Bookkeepers Devizes Wiltshire (SN10) Area: You are responsible for maintaining "true and fair", accurate accounting and financial records for at least six years, if you own a small business, run an online store or are a sole trader in Devizes, to comply with the 2006 Companies Act. Failure to produce such records might leave you facing disqualification as a Company Director, as well as a fine of thousands of pounds. You could carry out these financial recordings on your own behalf, however when you think about the fact that according to the trade magazine Accounting Today over forty percent of small business owners spend over eighty hours each year doing their accounts, it can be more cost-effective to employ a professional accountant or bookkeeper.
The time has come to get in touch with a bookkeeper in Devizes for assistance, if you're overcome with a sense of panic just thinking about tracking liabilities and assets, writing ledgers, producing balance sheets or preparing profit, loss and financial statements.
BOOKKEEPER OR ACCOUNTANT?
Precisely what is the distinction between an accountant and a bookkeeper is the first question that springs to mind for many people in Devizes. To be honest, because of significant software improvements over the past decade or so many accountancy companies in the Devizes area will take on bookkeeping, which at one time was considered beneath their skill-sets, experience and qualifications. To keep their bookkeeping services in line with a typical bookkeeper's fee, it's now fairly common for accountancy companies to have a set fee for these services. Because it offers a wider variety of competition within the marketplace, this is good news for business owners in Devizes, making the cost of their bookkeeping much more affordable than it was previously.
When thinking about the main difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper, it's the standard of qualification and training that is required for each discipline. An accountant will usually hold at least a degree in accounting with specialist training in taxation and other business and financial management. While having a good grasp of these procedures, a bookkeeper in Devizes might not have the same levels of training and experience, or hold these qualifications.
A BOOKKEEPER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
In simple terms, the act of bookkeeping is the recording of the daily transactions of any business or enterprise in Devizes. This can include, but isn't limited to;
- Documenting the receipt of invoices and making sure payment is completed on time.
- Payroll services.
- Monthly reporting and reconciliations.
- Highlighting and rectifying any discrepancies in the financial accounts.
- VAT submissions and recording.
- Billing of clients for work completed or goods.
- Recording of all financial incomings; including cash, electronic and card payments.
- Making sure that accounting and double-entry bookkeeping practices are followed at all times.
Contingent upon the level of service you need, e.g. you're willing to do a large majority of bookkeeping work; a professional bookkeeper may just be necessary for double-checking your records every once in a while. This needs to be monthly at the bare minimum, since this will allow any problems or mistakes to be detected and rectified quickly. So long as you're able to stay in control of your financial transactions without having a negative impact on your everyday trading activities, this solution can be an extremely economical trade-off.
If you are presently looking at hiring a bookkeeping firm in Devizes, whatever your situation, it is fairly likely that you might be struggling with your tax and financial procedures. A professional bookkeeper will be able to help you to link your accounts with the latest computer software to facilitate the seamless sorting of transactional data, and will provide advice and guidance on such things as producing expense reports, stocktaking and invoicing.
An especially crucial aspect of a good bookkeeper is being able to reconcile accounts payable with cash flow. Which means that your bookkeeper will arrange bill payments to a time when your accounts are buoyant and in good shape, instead of paying an outstanding bill immediately, or waiting on an overdue notice, which a lot of small businesses in Devizes are guilty of at some time or other. This isn't merely to ensure your business enterprise is on a secure financial footing at all times, but also to keep you in good stead with the businesses who provide your materials or services. This is a balancing act that can be challenging to accomplish as an individual when you are firmly focussed on running your company.
If you're a sole trader, or own a small business, employing a qualified bookkeeper in Devizes, also gives them an opportunity to cast an expert eye over the operation of your business. This objective assessment can permit them to discover business trends and patterns that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. It is by no means uncommon for a smart bookkeeper to flag an area of the business which is decreasing in profits, or spot a brand new opportunity that could be lucrative. For the long-term growth of any business in Devizes, it is important that these key performance indicators are spotted early.
If your business sends out invoices it can sometimes be embarrassing to chase up late payments. By having somebody outside your normal business bubble visit your clients or make that telephone call, some of that awkwardness can be eliminated. There are legal methods a professional bookkeeper can employ, if you've got a consistent late or non-payer, and they can help to resolve the issue before the situation winds up in claims court proceedings.
