Bookkeepers Lewes East Sussex (BN7) Area: If you own a small business, are a sole trader or run an online store in Lewes, you're responsible for maintaining accurate, "true and fair" accounting and financial records for at least six years to comply with the Companies Act (2006). If you are unable to produce such records, you may face disqualification as a Company Director and receive thousands of pounds in fines. According to Accounting Today magazine over 40% of small business owners spend at least eighty hours per year on their bookkeeping, therefore while you can carry out these financial recordings yourself, it can be more cost-effective to employ a professional accountant or bookkeeper to do them for you.
The time has come to contact a bookkeeper in Lewes for guidance and advice, if you're filled with dread simply thinking about compiling balance sheets, creating profit, loss and financial statements, tracking liabilities and assets or writing out ledgers.
BOOKKEEPER OR ACCOUNTANT?
A common question that is asked by most people in Lewes is "What is the distinction between a bookkeeper and an accountant?" The reality is that even though in the past the bookkeeping process, was considered beneath the skill set, qualifications and experience of an accountant, because of software developments over the past 10 years or so, many accountancy companies in Lewes will now consider taking on bookkeeping. To make certain their bookkeeping services are consistent with a dedicated bookkeeper's fee, it is now fairly common for accounting companies to have a fixed rate for such services. This makes the cost of bookkeeping far more affordable than it once was, and is great news for business owners in Lewes as it offers a wider range of competition within the industry.
When you're considering the differences between an accountant and a bookkeeper, the main one is the level of training and qualification that is necessary for each discipline. An accountant will normally a least hold an accounting degree with further training in the field of taxes and other financial and business management. Although bookkeepers in Lewes will definitely have an understanding of these procedures, they may not hold these qualifications or levels of training and experience in this field.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BOOKKEEPER
The recording of day to day transactions (financial) of any business enterprise in Lewes, describes the act of bookkeeping in simple terms. This will include;
- Documenting of all financial incomings; cash, electronic and card payments included.
- Documenting invoices received and ensuring payment is completed by the due date.
- Billing of clients for goods or work completed.
- Payroll services.
- VAT submissions and recording.
- Monthly reports and reconciliation.
- Highlighting any discrepancies in financial accounts and rectifying them.
- Making sure that accounting and double-entry bookkeeping practices are observed.
In accordance with the level of service you're looking for, e.g. you are willing to undertake the majority of your bookkeeping work; a bookkeeper might just be necessary for double-checking your accounts on a fixed schedule. So that any problems or mistakes can be uncovered and corrected promptly, as a bare minimum, this should be done each month. If it's possible to stay up-to-date with your everyday financial transactions and trading, this compromise can sometimes be the most cost effective.
Whatever the situation is with your small business, if you're currently considering hiring a bookkeeper in Lewes, it is a good bet that you could be struggling with the process of financial records and taxes. A good bookkeeping company will help you with everything from stocktaking, invoicing and producing expense reports, to linking the latest software with your business accounts to seamlessly process all of your transaction data.
The ability to reconcile accounts payable with cash flow, is an extremely important aspect of effective bookkeeping. Which means that your bookkeeper will optimise bill payments to a time when your accounts are buoyant, rather than paying a bill right away, or waiting for an overdue notice, which a lot of small businesses in Lewes are guilty of at some time or other. This doesn't just keep you in favour with suppliers and the businesses who supply services to you, but also ensures that your business or enterprise is on a good financial footing. When, as an individual, you are completely focussed on the operation of your business, this is a juggling act that can be challenging to perform.
Employing a competent bookkeeper in Lewes, for your small business or if you are a sole trader also gives them an opportunity to cast a fresh eye over your business. It is entirely possible that an impartial appraisal like this will highlight business patterns and trends that you haven't previously noticed. A scenario where an intelligent bookkeeper flags up an area of the business which is plummeting in profits, or identifies an opportunity that may be lucrative, is by no means an unusual occurrence. Spotting these key performance indicators is crucial for driving the growth of any business in Lewes.
