into action—explore the impact we’ve made in our 2024 Impact Report
A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER, BEC
This year marks an exciting milestone for Straight Up Bookkeeping—one year as a certified B Corporation.
As one of a handful of Australian bookkeeping and accounting businesses to achieve B Corp certification, we are passionate about using our business as a force for good. Over the past year, we’ve embraced the responsibility that comes with this certification, striving to align our work with the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. We’re hoping to inspire other bookkeeping and accounting businesses on this path as we go.
In this inaugural Impact Report, we reflect on our journey so far, highlight the steps we’ve taken to contribute positively to our community and planet, and share our vision for the future.
Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Impact
Wow, what a year 2024 has been! As I sit down to reflect, I’m struck by just how much has happened at Straight Up Bookkeeping.
We’ve grown into a strong team of seven, including six skilled bookkeepers—two of whom are BAS Agents—and our incredible Practice Manager. Together, we’ve supported over 60 regular clients, ranging from start-ups to businesses with eight-figure turnovers.
What’s particularly exciting is the community we’ve built through our work. Most of our clients share our passion for sustainability—they are either B Corp aspirational, already certified B Corporations, or aligned with sustainability values like us. This alignment in purpose and vision has made our work not only rewarding but deeply meaningful.
We had some big wins this year: becoming carbon accountants, offering accessible pricing for our programs, providing pro bono bookkeeping services, receiving industry awards, providing free mentoring under Xero’s Mentor Match program and choosing two charities to align closely with to create more impact.
And while these achievements are meaningful, they’re not just about ticking boxes—they’re about building a business that supports people, gives back, and takes care of our planet.
I’ve always believed that small businesses have the power to create big change, and this year has shown me just how true that is. I’m so grateful for my incredible team, our amazing clients, and everyone who’s supported us along the way. You’ve all been part of this journey, and I couldn’t have done it without you.
Here’s to continuing to build something meaningful in 2025—because we’re just getting started!
Warmly,
Bec
2024 Key Achievements and Milestones
// B Corporation Certification //
In November 2023, Straight Up Bookkeeping became a certified B Corporation—an acknowledgment of our unwavering commitment to balancing purpose and profit. This certification was 18 months in the making and required us to examine every aspect of our business, ensuring it was designed to drive positive change.
We developed and formalised policies and procedures that prioritise both people and the planet, embedding sustainability and equity into the very fabric of our operations.
This milestone set the tone for 2024, inspiring us to uphold the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility in everything we do. From the services we provide to the initiatives we champion, being a B Corp is more than a title—it’s a promise to create meaningful impact.
// 1% for the Planet //
As proud members of 1% for the Planet, Straight Up Bookkeeping has committed to donating 1% of our annual revenue to environmental causes. This commitment is a reflection of our dedication to creating a positive impact, not just through our work but by directly supporting initiatives that protect the planet.
In 2023, the 1% for the Planet network collectively achieved $102 million in certified giving, supporting 3,703 environmental partners around the globe. We’re honoured that our contributions have been part of this extraordinary effort, helping to fund projects that align with our mission of caring for the planet and its communities.
It’s important to recognise that donating 1% of revenue is no small feat for small businesses like ours. It’s a significant commitment, especially when margins are tight, or the business is navigating periods of minimal profit—or even loss. Yet, for us, this pledge underscores our values and reinforces our belief that every business has a role to play in building a better future.
// The causes we supported in 2024 were: //
// Trace Carbon Accounting Fellowship //
The Trace Carbon Accounting Fellowship is a comprehensive program designed to empower accounting professionals, advisors, and consultants with the skills to incorporate carbon accounting into their service offerings. This fellowship provides tailored training in carbon management, access to a robust e-learning hub, and ongoing support to ensure successful implementation.
The program, structured over multiple sessions, covers key topics including:
- Carbon as a Business Risk: An exploration of carbon and climate risks, the evolving regulatory landscape, and their impact on businesses.
- Carbon as a Methodology: Practical guidance on conducting carbon measurements, including interpreting the GHG Protocol, building carbon inventories, and understanding emissions factors.
Amy and I completed the fellowship in June 2025. By participating in this program, Straight Up Bookkeeping has enhanced its capacity to provide clients with accurate carbon accounting services, reinforcing our commitment to environmental responsibility and supporting our clients in their sustainability journeys.
For Australian small businesses, carbon accounting is no longer optional—it’s a critical tool for navigating the challenges posed by climate change. From disrupted supply chains to increased operational costs and shifting consumer expectations, effective carbon management not only ensures compliance with emerging regulations but also identifies cost-saving opportunities, enhances market competitiveness, and contributes to Australia’s emissions reduction targets.
