Bookkeepers Bideford Devon (EX39) Area: For anyone in Bideford who acts as a sole trader, runs an online store or operates a small business, it's their sole responsibility to maintain "true and fair", accurate financial and accounting records for at least six years. This is laid out by the Companies Act (2006). You could face a fine of thousands of pounds, and possibly Company Director disqualification, if you're unable to produce this information. According to Accounting Today over forty percent of small business owners spend at least 80 hours each year doing their bookkeeping, so although you can do these financial recordings on your own behalf, it can be more cost-effective to employ a professional bookkeeping company or accountant to do them instead.
It is time to get in touch with a bookkeeper in Bideford for advice, if the thought of writing out ledgers, tracking liabilities and assets, creating profit, loss and fiscal reports or compiling balance sheets fills you with a sense of dread.
BOOKKEEPER OR ACCOUNTANT?
"Precisely what is the distinction between an accountant and a bookkeeper?" Is a question that is asked by most small business owners in Bideford. To be honest, because of significant software improvements over the past decade or so many accountants in Bideford will consider taking on the task of bookkeeping, which at one time was deemed beneath their qualifications, experience and skill set. To make certain their bookkeeping services are consistent with a typical bookkeeper's fee, it's now fairly common for accounting companies to charge a set fee for such services. As it provides a broader range of competition within the industry, this is excellent news for small businesses in Bideford, making their bookkeeping much more affordable than it previously was.
The big difference of an accountant over a bookkeeper is the standard of training that is required. At least an accounting degree with further training in taxation and other business and fiscal management, will usually be held by an accountant. A bookkeeper in Bideford will definitely have a fair grasp of these disciplines, but may not necessarily have the same levels of experience and training, or hold these qualifications.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BOOKKEEPER IN BIDEFORD
The bookkeeping process put simply, is to record the daily monetary transactions of any business enterprise in Bideford. This can include;
- VAT recording and submissions.
- Recording invoices received and making sure that payment is completed promptly.
- Logging of all financial incomings; electronic, cash and card payments included.
- Monthly reports and reconciliation.
- Highlighting and rectifying any discrepancies in financial accounts.
- The billing of customers for work completed or goods.
- Payroll services.
- Making sure that accounting and double-entry bookkeeping practices are implemented.
Based on the level of service you're looking for, e.g. you're prepared to do the vast majority of bookkeeping work; a professional bookkeeper may only be necessary for double-checking your records on a set schedule. To ensure that any mistakes or problems can be identified and rectified promptly, as a bare minimum, this should be done monthly. If you're confident of staying up-to-date with your day by day trading and financial transactions, this trade-off can often be the most affordable option.
It's fairly likely that if you are looking to hire a bookkeeping company in Bideford, you are currently stressed with the financial recording aspects of your small business. A good bookkeeping company will be able to assist you in linking your business accounts with the latest computer software to facilitate the seamless sorting of transactional data, and will give advice on stuff like creating expense reports, invoicing and stocktaking.
An especially crucial element of a good bookkeeper is the ability to reconcile accounts payable with cash flow. This means that by arranging bill payments to a time when your accounts are in good shape, your bookkeeper will avoid the mistake that many small businesses are guilty of at some time or other i.e. paying off a bill straight away, or waiting for a final notice. This isn't only to make sure that your enterprise or business is on a secure financial footing at all times, but also to keep you in good stead with those businesses who supply your services or materials. This is one of those juggling acts that can be challenging to accomplish when you are focussed on the smooth running of your daily business activities.
For your small business enterprise, or if you are a sole trader, employing a qualified bookkeeper in Bideford, gives you an opportunity to have a fresh eye cast over your financial situation. It's entirely possible that an impartial appraisal such as this will highlight business patterns and trends that have previously been missed. A scenario where an intelligent bookkeeper flags up an area of the business which is dropping off in profits, or identifies a new opportunity which may prove worthwhile, is not at all an unusual occurrence. Spotting such KPI's (key performance indicators) is important for the growth and success of any business enterprise in Bideford.
Pursuing a late payment can be a fairly uncomfortable situation for you, if you send out invoices in your business operations. Some of that embarrassment can be taken away by having somebody outside your business situation make that telephone call or visit to your clients. If you have a consistent late or non-payer there are legal methods that a bookkeeper can employ to help to clear up the issue before the situation winds up in claims court proceedings.
