Bookkeepers Blandford Forum Dorset (DT11): You're responsible for keeping "true and fair", accurate financial and accounting records for at least 6 years, if you are a sole trader, run a small business or operate an online store in Blandford Forum, according to the Companies Act. Failing to produce such records may leave you faced with thousands of pounds in fines and potential disqualification as a Company Director. Accounting Today magazine reports that over 40% of small businesses spend at least eighty hours annually on their bookkeeping activities, so whilst you can complete these financial recordings yourself, it can be more economical to employ a professional accountant or bookkeeper to do them for you.
It is high time to contact a bookkeeper in Blandford Forum for help and advice, if the idea of compiling balance sheets, creating profit, loss and financial statements, writing ledgers or tracking assets and liabilities fills you with dread.
BOOKKEEPER OR ACCOUNTANT?
"Exactly what is the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?" Is a question that is asked by most business owners in Blandford Forum. In the old days it was frequently considered to be to be beneath the qualifications, skill set and experience of an accountant to do the work of a bookkeper, but due to software improvements over the past decade, many bookkeeping tasks will now be carried out by accountancy firms in the Blandford Forum area. To keep their bookkeeping services commensurate with an independent bookkeeper's fee, it's now fairly common for accounting companies to have a set fee for such services. Business owners are now benefiting from this, as it gives a broader range of competition within this sector and can make the cost of bookkeeping much more affordable than it would have been in the past.
The main difference of an accountant over a bookkeeper is the level of training required. An accountant will, at a minimum, hold an accounting degree, and should have also had additional training in financial and business management, and taxes. A bookkeeper in Blandford Forum may not necessarily have the same levels of training and experience, or hold these qualifications, but will still have a good grasp of these skills.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BOOKKEEPER IN BLANDFORD FORUM
To explain in the simplest of forms possible, the bookkeeping process involves the logging of daily financial transactions of any business or enterprise in Blandford Forum. This will include, but is not limited to;
- VAT recording and submissions.
- Payroll services.
- Logging of all financial incomings; including cash, electronic and card payments.
- Documenting the receipt of invoices and making certain payment is completed punctually.
- Monthly reports and reconciliations.
- Ensuring accounting and double-entry bookkeeping practices are followed at all times.
- Billing of clients for work completed or goods.
- Highlighting any discrepancies in the financial accounts and rectifying them.
If you're prepared to undertake a large majority of bookkeeping work yourself; a bookkeeper might just be necessary for double-checking your records every once in a while. This really needs to be done on a monthly basis as a bare minimum, as this allows for any problems or mistakes to be identified and amended speedily. If it is possible to stay up-to-date with your day by day trading and financial transactions, this trade-off can often be the most affordable solution.
Whatever your scenario, if you are looking to hire a bookkeeper in Blandford Forum, it's fairly likely that you may be struggling with the financial recording aspects of your small business. To enable the seamless arrangement of transactional data, a good bookkeeping service will help you to link the most up-to-date software application to your accounts, and will give guidance and advice on things such as stocktaking, preparing expense reports and invoicing.
The reconciliation of accounts payable with cash flow is one of the most important aspects of a good bookkeeping service. Which means that instead of paying an outstanding bill right away, or waiting on an overdue notice, which most small businesses in Blandford Forum are guilty of at some time or other, your bookkeeper will prioritise the payment of bills to a time when your accounts are buoyant and in good order. This not only keeps you in favour with suppliers and those people who supply you with services, but also ensures your enterprise or business is on a good financial footing. This is a juggling act that can be tricky to perform on your own when you are mostly focussed on the operation of your company.
Using a certified bookkeeper in Blandford Forum, for your small business or if you're a sole trader also gives them the opportunity to cast a critical eye over your business affairs. Business patterns and trends that might have otherwise gone unnoticed could be highlighted by this type of objective evaluation. It is not uncommon for a bookkeeper to recognise a new opportunity or flag an area where profits are falling. These key performance indicators (KPI's) are crucial in driving growth for any enterprise in Blandford Forum.
It can often be humiliating to chase up a late payment if your business gives out invoices. If that telephone call or visit to your customers is made by someone outside your business situation, it is possible for most of that apprehension to be taken away. There are legal techniques a professional bookkeeper can use, if you have problems with a persistent late payer, and these can help to clear up the issue before the situation ends up in a claims court proceeding.
SOLE TRADER'S BOOKKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
The bookkeeping requirements for a sole trader, as set out in law, are comparatively straightforward and easy to understand. This involves retaining all invoices and receipts concerning the business, and tracking expenditure and income on a monthly basis. It's still recommended that you retain the expert services of a competent bookkeeper, although this might sound easy. A specialised sole trader bookkeeper in Blandford Forum will be in a position to advise you on what you are able to claim back from HMRC as legitimate business expenses. This could include items such as laptops, bills and rent if working from home, stationery goods, printer ink and promotional advertising. To discover how they can help your small business grow, talk to your local bookkeeper for more in-depth guidance and advice.
