Bookkeepers Sittingbourne

Bookkeepers Sittingbourne Kent (ME9): For anyone in Sittingbourne who operates a small business, acts as a sole trader or runs an online store, it's their sole responsibility to keep "true and fair", accurate financial and accounting records for at least 6 years. This is outlined by the 2006 Companies Act. If you can't produce such records, you could be disqualified as a Company Director and face thousands of pounds in fines. There's a large time investment involved with keeping these financial recordings on your own behalf, and it can be more economical to use a professional accountant or bookkeeper, because according to Accounting Today over 40% of small business owners spend eighty hours plus per year doing their bookkeeping activities.

It is time to get in touch with a bookkeeper in Sittingbourne for guidance, if the very thought of preparing profit, loss and fiscal reports, tracking liabilities and assets, compiling balance sheets or filling out ledgers fills you with dread.

The very first question many folks ask is "What exactly is the distinction between an accountant and a bookkeeper?" The fact is that whilst at one time the bookkeeping process, was considered beneath the skill-sets, qualifications and experience of an accountant, because of software improvements over the past decade, most accountancy companies in the Sittingbourne area will now consider taking on bookkeeping tasks. A lot of accounting firms now have a flat rate for bookkeeping services, to keep them in line with what a dedicated bookkeeper in Sittingbourne would routinely charge. Business owners in Sittingbourne are now cashing in on this, since it gives a wider variety of competition within the industry and can make bookkeeping much more manageable than it would have been in the past.

The big difference of an accountant over a bookkeeper is the amount of qualification and training required. An accountant will, at a minimum, hold a degree in accounting, and should have also had additional training in business and financial management, and taxes. A bookkeeper in Sittingbourne might not necessarily hold the qualifications or levels of training and experience, but will still have a good grasp of these fiscal procedures.

Essentially, the bookkeeping process is to record the day by day fiscal transactions of any business in Sittingbourne. This is likely to include, but is in no way limited to;

• Monthly reconciliation and reports.
• Payroll services.
• Recording invoices received and ensuring payment is completed on time.
• VAT recording and submissions.
• Logging of all financial incomings; cash, electronic and card payments included.
• The billing of customers for work completed or goods.
• Making sure that accounting and double-entry bookkeeping practices are followed.
• Highlighting and rectifying any discrepancies in the financial accounts.

Depending on service level you're looking for, e.g. you're in a position to perform a large majority of bookkeeping work; a professional bookkeeper might only be necessary for double-checking your accounts every once in a while. To make certain that any problems or mistakes can be found and corrected promptly, as a bare minimum, this should be from month to month. If you are confident of keeping on top of your day by day financial transactions and trading activities, this trade-off can sometimes be the most affordable compromise.

It's fairly likely that if you're considering hiring a bookkeeping company, you are currently having problems with the financial recording side of your small business in Sittingbourne. To enable the seamless organisation of transactional data, a professional bookkeeper will help you link the most suitable computer software to your business accounts, and will give advice on procedures like preparing expense reports, stocktaking and invoicing.

Being able to reconcile accounts payable with cash flow, is an especially crucial element of good bookkeeping. This means that by optimising bill payments to a time when your finances are in good shape and buoyant, your bookkeeper will avoid the mistake that most small businesses in Sittingbourne are guilty of doing i.e. paying off a bill straight away, or waiting for an overdue notice. This isn't just to make sure that your business is financially secure all the time, but also to keep you in good stead with those who supply your materials or services. This is a juggling act that you may find hard to perform as an individual when you are primarily focussed on running your company.

If you're a sole trader, or run a small business, employing an experienced bookkeeper in Sittingbourne, also gives them the chance to cast an unrelated eye over the financial dealings of your business. Business trends and patterns that might have gone unnoticed may be pinpointed by this kind of objective assessment. It's not unusual for a bookkeeper to recognise a new opportunity or flag an area of the business which is falling in profits. For the success of any small business in Sittingbourne, it is essential that such key performance indicators (KPI's) are spotted early.

If you send out invoices in your business operations, having to chase up a late payment can be quite humiliating. If that visit to your customer or telephone call is done by someone outside your business situation, it's possible for some of that awkwardness to be taken away. If you've got a persistent late payer there are legal techniques a professional bookkeeper can use to help resolve the situation before the issue ends up in a claims court proceeding.

If you're a sole trader the bookkeeping requirements, as set out in law, start off comparatively straightforward. It's stipulated that sole traders must monitor income and expenditure on a monthly basis and save all invoices and receipts. Now, this does not seem too difficult does it? Yet, it's still a good idea to hire the services of a competent bookkeeper to ensure that it is all done accurately. A specialist sole trader bookkeeper in Sittingbourne will be able to advise you on what you may be able to claim back from HMRC as business expenses. This may include printer ink, items such as computing equipment, stationery, bills and rent if you work from home and promotional advertising. For more comprehensive advice, talk to your local bookkeeper, and discover how they may be able to help your small business to grow in the future.

There are certain niche areas in bookkeeping where the skills of a specialist could be necessary. If online payment procedures, exchange rate transfers, cross-border and international taxes and multi-currency processing are involved, for instance if you operate an online store, you will want to hire a bookkeeper in Sittingbourne who understands these operations. Controlling stock on a 24/7 basis is also a major priority, if the same shop sells goods that you produce or hold, after all the internet doesn't sleep, so nor should your bookkeeping software or services.

It is also possible to establish a virtual office, which can be used in combination with your bookkeeping package. This enables an online only business or sole trader to offer a physical link with their customers, via a postal address and telephone service. If this sort of service could be useful, it is certainly worth discussing, although this solution will not be supplied by all bookkeeping companies in Sittingbourne.