SOLE TRADER'S BOOKKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
There are some comparatively straightforward sole trader bookkeeping requirements, which are laid out by law. In essence, sole traders must save all invoices and receipts, and track income and expenditure on a monthly basis. It's still recommended to hire the expert services of a bookkeeper, even though this may at first sound simple. Offering advice on what bonafide business expenses you can claim back, a dedicated sole trader bookkeeper in Bideford will look after your dealings with HMRC. This may include advertising expenses, printer ink, stationery, items such as computers and bills and rent if working from home. If you'd like to get more comprehensive advice, and see how your small business can grow and develop in the future, chat to your bookkeeper.
BOOKKEEPING FOR ONLINE TRADERS
Some small businesses that work in niche markets, may need to hire a specialist bookkeeping service. For example, if you run a store online, you will need to employ a bookkeeper in Bideford who's familiar with online payment procedures, multi-currency processing, cross-border and international taxes and exchange rate transfers. Since the internet doesn't sleep, if that same store sells goods that you produce or hold then supervising stock on a 24 hours a day basis is a vital concern which will need to be addressed.
In combination with bookkeeping services, it's also possible to supply a virtual office. Offering a physical link with their buyers, this enables a sole trader or online only business to have a telephone service and postal address. Although this option may not be supplied by all bookkeepers in Bideford, it is definitely worth discussing the possibilities if this is something that's needed.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
A certified bookkeeper in Bideford needn't hold a degree and most the industry qualifications are at Certificate and Diploma level. There's a variety of courses available online, although bookkeeping qualifications can still be obtained through further education colleges and universities.
To provide certification and training for bookkeepers, there are basically 2 key organisations of interest:
The AAT or Association of Accounting Technicians: Entitled to use the letters AATQB, a certified member of the Association of Accounting Technicians or AAT will have been provided with a training schedule and advanced qualifications in bookkeeping practice. They are then permitted to become registered AAT bookkeepers, which promises their clients a minimum level of service which is backed by the organisation. If a bookkeeper who is a member of the AAT is found to have breached the code of practice or has a complaint filed against them, they will be subject to disciplinary and tribunal processes to protect the credibility of the aat membership.
The ICB or Institute of Certified Bookkeepers: The largest organisation of its kind on the planet is the the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), and it supplies certification for bookkeepers, in addition to training and reference material to ensure their members are up-to-speed with the latest trends and innovations.
By visiting their respective websites, you are able to check out the accreditations of any professional Bideford bookkeeper on the register of ICB or AAT members. Implementing this check is highly recommended before you employ any bookkeeper in Bideford.
Bookkeeping services are available in Bideford and also nearby in: Tapeley, Abbotsham, Eastleigh, Instow, Northam, Weare Gifford, Landcross, Handy Cross, Barnstaple, Fairy Cross, Monkleigh, Appledore, East-the-Water, Westward Ho!, Westleigh, Littleham, as well as in these postcode areas: EX39 2HW, EX39, EX39 3BD, EX39 2NR, EX39 3AG, EX39 2NT, EX39 2LU, EX39 2QB, EX39 2PF, EX39 3BR. Local Bideford bookkeeper services will likely have the dialling code 01237 and the postcode EX39. Checking this out should ensure that you access locally based bookkeepers. Bideford sole traders and business owners will be able to benefit from these and countless other bookkeeping related services.
