Bookkeepers Market Harborough Leicestershire (LE16): You are entirely responsible for maintaining accurate, "true and fair" accounting and financial records for a minimum of 6 yrs, if you operate a small business, run an online store or are a sole trader in Market Harborough, as stated by the Companies Act (2006). Failing to produce such detailed records may leave you faced with Company Director disqualification, along with thousands of pounds in fines. There's a significant investment of time involved with compiling these financial recordings on your own behalf, and it can pay to use a professional accountant or bookkeeping service, especially if you consider that according to Accounting Today magazine over forty percent of small businesses spend at least 80 hours annually on their accounts.
If just the thought of writing out ledgers, compiling balance sheets, creating profit, loss and fiscal reports or tracking assets and liabilities fills you with terror, then it's high time to contact a bookkeeper in Market Harborough for help and advice.
BOOKKEEPER OR ACCOUNTANT?
The very first question many folks ask is "What is the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?" At one time it was typically considered to be to be beneath the skill-sets, experience and qualifications of an accountant to do bookkeeping, however due to huge improvements in software over the past decade, many bookkeeping duties will now be taken on by accountancy firms in Market Harborough. It's currently quite common for many accountancy firms to have a flat rate for bookkeeping services in line with a dedicated bookkeeper's fee. Because it generates a wider range of competition within the marketplace, this is excellent news for business owners in Market Harborough, making their bookkeeping costs cheaper than they previously were.
When considering the biggest difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper, it is the amount of training and qualification that's necessary for each discipline. An accountant will, at the minimum, hold a degree in accounting, and will have also had additional training in business and fiscal management, and taxes. A bookkeeper in Market Harborough might not have the same levels of experience and training, or hold these qualifications, but should still have a good grasp of such disciplines.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BOOKKEEPER IN MARKET HARBOROUGH
The recording of day by day transactions of any enterprise or business in Market Harborough, describes the process of bookkeeping in simple terms. This will likely include, but is in no way limited to;
- Monthly reconciliation and reports.
- Highlighting and rectifying any discrepancies in financial accounts.
- Logging invoices received and making certain that payment is completed by the due date.
- The billing of clients for goods or work completed.
- Payroll services.
- VAT submissions and recording.
- Making sure that accounting and double-entry bookkeeping practices are implemented.
- Logging of all financial incomings; including electronic, card and cash payments.
Contingent upon service level you require, a bookkeeper may just be needed to double check your accounts periodically, if you are prepared to do most of bookkeeping work yourself. At the bare minimum this should really be on a monthly basis, to facilitate the rapid detection and correction of any mistakes or problems. If you're confident of remaining in control of your day by day financial transactions and trading, this trade-off can often be the most cost-effective option.
It is a good bet that if you're considering hiring a bookkeeping company in Market Harborough, you're currently struggling with the financial recording aspects of your small business. Offering guidance and advice on everything from preparing expense reports, stocktaking and invoicing, a professional bookkeeper will also be able to walk you through the process of linking your accounts with the latest software to enable the seamless processing of your business's data.
One of the most important aspects of good bookkeeping, is the ability to successfully reconcile accounts payable with cash flow. This means that your bookkeeper will schedule bill payments to a time when your finances are buoyant, instead of paying an outstanding bill straight away, or waiting on an overdue notice, which most small businesses are guilty of at some time or other. This doesn't just keep you in good stead with suppliers and those businesses who supply you with services, but also makes certain that your business or enterprise is financially stable. When you're firmly focussed on the operation of your business, this is a balancing act that can be challenging to perform on your own.
Having someone who's unconnected to the business cast a fresh eye over your financial dealings, is another advantage of using a qualified bookkeeper in Market Harborough for your small business or if you are a sole trader. This objective assessment can enable them to see business patterns and trends that might have gone unnoticed. A bookkeeper spotting a new opportunity or noticing an area where profits are dropping, is not at all uncommon. Spotting such key performance indicators (KPI's) is essential for the economic growth of any business enterprise in Market Harborough.