By integrating carbon accounting into our services, Straight Up Bookkeeping is helping small businesses lead with purpose while preparing for a more sustainable future.
// B Corp Assembly //
In February 2024, B Lab Australia & Aotearoa New Zealand hosted Assembly 2024, the region's largest B Corp gathering, on Bunurong country (Cape Schanck Cape Schanck, Victoria.) This three-day event brought together over 300 attendees from diverse industries to connect, celebrate, and discuss driving systemic change.
The program included workshops, keynote speeches by thought leaders like Damon Gameau, and discussions on topics such as evolving B Corp standards, business-driven social change, and Indigenous business practices.
Amy from Straight Up Bookkeeping attended, engaging with fellow B Corps to exchange ideas and strategies for amplifying positive impact. Her participation reflects our commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement within the B Corp community.
Assembly 2024 highlighted the power of collective action and the growth of the B Corp movement, now nearly 700 organisations strong in the region.
It reinforced the belief we have to work together on the world's biggest issues and to carefully consider who we can collaborate with. We have since changed course on several of our initiatives to be more impactful and direct.
→ AMYS HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EVENT
How Indigenous wisdom is woven into business from Eileen Bowden Michele Wilson and Laura Thompson
How to build and foster belonging from Ann-Marie Pistikakis and Kate Sherburn from Who Gives a Crap
The role storytelling plays in shaping culture and how we need a better story from Damon Gameau
Moving from Climate Action to Climate Justice from Georgia Griffiths at Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network
How broken systems can be remade better from Bec Scott
In September 2024, Ignition announced the Top 50 Women in Accounting, recognising women who are catalysts of change in the industry. This global award received 1,258 nominations from 29 countries, with honorees selected by a judging panel for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to inspiring the next generation of female accountants.
I was honored to be included among this year’s winners, joining an incredible group of women from diverse backgrounds, united in driving progress toward a more inclusive and dynamic accounting profession. This recognition highlights the impact Straight Up Bookkeeping continues to create - not just within our business, but also through mentorship, industry leadership and community engagement.
Top 50 Women in Accounting Award for 2024
Social and Community Impact
Straight Up Bookkeeping provided pro bono bookkeeping services to WE SURF Charity this year. This organisation empowers youth through surfing while fostering environmental awareness and mental health support.
PRO BONO WORK
By offering 30 hours of bookkeeping support since 1 July 2024, we helped WE SURF save valuable resources, allowing them to allocate more funding directly toward their programs and initiatives.
Impact
30 hours of pro bono bookkeeping services provided.
$2,700 in financial savings for the charity.
Metrics
We sponsored Cabarita Boardriders in 2024: This sponsorship supported our local surf competition with operational costs, enabling them to run events, purchase prizes, and send talented young surfers to compete across Australia. We believe this partnership aligns with our values of supporting local initiatives, fostering community involvement, and creating meaningful connections. By investing in grassroots sports, we’re proud to contribute to the growth and success of young athletes while strengthening our ties to the community we call home.
SPONSORSHIP
Every employee at Straight Up Bookkeeping is given a paid day of community service leave to participate in an activity meaningful to them. This year, our team embraced this opportunity to give back:
Two team members volunteered at their local school, supporting education initiatives.
Another team member dedicated a full day to the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation, contributing to their vital work in improving literacy and numeracy.
These efforts not only reinforced our commitment to giving back but also strengthened our team’s connection to the community and the causes we care about.
We have already begun brainstorming ideas for our next volunteer day and how we might work as a team to have an even bigger impact.
Volunteer Days
Scholarships
We believe in making mentorship and professional services accessible to those who need them most. In 2024, we awarded partial scholarships for our mentoring program, Bookkeeping It Real.
2 recipients gained access to our program who may not have otherwise been able to join, equipping them with essential tools and strategies to grow their bookkeeping businesses.
Here is what my mentee, Amanda from Evolve Bookkeeping had to say:
“Thank you for you mentoring, support and generosity with your knowledge and insights in your Bookkeeping It Real program ”
“I was just going back through some of the course modules and it occurred to me that I haven't really thanked you properly for what you provided. It was inspiring and has really opened up my world in bookkeeping.”
Since September 2024, I have been a foundation member of of Xero’s Mentor Match program, which connects Xero bookkeepers and accountants with industry leaders for free mentoring. To date, I have provided 4 hours of mentoring to my match, offering guidance and support to help them grow professionally. This mentoring relationship will continue into 2025, reflecting my commitment to empowering others in the industry and fostering a culture of collaboration and growth.
