Bookkeepers Wilmington Kent (DA2): Whether you operate an online store, are a sole trader or own a small business in Wilmington, you're entirely responsible for maintaining "true and fair", accurate financial and accounting records for at least 6 years according to the 2006 Companies Act. If you're unable to produce these records you might face thousands of pounds in fines and possible Company Director disqualification. According to the magazine Accounting Today over 40% of small business owners spend eighty hours plus annually on their bookkeeping activities, so although you can carry out these financial records yourself, it can be more economical to employ a professional bookkeeping company or accountant to do them for you.
If the thought of preparing profit, loss and financial statements, filling out ledgers, tracking liabilities and assets or compiling balance sheets fills you with terror, then it is time to contact a bookkeeper in Wilmington for advice and guidance.
BOOKKEEPER OR ACCOUNTANT?
What exactly is the distinction between a bookkeeper and an accountant is the first question that most people in Wilmington ask. The fact is that while in the past the bookkeeping process, was regarded as beneath the experience, skill set and qualifications of an accountant, because of tremendous software improvements over the past decade, many accountancy companies in Wilmington will now undertake bookkeeping. Most accounting companies now have a fixed fee for bookkeeping services, to keep them in line with what a dedicated bookkeeper in Wilmington would usually charge. This is fantastic news for business owners in Wilmington as it generates a wider range of competition within this sector and can make your bookkeeping costs more affordable than previously imagined.
When looking at the big difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant, it is the standard of training and qualification that is required for each of these disciplines. An accountant will, at the minimum, hold a degree in accounting, and will have also had specialist training in financial and business management, and taxes. Whilst having a really good understanding of such procedures, a bookkeeper in Wilmington may not necessarily have the qualifications or levels of training and experience.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BOOKKEEPER
The process of bookkeeping in the simplest of terms, is the recording of the day by day fiscal transactions of any business or enterprise in Wilmington. This is likely to include, but is by no means limited to;
- Monthly reporting and reconciliation.
- Highlighting any discrepancies in financial accounts and rectifying them.
- Logging of all financial incomings; including cash, electronic and card payments.
- The billing of clients for work completed or goods.
- Logging the receipt of invoices and ensuring payment is completed punctually.
- Payroll services.
- VAT recording and submissions.
- Making sure that double-entry bookkeeping and accounting practices are implemented.
If you are willing to carry out most of your bookkeeping work yourself; a bookkeeper may only be necessary for double-checking your records every once in a while. This should really be done each month as a bare minimum, as this allows for any problems or mistakes to be identified and rectified swiftly. If you're confident of staying on top of your day by day financial transactions and trading activities, this compromise can often be the most cost effective.
Whatever the scenario is with your company or business, if you are currently looking at hiring a bookkeeper in Wilmington, it is fairly likely that you might be stressed with the process of recording your financial transactions. Offering advice and guidance on everything from invoicing, producing expense reports and stocktaking, a professional bookkeeping company will also be able to help you link your business accounts with the most suitable computer software to enable the seamless processing of all your business's financial data.
One of the most vital aspects of good bookkeeping, is being able to successfully reconcile accounts payable with cash flow. This means that by optimising the payment of bills to times when your finances are in good order, your bookkeeper will avoid the thing that many small businesses in Wilmington are guilty of at some time or other i.e. paying an outstanding bill right away, or waiting for an overdue notice. In addition to keeping your business or enterprise on a secure financial footing, this also stands you in good stead with suppliers and companies who provide your business with services. When, as an individual, you are purely focussed on running your everyday business activities, this can be a juggling act that is tricky to accomplish.
If you are a sole trader, or run a small business, employing a qualified bookkeeper in Wilmington, also gives them the opportunity to cast an unrelated eye over the operation of your business. Business trends and patterns that might have gone unnoticed may be highlighted by this type of independent appraisal. It is by no means uncommon for an intelligent bookkeeper to flag up an area of the business which is dropping off in profits, or spot an opportunity that could prove worthwhile. For powering growth in any small business in Wilmington, it is important that these key performance indicators (KPI's) are spotted as early as possible.
If you send out invoices as part of your business operations, having to chase up late payments can be really uncomfortable. By having someone outside your normal business situation make that phone call or visit to your clients, some of that apprehension can be eliminated. To help take care of the issue, if you've got problems with a consistent late payer, there are legal solutions that can be made use of by a bookkeeper, so court proceedings can be averted.
SOLE TRADER'S BOOKKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
There are some comparatively straightforward bookkeeping requirements for sole traders, that are set out in law. Sole traders are expected to keep a record of income and expenditure from month to month and keep all invoices and receipts. Now, this does not seem that hard does it? But, it is still advisable to retain the services of a competent bookkeeper to ensure that it's all done correctly. So that you will be able to claim back all bonafide business expenses from HMRC, a dedicated sole trader bookkeeper in Wilmington can advise you on what you should do. This might include promotional advertising, consumables, stationery, items such as computing equipment and rent and bills if you work from home. If you'd like to get more in-depth advice, and learn how your business can grow and develop in the future, speak to your local bookkeeper.