It can often be uncomfortable to chase up a late payment if your business gives out invoices. Some of that awkwardness can be taken away by having a professional outside your business situation visit your clients or make that telephone call. There are legal options a bookkeeper can use, if you have problems with a consistent late or non-payer, and they can help to clear up the issue before the matter ends up in a claims court proceeding.
SOLE TRADER'S BOOKKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
There are some fairly basic bookkeeping requirements for sole traders, which are set out in law. A sole trader is required to keep records of expenditure and income on a monthly basis and save all receipts and invoices. Whilst this might at first sound simple it is still recommended that you retain the expert services of a bookkeeping company. When working through your Self-Assessment tax returns, a professional sole trader bookkeeper in Market Harborough will be happy to advise you on what your genuine business expenses are, and claim these back from HMRC every year. This may include printer ink, bills and rent if you work from home, items such as laptops, stationery and advertising expenses. If you would like to get more detailed advice, and see how your business can grow and develop in the future, chat to your local bookkeeper.
ONLINE TRADERS IN MARKET HARBOROUGH
There are niches in bookkeeping where a specialist may be required. For instance, if you run an online store, you will be wise to employ a bookkeeper in Market Harborough who understands international and cross-border taxes, exchange rate transfers, multi-currency processing and online payment procedures. If the same shop sells goods that you hold or produce, then supervising your stock on a 24 hours a day basis is a vital concern, as I'm sure you'll be aware the internet does not sleep, so neither should your bookkeeping services and software.
In combination with bookkeeping service, it is also possible to establish a remote virtual office. This enables a sole trader or online only business to provide a physical connection to their buyers, via a postal address and telephone service. It's certainly worth discussing this possibility if it's required, although not all Market Harborough bookkeeping companies will supply this option.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
Many of the qualifications in the field of bookkeeping are at Diploma and Certificate level, and a professional bookkeeper in Market Harborough need not have a degree. If the preferred route to qualification is via further education universities and colleges, this is still a possibility, whereas there there are an ever-growing selection of bookkeeping courses available online.
Certification and training for bookkeepers is mostly provided by two organisations:
The AAT or Association of Accounting Technicians: With fully certified members being able to use the letters AATQB, the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) provides advanced qualifications and a training schedule. They can then become accredited AAT bookkeepers, backed up by this respected association, which guarantees a certain level of service for their clients. To protect the trustworthiness of the AAT membership, an AAT bookkeeper can be subject to tribunal and disciplinary procedures if a complaint is filed against them or they are found to have broken the code of conduct.
The ICB or Institute of Certified Bookkeepers: Keeping their members current with the latest trends and developments, the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is the largest organisation of its kind anywhere in the world, providing accreditation to certified bookkeepers, along with training and reference material.
It's possible to check the qualifications of any bookkeeper on the register of ICB or ATT members on their respective websites. Prior to employing the services of any bookkeeping company in Market Harborough, it's definitely a wise idea to perform these necessary checks.
VAT Returns by a Bookkeeper in Market Harborough
For small business owners in Market Harborough who wish to stay on top of their tax obligations while minimizing administrative tasks, outsourcing VAT return preparation to a bookkeeper may be a wise decision. A bookkeeper can take care of all aspects of your VAT return, including calculating the amount of VAT you owe or are owed, preparing and submitting your return to HMRC, and keeping accurate records of your transactions. On top of that, a local bookkeeper can supply you with valuable insights on how to decrease your VAT responsibility and guarantee that you are claiming all the admissible VAT that you are entitled to. By enlisting the aid of a bookkeeper, you can relax with the knowledge that your VAT returns are being managed with efficiency and precision, enabling you to dedicate more time to expanding your business in Market Harborough. A bookkeeper can offer a cost-effective option as it can help you avoid any HMRC penalties or fines resulting from inaccurate VAT returns or late submissions, potentially saving you a considerable amount of money in the long term. In conclusion, in Market Harborough, hiring a bookkeeper can provide small business owners with an economical, dependable, and efficient solution for managing their VAT returns, allowing them to stay compliant with tax regulations, decrease their tax liability, and dedicate more time to growing their business.
