Introduction

Managing NDIS funding comes with responsibilities—tracking budgets, paying providers, keeping records, and staying compliant.

Two roles often confused in this process are plan managers and bookkeepers. While they may seem similar, their functions in the NDIS world are very different.

Let’s break it down.

🧾 What Is a Plan Manager?

A Plan Manager is an NDIS-funded professional who:

• Pays providers on your behalf
• Tracks your spending and budget
• Sends you monthly statements
• Helps you understand your funding
• Ensures invoices are compliant with NDIS rules

NDIS participants can choose Plan Management as a funded support in their plan.

They act as a financial intermediary between you and your service providers—giving you more flexibility without needing to self-manage.

📚 What Does a Bookkeeper Do?

A Bookkeeper typically:

• Organises financial records
• Enters and categorises transactions
• Prepares reports or supports your accountant
• May help with budgeting or cash flow planning

However, bookkeepers are not NDIS-funded roles, and they usually don’t have to follow NDIS payment rules, pricing limits, or reporting requirements.

Bookkeepers are useful for business finances—not for managing an NDIS plan.

🔍 Key Differences

FeaturePlan ManagerBookkeeperFunded by NDIS?✅ Yes❌ NoPays your NDIS providers?✅ Yes❌ NoUnderstands NDIS pricing?✅ Yes❌ UnlikelyProvides monthly NDIS statements?✅ Yes❌ NoRegistered with the NDIS?✅ Usually❌ Not requiredSuited to business or NDIS?✔️ NDIS-specific✔️ Business-focused

🤔 Can I Use a Bookkeeper Instead of a Plan Manager?

No. If you are plan-managed, only a registered or qualified Plan Manager can handle your NDIS financials.

Bookkeepers can’t:

• Process NDIS payments through the portal
• Approve invoices under NDIS guidelines
• Ensure compliance with the NDIS Act or Operational Guidelines

Using a bookkeeper instead could risk mismanagement or ineligible claims.

💡 How to Know What You Need

Your SituationYou Need a…You’re an NDIS participant with funding✅ Plan ManagerYou’re a small business owner or provider✅ BookkeeperYou need to track personal expenses✅ Plan ManagerYou need help filing business BAS or payroll✅ Bookkeeper

👥 Assist Providers Can Help

Whether you're new to plan management or ready to switch from self-managing, we help make the process simple and stress-free.

Our expert plan managers:

• Ensure fast and compliant invoice payments
• Track your budget and reduce underspending
• Help you understand how your plan works

We're here to support your goals—not just your paperwork.

💬 Final Word

Bookkeepers and plan managers both work with money—but they serve very different purposes.

If you're an NDIS participant, a plan manager ensures your funding is handled properly, legally, and to your advantage.