Bookkeepers Sevenoaks Kent (TN13) Area: In compliance with the 2006 Companies Act, if you operate a small business, run an online store or are a sole trader in Sevenoaks, you're responsible for keeping "true and fair", accurate accounting and financial records for at least six years. Failure to produce such records may leave you facing thousands of pounds in fines and potentially Company Director disqualification. There's a large time investment involved with maintaining these financial recordings yourself, and it can be more cost-effective to use a professional bookkeeper or accountant, especially when you consider the fact that according to Accounting Today magazine over 40% of small businesses spend eighty hours plus per year on their accounts.
It is high time to contact a bookkeeper in Sevenoaks for guidance and advice, if the idea of compiling balance sheets, creating profit, loss and financial statements, filling out ledgers or tracking liabilities and assets fills you with dread.
BOOKKEEPER OR ACCOUNTANT?
A common query that's asked by many people in Sevenoaks is "Precisely what is the distinction between a bookkeeper and an accountant?" In former days it was normally considered to be to be beneath the skill-sets, experience and qualifications of an accountant to do bookkeeping, however because of software developments over the past decade or so, many bookkeeping tasks will now be taken on by accountancy firms in Sevenoaks. Many accountancy firms now charge a set fee for bookkeeping services, to keep them consistent with what a dedicated bookkeeper in Sevenoaks would usually charge. As it gives a greater variety of competition within the marketplace, this is fantastic news for small businesses in Sevenoaks, making their bookkeeping much more affordable than it previously was.
The big difference of an accountant over a bookkeeper is the level of training that is needed. At least an accounting degree with further training in the field of taxes and other financial and business management, will usually be held by an accountant. While bookkeepers in Sevenoaks will definitely have a fair grasp of these disciplines, they might not have the same levels of experience and training in this field, or hold these qualifications.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BOOKKEEPER
Essentially, the bookkeeping process is the recording of the daily transactions (financial) of any business enterprise in Sevenoaks. This will include, but is not limited to;
- Logging the receipt of invoices and making sure that payment is completed by the due date.
- Monthly reconciliation and reports.
- Highlighting any discrepancies in financial accounts and rectifying them.
- Payroll services.
- Ensuring double-entry bookkeeping and accounting practices are followed at all times.
- Logging of all financial incomings; electronic, card and cash payments included.
- VAT recording and submissions.
- Billing of customers for goods or work completed.
Based upon the level of service you require, a professional bookkeeper might only be needed to double check your records on a set schedule, if you are willing to perform most of your own bookkeeping work. At the bare minimum this should really be each month, to enable the swift identification and correcting of any problems or mistakes. If you are confident of staying in control of your day by day financial transactions and trading activities, this trade-off can sometimes be the most affordable solution.
Whatever the scenario is with your small business, if you're seriously thinking of hiring a bookkeeper in Sevenoaks, it's fairly likely that you might be struggling with the process of financial records and tax returns. Offering advice on everything from invoicing, stocktaking and preparing expense reports, a good bookkeeping service will also be able to guide you through the process of linking your business accounts with the latest software program to facilitate the seamless processing of your business's data.
One of the most vital aspects of good bookkeeping, is being able to effectively reconcile cash flow with accounts payable. Which means that rather than waiting for a final notice, which many small businesses in Sevenoaks are guilty of, or paying a bill straight away, your bookkeeper will organise the payment of bills to a time when your accounts are in good order. Along with keeping your business enterprise on a secure financial footing, this also maintains your reputation with your service providers and suppliers. This is a balancing act that you may find challenging to perform as an individual when you're inevitably focussed on the smooth running of your business.
Having a person who is not connected to the business cast a critical eye over your financial dealings, is another added advantage of using a competent bookkeeper in Sevenoaks if you are a sole trader, or for your small business. Business patterns and trends that might have gone unnoticed might be highlighted by this kind of objective appraisal. It isn't uncommon for a bookkeeper to spot a new opportunity or flag an area which is plummeting in profits. It is essential for enabling growth in any business enterprise in Sevenoaks, to spot such key performance indicators (KPI's).
