Question 1

What is a virtual assistant?

Accepted Answer

A Virtual Assistant is a self-employed business professional who is proficient in a wide range of skills. They are experienced, proactive, and excellence-driven, who work remotely from a home office, alongside a business owner.
 
Don’t let the word ‘VIRTUAL’ muddle things. Basically it’s just another name for a contractor or freelancer and we can meet up in person if we need to and if you are local.

They help their clients to improve productivity and efficiencies particularly in Administration and Finances and are truly the clients right-hand person in business!

Question 2

What can I outsource to a VA?

Accepted Answer

Teaming up with an experienced VA, like myself, allows you to outsource your tedious, time-consuming, routine tasks so you can devote yourself to what you do best.

Examples include:

Scheduling appointments
Completing routine documentation
Proofreading business documents
Online filing
Email management
Taking phone calls
Basic data entry
Customer support
Meeting confirmations
Travel planning
Expense reports
Inbox management
Facebook group management
Creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Setting up a Google Business profile
Collecting testimonials
Writing up meeting notes

Question 3

How do you work?

Accepted Answer

A free discovery call is booked either via Google Meet or by phone. This discussion is where I get to understand your business, what it is about, what your requirements are, and how I may be able to best assist you.
 
A proposal is then sent to you for you to review. Once confirmed, an Agreement and Invoice are issued to be completed before engagement of services commences.

Question 4

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

I live and work from my home office in Eatons Hill, Brisbane.  If required I am to able to attend meetings on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, and Gold Coast.
 
Regardless of location, I work with clients Australia wide.

Question 5

Do you outsource any of your work?

Accepted Answer

I am a proud Australian Virtual Assistant and none of my work is outsourced overseas.  All services are supported inhouse, ensuring the highest level of client satisfaction. I believe in working very closely and building a long term relationship with all of my clients.

Question 6

Is a contract required?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you do need a contract whether the job is big or small.  Both parties sign a Service Agreement before any work commences. The Service Agreement confirms the description of service, confidentiality, payment and collection, client approval of work and revisions, and service termination.

Question 7

What if the client needs to cancel?

Accepted Answer

In the unfortunate circumstance that a client may need to cancel a package or project, due to sickness or change in circumstances, the client is required to give written notice. The client will be charged for any outstanding work inclusive to that point of the cancellation. Deposits are non-refundable.

Question 8

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I am covered for Professional Indemnity Insurance and Public Liability Insurance.

Question 9

How will we communicate?

Accepted Answer

My preference is email for small requests to ensure I have all the details correct.  If we communicate via Google Meet these will also be recorded just for my peace of mind to ensure that I have all the details correct.  If you are local between the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast I am happy to meet up when required.

Question 10

What forms of payment do you take?

Accepted Answer

Invoices are emailed for all work undertaken. Depending on your needs and the services you’ve selected, invoicing can occur weekly, monthly or according to a project’s timeline and agreement.
 
I offer Direct Transfer or Credit Card.

Question 11

How are hours tracked?

Accepted Answer

Hours are tracked via Toggl and it is used to monitor the time spent on a client's task and pre-paid package. I will let the client know when their hours have almost been consumed.

Question 12

Why do you offer payroll and accounts payable/receivable services even though you are not a BAS agent?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, not all Bookkeepers need to become BAS Agents. However, if a business requires a contract Bookkeeper to provide a BAS service, that person must be certified and registered with the Tax Practitioners Board.

In Australia, you don't technically have to be certified to work as a bookkeeper. That's the reason why some small business owners do their own books and BAS. Administrators with experience in bookkeeping, like myself, can offer their services without having to have a qualification to formalise their experience, which is why I offer 'light' bookkeeping services, but no BAS or tax agent services.

Until I obtain formal qualification (Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping) and for due diligence purposes, any light bookkeeping services I provide will need to be signed off by a qualified bookkeeper/accountant.

Frequently asked questions