Bookkeepers Aberdeen Scotland (AB10): As stated by the Companies Act, if you operate an online store, own a small business or are a sole trader in Aberdeen, you're entirely responsible for keeping "true and fair", accurate accounting and financial records for a minimum of 6 yrs. Failing to produce these detailed records could leave you facing thousands of pounds in fines and perhaps Company Director disqualification. It's often more cost-effective to employ a professional accountant or bookkeeper to conduct this for you, because according to the trade magazine Accounting Today over forty percent of small businesses spend eighty hours plus each year doing their bookkeeping, which is a considerable investment of time, and could be more efficiently spent on your main business activities.
If just the thought of tracking assets and liabilities, writing out ledgers, creating profit, loss and fiscal reports or compiling balance sheets fills you with a sense of terror, then it's high time to get in touch with a bookkeeper in Aberdeen for guidance.
BOOKKEEPER OR ACCOUNTANT?
For many business owners in Aberdeen, the first question that springs to mind when faced with this predicament is "Exactly what is the difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper?" In the past it was normally regarded as to be beneath the experience, qualifications and skill-sets of an accountant to do the work of a bookkeper, but because of huge improvements in software over the past decade, many bookkeeping duties will now be taken on by accounting firms in Aberdeen. Most accountancy firms now charge a flat rate for bookkeeping services, to keep them consistent with what a typical bookkeeper in Aberdeen would routinely charge. Business owners in Aberdeen are now benefiting from this, because it provides a broader range of competition within the industry and can make bookkeeping much more manageable than it would have been previously.
The biggest difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper is the level of training required. Typically holding an accounting degree, a professional accountant should also have had training in tax essentials and further qualifications in fiscal and business management. While having a good grasp of such disciplines, a bookkeeper in Aberdeen may not have these qualifications or levels of training and experience.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BOOKKEEPER
The recording of day by day monetary transactions of any business or enterprise in Aberdeen, describes the act of bookkeeping in the simplest of terms. This is likely to include, but is by no means limited to;
- Making sure that accounting and double-entry bookkeeping practices are observed.
- Logging the receipt of invoices and making certain that payment is completed by the due date.
- Highlighting and rectifying any discrepancies in the financial accounts.
- Payroll services.
- Recording of all financial incomings; card, electronic and cash payments included.
- Monthly reconciliations and reports.
- Billing of customers for work completed or goods.
- VAT recording and submissions.
Dependant upon the level of service you require, a bookkeeper may just be needed to periodically double-check your records, if you're in a position to do the vast majority of bookkeeping work yourself. At the bare minimum this should be done monthly, to facilitate the rapid identification and rectifying of any mistakes or problems. This may be an extremely cost-effective trade-off, provided that you are confident of remaining up-to-date with your monetary transactions without compromising your day by day business activities.
It's fairly likely that if you're thinking of hiring a bookkeeper in Aberdeen, you're currently having problems with the financial recording aspects of your small business. A professional bookkeeping service will be able to assist you in linking your business accounts with the most suitable software application to facilitate the seamless processing of transactional data, and will provide advice on procedures like creating expense reports, invoicing and stocktaking.
Being able to reconcile cash flow with accounts payable, is an extremely crucial element of effective bookkeeping. This means that instead of waiting on an overdue notice, which many small businesses are guilty of doing, or paying an outstanding bill immediately, your bookkeeper will optimise the payment of bills to a time when your finances are buoyant. As well as keeping your business enterprise on a sound financial footing, this also stands you in good stead with suppliers and companies who provide services to your business. When, as an individual, you're mainly focussed on the operation of your business, this can be a balancing act that's hard to perform.
Using a qualified bookkeeper in Aberdeen, for your small business or if you're a sole trader also gives them the opportunity to cast a fresh eye over your business. This unbiased appraisal can enable them to discover business trends and patterns that might have gone unnoticed. A scenario where a keen eyed bookkeeper flags up an area where profits are plummeting, or identifies a new opportunity which may prove worthwhile, is not at all an unusual occurrence. Such key performance indicators (KPI's) are crucial in driving growth for any business in Aberdeen.
If you send out invoices in your business operations, having to pursue a late payment can be really uncomfortable. Having a person from outside your business bubble, can take the awkwardness away from visiting your client or making that telephone call. There are legal strategies a professional bookkeeper can use, if you have problems with a repeating late or non-payer, and they can help to clear up the situation before the matter winds up in claims court proceedings.
SOLE TRADER'S BOOKKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
The legal requirements for bookkeeping if you are a sole trader, are relatively straightforward and basic. Essentially, sole traders should keep all receipts and invoices, and keep a record of income and expenditure from month to month. Although this might initially sound fairly simple, hiring the expertise of a bookkeeping company is still a wise move. When working through your tax returns, a dedicated sole trader bookkeeper in Aberdeen will be able to give you advice on what your bonafide business expenses are, and claim these back from HMRC every year. This may include consumables, stationery, bills and rent if working from home, promotional advertising and items such as computers. For more comprehensive advice, speak to your bookkeeper, and see how they can help your business to thrive and grow moving forward.
