Bookkeepers Atherton Greater Manchester (M46): If you are a sole trader, operate a small business or run an online store in Atherton, you're entirely responsible for maintaining accurate, "true and fair" accounting and financial records for at least six years to comply with the Companies Act. Failure to produce such records might leave you facing disqualification as a Company Director, as well as a hefty fine. According to Accounting Today over 40% of small business owners spend over eighty hours every year doing their bookkeeping, so while you can complete these financial recordings yourself, it can pay you to use a professional bookkeeper or accountant to do them instead.
The time has come to get in touch with a bookkeeper in Atherton for advice, if you're filled with a sense of dread simply thinking about the possiblility of producing balance sheets, tracking assets and liabilities, writing out ledgers or creating profit, loss and fiscal reports.
BOOKKEEPER OR ACCOUNTANT?
For many people in Atherton, an obvious question when facing this predicament is "Precisely what is the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?" At one time it was normally considered to be beneath the skill-sets, experience and qualifications of an accountant to do the work of a bookkeper, however due to software improvements over the past ten years, many bookkeeping procedures will now be carried out by accountancy firms in Atherton. To keep their bookkeeping services consistent with a dedicated bookkeeper's fee, it is now fairly common for many accountancy firms to have a set fee for such services. This means that the cost of bookkeeping is much more affordable than it was previously, and is fantastic news for small businesses in Atherton because it offers a broader range of competition within the industry.
When looking at the big difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper in Atherton, it's the standard of training that's required for each of these disciplines. An accountant will, at a minimum, hold an accounting degree, and should have also had additional training in business and fiscal management, and taxes. A bookkeeper in Atherton may not necessarily hold the qualifications or levels of experience and training, but will still have a fair grasp of such procedures.
A BOOKKEEPER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
In the simplest of terms, bookkeeping involves the logging of day by day fiscal transactions of any business or enterprise in Atherton. This can include, but isn't limited to;
- Payroll services.
- Documenting invoices received and ensuring payment is completed punctually.
- VAT submissions and recording.
- Billing of clients for work completed or goods.
- Logging of all financial incomings; including card, cash and electronic payments.
- Highlighting and rectifying any discrepancies in the financial accounts.
- Making sure that double-entry bookkeeping and accounting practices are observed.
- Monthly reconciliation and reports.
If you are willing to do the vast majority of bookkeeping work yourself; a professional bookkeeper may only be needed to double check your records every once in a while. To allow for any mistakes or problems to be discovered and corrected quickly, this ought to be done on a monthly basis at the bare minimum. If you are confident of remaining in control of your everyday trading and financial transactions, this trade-off can often be the most economical.
It's fairly likely that if you're considering hiring a bookkeeping company, you're currently having problems with the financial recording side of your business in Atherton. To facilitate the seamless organisation of financial data, a good bookkeeping service will help you link the most suitable software application to your business accounts, and will provide advice on stuff like producing expense reports, invoicing and stocktaking.
Being able to reconcile cash flow with accounts payable, is an especially important element of a good bookkeeper. Which means that by arranging the payment of bills to times when your accounts are buoyant and in good shape, your bookkeeper will avoid the thing that a lot of small businesses in Atherton are guilty of doing i.e. paying a bill right away, or waiting for a final notice. This doesn't just keep you in the good books of suppliers and those businesses who supply services to you, but also makes certain that your business or enterprise is financially stable. This is just one of those balancing acts that can be tricky to accomplish when you're focussed on the streamlined running of your daily business activities.
If you're a sole trader, or operate a small business, using a qualified bookkeeper in Atherton, also gives them an opportunity to cast an independent eye over the operation of your business. This objective appraisal can allow them to discover business trends and patterns that might have gone unnoticed. A scenario where a keen eyed bookkeeper flags up an area of the business where profits are decreasing, or spots a new opportunity that may be lucrative, is not at all an unusual occurrence. It is crucial for the economic growth of any small business in Atherton, to spot these key performance indicators (KPI's).
It can often be quite uncomfortable to pursue late payments if your business sends out invoices. By having an individual outside your normal business situation visit your clients or make that phone call, some of that awkwardness can be eliminated. To help deal with the matter, if you've got a persistent late payer, there are techniques that can be used by a professional bookkeeper, so court proceedings can be avoided.
SOLE TRADER'S BOOKKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
The legal requirements for bookkeeping if you are a sole trader, are reasonably straightforward and basic. In essence, sole traders must keep all receipts and invoices, and keep records of expenditure and income on a monthly basis. It is still recommended that you retain the services of a competent bookkeeper, even if this may sound simple. So that you will be able to claim back genuine business expenses from HMRC, a dedicated sole trader bookkeeper in Atherton can give you advice on what you must do. This might include advertising expenses, items such as laptops, bills and rent if working from home, stationery and printer ink. If you would like to get more in-depth advice, and discover how your small business can grow moving forward, chat to your local bookkeeper.
