Bookkeepers Sidmouth Devon (EX10) Area: Irrespective of whether you operate an online store, are a sole trader or own a small business in Sidmouth, you are responsible for maintaining accurate, "true and fair" financial and accounting records for at least six years to comply with the Companies Act. Failing to produce such records could leave you facing a hefty fine and potential disqualification as a Company Director. There's a large investment of time involved with preparing such financial records on your own behalf, and it's often more cost-effective to use a professional accountant or bookkeeping company, especially if you consider that according to the trade magazine Accounting Today over forty percent of small business owners spend 80 plus hours each year on their bookkeeping.
If the very thought of preparing profit, loss and financial statements, tracking liabilities and assets, writing out ledgers or producing balance sheets brings you feelings of panic, then it's high time to contact a bookkeeper in Sidmouth for help and advice.
BOOKKEEPER OR ACCOUNTANT?
For many business owners in Sidmouth, an obvious question when facing this challenge is "What is the difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper?" The truth is that while in the past a lot of accountants considered the task of bookkeeping to be beneath their skill set, experience and qualifications, a lot of accountancy firms in the Sidmouth area will now undertake bookkeeping, because of substantial improvements in software over the past 10 yrs. To keep their bookkeeping services in step with an independent bookkeeper's fee, it's now fairly common for accountancy companies to charge a fixed rate for these services. Business owners in Sidmouth are now benefiting from this, since it gives a wider range of competition within the marketplace and can make bookkeeping far more manageable than it would previously have been.
The level of qualification and training required is the main difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper. An accountant will, at the minimum, hold an accounting degree, and will have also had additional training in financial and business management, and taxes. Whilst having a good understanding of these procedures, a bookkeeper in Sidmouth may not have the same levels of experience and training, or hold these qualifications.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BOOKKEEPER
In the simplest of terms, bookkeeping involves the logging of daily transactions (financial) of any business enterprise in Sidmouth. This could include, but is not limited to;
- Making sure that double-entry bookkeeping and accounting practices are followed.
- Logging of all financial incomings; including electronic, card and cash payments.
- Payroll services.
- Highlighting and rectifying any discrepancies in the financial accounts.
- Logging the receipt of invoices and making certain payment is completed by the due date.
- Monthly reconciliations and reporting.
- Billing of customers for work completed or goods.
- VAT submissions and recording.
Based upon service level you require, e.g. you are in a position to carry out the larger part of your bookkeeping work; a professional bookkeeper might just be necessary for double-checking your records every once in a while. This should really be done monthly as a bare minimum, as this will allow any problems or mistakes to be uncovered and amended swiftly. If you're confident of keeping up-to-date with your day by day financial transactions and trading, this trade-off can sometimes be the most affordable option.
Whatever your situation, if you are seriously considering hiring a bookkeeper in Sidmouth, it is fairly likely that you may be getting stressed about the financial recording aspects of your small business. Offering advice on everything from invoicing, stocktaking and creating expense reports, a good bookkeeping company will also be able to help you link your business accounts with the most suitable software program to facilitate the seamless processing of all your business's data.
The reconciliation of cash flow with accounts payable is one of the most crucial elements of a good bookkeeping service. Which means that your bookkeeper will schedule bill payments to times when your accounts are buoyant, instead of paying an outstanding bill straight away, or waiting for a final notice, which a lot of small businesses are guilty of doing. This is not merely to make sure that your business is on a good financial footing all the time, but also to keep you in the good books of those people who supply your services or materials. This is a juggling act that you may find tricky to perform on your own when you are firmly focussed on the smooth running of your business.
Having someone who is unconnected to the business cast an eagle eye over your financial transactions, is another added benefit of employing a certified bookkeeper in Sidmouth for your small business or if you are a sole trader. Business trends and patterns that might have otherwise gone unnoticed may be pinpointed by this sort of nonpartisan evaluation. It's not at all unheard of for an astute bookkeeper to flag an area of the business which is dropping off in profits, or spot a brand new opportunity that could be lucrative. It's important for driving the growth of any small business in Sidmouth, to spot such KPI's (key performance indicators).
If you send out invoices in your business operations, needing to chase up a late payment can be fairly humiliating. If that phone call or visit to your clients is done by an individual outside your business situation, it is possible for most of that apprehension to be taken away. There are legal procedures a bookkeeper can use, if you have problems with a repeating late payer, and they can help to resolve the situation before the matter winds up in a claims court.
SOLE TRADER'S BOOKKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
The legal requirements for bookkeeping if you are a sole trader, are reasonably straightforward and simple. Sole traders are expected to keep track of income and expenditure from month to month and retain all receipts and invoices. It is still a wise move to hire the expert services of a bookkeeper, even though this might at first sound simple. So that you'll be able to claim back valid business expenses from HMRC, a specialist sole trader bookkeeper in Sidmouth will be happy to advise you on what you need to do. This may include advertising, printer ink, stationery goods, items such as laptops and rent and bills if working from home. Talk to your bookkeeper for more detailed advice and discover how they may be able to help your small business grow.
