Bookkeepers Ashton-in-Makerfield Greater Manchester (WN4) Area: Regardless of whether you operate a small business, are a sole trader or run an online store in Ashton-in-Makerfield, you are responsible for maintaining "true and fair", accurate financial and accounting records for a minimum of 6 yrs as stated by the Companies Act (2006). Failure to produce such detailed records might leave you facing disqualification as a Company Director, along with a fine of thousands of pounds. There's a large time investment involved with compiling such financial records yourself, and it can pay you to employ a professional bookkeeper or accountant, particularly when you consider that according to Accounting Today over 40% of small business owners spend eighty hours plus annually on their bookkeeping.
The time has come to get in touch with a bookkeeper in Ashton-in-Makerfield for advice, if you are filled with a sense of terror just thinking about the possiblility of producing balance sheets, filling out ledgers, creating profit, loss and financial statements or tracking assets and liabilities.
BOOKKEEPER OR ACCOUNTANT?
The first question many small business owners ask is "Exactly what is the distinction between a bookkeeper and an accountant?" In truth, because of huge software improvements over the past decade many accountants in the Ashton-in-Makerfield area will undertake bookkeeping, which was at one time regarded as beneath their skill-sets, qualifications and experience. To make sure their bookkeeping services are commensurate with a dedicated bookkeeper's fee, it is now quite common for accountancy companies to charge a set rate for such services. Business owners are now cashing in on this, because it provides a wider range of competition within the marketplace and can make bookkeeping far more affordable than it would previously have been.
The standard of training and qualification required is the biggest difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper. At least a degree in accounting with further training in taxation and other business and fiscal management, will generally be held by an accountant. Whilst having a fair grasp of these fiscal disciplines, a bookkeeper in Ashton-in-Makerfield might not have these qualifications or levels of training and experience.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BOOKKEEPER IN ASHTON-IN-MAKERFIELD
Put simply, the process of bookkeeping is the recording of the day to day financial transactions of any enterprise or business in Ashton-in-Makerfield. This will likely include, but is by no means limited to;
- Monthly reports and reconciliations.
- VAT submissions and recording.
- Recording invoices received and making sure payment is completed by the due date.
- Logging of all financial incomings; card, electronic and cash payments included.
- Ensuring accounting and double-entry bookkeeping practices are followed at all times.
- Billing of clients for work completed or goods.
- Highlighting and rectifying any discrepancies in financial accounts.
- Payroll services.
In accordance with the level of service you need, e.g. you're willing to carry out most of bookkeeping work; a bookkeeper may just be needed to double check your figures every once in a while. To enable any mistakes or problems to be uncovered and corrected swiftly, this should really be done each month as a bare minimum. This trade-off can often be the most economical if you're confident of keeping on top of your everyday financial transactions and trading.
If you are presently thinking of hiring a bookkeeper in Ashton-in-Makerfield, whatever your situation, it's a good bet that you could be fretting over your tax and financial procedures. A professional bookkeeper will be able to give advice on everything from stocktaking, invoicing and preparing expense reports, to linking the most up-to-date computer software with your business accounts to enable the seamless arrangement of data.
An extremely important element of a good bookkeeper is being able to reconcile cash flow with accounts payable. This means that your bookkeeper will schedule the payment of bills to a time when your finances are buoyant, rather than paying an outstanding bill straight away, or waiting on an overdue notice, which a lot of small businesses are guilty of doing. This not only keeps your business or enterprise on a sound financial footing, but keeps you in favour with suppliers and those businesses who supply you with services. This is one of those balancing acts that can be difficult to perform when you are inevitably focussed on the smooth running of your day to day business operation.
If you are a sole trader, or operate a small business, employing a certified bookkeeper in Ashton-in-Makerfield, also gives them the opportunity to cast an expert eye over the financial dealings of your business. This impartial evaluation can allow them to see business patterns and trends that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. A situation where a clever bookkeeper flags an area of the business which is plummeting in profits, or spots a new opportunity which may be lucrative, is by no means an unusual occurrence. It's important for driving the growth of any small business in Ashton-in-Makerfield, to spot these key performance indicators (KPI's).
If your business sends out invoices it can sometimes be humiliating having to chase up a late payment. Having someone outside your normal business situation, can take away the embarrassment of making that telephone call or visit to your clients. A bookkeeper can make use of legal methods to handle a repeating late payer, and without having to resort to court proceedings, help to resolve the situation.
SOLE TRADER'S BOOKKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
The legal requirements for bookkeeping if you are a sole trader, are fairly straightforward and simple. It's stipulated that sole traders should keep track of income and expenditure on a monthly basis and keep all invoices and receipts. Now, this doesn't sound too hard does it? Yet, it's still recommended that you hire the expert services of a bookkeeping company to make certain that it is all done accurately. When preparing your tax returns, a professional sole trader bookkeeper in Ashton-in-Makerfield will be happy to advise you on what your bonafide business expenses are, and ensure these are claimed back from HMRC. This may include bills and rent if working from home, items such as laptops, promotional advertising, stationery goods and consumables. If you would like to get more in-depth advice, and learn how your small business can grow and develop moving forward, chat to a trusted bookkeeper.
