NGO (Not-for-Profit Organisations) Accounting Services in Australia

Q: Do Not-for-Profit organisations in Australia pay tax?

Most Not-for-Profit organisations are eligible for income tax exemption , but this depends on the type of organisation and its activities. At AMA Accountants , we help assess whether your NGO or charity qualifies for tax exemption and guide you through the compliance process.

Q: What accounting standards apply to Not-for-Profits in Australia?

Not-for-Profits must follow Australian Accounting Standards (AASB) , which ensure financial reporting is transparent and accurate. We provide expert compliance advice to keep your records in line with these standards and ACNC requirements.

Q: Can a Not-for-Profit organisation claim GST concessions?

Yes, many NFPs can access GST concessions , but eligibility depends on your organisation’s structure and activities. We review your situation, apply the correct GST treatment, and manage your BAS lodgements to ensure compliance.

Q: Do charities and NGOs need to lodge annual tax returns?

Some organisations are income tax exempt and don’t need to lodge returns, while others may still be taxable. Our team assists with both — confirming exemption status or preparing and lodging returns where required.

Q: Why should a Not-for-Profit outsource bookkeeping?

Outsourcing bookkeeping to specialists provides stronger governance, separation of duties, and accurate record-keeping . At AMA Accountants we use Xero to streamline your accounts, payroll, and reporting, giving your board clear financial insights.

Q: Can AMA Accountants help Not-for-Profits outside Adelaide?

Absolutely! While we are based in Adelaide , we provide services to NGOs and NFPs across Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Tasmania, and regional Australia . Our team works remotely and locally to deliver full support nationwide.

Q: What software is best for Not-for-Profit accounting in Australia?

We recommend Xero for most NFPs because of its flexibility, reporting tools, and integration options. We also provide setup, training, and custom reporting to ensure it suits your governance and board reporting needs.

Q: How can AMA Accountants help with audits?

We prepare your organisation for audits by conducting a year-end financial review , organising workpapers, and ensuring proper transaction classification. This makes your audit process smoother, faster, and stress-free.

Trusted Accountants for Charities, Associations & Not-for-Profit Organisations

Home » NGO (Not-for-Profit Organisations) Accounting Services

At AMA Accountants, we specialise in providing accounting, tax and bookkeeping services for Not-for-Profit organisations and NGOs across Australia. Based in Adelaide, we proudly support clients in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Tasmania and nationwide.

Since 2018, our team has been helping charities, community groups, and associations with tailored accounting solutions designed specifically for the not-for-profit sector. We understand that NFP organisations face unique compliance, governance and reporting requirements — and our role is to give you peace of mind, so you can stay focused on your mission.

Why Choose AMA Accountants for Not-for-Profit Accounting?

At AMA Accountants, we understand that managing the finances of a Not-for-Profit organisation comes with unique challenges. Our mission is to make compliance, reporting, and governance simpler — so your team can focus on creating impact in the community. Here’s why NFPs, NGOs, and charities across Australia trust us:

We take the time to understand your organisation’s goals and tailor our advice to suit your unique needs.
Our proactive approach ensures you stay ahead of compliance deadlines and avoid costly mistakes.
With transparent communication and ongoing support, we act as an extension of your team, not just your accountants.

25+ Years of NFP Expertise

With over two decades of experience supporting charities, associations, and community organisations, we know the ins and outs of not-for-profit accounting. Our proven track record means you’ll always receive reliable, professional, and practical advice.

Knowledge of NFP Standards & Compliance

Our team is across AASB standards, ACNC reporting requirements, and NFP-specific tax concessions. Whether it’s governance, tax exemptions, or financial reporting, we ensure your organisation meets all compliance obligations.

Tailored & Scalable Solutions

Every organisation is different. That’s why we provide customised accounting and bookkeeping packages designed to suit your size, budget, and resources — from small community groups to large national charities.

Full-Service Support

From bookkeeping and payroll to tax, BAS, and audit preparation, we offer end-to-end accounting solutions. You’ll have one trusted partner to handle all aspects of your financial management.

Australia-Wide Coverage

Based in Adelaide, we proudly serve not-for-profit organisations across Australia, including Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, and Tasmania. No matter where you’re located, our team is ready to support you with expert advice and ongoing assistance.

Our Not-for-Profit & NGO Accounting Services

1. Compliance Advice

Staying compliant is one of the biggest responsibilities for Not-for-Profits. At AMA Accountants, we provide expert guidance on AASB standards and record-keeping requirements so your organisation always remains audit-ready. We also share best practice governance and transparency recommendations, helping your board and management team meet all compliance obligations with confidence

2. End of Year Review & Audit Preparation

Preparing for an audit can be stressful — but it doesn’t have to be. Our team conducts a thorough year-end financial review to identify and fix issues early. We prepare detailed workpapers and classification checks, ensuring that your organisation’s financial records are accurate and compliant. With our support, you can approach your audit with complete confidence and peace of mind.

3. GST & BAS Obligations

Not-for-Profit organisations often qualify for special GST concessions, but navigating these rules can be complex. We assess your eligibility and ensure the correct GST treatment of NFP activities, reducing the risk of errors and penalties. Our accountants also handle the preparation and lodgement of Business Activity Statements (BAS), saving your team valuable time while keeping your reporting obligations on track.

4. Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) Advice

FBT can be particularly tricky for charities, associations, and NGOs. At AMA Accountants we review your organisation’s situation to determine whether FBT concessions apply and how they can benefit you. Our team provides ongoing advice and assists with the preparation and lodgement of FBT returns, ensuring compliance while maximising available concessions.

5. Income Tax & Exemption Assessment

Most not-for-profit organisations are eligible for income tax exemption, but proper assessment and documentation are crucial. We assist with reviewing your organisation’s eligibility and guide you through the process to maintain exemption status. For those that are taxable, we also provide full support in the preparation and lodgement of income tax returns, ensuring accuracy and compliance every step of the way.

6. Ongoing Accounting Support

We act as a trusted partner for your organisation’s financial management. Our independent management accounts provide clear insights into your performance, while board reporting helps decision-makers stay informed. We also advise on transaction classification and compliance, making sure your accounts are accurate, transparent, and aligned with not-for-profit accounting standards.

7. Bookkeeping for Not-for-Profits

We deliver tailored bookkeeping solutions designed for NFPs. Our outsourced bookkeeping services provide strong separation of duties for governance, while regular processing in Xero keeps your accounts accurate and up to date. We also assist with payroll and salary sacrifice arrangements, ensuring compliance and efficiency. Scalable and flexible, our solutions adapt to your organisation’s size, resources, and budget.

8. Software Solutions

Choosing the right accounting software is essential for efficient record-keeping in a Not-for-Profit organisation. At AMA Accountants, we provide expert advice on the best accounting software solutions for NGOs and NFPs, ensuring compliance and ease of use. We specialise in Xero setup and integration, including customised reporting to meet board and governance requirements. With the right system in place, your organisation can save time, reduce errors, and maintain clear financial transparency.

9. Training & Support

Not every organisation needs a full outsourced service — some prefer to manage their own bookkeeping internally. To support this, we offer one-on-one training for your staff so they can confidently handle day-to-day accounting tasks. Our team also provides ongoing support for compliance and accounting queries, giving you peace of mind that help is only a phone call or email away. With AMA Accountants you’ll always have a trusted partner ready to guide you through financial challenges.

Serving NGOs & Not-for-Profits Across Australia

At AMA Accountants, we are proud to support Not-for-Profits, charities, and NGOs right across Australia. While our head office is based in Adelaide, our services extend nationally, helping organisations stay compliant and financially strong no matter where they are located.

We work with clients in:

Sydney & Greater NSW
Brisbane & Queensland
Perth & Western Australia
Darwin & Northern Territory
Tasmania
Regional and remote areas across Australia

From small community groups and associations to large national charities, our team provides the expertise and guidance needed to meet financial compliance, governance, and reporting obligations. No matter your size or location, you’ll have access to a dedicated team of not-for-profit accountants who understand the challenges of your sector and are committed to helping you succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Not-for-Profit Accounting in Australia

Do Not-for-Profit organisations in Australia pay tax?

Most Not-for-Profit organisations are eligible for income tax exemption, but this depends on the type of organisation and its activities. At AMA Accountants, we help assess whether your NGO or charity qualifies for tax exemption and guide you through the compliance process.

What accounting standards apply to Not-for-Profits in Australia?

Not-for-Profits must follow Australian Accounting Standards (AASB), which ensure financial reporting is transparent and accurate. We provide expert compliance advice to keep your records in line with these standards and ACNC requirements.

Can a Not-for-Profit organisation claim GST concessions?

Yes, many NFPs can access GST concessions, but eligibility depends on your organisation’s structure and activities. We review your situation, apply the correct GST treatment, and manage your BAS lodgements to ensure compliance.

Do charities and NGOs need to lodge annual tax returns?

Some organisations are income tax exempt and don’t need to lodge returns, while others may still be taxable. Our team assists with both — confirming exemption status or preparing and lodging returns where required.

Why should a Not-for-Profit outsource bookkeeping?

Outsourcing bookkeeping to specialists provides stronger governance, separation of duties, and accurate record-keeping. At AMA Accountants we use Xero to streamline your accounts, payroll, and reporting, giving your board clear financial insights.

What is the difference between a charity and a Not-for-Profit in Australia?

All charities are Not-for-Profits, but not all NFPs are registered charities. Charities must be registered with the ACNC and meet additional reporting obligations. We advise both registered charities and general NFPs on compliance and accounting requirements.

Can AMA Accountants help Not-for-Profits outside Adelaide?

Absolutely! While we are based in Adelaide, we provide services to NGOs and NFPs across Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Tasmania, and regional Australia. Our team works remotely and locally to deliver full support nationwide.

What software is best for Not-for-Profit accounting in Australia?

We recommend Xero for most NFPs because of its flexibility, reporting tools, and integration options. We also provide setup, training, and custom reporting to ensure it suits your governance and board reporting needs.

How can AMA Accountants help with audits?

We prepare your organisation for audits by conducting a year-end financial review, organising workpapers, and ensuring proper transaction classification. This makes your audit process smoother, faster, and stress-free.

Partner with AMA Accountants Today

Supporting those who support others is at the heart of what we do. At AMA Accountants, we are dedicated to helping Not-for-Profits and NGOs across Australia stay compliant, manage their accounts effectively, and strengthen governance practices.

Our goal is to give your organisation peace of mind, so you can focus on making a real difference in the community. Whether you are based in Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Tasmania, or regional Australia, our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way. Book a free consultation today to discuss your not-for-profit accounting needs and discover why AMA Accountants are the trusted specialists for organisations nationwide.