SOLE TRADER'S BOOKKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
As a sole trader the bookkeeping requirements, as laid out by law, start off quite straightforward. In essence, sole traders should keep all invoices and receipts, and keep records of income and expenditure from month to month. While this might sound simple it is still good practice to retain the expertise of a competent bookkeeper. A professional sole trader bookkeeper in Devizes will be happy to advise you on what you're able to claim back from HMRC as legitimate business expenses. This may include bills and rent if working from home, advertising, items such as computing equipment, stationery goods and printer ink. If you would like to get more detailed advice, and discover how your small business can grow in the future, speak to your bookkeeper.
ONLINE TRADERS
There are a number of business niches where a specialist bookkeeper may be necessary. If, for instance, you manage an online store, you'll need a bookkeeper in Devizes who understands international and cross-border taxes, exchange rate transfers, multi-currency processing and online payments. If you hold or produce the goods that you distribute on that store, then it is going to be a major concern for your bookkeeping software or services to regulate your inventory on a 24 hours a day basis, because the internet does not sleep.
A remote virtual office can also be provided in combination with bookkeeping services. Offering a physical link with their buyers, this enables an online only business or sole trader to have a postal address and telephone service. Although this option may not be supplied by all Devizes bookkeeping companies, it's certainly worth discussing the possibilities if this is something that could be beneficial.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
It is not necessary for a qualified Devizes bookkeeper to have a university degree, and a lot of the bookkeeping sector qualifications are held at Diploma or Certificate level. There is a growing array of courses offered online, although qualifications can still be obtained via further education universities and colleges.
Certification and training for bookkeepers is mainly provided by two organisations:
The ICB or Institute of Certified Bookkeepers: Providing accreditation to certified bookkeepers, in addition to reference material and training to ensure their members are up-to-date with the latest trends, the ICB or Institute of Certified Bookkeepers is the largest organisation of its kind on the planet.
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT): Entitled to use the letters AATQB, a fully trained member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) will have been provided with advanced qualifications and training in bookkeeping. They then become licensed AAT bookkeepers, approved by this respected organisation, which assures a decent standard of service for their clients. If an AAT bookkeeper is found to have contravened the code of practice or has a complaint filed against them, they could be subject to tribunal and disciplinary procedures to protect the integrity and values of the aat membership.
The accreditations of any bookkeeper in Devizes can be checked on the register of ICB or ATT members on their websites. Prior to employing the services of any bookkeeping company in Devizes, it's usually a good idea to perform these checks.
Bookkeeping services are available for those living in in Devizes and also in nearby places like: Rowdefield, Hartmoor, Salisbury, Potterne, Etchilhampton, Northfields, Bishops Cannings, Bourton, Little Coate, Swindon, Semington, Sleight, Rowde, Poulshot, Roundway, Little Horton, as well as in these postcode areas: SN10 2AF, SN10 1JN, SN10 1DX, SN10 1QT, SN10 1DY, SN10 1UY, SN10 1PY, SN10 1LP, SN10 1PT, SN10 1EH. Local Devizes Bookkeepers will likely have the dialling code 01380 and the postcode SN10. Checking this out should guarantee that you're accessing locally based bookkeepers. Devizes sole traders and business owners will be able to utilise these and various other bookkeeping related services.
Year-End Tax Return Preparation
Year-end tax return preparation is often smoother when a bookkeeper has been involved throughout the year. They'll review all income and costs, check reconciliations, and correct any mistakes that have crept in. This includes making sure expenses are claimed correctly and totals add up properly. A bookkeeper will also prepare supporting schedules to explain the figures. This level of organisation saves time later. Instead of rushing to fix problems, businesses can move into year end knowing their records are ready and nothing major has been overlooked. (Tags: Year-End Tax Return Preparation Devizes)
Sales and Purchase Ledger Management
A bookkeeper managing the sales and purchase ledgers plays a big part in keeping the financial side of a business calm and predictable. On the sales ledger, they record invoices as they're raised, apply payments when they come in, and keep an eye on balances that haven't been cleared yet. Over on the purchase ledger, supplier invoices are logged, checked against paperwork, and tracked through to payment so nothing is missed. One part of the role can also involve sorting out disputed invoices or credit notes when figures don't quite line up. Keeping both ledgers accurate helps business owners understand their real cash position. Without this regular attention, small admin issues can quietly grow into much bigger problems later on. (Tags: Sales and Purchase Ledger Management Devizes)
What Are the Main Advantages of Using a Bookkeeper in Devizes Instead of an Accountant?