Xero Mentor Match
“ I have always admired Rebecca and her brand, Straight Up Bookkeeping, and have followed her on social media for some time. When the opportunity to connect with her through the Xero Mentor Program arose, I jumped at the chance.
Rebecca has been an incredible source of support, offering invaluable insights, sharing her own experience, and guiding me through my roadblocks and business growth. She is generous and open about her own journey, providing a behind-the-scenes look at how her business operates. Her mentorship has inspired me to take action, learn to ask for help, and trust that growth is possible, even though the challenges.
Rebecca is an amazing person and mentor, and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for guidance from someone who is not only knowledgeable but also genuinely invested in helping others succeed.” Amanda Brooking, Evolve Accounting
Racial Equity work with Annie Gichuru…
In our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive business environment, Straight Up Bookkeeping completed the comprehensive 10 week Represented program led by diversity and inclusion expert Annie Gichuru.
Through Annie's expert guidance, our team developed deeper insights into inclusive communication, unconscious bias awareness, and culturally responsive business practices.
This investment in diversity education strengthens our ability to serve our diverse client base effectively while contributing to a more inclusive accounting industry.
The knowledge gained through Represented has been integrated into our daily operations, from client interactions to team collaboration, ensuring our services remain accessible and welcoming to all members of our community.
“Annie’s coaching opened our eyes to the subtle but impactful ways we can foster inclusivity and equity in our business and beyond. It’s been a transformative journey, and we’re grateful for her guidance in making our operations more representative and inclusive.”
STRAIGHT UP BOOKKEEPING
Financial Impact
At Straight Up Bookkeeping, we believe that accurate and reliable financial management is the foundation for small business success. This year, we’ve had the privilege of supporting numerous businesses across various industries, helping them grow, thrive, and focus on what they do best.
Supporting Small Businesses
In 2024, our team provided bookkeeping and BAS services to over 60 businesses, spanning industries such as NDIS, hospitality, professional services, retail, e-commerce and more. By managing their finances with care, we’ve not only helped our clients stay compliant but also empowered them to make informed decisions that drive growth.
XERO & PAYROLL CONTRIBUTIONS
We’ve processed 21 clients’ payrolls this year, ensuring that hundreds of employees across our client base were paid accurately and on time. Additionally, we’ve managed and reconciled 63 Xero files, helping small business owners maintain clean financial records and focus on their operations instead of worrying about the numbers.
Straight Up Small Business Podcast reached > 45k downloads.
The Straight Up Small Business podcast has had a meaningful impact this year, empowering business owners with over 100 episodes of practical knowledge and insights to make informed decisions for their businesses. Covering topics such as financial management and business strategy, the podcast has become a trusted resource for navigating challenges and implementing better practices. With over 45,000 downloads this year, it has reached and inspired countless small business owners, helping them achieve greater clarity and success.
Making an Economic Impact
Every small business we support indirectly impacts jobs, communities, and industries. From streamlining financial operations to providing clarity through regular reporting, we’re proud to play a role in creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the businesses we directly serve.
Clients Supported
60 businesses across 5+ industries.
Payrolls Processed
21 payrolls handled for client employees.
Xero Files Managed
63 reconciled and maintained.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we’re honored to be a trusted partner for so many”
“Whether it’s helping a client hire their first employee or guiding them through a period of growth, we’re here to help them succeed—and that’s what keeps us motivated every day.”
Goals for 2025
STRAIGHT UP BOOKKEEPING
Expanding scholarships and pro bono services.
Growing our team so we can support more ethical clients
Focusing our charitable efforts on two charities so as to have more impact: Northern Rivers Community Foundation and Seed Indigenous Youth Network
Continuing carbon neutrality efforts.
2024 was a year of meaningful contributions, though it didn’t match the momentum of goal achievement we experienced in 2023. While I had hoped to accomplish more, our ongoing donations, pro bono work, and unwavering commitment to addressing racial inequality have become deeply embedded in the culture of Straight Up Bookkeeping.
This year reaffirmed that bookkeeping is not for the faint-hearted. With expanded ATO deadlines, changes to Tax Practitioners Board regulations, and clients facing challenges in business and cash flow, we’ve been busier than ever—truly in the trenches. Yet, these experiences have only strengthened our resolve to make a positive impact.
As we move into 2025, our focus is on building on this solid foundation and striving for greater impact. We will introduce monthly sustainability meetings to hold ourselves accountable, ensuring that our vision of being a “business for good” remains a priority.