ONLINE TRADERS
There are several business niches where a specialist bookkeeping service could be required. You are going to require a bookkeeper in Atherton who is familiar with international and cross-border taxes, online payments, multi-currency processing and exchange rate transfers, if you run a store online for instance. Supervising stock on a 24 hours a day basis is also a massive priority, if that same shop sells goods that you hold or produce, as I'm sure you are aware the internet never sleeps, so neither should your bookkeeping software or services.
A remote virtual office can also be supplied in conjunction with bookkeeping services. Providing a physical link with their customers, this allows a sole trader or online only business to have a postal address and phone service. Not all bookkeeping companies in Atherton will be able to supply this option, but it's worth talking about the possibilities if it's something that could benefit you.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
Many qualifications for the bookkeeping industry are at Diploma and Certificate level, and a professional Atherton bookkeeper doesn't need to have a degree. Although there's an ever-increasing selection of online bookkeeping courses available, qualifications can still be gained via further education universities and colleges, if that is the preferred route.
Representing bookkeepers, there are 2 primary certification and training organisations:
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT): The AAT or Association of Accounting Technicians provides a training schedule with advanced qualifications allowing fully trained members to use the letters AATQB after their name. This assures a minimum level of service to their customers which is backed by the association, and permits them to become a authorised AAT bookkeeper. To safeguard the values and integrity of the AAT membership, if an AAT bookkeeper is found to have breached the code of practice or has a complaint against them, they may be liable to disciplinary and tribunal processes.
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers or ICB: The ICB or Institute of Certified Bookkeepers is the largest organisation on the planet and provides certification for qualified bookkeepers, together with reference material and training to keep their associated members up-to-date.
It's possible to check the qualifications of any bookkeeper in Atherton on the register of ICB or ATT members on their websites. Before you hire any bookkeeper in Atherton it is wise to perform this check.
Bookkeeping services are available in Atherton and also in: Lostock, Chequerbent, Platt Bridge, Over Hulton, Little Hulton, Westhoughton, Dobb Brow, Tyldesley, Bickershaw, Westleigh, Chew Moor, Higher Folds, Hindley Green, Daisy Hill, Gin Pit, together with these postcodes M46 0AS, BL5 2JF, M46 0DN, M46 0DJ, M46 0HW, M46 0NZ, M46 0HG, M46 0GW, M46 0GD, and M46 0JZ. Locally based Atherton bookkeepers will probably have the telephone dialling code 01942 and the postcode M46. Checking this out will confirm that you're accessing locally based bookkeepers. Atherton sole traders and business owners are able to utilise these and various other comparable services.
What Are the Main Advantages of Using a Bookkeeper in Atherton Rather Than an Accountant?
The following are some reasons why you may choose to use a bookkeeper in Atherton, rather than an accountant:
- Customisation: Tailored services can often be provided by a bookkeeper, unlike accountants who may have a more standard approach.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Bookkeeping services are often more cost-efficient in comparison to accounting services, making them a good choice for sole traders, small businesses and start-ups looking to save on expenses.
- 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.
- Specialisation: Bookkeepers have a more focused expertise in day-to-day financial transaction management and record-keeping, leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness in such tasks.
- Time Savings: By outsourcing their bookkeeping tasks, business owners can save a bit of time and focus on other areas of their business, like sales and marketing.
That being said, you need to note that while bookkeepers can provide invaluable support, they might not have the same level of qualifications or expertise as an accountant in certain aspects such as tax preparation or financial planning. In these cases, it may be necessary to consult an accountant for more specialist services.
VAT Returns
Getting your VAT returns done by a bookkeeper in Atherton can be a great option for small business owners who want to ensure their tax compliance while freeing up their own time to focus on other important aspects of their business. When you engage a bookkeeper, they can manage every detail of your VAT return, such as computing your VAT liability or refund, preparing and submitting your return to HMRC, and maintaining precise records of your transactions. On top of that, a local bookkeeper can offer you useful advice on ways to minimize your VAT obligation and ensure that you are claiming all the eligible VAT that you are entitled to. A bookkeeper can ensure that your VAT returns are dealt with effectively and accurately, which can help you feel secure and allow you to invest more time in the development of your business in Atherton. Employing a bookkeeper can provide you with a cost-effective solution as it can help you avoid any HMRC penalties or fines caused by incorrect VAT returns or late submissions, which can lead to significant savings in the future.
Cash Flow Analysis
Cash flow analysis is an important instrument for businesses to gauge their financial wellbeing. A vital task for bookkeepers is to conduct cash flow analysis on behalf of a business. To do this, it is necessary to track the inflow and outflow of cash for the business over a set period of time, normally monthly or quarterly. By doing so, a bookkeeper can help the business owner understand their current financial situation, identify any cash flow issues, and plan for the future.
The creation of a clear picture of a company's financial health involves reconciling and categorizing all cash transactions, such as sales, expenses and investments, by the bookkeeper in the analysis. Anticipating cash flow for upcoming months or years is also part of the process, as it helps businesses to avoid financial challenges in the future by making well-informed decisions.
