Episode 21: Code of Professional Conduct and Payday Super

In this episode of the BK Pod, the focus is on turning two major compliance pressures facing bookkeepers and BAS agents into practical, operational frameworks. First, the discussion centres on the Code of Professional Conduct—not as a theoretical obligation, but as something that must be actively evidenced within a practice. The key message is clear: it’s no longer enough to believe you’re compliant; you need systems, controls, and measurable indicators that prove it. By translating code obligations into day-to-day processes and then into KPIs, practitioners can monitor performance, identify risks early, and confidently stand behind the declarations they make to the regulator.  Alongside this, the episode highlights the approaching reality of Payday Super (PDS) and the significant operational pressure it places on employers and their advisors. With super guarantee needing to be paid within tight timeframes—aligned with payroll and received by funds within seven business days—there is very little margin for delay or error. The conversation emphasises that while legislative delays have compressed preparation time, the expectations on employers remain high, with increased ATO visibility and enforcement, including automatic SGC assessments where obligations are not met. Key TakeawaysCode compliance should be measurable, not just understood Converting obligations → controls → KPIs creates real evidence of complianceStrong systems (QMS) are essential for consistent, defensible work practicesBAS Agents must be able to support their TPB declarations with proofPayday Super introduces tight 7-day processing timeframes with minimal tolerance for delays The ATO will have increased visibility, leading to more automatic SGC assessmentsBookkeepers play a critical role in educating clients and refining payroll processesPreparation before key deadlines is essential—last-minute fixes won’t work in this environment