BOOKKEEPING FOR ONLINE TRADERS
Certain businesses that operate in niche areas, might need to employ a specialist bookkeeper. You will require a bookkeeper in Sidmouth who understands multi-currency processing, online payments, exchange rate transfers and international and cross-border taxes, if you run an online store for instance. Controlling your inventory on a 24/7 basis is also a huge concern, if that same shop sells goods that you hold or produce, after all the internet never sleeps, so nor should your bookkeeping services and software.
In combination with bookkeeping services, a remote virtual office can also be supplied. This is handy in allowing an online only business or sole trader to have a telephone service and postal address to offer a physical link with their customer base. Not all Sidmouth bookkeeping businesses will be willing to supply this option, however it is worthwhile talking about the possibilities if it is required.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
Many of the bookkeeping qualifications are at Certificate and Diploma level, and it's not necessary for a certified bookkeeper in Sidmouth to hold a degree in accounting. Although there is an ever-growing variety of online courses available, bookkeeping qualifications can still be obtained through further education colleges and universities, if that's the preferred route.
Certification and training for bookkeepers is mostly provided by two major organisations:
The AAT or Association of Accounting Technicians: Entitled to use the letters AATQB after their name, a certified member of the AAT or Association of Accounting Technicians will have completed advanced qualifications and training in bookkeeping practice. They are then permitted to become accredited AAT bookkeepers, which guarantees their clients a minimum standard of service which is backed up by the association. To protect the integrity and values of the AAT, if a bookkeeper who's affiliated with the AAT has a complaint filed against them or is found to have breached the code of conduct they can be liable to tribunal and disciplinary procedures.
The ICB or Institute of Certified Bookkeepers: Offering accreditation to certified bookkeepers, along with training and reference material to ensure their members are current with the latest trends, the ICB or Institute of Certified Bookkeepers is the largest organisation anywhere in the world.
By visiting their respective websites, it is possible to check the accreditations of any bookkeeper in Sidmouth on the register of AAT or ICB members. It is recommended that you perform this check, before you hire any local bookkeeper in Sidmouth.
Bookkeeping services are available for people living in in Sidmouth and also in nearby places like: Woolbrook, Colaton Raleigh, Bicton, Salcombe Regis, Sidford, Whimple, Bowd, Weston, Newton Poppleford, Stowford, Seaton, Branscombe, Farway, Aylesbeare, Otterton, Ottery St Mary, Pinn, and also in these postcode areas: EX10 8BN, EX10 8LF, EX10 8NE, EX10 8EF, EX10 8BR, EX10 1TQ, EX10 8HF, EX10 8EE, EX10 8DW, EX10 8LJ. Local Sidmouth bookkeeper services will likely have the postcode EX10 and the telephone code 01395. Checking this will ensure you access local bookkeepers. Sidmouth sole traders and business owners are able to benefit from these and many other comparable services.
Year-End Tax Return Preparation
A bookkeeper helps streamline year-end tax return preparation by organising records in advance. They'll check transactions for accuracy, confirm reconciliations, and tidy up errors found during review. Income and expense totals are verified so nothing is overlooked. Part of the process involves keeping clear supporting documentation ready for any HMRC questions. This helps avoid unnecessary complications. Once the review is complete, the bookkeeper prepares tidy summaries ready for the next stage. This careful preparation reduces stress and gives business owners confidence as deadlines approach. (Tags: Year-End Tax Return Preparation Sidmouth)
Sales and Purchase Ledger Management
When a bookkeeper oversees sales and purchase ledgers, it creates clarity across financial records. Sales invoices are entered as they're raised, payments are matched correctly, and overdue balances are easy to identify. Purchase invoices are logged, checked for errors, and tracked through to payment. Maintaining organised ledgers also supports audits or compliance checks when documentation is required. This makes reviews more straightforward. Keeping both ledgers accurate reduces stress and saves time. Business owners benefit from knowing their financial information is reliable and ready when needed. (Tags: Sales and Purchase Ledger Management Sidmouth)
What Are the Main Advantages of Using a Bookkeeper in Sidmouth Instead of an Accountant?
There are a few benefits to using a bookkeeper rather than an accountant, including:
- Specialisation: Bookkeepers have got a more focused expertise in day-to-day financial record-keeping and transaction management, leading to greater effectiveness and efficiency in such tasks.
- Availability: Bookkeepers are normally more accessible and ready to provide support and answer questions in comparison to an accountant, who may sometimes be difficult to reach.
- Time Savings: By choosing to outsource their bookkeeping tasks, small business owners can save a bit of time and focus on other areas of their business, like sales and marketing.
- Customisable Services: Bookkeepers often provide customised services that are tailored to a business's specific needs, whereby accountants whose approach may be more general.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Bookkeeping services are frequently more cost-efficient in comparison to accounting services, which makes them a good choice for small businesses, startups and sole traders looking to save on expenditure.