Cash Flow Analysis
Any business must utilise cash flow analysis as a vital tool to assess its financial health. One of the significant duties of a bookkeeper is to carry out a cash flow analysis for a company. To do this, it is necessary to track the inflow and outflow of cash for the business over a set time frame, generally a month or a quarter. The bookkeeper can support the businessperson in understanding their current financial standing, identifying any cash flow issues, and preparing for the future by doing so.
By categorizing and reconciling all cash transactions, such as investments, expenses and sales, in the analysis, the bookkeeper creates a clear picture of the company's financial health. It can also involve forecasting cash flow for the coming months or years to help the business make informed decisions and avoid cash flow problems in the future.
What's more, lenders may be more inclined to provide financing if a company's cash flow analysis demonstrates that it has the ability to pay back the loan. Any company that desires to manage their finances effectively must have an accurate and complete cash flow analysis as a vital tool.
Using a Bookkeeper for Tax Returns
If you're self-employed or have a small business in the UK, you may be required to file a self-assessment tax return. The task can be daunting, especially for those who are not familiar with the process. A qualified bookkeeper can help you to keep your records organised and prepare your tax return accurately and on time.
There are several benefits to employing a bookkeeper for your tax returns. With their experience and expertise, they will make sure that your return is completed correctly. This will help you avoid interest charges from HMRC, as well as penalties. Secondly, bookkeepers can save you a lot of time and effort. All of the calculations and paperwork will be taken care of by them, so you can concentrate on the running of your business. Third, valuable advice on tax planning can be provided by bookkeepers in Market Harborough. This can enable you to minimise your tax liability and maximise your profits. (70193)
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Bookkeepers Near Market Harborough
Also find: Stoke Albany bookkeepers, Foxton bookkeepers, Sibbertoft bookkeepers, Ashley bookkeepers, Little Bowden bookkeepers, East Farndon bookkeepers, Wilbarston bookkeepers, Dingley bookkeepers, Theddingworth bookkeepers, Great Bowden bookkeepers, Braybrooke bookkeepers, Clipston bookkeepers, Marston Thrussell bookkeepers, Great Oxendon bookkeepers, Lubenham bookkeepers and more. Most of these localities has access to local bookkeepers. This accessibility ensures that individuals and businesses alike can easily find the financial support they need to manage their accounts successfully. For bookkeeping price quotes, residents and businesses in the area simply need to click here
Market Harborough Bookkeeper Tasks
Most Market Harborough bookkeepers will be prepared to provide you with the following bookkeeping and accounting services: bookkeeping services for pubs, bookkeeping services, bookkeeping services for organisations, assistance with registering for self-employment in Market Harborough, bank reconciliations, invoice processing, professional bookkeeping services Market Harborough, corporation tax returns in Market Harborough, charity bookkeeping Market Harborough, bookkeeping for clubs, general bookkeeping services, Quickbook bookkeeping, bookkeeping and accounting, profit & loss reports, letting agent bookkeeping in Market Harborough, off-site bookkeeping Market Harborough, personal tax returns, small business bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, bookkeeping for home-based businesses, bookkeeping for small business Market Harborough, company cash books, tax preparation Market Harborough, double-entry bookkeeping Market Harborough, bookkeeping services for retail outlets in Market Harborough, small business tax returns, bookkeeping rates, maintaining fixed asset registers in Market Harborough, franchise bookkeeping, payment services Market Harborough, and more. Listed are just a selection of the activities that are carried out by local bookkeepers. Market Harborough professionals will be happy to inform you of their whole range of bookkeeping services. If there are different Market Harborough bookkeeper requirements that you need but cannot see here, you should list them on the QUOTE FORM provided. We'll get back to you with details as soon as we can.
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