Pursuing a late payment can be a fairly awkward scenario for you, if you send out invoices as part of your business operations. Having an independent person outside your business situation, can take the embarrassment away from visiting your clients or making that phone call. There are legal methods that a bookkeeper can make use of, if you've got a repeating late or non-payer, and they can help to resolve the situation before the matter winds up in a claims court proceeding.
SOLE TRADER'S BOOKKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
The legal requirements for bookkeeping if you're a sole trader, are reasonably straightforward and basic. It is required that sole traders should track income and expenditure on a monthly basis and save all receipts and invoices. While this may sound simple enough it is still recommended that you hire the services of a competent bookkeeper. When working through your income tax returns, a specialised sole trader bookkeeper in Lewes can advise you on what your genuine business expenses are, and claim these back from HMRC each year. This might include consumables, items such as computing equipment, bills and rent if working from home, advertising expenses and stationery. To learn how to help your business to grow and prosper, speak to your bookkeeper for more detailed advice.
BOOKKEEPING FOR ONLINE TRADERS
Certain businesses that operate in niche markets, may need to use a specialised bookkeeping service. By way of example, if you run a store online, you will be wise to employ a bookkeeper in Lewes who's familiar with cross-border and international taxes, online payments, exchange rate transfers and multi-currency processing. If the same outlet sells goods you hold or produce, then regulating stock on a 24 hours a day basis is a huge priority, as I'm sure you'll realise the internet does not sleep, so nor should your bookkeeping software or services.
Together with your bookkeeping services, a remote virtual office can also be supplied. This enables a sole trader or online only business to provide a physical connection to their clients, via a telephone service and postal address. Although this option might not be offered by all Lewes bookkeepers, it's certainly worth discussing the possibilities if this service is something that's required.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
It isn't necessary for a professional Lewes bookkeeper to have a university degree, and many of the bookkeeping qualifications are held at Certificate or Diploma level. If the chosen route to qualification is via further education universities and colleges, this possibility is still available, although there there is an ever-increasing array of online bookkeeping courses.
Representing bookkeepers, there are 2 primary certification and training organisations:
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers or ICB: Offering accreditation to certified bookkeepers, along with training and reference material to keep their associated members up-to-date with the latest trends and developments, the ICB or Institute of Certified Bookkeepers is the largest organisation in the world.
The AAT or Association of Accounting Technicians: Entitled to use the letters AATQB, a fully trained member of the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) will have undergone a training schedule and advanced qualifications in bookkeeping practice. This assures a high level of service to their customers which is backed up by the association, and enables them to become a certified AAT bookkeeper. To protect the integrity and values of the AAT membership, if an AAT bookkeeper has a complaint against them or is found to have contravened the code of conduct they will be liable to tribunal and disciplinary processes.
By visiting their websites, you are able to check out the register of ICB or ATT members, to confirm the qualifications of any Lewes bookkeeper. Implementing this check is highly recommended before you use the services of any professional bookkeeper in Lewes.
Bookkeeping services are available in Lewes and also in nearby places like: Ovingdean, Wallands Park, Stoneham, Isfield, Sout, Burgess Hill, South Malling, Woodingdean, Ringmer, Falmer, Barcombe, Southease, Offham, Cooksbridge, Southerham, Laughton, Glynde, Glyndebourne, as well as in these postcode areas: BN7 1PF, BN7 1QG, BN7 1HT, BN7 1SA, BN7 1DJ, BN7 1BS, BN7 1PY, BN7 1SH, BN7 1QS, BN7 1DR. Local Lewes bookkeeper services will most likely have the postcode BN7 and the telephone dialling code 01273. Checking this out will confirm that you access locally based bookkeepers. Lewes sole traders and business owners can utilise these and numerous other related services.