BOOKKEEPING FOR ONLINE TRADERS
There are niche areas in bookkeeping where the expertise of a specialist may be needed. If you manage an online store for instance, you will require a bookkeeper in Aberdeen who is familiar with international and cross-border taxes, multi-currency processing, exchange rate transfers and online payments. Because the internet never sleeps, if that same shop sells goods that you hold or produce then regulating stock on a 24/7 basis is a massive priority which will need to be managed.
Together with bookkeeping service, a remote virtual office can also be supplied. This enables a sole trader or online only business to provide a physical connection to their buyers, via a telephone service and postal address. It is definitely worth discussing this possibility if it is something that could benefit you, although not all bookkeepers in Aberdeen will supply this service.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
A number of the bookkeeping qualifications are at Certificate or Diploma level, and it is not necessary for a professional bookkeeper in Aberdeen to have a degree in accounting. There are a growing number of online courses available, although bookkeeping qualifications can still be gained via further education universities and colleges.
There are basically 2 main organisations that provide certification and training for bookkeepers:
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers or ICB: The largest organisation anywhere in the world is the the ICB or Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, and it supplies accreditation to certified bookkeepers, along with reference material and training to ensure their members are up-to-speed with the latest trends and developments.
The AAT or Association of Accounting Technicians: Able to use the letters AATQB after their name, a fully trained member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) will have undergone advanced qualifications and a training schedule in bookkeeping. This guarantees a decent standard of service to their customers which is backed by the organisation, and permits them to become a certified AAT bookkeeper. To preserve the integrity and values of the AAT, a bookkeeper who is associated with the AAT can be subject to tribunal and disciplinary processes if they have a complaint against them or are found to have breached the code of practice.
The accreditations of any professional bookkeeper can be verified on the register of ICB or ATT members on their websites. Prior to employing the services of any bookkeeping company in Aberdeen, it is definitely a good idea to perform these necessary checks.
Cash Flow Analysis
A significant tool that businesses must use to understand their financial wellbeing is cash flow analysis. Bookkeepers play a critical role in performing cash flow analysis for businesses. To do this, it is necessary to follow the cash flow in and out of the business for a specific time frame, typically monthly or quarterly. The bookkeeper's task is to assist the business owner in comprehending their current financial condition, detecting any cash flow problems, and planning for the future.
Categorizing and reconciling all cash transactions, such as expenses, investments and sales, is part of the analysis that creates a clear picture of the company's financial health. Part of the analysis also involves predicting the business's cash flow for the forthcoming months or years, allowing the business to make informed decisions and avoid potential cash flow problems.
A bookkeeper can also propose strategies to enhance cash flow, such as re-evaluating pricing policies or implementing more streamlined payment processes. Moreover, the analysis of cash flow can assist businesses in obtaining loans by presenting lenders with a precise idea of their financial stability and ability to repay. A cash flow analysis that is thorough and accurate is a crucial tool for any company that wishes to manage their finances effectively.
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Bookkeepers Near Aberdeen
Also find: Kingswells bookkeepers, Kincorth bookkeepers, Dyce bookkeepers, Danestone bookkeepers, Mastrick bookkeepers, Ruthrieston bookkeepers, Persley bookkeepers, Kairnhill bookkeepers, Old Aberdeen bookkeepers, Hayton bookkeepers, Milltimber bookkeepers, Altens bookkeepers, Kittybrewster bookkeepers, Mannofield bookkeepers, Torry bookkeepers, Nigg bookkeepers, Northfield bookkeepers, Woodside bookkeepers and more. Bookkeeping services are accessible in practically all of these areas. Individuals and businesses are ensured easy access to the financial support necessary for effective account management through this accessibility. Clicking here allows area residents to receive bookkeeping quotes.
Aberdeen Bookkeeper Tasks
Most bookkeepers in Aberdeen will be able to provide you with the following services: management reports, bookkeeping for home-based businesses in Aberdeen, Kashflow bookkeeping, bookkeeping for clubs, bookkeeping services for shops, Xero bookkeeping, off-site bookkeeping services in Aberdeen, invoice processing, maintaining fixed asset registers, letting agent bookkeeping Aberdeen, cash books, bookkeeping for sole traders, bookkeeping services for charities in Aberdeen, bookkeeping for tradesmen, corporation tax returns, independent bookkeeping services Aberdeen, accounting and bookkeeping services, credit control, partnership returns Aberdeen, bookkeeping for restaurants, payroll bookkeeping, bookkeeping services for startups, management accounts, cash flow analysis Aberdeen, bookkeeping for limited companies Aberdeen, wages & PAYE, profit & loss reports, accountancy packages, professional bookkeeping services in Aberdeen, bookkeeping for societies, and more. Listed are just an example of the duties that are handled by local bookkeepers. Aberdeen providers will be happy to tell you about their whole range of bookkeeping services. If there happen to be other Aberdeen bookkeeper requirements that you need but cannot see here, you should list them on the QUOTE FORM provided. We will get back to you with details just as soon as we are able.
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