Bookkeepers Burntwood Staffordshire (WS7) Area: For any person in Burntwood who acts as a sole trader, operates an online store or owns a small business, it is their sole responsibility to maintain "true and fair", accurate financial and accounting records for a minimum of 6 yrs. This is in accordance with the Companies Act. If you can't produce such information, you may face disqualification as a Company Director and receive thousands of pounds in fines. Accounting Today magazine claims that over 40% of small businesses spend over 80 hours per year on their accounts, therefore while you can accomplish these financial records on your own behalf, it can pay you to use a professional accountant or bookkeeper to do them for you.
If you are filled with dread just thinking about the possiblility of compiling balance sheets, writing out ledgers, preparing profit, loss and fiscal reports or tracking assets and liabilities, then the time to get in touch with a bookkeeper in Burntwood for advice has arrived.
BOOKKEEPER OR ACCOUNTANT?
Exactly what is the distinction between an accountant and a bookkeeper is the first question that springs to mind for most people in Burntwood. In the old days it was typically considered to be beneath the qualifications, skill-sets and experience of an accountant to do bookkeeping, but because of tremendous improvements in software over the past 10 years, many bookkeeping tasks will now be undertaken by accountancy companies in Burntwood. Most accountancy companies now have a set fee for bookkeeping services, to keep them in step with what an independent bookkeeper in Burntwood would generally charge. This is fantastic news for business owners because it offers a greater variety of competition within the industry and can make the cost of your bookkeeping more affordable than previously imagined.
When thinking about the biggest difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant, it's the standard of qualification and training that's needed for each discipline. At least an accounting degree with further training in taxation and other fiscal and business management, will normally be held by an accountant. While having an understanding of such skills, a bookkeeper in Burntwood may not necessarily have the qualifications or levels of experience and training.
A BOOKKEEPER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
The bookkeeping process put simply, is the recording of the daily transactions (financial) of any business enterprise in Burntwood. This will likely include, but is by no means limited to;
- Ensuring accounting and double-entry bookkeeping practices are observed.
- VAT submissions and recording.
- Payroll services.
- Documenting of all financial incomings; card, cash and electronic payments included.
- Billing of clients for work completed or goods.
- Monthly reports and reconciliations.
- Highlighting any discrepancies in the financial accounts and rectifying them.
- Logging invoices received and making certain that payment is completed promptly.
Based upon the level of service you're looking for, e.g. you're happy to undertake the majority of your bookkeeping work; a bookkeeper might just be necessary for double-checking your figures on a set schedule. At the bare minimum this needs to be from month to month, to enable the rapid detection and rectifying of any mistakes or problems. Providing it is possible to stay in control of your monetary transactions without negatively affecting your day by day trading operations, this option can be an extremely cost-effective trade-off.
It's fairly likely that if you are thinking of hiring a bookkeeping company, you are currently struggling with the financial recording aspects of your business in Burntwood. A good bookkeeping service will be able to assist you in linking the most up-to-date computer software with your accounts to facilitate the seamless sorting of financial data, and will give guidance and advice on such things as invoicing, preparing expense reports and stocktaking.
An especially crucial aspect of a good bookkeeper is the ability to reconcile accounts payable with cash flow. Which means that instead of waiting on a final notice, which many small businesses are guilty of at some time or other, or paying an outstanding bill immediately, your bookkeeper will prioritise the payment of bills to a time when your accounts are in good shape and buoyant. This isn't only to ensure that your business enterprise is financially sound all the time, but also to keep you in favour with those people who supply you with services or materials. Sadly, this is one of those balancing acts that can be difficult to perform when you're mostly focussed on the streamlined running of your daily business activities.
Employing an experienced bookkeeper in Burntwood, if you are a sole trader, or for your small business also gives them the chance to cast a fresh eye over your financies. This nonpartisan evaluation can permit them to notice business trends and patterns that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. It is not at all unheard of for an astute bookkeeper to flag an area where profits are plummeting, or spot a new opportunity which may be worthwhile. Spotting these key performance indicators is vital for the success and growth of any business enterprise in Burntwood.
It can often be rather embarrassing to pursue late payments if your business gives out invoices. Having someone from outside your normal business bubble, can take away the apprehension of making that phone call or visit to your client. If you have a consistent late payer there are legal methods a bookkeeper can employ to help resolve the issue before the matter winds up in a claims court proceeding.
