Bookkeepers Burgess Hill West Sussex (RH15): In accordance with the Companies Act, if you are a sole trader, run an online store or own a small business in Burgess Hill, you're entirely responsible for maintaining "true and fair", accurate financial and accounting records for a minimum of six years. If you can't produce such information, you may be disqualified as a Company Director and face thousands of pounds in fines. There's a large investment of time involved with keeping these financial records on your own, and it's often more cost-effective to use a professional bookkeeper or accountant, particularly if you consider that according to Accounting Today magazine over forty percent of small business owners spend at least 80 hours per year doing their bookkeeping.
It's high time to get in touch with a bookkeeper in Burgess Hill for advice and guidance, if just the thought of filling out ledgers, tracking liabilities and assets, compiling balance sheets or creating profit, loss and financial statements fills you with dread.
BOOKKEEPER OR ACCOUNTANT?
A common question that is asked by many small business owners in Burgess Hill is "Just what is the distinction between an accountant and a bookkeeper?" The truth is that while in the past many accountants considered the task of bookkeeping to be beneath their qualifications, skill set and experience, many accountancy companies in Burgess Hill will now undertake bookkeeping, because of software developments over the past ten years or so. A lot of accountancy firms now charge a fixed fee for bookkeeping services, to keep them commensurate with what an independent bookkeeper in Burgess Hill would normally charge. This is fantastic news for business owners in Burgess Hill because it provides a greater variety of competition within the industry and can make your bookkeeping cheaper than initially thought.
The standard of training required is the big difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper. An accountant will typically a least hold a degree in accounting with additional training in the field of taxation and other financial and business management. While probably not having this level of experience and training, or holding the same financial qualifications, a bookkeeper in Burgess Hill will definitely have a decent understanding of all such skills.
A BOOKKEEPER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
The process of bookkeeping put simply, is to record the day to day financial transactions of any enterprise or business in Burgess Hill. This will likely include, but is in no way limited to;
- Highlighting any discrepancies in financial accounts and rectifying them.
- Logging of all financial incomings; including card, electronic and cash payments.
- Recording invoices received and ensuring that payment is completed punctually.
- VAT recording and submissions.
- Payroll services.
- The billing of clients for work completed or goods.
- Monthly reconciliation and reports.
- Making sure that double-entry bookkeeping and accounting practices are implemented.
If you're willing to undertake most of bookkeeping work yourself; a bookkeeper might only be needed to double check your figures every once in a while. As a bare minimum this needs to be every month, to enable the swift detection and rectifying of any mistakes or problems. This may be an extremely cost-effective trade-off, providing you're able to stay in control of your financial transactions without impacting on your everyday trading activities.
It is a good bet that if you're thinking of hiring a bookkeeper in Burgess Hill, you are currently having problems with the financial recording side of your small business. Offering advice and guidance on everything from invoicing, stocktaking and creating expense reports, a good bookkeeping company will also be able to help you link your business accounts with the latest software program to facilitate the seamless processing of your business's data.
The correct reconciliation of accounts payable with cash flow is one of the most crucial elements of good bookkeeping. This means that instead of paying an outstanding bill immediately, or waiting on an overdue notice, which many small businesses are guilty of at some time or other, your bookkeeper will prioritise bill payments to a time when your finances are in good order. This doesn't just keep you in favour with suppliers and those people who supply services to you, but also ensures your business enterprise is on a sound financial footing. When, as an individual, you are purely focussed on running your daily business activities, this can be a balancing act that is difficult to perform.
If you are a sole trader, or own a small business, employing a competent bookkeeper in Burgess Hill, also gives them the opportunity to cast a fresh eye over the operation of your business. Business patterns and trends that might have otherwise gone unnoticed could be pinpointed by this sort of dispassionate assessment. A scenario where an astute bookkeeper flags up an area which is falling in profits, or spots a new opportunity which could prove lucrative, is by no means an unusual occurrence. It is vital for the growth of any small business in Burgess Hill, to spot these KPI's (key performance indicators).
Having to chase up a late payment can be a fairly uncomfortable scenario for you, if you give out invoices in your business operations. By having a person outside your normal business situation make that phone call or visit to your client, some of that awkwardness can be taken away. A professional bookkeeper can make use of legal strategies to deal with a repeating late payer, and without the need for court proceedings, help to clear up the issue.