ONLINE TRADERS
There are certain niche areas in bookkeeping where a specialist could be needed. By way of example, if you run a store online, you will want to employ a bookkeeper in Ashton-in-Makerfield who understands multi-currency processing, international and cross-border taxes, online payment procedures and exchange rate transfers. Supervising inventory on a 24 hours a day basis is also an important priority, if that same shop sells goods that you produce or hold, after all the internet doesn't sleep, so neither should your bookkeeping services and software.
A remote virtual office can also be provided together with bookkeeping services. This can be handy in enabling a sole trader or online only business to have a postal address and telephone service to offer a physical link with their customer base. Although this option might not be offered by all bookkeeping businesses in Ashton-in-Makerfield, it's definitely worth a discussion if this service is something that could be advantageous.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
Many of the qualifications in the bookkeeping sector are at Certificate and Diploma level, and a certified bookkeeper in Ashton-in-Makerfield needn't have a degree. Although there is an ever-growing number of courses available online, bookkeeping qualifications can still be obtained via further education colleges and universities, if that's the preferred route.
Training and certification for bookkeepers is mostly provided by 2 organisations:
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers or ICB: The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers or ICB is the largest on the planet and supplies accreditation to qualified bookkeepers, along with training and reference material to keep their members up-to-speed with the latest trends and innovations.
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT): With certified members entitled to use the letters AATQB after their name, the AAT or Association of Accounting Technicians provides a training schedule with advanced qualifications. They can then become registered AAT bookkeepers, backed up by this well-respected organisation, which guarantees a high standard of service for their customers. To safeguard the integrity and values of the AAT membership, an AAT bookkeeper can be subject to disciplinary and tribunal processes if they are found to have breached the code of practice or had a complaint filed against them.
By going to their websites, you are able to check out the qualifications of any bookkeeper in Ashton-in-Makerfield on the register of ICB or AAT members. Performing such checks is usually advised before you actually hire any professional bookkeeper in Ashton-in-Makerfield.
Bookkeeping services are available in Ashton-in-Makerfield and also in nearby places like: Haresfinch, Bickershaw, Billinge, Garswood, New Boston, Bryn, Barnfurlong, Stubshaw Cross, Blackbrook, Golborne, Marus Bridge, Wigan, Winstanley, Newton-le-Willows, Edge Green, Haydock, and also in these postcode areas: WN4 0LS, WN4 0BH, WA12 0JQ, WN4 0RF, WN4 0SG, WN4 0DU, WN4 0EB, WN4 0ND, WN4 0QG, WN4 0SJ. Locally based Ashton-in-Makerfield Bookkeepers will probably have the postcode WN4 and the telephone dialling code 01942. Checking this can confirm that you access locally based bookkeepers. Ashton-in-Makerfield sole traders and business owners will be able to benefit from these and countless other similar services.
Year-End Tax Return Preparation
A bookkeeper plays an important role in year-end tax return preparation by organising and reviewing financial records in detail. They'll go through the year's transactions, making sure income and expenses are recorded correctly and consistently. Bank reconciliations are checked so balances match real-world figures. One part of this work includes reviewing capital purchases and asset records to confirm they've been handled properly. This ensures nothing is misclassified. After checks are complete, the bookkeeper prepares tidy schedules that support the tax return. Having this work done in advance helps avoid rushed decisions. It also gives business owners confidence that their tax position is based on accurate, well-prepared information. (Tags: Year-End Tax Return Preparation Ashton-in-Makerfield)
Sales and Purchase Ledger Management
A bookkeeper managing sales and purchase ledgers plays an important role in keeping finances under control. Sales invoices are recorded accurately, payments are applied correctly, and overdue accounts are identified early. Supplier invoices are logged as they arrive, reviewed for accuracy, and tracked until payment is complete. For businesses dealing with overseas suppliers or customers, this can also involve managing multiple currencies if applicable. Keeping both ledgers updated ensures financial data stays reliable. It also helps businesses understand their real cash position at any given time. Without this ongoing management, accounts can quickly become unclear and difficult to trust. (Tags: Sales and Purchase Ledger Management Ashton-in-Makerfield)
Outsourced Bookkeeping Ashton-in-Makerfield
All businesses in Ashton-in-Makerfield should understand the significance of bookkeeping. It helps business people monitor their incomings and outgoings, the total value of their assets and liabilities, the money left in their bank, and the like. With the business owner having to deal with a lot of concerns and issues while running a business, the task of doing the bookkeeping is usually outsourced to a bookkeeping company or freelance bookkeepers in Ashton-in-Makerfield.