A number of the bookkeeping qualifications are at Certificate and Diploma level, and it isn't mandatory for a certified Sittingbourne bookkeeper to have an accounting degree. There are an ever-growing number of online courses available, although bookkeeping qualifications can still be gained via further education universities and colleges.

There are basically two primary organisations that provide certification and training for bookkeepers:

The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT): Able to use the letters AATQB after their name, a certified member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) will have undergone advanced qualifications and training in bookkeeping practice. This then permits them to become a accredited AAT bookkeeper and assures a certain standard of service which is backed by the association. If a bookkeeper who's associated with the AAT is found to have violated the code of practice or has a complaint filed against them, they can be liable to tribunal and disciplinary processes to protect the values and integrity of aat membership.

The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers or ICB: The largest bookkeeping organisation on the planet is the the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), and it supplies accreditation to bookkeepers, along with reference material and training to ensure their members are informed about the latest trends and developments.

The qualifications of any professional Sittingbourne bookkeeper can be checked on the register of AAT or ICB members on their websites. Before using the services of any professional bookkeeper in Sittingbourne it is strongly advised to carry out this check.

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Bookkeeping services are available for people living in in Sittingbourne and also in: Rodmersham, Kemsley, Milstead, Chestnut Street, Milton Regis, Borden, Rodmersham Green, Snipeshill, Bobbing, Bapchild, Oad Street, Highsted, Chalkwell, Upchurch, Tonge, Murston, and in these postcodes ME10 1QQ, ME10 1BF, ME10 1DG, ME10 1PH, ME10 1BX, ME10 1QY, ME10 1HE, ME10 1RL, ME10 1EJ, and ME10 1PY. Locally based Sittingbourne bookkeepers will probably have the postcode ME9 and the telephone dialling code 01795. Checking this will guarantee that you are accessing local bookkeepers. Sittingbourne sole traders and business owners are able to utilise these and numerous other related services.

What Are the Main Advantages of Using a Bookkeeper in Sittingbourne Over an Accountant?

The following are some reasons why you might choose to use a bookkeeper in Sittingbourne, as opposed to an accountant:

• Customisable Services: Bookkeepers can provide customised services that are tailored to a business's specific needs, whereby accountants whose approach may be more general.
• Specialisation: Bookkeepers tend to have a more focused expertise in day-to-day financial record-keeping and transaction management, leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness in such tasks.
• Accessibility: Bookkeepers are normally more available to provide support and answer questions on a regular basis than an accountant, who may only be available at certain times of the year.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Bookkeeping services are typically more cost-efficient in comparison to accounting services, which makes them a smart choice for sole traders, startups and small businesses looking to save on expenditure.
• Time Savings: By outsourcing their bookkeeping tasks, small business owners can save time and concentrate on other aspects of their business, for example sales and marketing.

It is important to note that whilst 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 cases like this, seeking the specialised services of an accountant may be essential.

Tax Returns

In the United Kingdom, self-employed people or those with small businesses may be required to file a self-assessment tax return. This task can be daunting, especially if you are not acquainted with the process. To keep your records organised and prepare your tax return on time and accurately, a qualified bookkeeper can help you.

Using a bookkeeper for your tax returns can be beneficial in a variety of ways. They'll have the experience and expertise to ensure that your return is completed correctly. This will help you avoid any problems with HMRC, such as penalties or interest charges. Secondly, bookkeepers can save you a lot of time and hassle. You can focus on your business while they take care of all of the calculations and paperwork. Thirdly, a bookkeeper in Sittingbourne can provide you with invaluable advice on tax planning. This enables you to minimise your tax liability and maximise your profits. (83543 - Tax Returns Sittingbourne)

Sittingbourne Bookkeeping Tasks

Most Sittingbourne bookkeepers will be willing to provide you with the following accounting and bookkeeping services: bookkeeping services for freelancers, VAT returns in Sittingbourne, bookkeeping services for self-employed people, Sage bookkeeping services in Sittingbourne, bookkeeping services, PAYE & wages, franchise bookkeeping services, cheap bookkeeping services, bank reconciliation in Sittingbourne, Self-Assessment tax returns in Sittingbourne, bookkeeping for clubs, company cash books, bookkeeping services for restaurants in Sittingbourne, management accounts, professional bookkeeping services, general bookkeeping services in Sittingbourne, off-site bookkeeping services, bookkeeping for charities, accounting and bookkeeping services, letting agent bookkeeping in Sittingbourne, tax returns, double-entry bookkeeping, maintaining fixed asset registers, Xero bookkeeping services, credit control, payment services, bookkeeping services for limited companies, business bookkeeping, invoice processing, bookkeeping for startups, and more. These are just a few of the duties that are performed by local bookkeepers. Sittingbourne companies will inform you of their full range of services. If there happen to be additional Sittingbourne 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 Near Sittingbourne

Also find: Upchurch bookkeepers, Bobbing bookkeepers, Rodmersham Green bookkeepers, Milton Regis bookkeepers, Rodmersham bookkeepers, Milstead bookkeepers, Kemsley bookkeepers, Oad Street bookkeepers, Chalkwell bookkeepers, Tonge bookkeepers, Bapchild bookkeepers, Chestnut Street bookkeepers, Snipeshill bookkeepers, Borden bookkeepers, Murston bookkeepers, Highsted bookkeepers and more. Individuals offering bookkeeping services serve all these places. Individuals and businesses are ensured easy access to the financial support necessary for successful account management through this accessibility. By clicking here, residents and businesses in the area can obtain quotes for bookkeeping.

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