SOLE TRADER'S BOOKKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
The bookkeeping requirements for a sole trader, as laid out by law, are pretty straightforward and easy to understand. Sole traders are expected to keep a record of income and expenditure on a monthly basis and keep all invoices and receipts. Now, this doesn't seem too hard does it? Yet, it is still recommended that you retain the expert services of a bookkeeper to make certain that it is all done properly. A specialist sole trader bookkeeper in Burgess Hill will be in a position to advise you on what you may be able to claim back from HMRC as bonafide business expenses. This may include advertising expenses, printer ink, rent and bills if you work from home, stationery and items such as computing equipment. Chat to your local bookkeeper for more in-depth advice and learn how they may be able to help your business to grow.
BOOKKEEPING FOR ONLINE TRADERS
There are niche areas in bookkeeping where a specialist could be essential. You'll require a bookkeeper in Burgess Hill who understands cross-border and international taxes, online payment procedures, multi-currency processing and exchange rate transfers, if you operate an online store for example. If the same shop sells goods that you produce or hold, then managing stock on a 24/7 basis is a major concern, as I'm sure you are aware the internet doesn't sleep, therefore neither should your bookkeeping software or services.
A remote virtual office can also be supplied together with bookkeeping services. This allows a sole trader or online only business to offer a physical connection to their customers, via a phone service and postal address. If this type of service is needed, it's certainly worth discussing, although this solution will not be offered by all bookkeepers in Burgess Hill.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
A number of the bookkeeping qualifications are at Diploma and Certificate level, and it's not mandatory for a qualified Burgess Hill bookkeeper to have an accounting degree. If the preferred route to qualification is through further education colleges and universities, this alternative is still available, whereas there there is an ever-increasing variety of online bookkeeping courses.
To provide training and certification for bookkeepers, there are basically 2 main organisations of interest:
The AAT or Association of Accounting Technicians: Providing advanced qualifications and a training schedule, the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians), allows fully certified bookkeepers to use the letters AATQB. This then entitles them to become a licensed AAT bookkeeper and guarantees a level of service which is backed up by the association. To protect the values and integrity of the AAT, an AAT bookkeeper can be subject to tribunal and disciplinary procedures if it's found that they've breached the code of practice or have had a complaint made against them.
The ICB or Institute of Certified Bookkeepers: Providing accreditation to certified bookkeepers, in addition to reference material and training to keep their members current with the latest trends and innovations, the ICB or Institute of Certified Bookkeepers is the largest bookkeeping organisation anywhere in the world.
By visiting their websites, you are able to inspect the qualifications of any professional Burgess Hill bookkeeper on the register of ICB or AAT members. Carrying out this check is widely recommended before you use the services of any professional bookkeeper in Burgess Hill.
Bookkeeping services are available in Burgess Hill and also nearby in: Plumpton Green, Scaynes Hill, Ditchling Common, Goddards Green, Sayers Common, Albourne, Chailey, Wivelsfield, Hurst Wickham, Wivelsfield Green, together with these postcodes RH15 0HH, RH15 0DT, RH15 0PN, RH15 0BE, RH15 0GD, RH15 0AP, RH15 0HT, RH15 0EU, RH15 0EH, RH15 0GS. Locally based Burgess Hill bookkeeper services will probably have the postcode RH15 and the phone code 01444. Verifying this will ensure that you are accessing local bookkeepers. Burgess Hill sole traders and business owners will be able to benefit from these and various other related services.
VAT Returns by a Bookkeeper in Burgess Hill
Small business owners in Burgess Hill can consider hiring a bookkeeper to handle their VAT returns, which can help them maintain tax compliance and free up their time for other crucial business tasks. Your VAT return can be handled entirely by a bookkeeper, who will manage everything from calculating your VAT obligations or credits to preparing and submitting your return to HMRC, and keeping an accurate account of all your transactions. Likewise, a local bookkeeper can provide you with valuable guidance on how to minimize your VAT liability and ensure that you are taking advantage of all eligible VAT claims. A bookkeeper can ensure that your VAT returns are dealt with accurately and effectively, which can help you feel secure and allow you to invest more time in the development of your business in Burgess Hill. All in all, a bookkeeper in Burgess Hill can provide small business owners with an affordable, dependable, and efficient solution for managing their VAT returns, enabling them to comply with tax regulations, minimize their tax obligation, and focus on the growth of their business.
Cash Flow Analysis
Understanding the financial wellbeing of a business is crucial, and cash flow analysis is the key tool for achieving this. One of the significant duties of a bookkeeper is to carry out a cash flow analysis for a company. It requires monitoring the cash movements of the company during a set period, commonly quarterly or monthly. Conducting a cash flow analysis enables the bookkeeper to help the business owner understand their current financial situation, detect any cash flow problems, and make plans for the future.
The creation of a clear picture of a company's financial health involves categorizing and reconciling all cash transactions, such as investments, expenses and sales, by the bookkeeper in the analysis. Predicting cash flow for the upcoming months or years is a significant aspect of the process, and it assists companies in making well-informed decisions and avoiding future cash flow difficulties.
