Bookkeepers Brighton East Sussex (BN1): Whether you run an online store, are a sole trader or operate a small business in Brighton, you're entirely responsible for keeping accurate, "true and fair" accounting and financial records for a minimum of six years according to the Companies Act (2006). Failing to produce such records could leave you facing Company Director disqualification, along with thousands of pounds in fines. There is a significant time investment involved with preparing such financial recordings yourself, and it can pay you to use a professional accountant or bookkeeping company, especially if you consider that according to Accounting Today over 40% of small businesses spend at least 80 hours each year on their accounts.
The time has come to get in touch with a bookkeeper in Brighton for advice and guidance, if you are filled with a sense of panic merely thinking about compiling balance sheets, filling out ledgers, creating profit, loss and fiscal reports or tracking liabilities and assets.
BOOKKEEPER OR ACCOUNTANT?
Just what is the distinction between an accountant and a bookkeeper is the first question that a lot of small business owners in Brighton ask. While in the past a lot of accountants considered the task of bookkeeping to be beneath their skill-sets, experience and qualifications, a lot of accountancy companies in Brighton will now take on the task of bookkeeping, because of significant improvements in software over the past 10 yrs or so. To keep their bookkeeping services consistent with a dedicated bookkeeper's fee, it's now fairly common for many accountancy firms to charge a fixed rate for such services. As it offers a wider range of competition within the marketplace, this is great news for small businesses in Brighton, making their bookkeeping costs cheaper than they previously were.
When considering the biggest difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper in Brighton, it's the standard of training and qualification that is necessary for each of these disciplines. An accountant will generally a least hold an accounting degree with specialist training in taxation and other business and fiscal management. A bookkeeper in Brighton will certainly have an understanding of these disciplines, but might not necessarily hold the qualifications or levels of experience and training.
A BOOKKEEPER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
Essentially, the act of bookkeeping is to record the day to day financial transactions of any business or enterprise in Brighton. This could include, but isn't limited to;
- VAT recording and submissions.
- Payroll services.
- Highlighting and rectifying any discrepancies in the financial accounts.
- Monthly reports and reconciliation.
- Recording invoices received and making certain payment is completed on time.
- Logging of all financial incomings; including electronic, cash and card payments.
- The billing of clients for work completed or goods.
- Ensuring accounting and double-entry bookkeeping practices are followed at all times.
Dependant upon service level you require, a bookkeeper may only be needed to periodically double-check your figures, if you are in a position to undertake the majority of your own bookkeeping work. To allow for any problems or mistakes to be identified and amended speedily, this should really be done from month to month at the bare minimum. If you are confident of keeping up-to-date with your everyday financial transactions and trading, this compromise can sometimes be the most economical solution.
It's a good bet that if you are looking at hiring a bookkeeping company, you are currently getting stressed about the financial recording aspects of your business in Brighton. A professional bookkeeper will help you with everything from stocktaking, producing expense reports and invoicing, to linking your accounts with the latest software to seamlessly of all your data.
An especially important aspect of good bookkeeping is being able to reconcile accounts payable with cash flow. This means that instead of paying an outstanding bill right away, or waiting for an overdue notice, which a lot of small businesses in Brighton are guilty of at some time or other, your bookkeeper will schedule bill payments to times when your accounts are buoyant. This is not merely to make sure that your business or enterprise is financially stable all the time, but also to keep you in good stead with those people who provide your materials or services. When, as an individual, you are primarily focussed on the smooth running of your business, this is a balancing act that can be difficult to perform.
For your small business enterprise, or if you're a sole trader, employing a certified bookkeeper in Brighton, gives you the opportunity to have an eagle eye cast over your financies. It is quite possible that a nonpartisan evaluation like this will showcase business trends and patterns that you haven't previously noticed. A scenario where an astute bookkeeper flags an area where profits are dropping, or identifies an opportunity which may prove worthwhile, is by no means an unheard of occurrence. Such KPI's (key performance indicators) are important in driving growth for any small business in Brighton.
It can often be quite awkward to chase up a late payment if your business sends out invoices. Some of that embarrassment can be removed by having an independent person outside your normal business situation visit your client or make that telephone call. There are legal options a professional bookkeeper can use, if you are troubled with a repeating late payer, and these can help to clear up the situation before the issue ends up in a claims court.