It's vital to note that although bookkeepers offer valuable support, they may not have quite the same level of expertise or qualifications as an accountant in aspects such tax preparation or financial planning. In these cases, seeking the specialised services of an accountant might become necessary.
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. This task requires monitoring the cash flow in and out of the business over a set time frame, usually a quarter or a month. Helping the business owner to comprehend their present financial status, identify cash flow problems, and plan for the future is among the bookkeeper's duties.
By categorizing and reconciling all cash transactions, such as sales, expenses and investments, in the analysis, the bookkeeper creates a clear picture of the company's financial health. Estimating the company's cash flow for the next few months or years is a vital component of the analysis and helps the company make informed decisions whilst avoiding potential cash flow issues.
A bookkeeper can also suggest ways to enhance the company's cash flow, like streamlining payment methods or tweaking pricing schemes. What's more, the analysis of cash flow can assist businesses in obtaining loans by presenting lenders with a precise idea of their financial stability and ability to repay. For businesses that want to manage their finances effectively, an accurate and thorough cash flow analysis is essential.
Bookkeeping Sidmouth - Outsourcing Options
All businesses in Sidmouth should understand the significance of bookkeeping. It helps business people monitor their payables/receivables, the total value of their assets and liabilities, the money left in their bank account, and more. With the owner of the business having to handle the issues and concerns of operating a business, the task of undertaking the bookkeeping is sometimes outsourced to a bookkeeping company or freelance bookkeepers in Sidmouth.

If a company in Sidmouth hires a bookkeeper in order to become an employee, the company will be required to commit a considerable amount of money in training the individual for the purpose of performing the bookkeeping tasks. On top of that, there's no guarantee that the person will stay after the training is finished. In that case, the company will lose a substantial sum of money. Apart from that, businesses will need to look for solutions to offer incentives and benefits to keep the fully trained employee in house. These are a few of the reasons behind businesses enlisting the services of professional bookkeepers and bookkeeping companies in Sidmouth.
Bookkeeping Tasks

Most Sidmouth bookkeepers will be able to provide you with the following accounting and bookkeeping services: bookkeeping services for pubs, bookkeeping services for self-employed, wages & PAYE, franchise bookkeeping, professional bookkeeping services, bookkeeping for organisations in Sidmouth, bank & credit card reconciliations, bookkeeping services, bookkeeping services for charities, Self-Assessment tax returns, small business tax returns, Kashflow bookkeeping services, corporation tax returns, company cash books in Sidmouth, mobile bookkeeping services, tax return preparation, bookkeeping for small business, charity bookkeeping Sidmouth, profit & loss reports, invoicing customers & tracking payments, maintaining fixed asset registers, processing supplier bills & payments, bookkeeping for sole traders, landlord bookkeeping, payment services, Quickbook bookkeeping, and more. These are just a selection of the activities that are performed by local bookkeepers. Sidmouth providers will be happy to tell you about their entire range of services. If there happen to be some other Sidmouth bookkeeper requirements that you want but cannot see here, you should list them on the QUOTE FORM provided. We'll be in touch with details just as soon as we are able.
Bookkeepers in Nearby Areas
Also find: Colaton Raleigh bookkeepers, Otterton bookkeepers, Stowford bookkeepers, Whimple bookkeepers, Pinn bookkeepers, Seaton bookkeepers, Salcombe Regis bookkeepers, Sidford bookkeepers, Branscombe bookkeepers, Aylesbeare bookkeepers, Farway bookkeepers, Ottery St Mary bookkeepers, Bicton bookkeepers, Weston bookkeepers, Woolbrook bookkeepers, Newton Poppleford bookkeepers, Bowd bookkeeper and more. The majority of these towns and villages are served by local bookeepers. Sidmouth businesses can get rates for bookkeeping services by clicking here.
Bookkeeping Services Sidmouth
- Bookkeeping Price Quotes
- Profit and Loss Reports
- Self-Assessment Tax Returns
- Cheap Bookkeeping
- PAYE and Wages
- Double-Entry Bookkeeping
- Small Business Bookkeeping
- Payroll Services
- VAT Returns
- Cash Flow Solutions
- Tax Preparation
- Credit Control
- Bank Reconciliations
- Sole Trader 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: Business startup advice and support in Sidmouth. Bank and credit card reconciliation in Sidmouth. Budget preparation and analysis in Sidmouth. Cash flow management in Sidmouth. Accounts payable management in Sidmouth. Bookkeeping clean-up in Sidmouth. Management reporting in Sidmouth. Accounts receivable management in Sidmouth. General ledger maintenance in Sidmouth.
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Bookkeepers in EX10 area, (dialling code 01395).
Bookkeepers EX10 - Bookkeeping Accountants - Bookkeepers Sidmouth - Bookkeeping Sidmouth - Tax Returns - Sole Trader Bookkeeping Sidmouth - Kashflow Bookkeeping - Bookkeepers Near Me - Cheap Bookkeeping Sidmouth