BOOKKEEPING FOR ONLINE TRADERS
There are certain niche areas in bookkeeping where a specialist might be required. If multi-currency processing, exchange rate transfers, online payments and international and cross-border taxes are involved, for instance if you run an online store, you'll need to hire a bookkeeper in Blandford Forum who understands these practices. If you produce or hold the goods that you distribute through that store, then it is going to be a massive concern for your bookkeeping services and software to monitor your your stock on a 24/7 basis, given that the internet doesn't sleep.
Together with bookkeeping service, a virtual office can also be provided. This enables an online only business or sole trader to have a postal address and phone service to offer a physical link with their clients. It's certainly worth talking about this possibility if it is something that could be of benefit, although not all Blandford Forum bookkeepers will provide this solution.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
Many of the bookkeeping qualifications are at Certificate and Diploma level, and it isn't mandatory for a qualified bookkeeper in Blandford Forum to hold a degree in accounting. If the preferred route to qualification is via further education universities and colleges, this option is still available, although there there's an ever-increasing number of bookkeeping courses available online.
Certification and training for bookkeepers is mainly provided by two major organisations:
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT): The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) provides a training schedule with advanced qualifications allowing a fully certified bookkeeper to use the letters AATQB after their name. They then become authorised AAT bookkeepers, backed up by this reputable association, which assures a decent standard of service for their customers. To safeguard the integrity and values of the AAT membership, if an AAT bookkeeper is found to have broken the code of practice or has a complaint filed against them, they will be liable to tribunal and disciplinary procedures.
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB): The largest organisation anywhere in the world is the the ICB or Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, and it offers certification for qualified bookkeepers, along with reference material and training to ensure their members are up-to-date with the latest trends.
By visiting the register of AAT or ICB members on their respective websites, you are able to check the qualifications of any Blandford Forum bookkeeper. Prior to using any bookkeeping service in Blandford Forum, it is certainly wise to perform these checks.
VAT Returns by a Bookkeeper
For small business owners in Blandford Forum who wish to stay on top of their tax obligations while minimizing administrative tasks, outsourcing VAT return preparation to a bookkeeper may be a wise decision. With the assistance of a bookkeeper, your VAT return can be expertly taken care of, encompassing every element, from calculating the amount of VAT you owe or are entitled to, submitting your return to HMRC, and ensuring that all your transaction records are up-to-date. In addition, a bookkeeper can offer you significant counsel on ways to lower your VAT liability and ensure that you are obtaining all the allowable VAT reimbursements. With the help of a bookkeeper, you can have peace of mind knowing that your VAT returns are being handled accurately and efficiently, giving you more time to focus on growing your business in Blandford Forum. Engaging a bookkeeper can prove to be cost-effective since it can prevent you from incurring penalties or fines from HMRC caused by inaccurate VAT returns or delayed submissions, which may lead to long-term savings. In conclusion,by enlisting the services of a bookkeeper in Blandford Forum, small business owners can benefit from a cost-effective, efficient, and trustworthy way of managing their VAT returns, ensuring compliance with tax rules, reducing their tax liability, and freeing up time to focus on business development.
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Bookkeepers Near Blandford Forum
Also find: Langton Long Blandford bookkeepers, Pimperne bookkeepers, Durweston bookkeepers, Charloton Marshall bookkeepers, Littleton bookkeepers, Blandford St Mary bookkeepers, Tarrant Keyneston bookkeepers, Bryanston bookkeepers, Shillingstone bookkeepers, Stourpaine bookkeepers, Child Okeford bookkeepers and more. Bookkeeping services are accessible in most of these towns and areas. Businesses and individuals are ensured easy access to the financial support necessary for successful account management through this accessibility. Residents and businesses in these localities can get price quotes for bookkeeping projects by clicking here.
Blandford Forum Bookkeeper Tasks
Most bookkeepers in Blandford Forum will be prepared to offer you the following accounting and bookkeeping services: cash flow analysis, general bookkeeping services, bookkeeping services for clubs, Kashflow bookkeeping services, partnership returns, bookkeeping for startups, Quickbook bookkeeping services, profit & loss reports, management accounts, letting agent bookkeeping, personal tax returns in Blandford Forum, bookkeeping for societies, bookkeeping services for restaurants, bookkeeping services for retail outlets, Sage bookkeeping services, cheap bookkeeping services, Xero bookkeeping Blandford Forum, bookkeeping services for tradesmen, small business tax returns, bookkeeping services for limited companies, franchise bookkeeping in Blandford Forum, credit control, Self-Assessment tax returns, independent bookkeeping services, professional bookkeeping services, accounting and bookkeeping services, landlord bookkeeping, payment services Blandford Forum, small business bookkeeping, bookkeeping services for sole traders Blandford Forum, and more. Listed are just a few of the duties that are conducted by local bookkeepers. Blandford Forum providers will inform you of their whole range of services. If there are some other Blandford Forum bookkeeper requirements that you want but cannot see here, you should mention them on the QUOTE FORM provided. We will get back to you with specifics as soon as we can.
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