Year-End Tax Return Preparation
A bookkeeper plays an important role in year-end tax return preparation by reviewing and organising financial records. They'll check income, expenses, and reconciliations for accuracy, correcting any errors found. Records are brought fully up to date before figures are finalised. As part of this process, they'll also review previous year carry-forward figures to ensure they're correct. This keeps the accounts consistent. Once checks are complete, the bookkeeper prepares clear summaries ready for submission. This preparation saves time, reduces confusion, and helps business owners approach deadlines with confidence. (Tags: Year-End Tax Return Preparation Bideford)
Sales and Purchase Ledger Management
Managing sales and purchase ledgers is about maintaining order in financial records. A bookkeeper ensures sales invoices are entered consistently, payments are allocated correctly, and customer balances remain visible. On the purchase ledger, supplier invoices are recorded, checked, and organised for timely payment. They'll also consider data security and restrict access to financial systems where needed. This protects confidential information and reduces risk. Accurate ledger management supports smoother reporting and better planning. Business owners benefit from knowing their figures are up to date and trustworthy, rather than having to second guess what's really been paid or owed. (Tags: Sales and Purchase Ledger Management Bideford)
Cash Flow Analysis
Cash flow analysis is an important instrument by which businesses can gauge their financial health. A cash flow analysis is an essential task that bookkeepers need to perform for businesses. To do this, it is necessary to follow the cash flow in and out of the business for a specific time frame, usually quarterly or monthly. Through this, the bookkeeper can help the business owner to comprehend their current financial status, identify any cash flow problems, and prepare for the future.
The bookkeeper categorizes and reconciles all cash transactions, such as expenses, sales and investments, to provide a clear image of the company's financial condition. It can also involve forecasting cash flow for the coming months or years to help the business make informed decisions and avoid cash flow problems in the future.
The bookkeeper can also advise on methods to improve cash flow, such as reviewing pricing strategies or introducing more efficient payment systems. The analysis of cash flow can also help businesses acquire funding by demonstrating to lenders that the company has a sound financial standing and can meet its loan obligations. For businesses that want to manage their finances effectively, a thorough and accurate cash flow analysis is essential.
Bookkeeping Tasks

Most Bideford bookkeepers will be prepared to provide you with the following bookkeeping and accounting services: accountancy packages, Sage bookkeeping, assistance with registering for self-employment in Bideford, professional bookkeeping services in Bideford, bookkeeping prices, payslips & payroll processing, keeping digital records compliant with HMRC requirements, general bookkeeping services, bank & credit card reconciliations, bank reconciliation, bookkeeping and accounting services in Bideford, preparing trial balances, bookkeeping services for the self-employed, payment services, mobile bookkeeping services, Self-Assessment tax returns, invoicing customers & tracking payments, setting up & managing accounting software, payroll bookkeeping, management accounts, CIS record-keeping & submissions (for construction businesses), processing supplier bills & payments, personal tax returns, bookkeeping for societies, bookkeeping services for clubs, bookkeeping for shops, and more. These are just a selection of the duties that are undertaken by local bookkeepers. Bideford companies will be happy to inform you of their full range of services. If there happen to be other Bideford bookkeeper requirements that you want but cannot see here, you can list them on the QUOTE FORM provided. We will be in touch with specifics as soon as we can.
Bookkeepers in Nearby Areas
Also find: Instow bookkeepers, Tapeley bookkeepers, Barnstaple bookkeepers, Fairy Cross bookkeepers, East-the-Water bookkeepers, Abbotsham bookkeepers, Northam bookkeepers, Appledore bookkeepers, Weare Gifford bookkeepers, Littleham bookkeepers, Westward Ho! bookkeepers, Eastleigh bookkeepers, Westleigh bookkeepers, Landcross bookkeepers, Handy Cross bookkeepers, Monkleigh bookkeeper and more. Most of these towns and villages are covered by local bookeepers. Bideford people can get pricing for bookkeeping services by clicking here.
Bookkeeping Services Bideford
- Cash Flow Solutions
- Self-Assessment Bookkeeping
- Bookkeeping Services
- PAYE Wages and CIS
- Profit and Loss Analysis
- Credit Control
- Tax Preparation
- Self-Assessment Tax Returns
- Cheap Bookkeeping
- Small Business Bookkeeping
- Sole Trader Bookkeeping
- VAT Returns
- Double-Entry Bookkeeping
- Payroll Services
Planned Bookkeeping Articles: Here are some of our bookkeeping articles that we plan to publish in the near future. So, if you are interested in any of these, please call back again: Budget preparation and analysis in Bideford. Bookkeeping clean-up in Bideford. Management reporting in Bideford. Bank and credit card reconciliation in Bideford. Accounts payable management in Bideford. Business startup advice and support in Bideford. Cash flow management in Bideford. Accounts receivable management in Bideford. General ledger maintenance in Bideford.
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Bookkeepers in EX39 area, 01237.
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