Bookkeepers Irlam Greater Manchester (M44) Area: You are entirely responsible for keeping "true and fair", accurate financial and accounting records for a minimum of six years, if you operate a small business, run an online store or are a sole trader in Irlam, according to the Companies Act. You may face disqualification as a Company Director and get a fine of thousands of pounds, if you are unable to produce such information. Accounting Today magazine says that over 40% of small businesses spend over eighty hours per year doing their bookkeeping duties, so while you can accomplish these financial records yourself, it can pay you to use a professional accountant or bookkeeping service to do them instead.
If you are overcome with a sense of terror merely thinking about the possiblility of preparing profit, loss and financial statements, writing out ledgers, tracking liabilities and assets or producing balance sheets, then the time to contact a bookkeeper in Irlam for assistance has arrived.
BOOKKEEPER OR ACCOUNTANT?
A common question that is asked by most people in Irlam is "Exactly what is the difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper?" The truth is that while in past times many accountants considered the task of bookkeeping to be beneath their experience, skill-sets and qualifications, a lot of accountancy companies in the Irlam area will now take on the task of bookkeeping, because of substantial improvements in software over the past decade or so. To ensure their bookkeeping services are in step with a dedicated bookkeeper's fee, it is now fairly common for many accounting companies to charge a fixed fee for such services. Business owners are now cashing in on this, because it gives a wider range of competition within this sector and can make bookkeeping more manageable than it would have been in the past.
It is basically the amount of training and qualification that's necessary for each of these disciplines, that demonstrates the biggest difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper in Irlam. An accountant will, at the very least, hold an accounting degree, and will have also had further training in fiscal and business management, and taxes. Whilst probably not holding the same financial qualifications, or having this level of experience and training, a bookkeeper in Irlam will undoubtedly have a good understanding of all such disciplines.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BOOKKEEPER
The bookkeeping process put in the simplest of terms, is to record the daily transactions (financial) of any business or enterprise in Irlam. This may include;
- Highlighting any discrepancies in the financial accounts and rectifying them.
- Ensuring accounting and double-entry bookkeeping practices are implemented.
- Monthly reporting and reconciliations.
- Payroll services.
- Recording of all financial incomings; electronic, cash and card payments included.
- VAT recording and submissions.
- Logging the receipt of invoices and ensuring payment is completed on time.
- The billing of customers for goods or work completed.
Based upon the level of service you require, a bookkeeper might only be needed to double check your records on a set schedule, if you're willing to do the vast majority of bookkeeping work yourself. As a bare minimum this should be from month to month, to facilitate the swift detection and correction of any problems or mistakes. Providing you are able to stay up-to-date with your financial transactions without impacting on your day by day trading tasks, this option can be the most economical solution.
If you are seriously looking at hiring a bookkeeper in Irlam, whatever your circumstances are, there's a fair chance that you may be struggling with your financial and tax procedures. A good bookkeeping company will be able to help you to link your business accounts with the latest software program to facilitate the seamless organisation of financial data, and will provide assistance with such things as stocktaking, invoicing and preparing expense reports.
An especially important aspect of a good bookkeeper is being able to reconcile accounts payable with cash flow. Which means that instead of paying a bill straight away, or waiting for a final notice, which most small businesses are guilty of at some time or other, your bookkeeper will organise bill payments to times when your accounts are buoyant and in good order. This does not just keep your business or enterprise financially sound, but keeps you in the good books of suppliers and those who supply you with services. This is a juggling act that you may find difficult to perform as an individual when you're inevitably focussed on the operation of your company.
For your small business, or if you are a sole trader, employing a competent bookkeeper in Irlam, presents you with the opportunity to have an eagle eye cast over your financial situation. This unbiased evaluation can enable them to notice business patterns and trends that you might have overlooked. A bookkeeper recognising an opportunity or flagging up an area of the business which is dropping off in profits, is not at all unusual. It is important for enabling growth in any enterprise in Irlam, to spot such key performance indicators (KPI's).
If your business sends out invoices it can sometimes be embarrassing having to chase up late payments. By having a person outside your business situation make that telephone call or visit to your client, some of that awkwardness can be removed. There are legal strategies a professional bookkeeper can employ, if you have a repeating late payer, and they can help to resolve the situation before the matter ends up in a claims court.
SOLE TRADER'S BOOKKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
The requirements for bookkeeping by a sole trader, as laid out by law, are fairly straightforward and easy to understand. It is stated that sole traders must keep records of income and expenditure on a month by month basis and keep all receipts and invoices. Although this may at first sound quite easy, hiring the expertise of a bookkeeper is still a wise move. Advising you on what valid business expenses you are able to claim back, a professional sole trader bookkeeper in Irlam will deal with HMRC on your behalf. This may include consumables, stationery, advertising, bills and rent if working from home and items such as computers. To discover how they can help your small business to grow, talk to a trusted bookkeeper for more detailed advice.
BOOKKEEPING FOR ONLINE TRADERS IN IRLAM
There are niche areas in bookkeeping where the expertise of a specialist could be essential. If, for example, you manage an online store, you will need a bookkeeper in Irlam who understands international and cross-border taxes, exchange rate transfers, online payments and multi-currency processing. If the same store sells goods you hold or produce, then controlling inventory on a 24 hours a day basis is a major concern, as I'm sure you're aware the internet does not sleep, so neither should your bookkeeping services and software.
A virtual office can also be supplied in combination with your bookkeeping services. This can be beneficial in enabling a sole trader or online only business to have a postal address and telephone service to offer a physical link with their client base. Although this option may not be supplied by all Irlam bookkeepers, it's certainly worth a discussion if this service is something which is required.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
Many of the bookkeeping sector qualifications are at Diploma or Certificate level, and it isn't mandatory for a professional Irlam bookkeeper to hold an accounting degree. Although there are an ever-growing selection of courses available online, bookkeeping qualifications can still be gained via further education colleges and universities, if that is the chosen route.