SOLE TRADER'S BOOKKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
The legal requirements for bookkeeping if you are a sole trader, are relatively straightforward and basic. Sole traders are expected to track expenditure and income on a month by month basis and retain all invoices and receipts. Although this may initially sound really easy, retaining the expertise of a bookkeeper is still a good idea. Advising you on what genuine business expenses you may be able to claim back, a professional sole trader bookkeeper in Brighton will deal with HMRC on your behalf. This could include advertising expenses, stationery, printer ink, bills and rent if you work from home and items such as computers. To discover how to help your small business to prosper and grow, speak to your bookkeeper for more detailed advice.
ONLINE TRADERS IN BRIGHTON
There are some business niches where a specialist bookkeeping service could be necessary. You'll require a bookkeeper in Brighton who's familiar with international and cross-border taxes, exchange rate transfers, online payment procedures and multi-currency processing, if you run an online store for instance. Regulating your inventory on a 24/7 basis is also a major concern, if that same shop distributes goods that you hold or produce, as I'm sure you will appreciate the internet doesn't sleep, so nor should your bookkeeping services and software.
It is also possible to provide a remote virtual office, which can be used in conjunction with your bookkeeping service. This can be useful in allowing an online only business or sole trader to have a phone service and postal address to provide a physical connection to their customer base. If this type of service could be useful, it is definitely worth discussing the possibilities, although this option won't be supplied by all bookkeeping companies in Brighton.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
Many qualifications for the bookkeeping sector are at Certificate or Diploma level, and a qualified Brighton bookkeeper needn't have a degree. Bookkeeping qualifications can be gained via further education universities and colleges but there is also an ever-growing selection of courses available online.
Bookkeepers are represented by 2 principal training and certification organisations:
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers or ICB: The ICB or Institute of Certified Bookkeepers is the largest on the planet and offers accreditation to certified bookkeepers, along with reference material and training to keep their members up-to-date.
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT): With certified bookkeepers entitled to use the letters AATQB after their name, the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) provides a training schedule with advanced qualifications. This then permits them to become a accredited AAT bookkeeper and assures a certain level of service which is backed by the organisation. If an AAT bookkeeper has a complaint filed against them or is found to have contravened the code of conduct they will be subject to disciplinary and tribunal processes to safeguard the integrity and values of the AAT membership.
By going to their respective websites, you're able to check the register of AAT or ICB members, to find the accreditations of any professional Brighton bookkeeper. Before you retain the services of any professional bookkeeper in Brighton it is strongly advised to perform this check.
Bookkeeping services are available for those living in Brighton and also in: Moulescoomb, Swanborough, Lancing, Patcham, Hove, Shoreham-by-Sea, Stanmer, Bevendean, Falmer, West Blatchington, Preston, Portslade, Elm Grove, Whitehawk, Peacehaven, Kemp Town, Rottingdean, Saltdean, Withdean, Southwick, as well as in these postcodes BN1 1NJ, BN1 2AD, BN1 1PN, BN1 1HU, BN1 1ND, BN1 1TZ, BN1 1RG, BN1 2AJ, BN1 1NA, and BN1 1RN. Local Brighton bookkeeping services will probably have the phone code 01273 and the postcode BN1. Checking this can make sure that you access locally based bookkeepers. Brighton sole traders and business owners will be able to utilise these and various other comparable services.
What Are the Main Advantages of Using a Bookkeeper in Brighton Rather Than an Accountant?
The following are a few reasons why you may prefer to use a bookkeeper in Brighton, as opposed to an accountant:
- Time Management: By outsourcing bookkeeping, small business owners can save time and concentrate on other crucial areas of their business for instance marketing and sales.
- Accessibility: Bookkeepers are generally more available to provide support and answer questions on a regular basis than an accountant, who may only be available at specific times.
- Customisation: Tailored services can be provided by a bookkeeper, unlike accountants who might have a more standard approach.
- Expertise: Bookkeepers typically have a more specialised focus on day-to-day financial record-keeping and transaction management, which can make them more efficient and effective in these tasks.
- Cost: Bookkeeping services are normally more affordable than accounting services. This makes them a cost-effective option for sole traders, small businesses and startups.
That being said, it's vital to note that whilst bookkeepers can provide valuable support, they might not have the same level of qualifications or expertise as an accountant in certain aspects such as financial planning or tax preparation. In these cases, it might be necessary to go to an accountant when more specialist services are needed.
VAT Returns by a Bookkeeper in Brighton
If you're a small business owner in Brighton looking to ensure tax compliance and reduce the burden of VAT return preparation, hiring a bookkeeper could be an excellent option. 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. In addition, a bookkeeper can furnish you with beneficial suggestions on how to decrease your VAT obligation and ensure that you are receiving all the permissible VAT reimbursements. By enlisting the aid of a bookkeeper, you can relax with the knowledge that your VAT returns are being managed with efficiency and precision, enabling you to dedicate more time to expanding your business in Brighton.