Moreover, a comprehensive cash flow analysis can be advantageous for businesses seeking to secure financing by providing lenders with a clear view of the company's financial status and capacity to repay loans. A cash flow analysis that is accurate and thorough is a vital tool for any company that wishes to manage their finances effectively.
What Are the Main Advantages of Using a Bookkeeper in Burgess Hill Rather Than an Accountant?
The following are some reasons why you may opt to use a bookkeeper in Burgess Hill, as opposed to an accountant:
- Specialisation: Bookkeepers have got a more focused expertise in day-to-day financial transaction management and record-keeping, leading to greater effectiveness and efficiency in these tasks.
- Availability: Bookkeepers are normally more accessible and readily available to provide support and answer questions in comparison to an accountant, who may only be reachable during certain times.
- Time Savings: By choosing to outsource their bookkeeping tasks, business owners can save a bit of time and concentrate on other areas of their business, for instance marketing and sales.
- Affordability: Bookkeeping services are usually more budget-friendly in comparison to accounting services, making them an inexpensive option for sole traders, small businesses and start-ups.
- Customisable Services: Bookkeepers often provide customised services that are tailored to a business's specific needs, whereby accountants whose approach may be more general.
That being said, it's important to note that while bookkeepers can provide invaluable support, they might not have the same level of qualifications or expertise as an accountant in certain aspects such as financial planning or tax preparation. In these cases, it may be necessary to check with an accountant when more specialised services are needed.
Tax Returns
Those with small businesses or self-employed people in the UK may be required to file a self-assessment tax return. Especially if you are not familiar with the process, this task can be daunting. Keeping your records organised and preparing your tax return on time and accurately are both things that a qualified bookkeeper can help you with.
Using a bookkeeper for your tax returns has numerous benefits. Correct completion of your return is ensured by their expertise and experience. This should help you to stay clear of penalties or interest charges from HMRC. Secondly, a lot of time and effort can be saved by a bookkeeper. All of the calculations and paperwork will be taken care of by them, so you can concentrate on the running of your business. Third, Burgess Hill bookkeepers can provide you with valuable advice on tax planning and financial strategy. This can help you to maximise your earnings and minimise your tax bill. (70193)
Burgess Hill Bookkeeper Tasks
Most Burgess Hill bookkeepers will be able to offer you the following services: personal tax returns, Sage bookkeeping, bookkeeping services for shops, payment services in Burgess Hill, partnership tax returns Burgess Hill, mobile bookkeeping services, bookkeeping services for the self-employed, cash books, Quickbook bookkeeping services, letting agent bookkeeping, independent bookkeeping services, management accounts in Burgess Hill, bookkeeping services Burgess Hill, professional bookkeeping services, bookkeeping services for organisations, off-site bookkeeping services, bookkeeping services for sole traders, bookkeeping for startups, bank reconciliations, double-entry bookkeeping, management reports Burgess Hill, landlord bookkeeping, PAYE & wages, accountancy packages in Burgess Hill, bookkeeping for restaurants Burgess Hill, tax returns Burgess Hill, tax preparation, cheap bookkeeping services Burgess Hill, accounting and bookkeeping services, bookkeeping for retail outlets, and more. These are just a few of the activities that are carried out by local bookkeepers. Burgess Hill providers will be happy to inform you of their entire range of bookkeeping services. If there happen to be other Burgess Hill bookkeeper requirements that you want but can't see here, you should mention them on the QUOTE FORM provided. We'll be in touch with details as soon as we are able.
Bookkeepers Near Burgess Hill
Also find: Hurst Wickham bookkeepers, Albourne bookkeepers, Sayers Common bookkeepers, Wivelsfield bookkeepers, Ditchling Common bookkeepers, Chailey bookkeepers, Scaynes Hill bookkeepers, Wivelsfield Green bookkeepers, Plumpton Green bookkeepers, Goddards Green bookkeepers and more. Individuals offering bookkeeping services serve all these places. The ease of access ensures businesses and individuals alike have the capability to find the necessary financial support for effective account management. Residents in these localities can get estimates for bookkeeping by clicking here.
Bookkeeping Services Burgess Hill
- VAT Returns
- Double-Entry Bookkeeping
- Payroll Services
- Sole Trader Bookkeeping
- Cheap Bookkeeping
- Profit and Loss Reporting
- Credit Control
- Bookkeeping Services
- Bookkeeping Quotations
- Self-Assessment Tax Returns
- Cash Flow Solutions
- Self-Assessment Bookkeeping
- PAYE and Wages
- Tax Preparation
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