There are a few advantages to using a bookkeeper as opposed to an accountant, including:
- Time: By choosing to outsource bookkeeping, businesses can save a bit of time and focus on other vital areas of their business like sales and marketing.
- Affordability: Bookkeeping services are normally more budget-friendly compared to accounting services, making them a cheaper option for sole traders, small businesses and startups.
- Availability: Bookkeepers are normally more accessible and ready to answer questions and provide support compared to an accountant, who may only be reachable during certain times.
- Expertise: Bookkeepers frequently have a more specialised focus on day-to-day financial record-keeping and transaction management, which can make them more efficient and effective in these tasks.
- Customisation: Tailored services can be provided by a bookkeeper, unlike accountants who might have a more standard approach.
That being said, it is important to note that whilst bookkeepers can provide invaluable support, they may not have the same level of qualifications or expertise as an accountant in certain aspects such as financial planning or tax preparation. In these instances, it may be necessary to check with an accountant when more specialised services are needed.
Bookkeeping Tasks

Most Devizes bookkeepers will be ready to offer you the following bookkeeping services: general bookkeeping services, mobile bookkeeping services, charity bookkeeping Devizes, bookkeeping for clubs, assistance with registering for self-employment in Devizes, bookkeeping for payroll, Xero bookkeeping services, maintaining general ledgers, Kashflow bookkeeping services, bookkeeping for restaurants, bookkeeping for startups, producing basic profit & loss reports, bookkeeping for societies, Self-Assessment tax returns, payment services, financial statement preparation, Sage bookkeeping services in Devizes, expense tracking & categorisation, management accounts, bookkeeping for sole traders, bookkeeping services for shops, bookkeeping for freelancers, payslips & payroll processing, bookkeeping services, management reports, payroll processing & payslip preparation, and more. These are just some of the duties that are accomplished by local bookkeepers. Devizes professionals will be delighted to keep you abreast of their entire range of bookkeeping services. If there are other Devizes bookkeeper requirements that you want but don't see here, you can easily list them on the QUOTE FORM provided. We will be in touch with details just as soon as we can.
Bookkeepers in Nearby Areas
Also find: Sleight bookkeepers, Salisbury bookkeepers, Bourton bookkeepers, Northfields bookkeepers, Semington bookkeepers, Poulshot bookkeepers, Potterne bookkeepers, Little Coate bookkeepers, Bishops Cannings bookkeepers, Swindon bookkeepers, Rowde bookkeepers, Rowdefield bookkeepers, Roundway bookkeepers, Hartmoor bookkeepers, Little Horton bookkeepers, Etchilhampton bookkeeper and more. Most of these towns and villages are serviced by local bookeepers. Devizes traders and businesses can get prices for bookkeeping services by going here.
Bookkeeping Services Devizes
- Profit and Loss Analysis
- Self-Assessment Bookkeeping
- VAT Returns
- Cash Flow Management
- Bookkeeping Services
- Sole Trader Bookkeeping
- Tax Preparation
- Bank Reconciliations
- Payroll Services
- Wages PAYE and CIS
- Double-Entry Bookkeeping
- Credit Control
- Tax Returns
- Cheap Bookkeeping
More Local Services: Needless to say, whenever you are in need of a bookkeeper in Devizes, Wiltshire, you'll likely need all types of different services and apart from a bookkeeper you might also need HR consulting in the local area, pay per click advertising in the vicinity, financial advice in your locality, EPOS in the immediate area, a marketing agency in the local area, business consulting in Devizes, Ecommerce assistance in the local area, network, database & IT support in the area, cloud & hosting services in your locality, website design in your locality, card processing in the local area, promotional videos in the Devizes area, an accountant in the area, social media marketing in the immediate area, telephone system installation in the area, telemarketing in your local area, digital marketing services in the area, and other different local specialists.
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: Cash flow management in Devizes. Accounts receivable management in Devizes. Budget preparation and analysis in Devizes. Business startup advice and support in Devizes. Accounts payable management in Devizes. Management reporting in Devizes. General ledger maintenance in Devizes. Bookkeeping clean-up in Devizes. Bank and credit card reconciliation in Devizes.
Bookkeeper Devizes
Bookkeeping Services Near Devizes
Bookkeeping DevizesBookkeepers in SN10 area, and dialling code 01380.
Bookkeepers SN10 - Cheap Bookkeeping Devizes - Bookkeepers Near Me - VAT Returns - Bookkeeping Devizes - Tax Returns - Bookkeeping Services - Bookkeeping Quotations - Bookkeepers Devizes