Using a Bookkeeper for Tax Returns
If you are self-employed or have a small business in the United Kingdom, you may have to file a self-assessment tax return. Especially if you are not acquainted with the process, this task can be challenging. Keeping your records organised and preparing your tax return on time and accurately are both things that a good bookkeeper can help you with.
There are a number of benefits to using a bookkeeper for your tax returns. They have the expertise and experience to make sure that your return is completed correctly. This will help you avoid interest charges from HMRC, as well as penalties. Second, bookkeepers can save you a lot of time and hassle. You can focus on your business while they take care of all of the paperwork and calculations. Thirdly, invaluable advice on tax planning can be provided by bookkeepers in Brighton. This can help you to increase your profits and reduce your tax liability. (70193)
Brighton Bookkeeper Tasks
Most bookkeepers in Brighton will be able to offer you the following accounting and bookkeeping services: profit & loss reports, Sage bookkeeping services, bookkeeping services for freelancers, tax returns, bookkeeping for tradesmen, payment services, mobile bookkeeping services, corporation tax returns, Self-Assessment tax returns Brighton, tax return preparation, landlord bookkeeping, invoice processing, bookkeeping for societies in Brighton, cash flow analysis Brighton, accountancy packages, Quickbook bookkeeping services, financial statement preparation, cheap bookkeeping services, charity bookkeeping Brighton, off-site bookkeeping services, bookkeeping for restaurants, bookkeeping services, bookkeeping services for pubs in Brighton, partnership tax returns, accounting and bookkeeping, Kashflow bookkeeping services, general bookkeeping services, VAT returns, independent bookkeeping services, bank reconciliations Brighton, and more. Listed are just a few of the duties that are performed by local bookkeepers. Brighton companies will be happy to inform you of their entire range of services. If there happen to be some other Brighton bookkeeper requirements that you need but can't see here, you can mention them on the QUOTE FORM provided. We'll get back to you with specifics just as soon as we are able.
Brighton Bookkeeper Questions
Last week I decided to read through the most commonplace questions that folks ask regarding bookkeeping in Brighton. Some of you e-mailed some important enquiries that I thought might be worth mentioning. The ones which leaped out are, What are the advantages of an accountant over a bookkeeper? Can you do bookkeeping without a licence? Can a bookkeeper become an accountant? Do bookkeepers do adjustment? What do bookkeeping services include? How can bookkeeping help your business? Bookkeepers - what do they do? Can a bookkeeper be held liable? How much do bookkeepers charge? Hopefully most of these queries have been dealt with somewhere on this page, and if that isn't the case a bookkeeping "Questions and Answers" feature will be added shortly. Thanks a million to Andrew Stewart, Tomas Hart, Miller Mackenzie and Hazel Pugh from Brighton, for posing these questions. Pertinent offerings were likewise received from Emily Randall in Withdean, Jordan Horne in Whitehawk and Alexandra Burt in West Blatchington.
Bookkeepers Near Brighton
Also find: Bevendean bookkeepers, Elm Grove bookkeepers, Stanmer bookkeepers, Shoreham-by-Sea bookkeepers, Saltdean bookkeepers, Moulescoomb bookkeepers, Southwick bookkeepers, Hove bookkeepers, Withdean bookkeepers, Lancing bookkeepers, Falmer bookkeepers, Peacehaven bookkeepers, Preston bookkeepers, Kemp Town bookkeepers, Rottingdean bookkeepers, Swanborough bookkeepers, West Blatchington bookkeepers, Patcham bookkeepers, Portslade bookkeepers, Whitehawk bookkeepers and more. Companies specialising in bookkeeping services are available across all these locations. This level of accessibility makes it straightforward for businesses and individuals to secure the financial help required for managing their accounts effectively. For bookkeeping estimates, residents and businesses in the area simply need to click here
Bookkeeping Services Brighton
- PAYE and Wages
- Bookkeeping Quotations
- Sole Trader Bookkeeping
- Credit Control
- Tax Preparation
- Double-Entry Bookkeeping
- Cheap Bookkeeping
- Small Business Bookkeeping
- Bookkeeping Services
- Payroll Services
- VAT Returns
- Profit and Loss Reports
- Self-Assessment Bookkeeping
- Accountancy Packages
To read local info relating to Brighton, East Sussex click here
Bookkeepers in BN1 area, 01273.
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