If invoices are sent out by your business it can often be embarrassing to pursue a late payment. By having a person outside your business situation make that phone call or visit to your customer, some of that awkwardness can be eliminated. If you've got problems with a consistent late or non-payer there are legal options that a bookkeeper can use to help resolve the issue before the matter ends up in claims court proceedings.
SOLE TRADER'S BOOKKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
The bookkeeping requirements for a sole trader, as laid out by law, are quite uncomplicated and easily understood. It's stated that a sole trader must monitor income and expenditure from month to month and retain all invoices and receipts. Even though this may initially sound quite easy, retaining the services of a bookkeeping company is still a wise move. When preparing your Self-Assessment tax returns, a dedicated sole trader bookkeeper in Sevenoaks will be able to advise you on what your valid business expenses are, and make certain these are claimed back from HMRC. This might include stationery goods, items such as computers, advertising expenses, printer ink and bills and rent if you work from home. Speak to your bookkeeper for more detailed advice and learn how they can help your business to grow.
BOOKKEEPING FOR ONLINE TRADERS IN SEVENOAKS
There are certain business niches where a specialist bookkeeper could be necessary. If, for instance, you run an online store, you'll require a bookkeeper in Sevenoaks who understands multi-currency processing, exchange rate transfers, cross-border and international taxes and online payment procedures. Since the internet does not sleep, if the same store sells goods that you hold or produce then monitoring your stock on a 24/7 basis is a crucial priority which will need to be addressed.
A remote virtual office can also be supplied together with your bookkeeping service. This is useful in enabling an online only business or sole trader to have a postal address and telephone service to offer a physical link with their customer base. Although this option may not be supplied by all Sevenoaks bookkeepers, it is certainly worth talking about the possibilities if this is something which is needed.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
A number of the bookkeeping qualifications are at Certificate and Diploma level, and it isn't necessary for a professional Sevenoaks bookkeeper to have a degree in accounting. Bookkeeping qualifications can be gained through further education colleges and universities but there are also a selection of online courses available.
There are 2 main certification and training organisations representing bookkeepers:
The Association of Accounting Technicians or AAT: Providing a training schedule with advanced qualifications, the AAT or Association of Accounting Technicians, allows a fully trained bookkeeper to use the letters AATQB after their name. This promises a high level of service to their clients which is backed by the organisation, and entitles them to become a registered AAT bookkeeper. To preserve the credibility of the AAT, if a bookkeeper who is a member of the AAT is found to have breached the code of conduct or has a complaint against them, they will be subject to tribunal and disciplinary procedures.
The ICB or Institute of Certified Bookkeepers: Keeping their associated members up-to-date with the latest trends, the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is the largest organisation anywhere in the world, providing accreditation to certified bookkeepers, together with reference material and training.
It's possible to check the qualifications of any professional Sevenoaks bookkeeper on the register of ICB or ATT members on their respective websites. Before hiring any bookkeeper in Sevenoaks it's advised to carry out this check.
Bookkeeping services are available in Sevenoaks and also nearby in: Godden Green, Shoreham, Stone Street, Oldbury, Otford, Cudham, Westerham, Halstead, Shipbourne, Kemsing, Ide Hill, Dunton Green, Knockholt, Twitton, Ightham, Chipstead, Brasted, Sundridge, and also in these postcode areas: TN13 1PJ, TN13 1PQ, TN13 1GF, TN13 1BD, TN13 1SY, TN13 1HD, TN13 1BA, TN13 1LU, TN13 1SL, TN13 1PL. Locally based Sevenoaks Bookkeepers will probably have the postcode TN13 and the dialling code 01732. Checking this out can ensure that you're accessing local bookkeepers. Sevenoaks sole traders and business owners will be able to benefit from these and numerous other related services.