SOLE TRADER'S BOOKKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
The legal requirements for bookkeeping if you are a sole trader, are comparatively straightforward and basic. This involves saving all receipts and invoices in relation to the business, and keeping track of expenditure and income on a monthly basis. Even though this may at first sound easy, hiring the services of a bookkeeping company is still good practice. So that you'll be able to claim back any legitimate business expenses from HMRC, a dedicated sole trader bookkeeper in Burntwood can give you advice on what you should do. This may include printer ink, items such as laptops, stationery, bills and rent if working from home and advertising. If you would like to get more in-depth advice, and see how your small business can develop and grow going forward, chat to your bookkeeper.
BOOKKEEPING FOR ONLINE TRADERS IN BURNTWOOD
There are several niche businesses where a specialist bookkeeping service may be needed. You will need a bookkeeper in Burntwood who is familiar with cross-border and international taxes, online payment procedures, multi-currency processing and exchange rate transfers, if you operate a store online for instance. Controlling stock on a 24 hours a day basis is also a massive concern, if the same store sells goods that you produce or hold, after all the internet does not sleep, therefore nor should your bookkeeping services and software.
In combination with your bookkeeping services, a virtual office can also be provided. This allows an online only business or sole trader to have a postal address and telephone service to provide a physical link with their customers. Although this option may not be offered by all Burntwood bookkeeping companies, it is definitely worth a discussion if this service is something that could be beneficial.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
Many of the qualifications in the bookkeeping sector are at Certificate and Diploma level, and a professional bookkeeper in Burntwood need not have a degree. If the chosen route to qualification is through further education colleges and universities, this option is still available, although there there are an ever-growing range of bookkeeping courses available online.
To provide training and certification for bookkeepers, there are basically two main organisations of interest:
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers or ICB: The largest organisation of its kind anywhere in the world is the the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), and it offers certification for qualified bookkeepers, along with reference material and training to ensure their members are current with the latest trends.
The AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians): Able to use the letters AATQB, a fully trained member of the AAT or Association of Accounting Technicians will have been provided with advanced qualifications and a training schedule in bookkeeping practice. They can then become registered AAT bookkeepers, approved by this well-respected association, which assures a minimum level of service for their customers. To safeguard the values and integrity of the AAT membership, if an AAT bookkeeper has a complaint against them or is found to have breached the code of practice they can be liable to disciplinary and tribunal processes.
By going to their respective websites, it is possible to examine the register of AAT or ICB members, to find the qualifications of any professional Burntwood bookkeeper. Before you retain the services of any professional bookkeeper in Burntwood it's generally a good idea to carry out this check.
Bookkeeping services are available in Burntwood and also nearby in: Wimblebury, Clayhanger, Brownhills, Chasetown, Hammerwich, Norton Canes, Chase Terrace, Burntwood Green, Pipehill, Woodhouses, Cannock, Little Norton, Hednesford, Lichfield, Heath Hayes, Longdon, together with these postcode areas: WS7 1FN, WS7 1JT, WS7 1FQ, WS7 0EL, WS11 9RW, WS7 1LY, WS11 9SH, WS7 1GH, WS7 0HA, WS13 8BJ. Locally based Burntwood bookkeeper services will likely have the telephone dialling code 01543 and the postcode WS7. Verifying this can make certain that you access local bookkeepers. Burntwood sole traders and business owners will be able to utilise these and various other related services.
Sales and Purchase Ledger Management
Managing sales and purchase ledgers is about maintaining clear and dependable records. A bookkeeper ensures sales invoices are entered correctly, payments are allocated properly, and customer balances are easy to track. On the purchase ledger, supplier invoices are recorded, checked, and organised for timely payment. Where relevant, the process may include managing multiple currencies if applicable, ensuring figures remain consistent. This level of care helps avoid mistakes that can impact cash flow. Accurate ledgers also support smoother reporting and reviews. Business owners benefit from knowing their financial information reflects reality, not estimates or outdated records. (Tags: Sales and Purchase Ledger Management Burntwood)
Year-End Tax Return Preparation
Year-end tax return preparation relies on accurate data, and a bookkeeper helps make sure nothing is missed. They'll review the year's transactions, tidy up postings, and correct small errors before figures are finalised. Income and expenses are checked for completeness, and reconciliations are confirmed. As part of this process, the bookkeeper may also prepare information relating to VAT year-end adjustments if required. This ensures consistency across records. Once checks are complete, organised schedules are prepared to support the return. This careful preparation makes the final stages smoother and far less stressful for business owners. (Tags: Year-End Tax Return Preparation Burntwood)
What Are the Main Advantages of Using a Bookkeeper in Burntwood Instead of an Accountant?