Sales and Purchase Ledger Management
Sales and purchase ledger management is a core task that a bookkeeper handles with consistency. Every sales invoice is logged, payments are tracked, and balances are reviewed regularly. On the purchase ledger, invoices from suppliers are entered, checked, and marked off once paid. In certain cases, the role can include managing multiple currencies where applicable, making sure conversions are recorded correctly. This careful approach helps maintain clarity across accounts. Well-kept ledgers reduce the risk of missed payments or duplicated entries. Over time, this level of organisation supports better cash flow awareness and gives business owners confidence in the financial information they're relying on day to day. (Tags: Sales and Purchase Ledger Management Lewes)
Year-End Tax Return Preparation
Preparing for a year-end tax return can feel overwhelming, but a bookkeeper helps keep things under control. They'll review all financial records, check totals, and tidy up loose ends. Any missing or incorrect entries are dealt with early. As part of the process, they'll also check that previous year carry-forward figures are accurate and still relevant. This prevents problems from being carried into the current return. Once everything is reviewed, the bookkeeper prepares organised reports ready for the next stage. This careful preparation reduces last-minute stress and helps ensure the tax return is based on solid information. (Tags: Year-End Tax Return Preparation Lewes)
Bookkeeping Tasks

Most bookkeepers in Lewes will be ready to offer you the following bookkeeping services: invoice processing, landlord bookkeeping, charity bookkeeping Lewes, financial statement preparation, profit & loss reports, bookkeeping for charities, bookkeeping for tradesmen, VAT returns, personal tax returns, bank reconciliations, maintaining fixed asset registers, management accounts, bookkeeping for startups, accountancy packages, bookkeeping rates, small business tax returns, cash flow analysis, recording day-to-day financial transactions, tax returns in Lewes, assistance with registering for self-employment in Lewes, invoicing customers & tracking payments, corporation tax returns, CIS record-keeping & submissions (for construction businesses), bookkeeping for home-based businesses, PAYE & wages, franchise bookkeeping, and more. These are just a small portion of the activities that are undertaken by local bookkeepers. Lewes providers will be happy to inform you of their entire range of services. If there are different Lewes bookkeeper requirements that you need but cannot see here, you can list them on the QUOTE FORM provided. We will be in touch with specifics just as soon as we are able.
Bookkeepers in Nearby Areas
Also find: Offham bookkeepers, Southease bookkeepers, Ovingdean bookkeepers, Ringmer bookkeepers, Cooksbridge bookkeepers, Wallands Park bookkeepers, Southerham bookkeepers, Woodingdean bookkeepers, South Malling bookkeepers, Laughton bookkeepers, Falmer bookkeepers, Sout bookkeepers, Isfield bookkeepers, Barcombe bookkeepers, Burgess Hill bookkeepers, Glyndebourne bookkeepers, Stoneham bookkeepers, Glynde bookkeeper and more. All these villages and towns are catered for by local bookeepers. Lewes traders and businesses can get quotes for bookkeeping services by clicking here.
Bookkeeping Services Lewes
- Profit and Loss Analysis
- Payroll Services
- PAYE Wages and CIS
- Bookkeeping Quotes
- Small Business Bookkeeping
- Sole Trader Bookkeeping
- Bookkeeping Services
- Bank Reconciliations
- Tax Preparation
- Cheap Bookkeeping
- Double-Entry Bookkeeping
- Credit Control
- Self-Assessment Tax Returns
- Cash Flow Solutions
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 Lewes. Business startup advice and support in Lewes. General ledger maintenance in Lewes. Accounts receivable management in Lewes. Bank and credit card reconciliation in Lewes. Accounts payable management in Lewes. Management reporting in Lewes. Budget preparation and analysis in Lewes. Cash flow management in Lewes.
Bookkeeper Lewes
Bookkeeping Services Near Lewes
Bookkeeping LewesFor local Lewes info take a look here
Bookkeepers in BN7 area, telephone code 01273.
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