Sales and Purchase Ledger Management
A bookkeeper overseeing sales and purchase ledgers helps keep finances organised and under control. Sales invoices are recorded accurately, payments are applied to the right accounts, and overdue amounts are flagged early. Supplier invoices are logged as they arrive, verified, and followed through to payment. One important consideration is data security and access controls, making sure only authorised users can view or edit records. This helps safeguard sensitive details. Keeping both ledgers updated gives business owners a clearer view of cash flow. It also prevents small admin issues from turning into larger financial problems over time. (Tags: Sales and Purchase Ledger Management Sevenoaks)
Year-End Tax Return Preparation
A bookkeeper plays a key role in year-end tax return preparation by bringing order to a year's worth of records. They'll go through income, costs, and payments to confirm nothing has been missed or misposted. Bank reconciliations are reviewed, and totals are checked for consistency. As part of this, they'll review expenses carefully, separating allowable claims from disallowed costs so the figures are accurate. This attention to detail helps prevent problems later on. Once everything is checked, the bookkeeper prepares clear schedules for the next stage of the tax return. Having this groundwork done properly saves time, reduces errors, and removes a lot of the pressure that builds as deadlines approach. (Tags: Year-End Tax Return Preparation Sevenoaks)
Bookkeeping Tasks

Most Sevenoaks bookkeepers will be able to offer you the following bookkeeping and accounting services: profit & loss reports, payroll processing & payslips, bookkeeping services for retail outlets, wages & PAYE in Sevenoaks, maintaining general ledgers, bank & credit card reconciliations, accountancy packages, cash flow analysis, recording day-to-day financial transactions, VAT record-keeping & VAT return preparation, tax returns, bookkeeping for small businesses, landlord bookkeeping, preparing balance sheet information for accountants, partnership returns, small business tax returns, bookkeeping services for limited companies, Quickbook bookkeeping, professional bookkeeping services, Xero bookkeeping, bookkeeping services for restaurants, mobile bookkeeping services, letting agent bookkeeping, Kashflow bookkeeping services, liaising with accountants & tax advisers, bookkeeping for home-based businesses, and more. These are just an example of the tasks that are handled by local bookkeepers. Sevenoaks companies will inform you of their whole range of services. If there are other Sevenoaks bookkeeper requirements that you need but can't see here, you can easily mention them on the QUOTE FORM provided. We'll be in touch with information as soon as we are able.
Bookkeepers in Nearby Areas
Also find: Otford bookkeepers, Oldbury bookkeepers, Dunton Green bookkeepers, Shipbourne bookkeepers, Ide Hill bookkeepers, Shoreham bookkeepers, Twitton bookkeepers, Cudham bookkeepers, Halstead bookkeepers, Westerham bookkeepers, Ightham bookkeepers, Brasted bookkeepers, Knockholt bookkeepers, Godden Green bookkeepers, Chipstead bookkeepers, Stone Street bookkeepers, Kemsing bookkeepers, Sundridge bookkeeper and more. The majority of these towns and villages are catered for by local bookeepers. Sevenoaks businesses and traders can get rates for bookkeeping services by clicking here.
Bookkeeping Services Sevenoaks
- VAT Returns
- Self-Assessment Bookkeeping
- Cheap Bookkeeping
- Payroll Services
- Tax Preparation
- Cash Flow Solutions
- PAYE Wages and CIS
- Self-Assessment Returns
- Bank Reconciliations
- Credit Control
- Bookkeeping Services
- Double-Entry Bookkeeping
- Bookkeeping Estimates
- Small Business Bookkeeping
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: Bank and credit card reconciliation in Sevenoaks. Accounts receivable management in Sevenoaks. Accounts payable management in Sevenoaks. Business startup advice and support in Sevenoaks. Cash flow management in Sevenoaks. Budget preparation and analysis in Sevenoaks. General ledger maintenance in Sevenoaks. Bookkeeping clean-up in Sevenoaks. Management reporting in Sevenoaks.
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Bookkeeping SevenoaksBookkeepers in TN13 area, (dialling code 01732).
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