There are several advantages to using a bookkeeper rather than an accountant, including:
- Accessibility: Bookkeepers are normally more available to provide support and answer questions on a regular basis than an accountant, who may only be available at certain times.
- Time Savings: By choosing to outsource their bookkeeping tasks, businesses can save time and concentrate on other areas of their business, like sales and marketing.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Bookkeeping services are typically more cost-efficient in comparison to accounting services, making them a shrewd choice for small businesses, start-ups and sole traders looking to save on costs.
- Customisation: Bookkeepers can provide services that are tailored to a business's particular needs, unlike accountants who may have a more standard approach.
- Specialisation: Bookkeepers have a more focused expertise in day-to-day financial record-keeping and transaction management, leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness in these tasks.
It's vital to note that while bookkeepers offer some amazing services, they may not have quite the same level of expertise or qualifications as an accountant in areas such financial planning or tax preparation. In these cases, seeking the services of an accountant might be essential.
Bookkeeping Tasks

Most bookkeepers in Burntwood will be able to offer you the following services: Kashflow bookkeeping, bookkeeping for self-employed, data entry & cleanup of historic records, cash flow analysis, expense tracking & categorisation, bookkeeping for small business, double-entry bookkeeping, personal tax returns, letting agent bookkeeping, bookkeeping for sole traders in Burntwood, franchise bookkeeping, payroll processing & payslip preparation, bookkeeping services for societies, bookkeeping services for startups, VAT record-keeping & VAT return preparation, small business tax returns, setting up & managing accounting software, sales & purchase ledger management, accountancy packages in Burntwood, wages & PAYE, VAT returns, off-site bookkeeping, bookkeeping for home-based businesses, bank reconciliations, accounting and bookkeeping, cash flow monitoring & reporting, and more. Listed are just some of the tasks that are undertaken by local bookkeepers. Burntwood professionals will keep you informed about their entire range of services. If there happen to be additional Burntwood bookkeeper requirements that you need but don't see here, you can mention them on the QUOTE FORM provided. We'll get back to you with details just as soon as we are able.
Bookkeepers in Nearby Areas
Also find: Chase Terrace bookkeepers, Pipehill bookkeepers, Hammerwich bookkeepers, Woodhouses bookkeepers, Norton Canes bookkeepers, Chasetown bookkeepers, Lichfield bookkeepers, Clayhanger bookkeepers, Wimblebury bookkeepers, Longdon bookkeepers, Brownhills bookkeepers, Burntwood Green bookkeepers, Cannock bookkeepers, Little Norton bookkeepers, Heath Hayes bookkeepers, Hednesford bookkeeper and more. All of these places are served by local bookeepers. Burntwood businesses can get quotes for bookkeeping services by going here.
Bookkeeping Services Burntwood
- VAT Returns
- Sole Trader Bookkeeping
- Cheap Bookkeeping
- Double-Entry Bookkeeping
- Small Business Bookkeeping
- Credit Control
- Cash Flow Management
- Bookkeeping Services
- Payroll Services
- Tax Returns
- PAYE Wages and CIS
- Tax Preparation
- Bank Reconciliations
- Self-Assessment Bookkeeping
More Local Services: Not surprisingly, when you are in need of a bookkeeper in Burntwood, Staffordshire, you'll likely need all sorts of different services and aside from a bookkeeper you may also need social media marketing in Burntwood, Ecommerce assistance in your locality, cloud & hosting services in the Burntwood area, card processing in Burntwood, an accountant in the area, website design in your locality, a business consultant in Burntwood, EPOS in the local area, a marketing agency in Burntwood, network, database & IT support in the vicinity, telemarketing in your locality, telephone system solutions in the Burntwood area, HR consulting in the local area, financial advice in your locality, promotional videos in the vicinity, pay per click advertising in the area, digital marketing services in the area, and other different local specialists.
Bookkeeper Burntwood
Bookkeeper Near Me
Bookkeeping BurntwoodIf you're interested in local Burntwood info look here
Bookkeepers in WS7 area, telephone code 01543.
VAT Returns - Bookkeepers WS7 - Bookkeepers Burntwood - Bookkeeping Services - Cheap Bookkeeping Burntwood - Bookkeeper Burntwood - Small Business Bookkeeping Burntwood - Bookkeeping Quotations - Quickbooks Bookkeeping