ONLINE TRADERS
Certain businesses that work in niche areas, may need to retain the services of a specialised bookkeeper. If, for example, you manage an online store, you're going to require a bookkeeper in Wilmington who understands multi-currency processing, international and cross-border taxes, online payment procedures and exchange rate transfers. Given that the internet does not sleep, if that same store sells goods that you hold or produce then keeping track of your stock on a 24/7 basis is a huge concern which will have to be managed.
In combination with bookkeeping services, a remote virtual office can also be provided. This enables an online only business or sole trader to have a postal address and telephone service to offer a physical connection to their buyers. It's certainly worth discussing this possibility if it's required, although not all Wilmington bookkeeping businesses will provide this solution.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
A qualified bookkeeper in Wilmington need not hold a degree and a great many qualifications for the industry are at Diploma and Certificate level. If the chosen route to qualification is via further education colleges and universities, this is still a possibility, although there there is a range of bookkeeping courses available online.
There are two main training and certification organisations representing bookkeepers:
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB): The ICB or Institute of Certified Bookkeepers is the largest in the world and offers accreditation to bookkeepers, together with reference material and training to keep their members up-to-date with the latest trends.
The AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians): The Association of Accounting Technicians or AAT provides advanced qualifications and a training schedule entitling fully trained bookkeepers to use the letters AATQB. They are then entitled to become licensed AAT bookkeepers, which guarantees their clients a certain level of service which is backed up by the association. To protect the integrity of the AAT, if a bookkeeper who is a member of the AAT has a complaint against them or is found to have contravened the code of practice they will be subject to disciplinary and tribunal processes.
You are able to check the accreditations of any Wilmington bookkeeper on the register of AAT or ICB members on their websites. Undertaking these checks is generally a good idea before you actually hire any local bookkeeper in Wilmington.
What Are the Main Advantages of Using a Bookkeeper in Wilmington Instead of an Accountant?
There are several benefits to using a bookkeeper rather than an accountant, including:
- Time: By outsourcing bookkeeping, business owners can save a bit of time and concentrate on other vital aspects of their business like sales and marketing.
- Accessibility: Bookkeepers are normally more available to provide support and answer questions on a regular basis than an accountant, who might only be available at certain times.
- Cost: Bookkeeping services are typically more affordable than accounting services. This makes them a cost-effective choice for startups, sole traders and small businesses.
- Customisable Services: Bookkeepers often provide customised services that are tailored to a business's particular needs, whereby accountants whose approach may be more general.
- Expertise: Bookkeepers sometimes have a more specialised focus on day-to-day financial transaction management and record-keeping, which can make them more effective and efficient in such tasks.
It is important to note that whilst bookkeepers offer valuable support, they may not have the same level of qualifications or expertise as an accountant in areas such tax preparation or financial planning. In these cases, seeking the specialist services of an accountant might be necessary.
Wilmington Bookkeeper Tasks
Most Wilmington bookkeepers will be prepared to provide you with the following bookkeeping services: tax preparation, bookkeeping for limited companies in Wilmington, professional bookkeeping services, tax returns, bookkeeping services Wilmington, maintaining fixed asset registers, bookkeeping for societies, profit & loss reports, corporation tax returns in Wilmington, franchise bookkeeping, bookkeeping for home-based businesses, credit control Wilmington, Xero bookkeeping services, VAT returns, bookkeeping services for startups, Quickbook bookkeeping services, Self-Assessment tax returns, bookkeeping for self-employed people Wilmington, Kashflow bookkeeping services, management accounts, cash flow analysis in Wilmington, accounting and bookkeeping, invoice processing, bookkeeping and accounting services, management reports, small business tax returns, personal tax returns, general bookkeeping services, off-site bookkeeping, payment services, and more. Listed are just a small portion of the tasks that are handled by local bookkeepers. Wilmington companies will be delighted to keep you abreast of their entire range of bookkeeping services. If there are other Wilmington bookkeeper requirements that you want but don't see here, you can list them on the QUOTE FORM provided. We'll be in touch with information just as soon as we are able.
Bookkeepers Near Wilmington
Also find: Crayford bookkeepers, Horton Kirby bookkeepers, Farningham bookkeepers, Eynsford bookkeepers, Darenth bookkeepers, Foots Cray bookkeepers, Sutton at Hone bookkeepers, St Mary Cray bookkeepers, Questor bookkeepers, Hawley bookkeepers, South Darenth bookkeepers, Crockenhill bookkeepers and more. Near to most of these villages and towns, there are companies offering bookkeeping services. This accessibility ensures that individuals and businesses alike can easily find the financial support they need to manage their accounts successfully. Residents and businesses in these areas can get estimates for bookkeeping tasks by clicking here.
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