There are basically 2 principal organisations that offer certification and training to bookkeepers:
The AAT or Association of Accounting Technicians: The AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) provides advanced qualifications and a training schedule allowing a fully certified member to use the letters AATQB after their name. This then enables them to become a approved AAT bookkeeper and guarantees a standard of service which is backed up by the organisation. To protect the values and integrity of AAT membership, if an AAT bookkeeper has a complaint filed against them or is found to have breached the code of conduct they will be subject to disciplinary and tribunal procedures.
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB): The largest organisation of its kind in the world is the the ICB or Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, and it offers accreditation to certified bookkeepers, together with reference material and training to keep their associated members up-to-speed with the latest trends.
By viewing the register of AAT or ICB members on their websites, you can verify the qualifications of any Irlam bookkeeper. It is advised to implement this check, before you hire any professional bookkeeper in Irlam.
Bookkeeping services are available in Irlam and also in: Eccles, Cadishead, Glazebrook, Glazebury, Carrington, Hollins Green, Davthulme, Barton Moss, Risley, Partington, Stretford, Flixton, Woodhouses, Sale, Urmston, Rixton, Ashton-upon-Mersey, and also in these postcode areas: M41 6ER, M44 5BF, M44 5XE, M44 5LJ, M44 6GD, M44 6DS, M44 6ED, M44 6BS, M44 5LY, M44 6GG. Locally based Irlam bookkeeper services will most likely have the postcode M44 and the phone code . Checking this should guarantee you access locally based bookkeepers. Irlam sole traders and business owners are able to utilise these and lots of other similar services.
Sales and Purchase Ledger Management
Sales and purchase ledger management by a bookkeeper keeps financial records accurate and well organised. On the sales side, invoices are recorded as they're issued, payments are matched correctly, and outstanding balances are monitored. This helps businesses stay on top of money due in. On the purchase ledger, supplier invoices are logged, checked for accuracy, and tracked through to payment so nothing is overlooked. Well-maintained ledgers also make it much easier to support audits or compliance checks when records need to be reviewed. Keeping both sides updated reduces errors and confusion. It also means reports are based on reliable figures rather than estimates. With consistent ledger management in place, business owners gain clearer insight into cash flow and fewer last-minute surprises. (Tags: Sales and Purchase Ledger Management Irlam)
Year-End Tax Return Preparation
Year-end tax return preparation is where a bookkeeper brings together a full year of financial records into a clear and accurate picture. They'll review income and expenses, check figures against bank statements, and tidy up any errors before deadlines approach. This ensures the accounts reflect what's actually happened over the year. As part of this process, a bookkeeper may also prepare information needed for VAT year-end adjustments where required. Once checks are complete, they produce organised summaries ready for the accountant or submission stage. This early preparation reduces stress and avoids rushed decisions. Business owners benefit from having confidence in their figures, knowing everything has been reviewed carefully and is ready well before time runs out. (Tags: Year-End Tax Return Preparation Irlam)
Bookkeeping Tasks

Most bookkeepers in Irlam will be prepared to offer you the following bookkeeping services: tax returns, professional bookkeeping services, bookkeeping services for charities, small business tax returns, partnership tax returns, setting up & managing accounting software, cash flow analysis, recording day-to-day financial transactions, cheap bookkeeping services, month-end & year-end bookkeeping, management reports, Quickbook bookkeeping services in Irlam, management accounts, producing basic profit & loss reports, liaising with accountants & tax advisers, Kashflow bookkeeping, tax return preparation, payment services, financial statement preparation, CIS record-keeping & submissions (for construction businesses), assistance with registering for self-employment in Irlam, Xero bookkeeping services, Self-Assessment tax returns, credit control, double-entry bookkeeping, maintaining fixed asset registers in Irlam, and more. Listed are just some of the duties that are accomplished by local bookkeepers. Irlam professionals will be happy to inform you of their entire range of services. If there are different Irlam bookkeeper requirements that you want but cannot see here, you should mention them on the QUOTE FORM provided. We'll be in touch with specifics just as soon as we are able.
Bookkeepers in Nearby Areas
Also find: Rixton bookkeepers, Sale bookkeepers, Eccles bookkeepers, Flixton bookkeepers, Partington bookkeepers, Glazebrook bookkeepers, Woodhouses bookkeepers, Risley bookkeepers, Ashton-upon-Mersey bookkeepers, Davthulme bookkeepers, Hollins Green bookkeepers, Urmston bookkeepers, Glazebury bookkeepers, Carrington bookkeepers, Barton Moss bookkeepers, Stretford bookkeepers, Cadishead bookkeeper and more. All these areas are serviced by local bookeepers. Irlam businesses and traders can get quotes for bookkeeping services by clicking here.
Bookkeeping Services Irlam
- Double-Entry Bookkeeping
- Self-Assessment Bookkeeping
- Sole Trader Bookkeeping
- Profit and Loss Analysis
- Wages PAYE and CIS
- Small Business Bookkeeping
- Credit Control
- Self-Assessment Returns
- VAT Returns
- Cash Flow Solutions
- Payroll Services
- Tax Preparation
- Cheap Bookkeeping
- Bookkeeping Quotes
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: Bookkeeping clean-up in Irlam. Business startup advice and support in Irlam. Budget preparation and analysis in Irlam. Cash flow management in Irlam. Bank and credit card reconciliation in Irlam. General ledger maintenance in Irlam. Accounts payable management in Irlam. Management reporting in Irlam. Accounts receivable management in Irlam.
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