A cash flow analysis that is accurate and thorough is a vital tool for any business that wishes to manage their finances effectively.
Outsourced Bookkeeping Atherton
All businesses in Atherton should understand the significance of bookkeeping. It helps business people monitor the total value of their assets and liabilities, the money left in the bank account, their outgoings and incomings, and the like. With the owner of the business having to deal with the issues and concerns of running a business, the task of carrying out the bookkeeping is frequently outsourced to freelance bookkeepers or a bookkeeping company in Atherton.
If a company in Atherton hires a bookkeeper so as to become an employee, the company will have to fork out a considerable sum of money in training the person for the purpose of carrying out the bookkeeping tasks. In addition, there is no guarantee that the person will stay after the training is concluded. In circumstances like that, the company stands to lose a significant sum of money for very little return. As well as that, companies will have to seek out solutions to offer benefits and incentives to keep the employee in place. These are just a taste of the reasons behind companies enlisting the services of bookkeeping companies and professional bookkeepers in Atherton.
With the advent of new technology there's no need for business owners to stick to a freelance bookkeeper who might continue with out-of-date accounting practices. Again, they aren't under any pressure to hire and retain some in-house bookkeepers. Bookkeeping outsourcing is becoming increasingly common in the financial domain. One will find many companies offering financial bookkeeping services catering to all kinds of clients and industries in Atherton. A majority of these companies promise and deliver high quality service. It assumes importance for a business to look into the background of these Atherton bookkeeping companies when it comes to employing a third party company for bookkeeping purposes.
Using a Bookkeeper for Tax Returns
In the UK, those with small businesses or self-employed people may be required to file a self-assessment tax return. The task can be challenging, especially for those who are not familiar with the process. A qualified bookkeeper can help you keep your records in order and prepare your tax return on time and accurately.
Many benefits can be gained by using a bookkeeper for your tax returns. First and foremost, they will have the experience and expertise to make sure that your return is completed correctly. This will help you avoid any problems with HMRC, such as penalties or interest charges. Secondly, the use of a bookkeeper can save you a lot of time, stress and hassle. You can leave the paperwork and calculations to them so you can focus on the running of your business. Thirdly, essential advice on tax planning can be provided by bookkeepers in Atherton. This can help you to increase your profits and reduce your tax liability. (83543 - Tax Returns Atherton)
Atherton Bookkeeping Tasks
Most bookkeepers in Atherton will be able to provide you with the following accounting and bookkeeping services: general bookkeeping services, bookkeeping services for restaurants, bookkeeping for shops, Xero bookkeeping services, bookkeeping for sole traders, charity bookkeeping, franchise bookkeeping, invoice processing, Quickbook bookkeeping services, bookkeeping and accounting services, corporation tax returns, independent bookkeeping services, management accounts, double-entry bookkeeping, professional bookkeeping services, personal tax returns, bank reconciliation, bookkeeping services for retail outlets, Kashflow bookkeeping, credit control, letting agent bookkeeping, bookkeeping services for limited companies, management reports, tax return preparation, PAYE & wages, financial statement preparation in Atherton, bookkeeping for home-based businesses in Atherton, maintaining fixed asset registers, landlord bookkeeping, bookkeeping for pubs, and more. Listed are just some of the duties that are undertaken by local bookkeepers. Atherton companies will be delighted to keep you abreast of their entire range of bookkeeping services. If there are additional Atherton bookkeeper requirements that you want but can't see here, you can list them on the QUOTE FORM provided. We will be in touch with information just as soon as we can.
Bookkeepers Near Atherton
Also find: Westleigh bookkeepers, Tyldesley bookkeepers, Lostock bookkeepers, Higher Folds bookkeepers, Hindley Green bookkeepers, Platt Bridge bookkeepers, Chew Moor bookkeepers, Dobb Brow bookkeepers, Over Hulton bookkeepers, Chequerbent bookkeepers, Westhoughton bookkeepers, Gin Pit bookkeepers, Little Hulton bookkeepers, Bickershaw bookkeepers, Daisy Hill bookkeepers and more. Professionals offering bookkeeping services serve all these villages and towns. This level of accessibility makes it straightforward for businesses and individuals to secure the financial help necessary for managing their accounts successfully. Clicking here allows area residents and businesses to receive bookkeeping quotes.
Bookkeeping Services Atherton
- PAYE Wages and CIS
- Self-Assessment Tax Returns
- Small Business Bookkeeping
- Bookkeeping Quotes
- Double-Entry Bookkeeping
- Accountancy Packages
- Credit Control
- VAT Returns
- Bookkeeping Services
- Self-Assessment Bookkeeping
- Tax Preparation
- Sole Trader Bookkeeping
- Profit and Loss Analysis
- Cash Flow Solutions
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Bookkeepers in M46 area, telephone code 01942.
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