Payday Superannuation Is Coming: Is Your Business Ready?

After 40+ years in accounting, we’ve learned one thing for sure; business and politics both move in cycles. And while we won’t go full Q&A on you, we will say this: when the Labour government is in power, the focus usually shifts toward supporting workers. And fair enough too. The trouble is, when reforms are rolled out, small business often gets bundled into the same basket as the big end of town, minus the corporate budgets and fancy CFOs.

And that’s where things can get tricky. Especially when it comes to changes like Payday Superannuation.

What’s Payday Superannuation?

As part of the 2023-24 Federal Budget, the government announced a major shift. From 1 July 2026, employers will be required to pay their employees’ superannuation on payday, not quarterly like the current system.

Sounds simple enough, right?

But for small businesses already juggling wages, suppliers, rent, compliance, and the occasional crisis, this will have serious consequences on an already tight cashflow.

Why You Should Care (Even Though It’s “Next Year”)?

Sure, 2026 feels like a long way away but that’s only next financial year, now less than 12 months away. If you’re already feeling the pinch, then waiting until the last minute to adapt for Payday Superannuation could mean trouble (and we don’t mean the 90s boardgame).

In fact, we anticipate that paying super weekly (or however often you pay staff) could be the final straw for some businesses unless they get ahead of it now. Because come 1 July 2026, not only will you have the previous quarter to pay, you’ll also have the next round of superannuation at the exact same time.

We’re not being dramatic, just realistic, we’ve seen it before.

What You Can Do Now To Prepare for Payday Superannuation?

1. Review Your Pay Cycles

Weekly pay cycles mean weekly super payments. Consider switching to fortnightly or even monthly pay if it suits your team and your cashflow. While the payments are the same no matter what, it does mean less admin and could help with cashflow.

2. Restructure Where You Can

Re-evaluate job roles: What’s essential? What can be streamlined, automated, or outsourced?
Can you consider virtual assistants or remote team members to reduce overheads without sacrificing productivity?

3. Budget Like You Mean It

Set yourself up with a realistic, forward-focused budget. Forecast weekly super payments now so they don’t catch you off-guard.
Delay unnecessary expenses (yes, even that new coffee machine) because going without today means less panic next year.

4. Good Systems and Processes

If you don’t have a bookkeeper or someone who is trained and experienced regularly reconciling your accounts, you need one. Your accountant can only work with what is in your accounting software and if you put garbage in, you get garbage out. Set yourself up for success right from the start with accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks and receipt capturing software like Dext or Hubdoc. When you have access to accurate information that means your accountant can give you tailored and accurate advice.

5. Get an Accountant, Not Just a Tax Agent

You need more than someone who files your tax once a year. You need an accounting partner who:

• Helps you plan, not just look backwards
• Finds ways to reduce tax and improve your bottom line through new opportunities
• Guides you through the changes and keeps you compliant

The Bottom Line

Payday Superannuation is coming whether we like it or not and it’s going to hit some businesses harder than others. But with planning, advice, and a willingness to tweak your operations, you’ll not only survive it but you might create an even better business. Learn more about Payday Superannuation from the ATO.

Let’s chat before your cashflow gets crushed under the weight of well-meaning reform. Learn more about our business advisory services.

At Proactive Accounting and Financial Services, we don’t just tick boxes, we help you take control of your business’s future.

Book a Call with our knowledgeable team and get proactive with your cashflow ready for the 2026 changes.