If a company in Ashton-in-Makerfield hires a bookkeeper in order to join their ranks, the company will need to spend a substantial amount of money in training the individual for the purpose of working on the bookkeeping tasks. In addition, there's no guarantee that the person will stay for long in the company. In that situation, the company will lose a significant sum of money. Besides that, companies will have to seek out solutions to provide benefits and incentives to keep the employee within the company. These are just some of the reasons why companies choose to enlist the services of professional bookkeepers and bookkeeping companies in Ashton-in-Makerfield.
With the advent of new technology and the internet there is no need for business owners to stick to a freelance bookkeeper who might continue with outdated accounting practices. Again, they aren't under any pressure to hire and retain some in-house bookkeepers. Bookkeeping outsourcing is becoming increasingly common in the financial sector. You'll find a lot of companies offering financial bookkeeping services catering to all kinds of industries and clients in Ashton-in-Makerfield. The majority of these companies promise and deliver high quality service. It assumes importance for a business to look into the reputation of these Ashton-in-Makerfield bookkeeping companies when it comes to employing a 3rd party company for bookkeeping purposes.
These professional bookkeeping companies in Ashton-in-Makerfield should be able to customise their bookkeeping services with that of the client company's current bookkeeping system. They should be able to ask for assistance from these bookkeepers as and when they need the necessary support and backup.
What Are the Main Advantages of Using a Bookkeeper in Ashton-in-Makerfield Over an Accountant?
The following are just some reasons why you might decide to use a bookkeeper in Ashton-in-Makerfield, instead of an accountant:
- Cost: Bookkeeping services are usually less expensive than accounting services. This makes them a cost-effective option for small businesses and startups.
- Customisation: Tailored services can be provided by a bookkeeper, unlike accountants who may have a more standard approach.
- Availability: Bookkeepers are often more accessible and readily available to answer questions and provide support in comparison to an accountant, who may sometimes be difficult to reach.
- Time Management: By choosing to outsource bookkeeping, business owners can save a bit of time and concentrate on other important aspects of their business for example sales and marketing.
- Specialisation: Bookkeepers tend to have a more focused expertise in day-to-day financial record-keeping and transaction management, leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness in such tasks.
That being said, you need to note that while bookkeepers can provide invaluable support, they may not have the same level of qualifications or expertise as an accountant in certain areas such as tax preparation or financial planning. In these instances, it may be necessary to consult an accountant when more specialist services are needed.
Bookkeeping Tasks

Most Ashton-in-Makerfield bookkeepers will be prepared to provide you with the following bookkeeping services: tax preparation, bank reconciliations, cash flow monitoring & reporting, small business bookkeeping in Ashton-in-Makerfield, month-end & year-end bookkeeping, keeping digital records compliant with HMRC requirements, maintaining fixed asset registers, bookkeeping services for pubs in Ashton-in-Makerfield, bookkeeping services for small business, cash flow analysis, financial statement preparation, recording day-to-day financial transactions, maintaining general ledgers, off-site bookkeeping services, sales & purchase ledger management, bookkeeping for tradesmen, Xero bookkeeping, payroll processing & payslip preparation, PAYE & wages, bookkeeping services for restaurants, bookkeeping for home-based businesses, bookkeeping services, double-entry bookkeeping, bookkeeping services for freelancers, independent bookkeeping services, company cash books in Ashton-in-Makerfield, and more. These are just a handful of the duties that are conducted by local bookkeepers. Ashton-in-Makerfield companies will be happy to inform you of their whole range of services. If there happen to be different Ashton-in-Makerfield bookkeeper requirements that you want but can't see here, you can mention them on the QUOTE FORM provided. We'll be in touch with details as soon as we can.
Bookkeepers in Nearby Areas
Also find: Winstanley bookkeepers, Haresfinch bookkeepers, Haydock bookkeepers, Edge Green bookkeepers, Golborne bookkeepers, Bryn bookkeepers, Blackbrook bookkeepers, Bickershaw bookkeepers, Garswood bookkeepers, Billinge bookkeepers, Wigan bookkeepers, Barnfurlong bookkeepers, Newton-le-Willows bookkeepers, Stubshaw Cross bookkeepers, Marus Bridge bookkeepers, New Boston bookkeeper and more. All of these locations are catered for by local bookeepers. Ashton-in-Makerfield businesses can get rates for bookkeeping services by clicking here.
Bookkeeping Services Ashton-in-Makerfield
- Double-Entry Bookkeeping
- Self-Assessment Bookkeeping
- Bookkeeping Quotes
- Bookkeeping Services
- Cash Flow Analysis
- Cheap Bookkeeping
- PAYE and Wages
- Credit Control
- Self-Assessment Returns
- Payroll Services
- Tax Preparation
- Sole Trader Bookkeeping
- Profit and Loss Reports
- VAT Returns
Bookkeeper Ashton-in-Makerfield
Bookkeeper Near Me
Bookkeeping Ashton-in-MakerfieldTo find out local Ashton-in-Makerfield info take a look here
Bookkeepers in WN4 area, (dialling code 01942).
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