Bookkeepers Glasgow Scotland (G1): In accordance with the 2006 Companies Act, if you operate an online store, are a sole trader or own a small business in Glasgow, you're entirely responsible for maintaining "true and fair", accurate accounting and financial records for at least six years. If you're unable to produce such information you face a fine of thousands of pounds and possibly disqualification as a Company Director. According to the magazine Accounting Today over 40% of small businesses spend over 80 hours every year on their accounts, so while you can carry out these financial recordings yourself, it is often better to use a professional accountant or bookkeeper to do them instead.
It's high time to contact a bookkeeper in Glasgow for advice, if the thought of writing ledgers, tracking assets and liabilities, compiling balance sheets or creating profit, loss and financial statements fills you with a sense of terror.
BOOKKEEPER OR ACCOUNTANT?
For many people in Glasgow, the first question that springs to mind when facing this challenge is "Exactly what is the difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper?" In former days it was generally considered to be beneath the experience, skill-sets and qualifications of an accountant to do bookkeeping, however because of massive software improvements over the past 10 yrs or so, many bookkeeping tasks will now be carried out by accounting firms in Glasgow. To keep their bookkeeping services consistent with a typical bookkeeper's fee, it's now quite common for accountancy companies to have a fixed fee for such services. Business owners are now benefiting from this, as it provides a wider range of competition within the marketplace and can make the cost of bookkeeping way more affordable than it would have been previously.
The standard of training required is the big 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. A bookkeeper in Glasgow may not necessarily hold the qualifications or levels of training and experience, but will still have a good understanding of these disciplines.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BOOKKEEPER IN GLASGOW
The recording of daily monetary transactions of any enterprise or business in Glasgow, describes the process of bookkeeping in the simplest of terms. This will include;
- Making sure that accounting and double-entry bookkeeping practices are observed.
- Billing of clients for goods or work completed.
- Logging the receipt of invoices and making certain payment is completed promptly.
- Highlighting any discrepancies in the financial accounts and rectifying them.
- Monthly reports and reconciliations.
- Payroll services.
- Documenting of all financial incomings; card, cash and electronic payments included.
- VAT recording and submissions.
In accordance with service level you require, a professional bookkeeper might just be needed to periodically double-check your figures, if you are prepared to do most of the bookkeeping work yourself. To make sure that any problems or mistakes can be uncovered and corrected swiftly, at the bare minimum, this should really be on a monthly basis. If you are able to stay up-to-date with your day by day financial transactions and trading activities, this trade-off can often be the most affordable compromise.
Whatever your current situation is, if you're looking at hiring a bookkeeper in Glasgow, it's a good bet that you may be having problems with the financial recording aspects of your small business. A professional bookkeeper will be able to assist you in linking the most suitable computer software with your business accounts to enable the seamless processing of financial data, and will give advice and guidance on procedures like stocktaking, invoicing and producing expense reports.
An extremely important element of good bookkeeping is being able to reconcile accounts payable with cash flow. Which means that rather than waiting on a final notice, which many small businesses in Glasgow are guilty of, or paying an outstanding bill immediately, your bookkeeper will optimise bill payments to a time when your accounts are buoyant. As well as keeping your business on a secure financial footing, this also keeps you in favour with your suppliers and service providers. When you are mostly focussed on the smooth running of your company, this is a balancing act that can be difficult to accomplish as an individual.
If you're a sole trader, or run a small business, employing a qualified bookkeeper in Glasgow, also gives them the chance to cast an eagle eye over the operation of your business. Business patterns and trends that might have gone unnoticed may be highlighted by this kind of unbiased assessment. A bookkeeper identifying an opportunity or flagging up an area which is decreasing in profits, is by no means uncommon. These key performance indicators are crucial in driving growth for any enterprise in Glasgow.
Having to chase up a late payment can be a fairly uncomfortable scenario for you, if you send out invoices as part of your business operations. By having somebody outside your normal business situation visit your customers or make that phone call, some of that awkwardness can be removed. A bookkeeper can make use of legal strategies to take care of a consistent late or non-payer, and without having to resort to claims court proceedings, help to clear up the matter.
SOLE TRADER'S BOOKKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
If you're a sole trader the bookkeeping requirements, as set out in law, are relatively straightforward. Essentially, sole traders must save all receipts and invoices, and keep a record of income and expenditure on a month by month basis. Whilst this might at first sound simple it is still good practice to hire the expert services of a bookkeeping company. When preparing your Self-Assessment tax returns, a dedicated sole trader bookkeeper in Glasgow will be in a position to advise you on what your valid business expenses are, and ensure these are claimed back from HMRC every year. This may include printer ink, stationery goods, bills and rent if you work from home, advertising expenses and items such as laptops. If you would like to get more comprehensive advice, and discover how your small business can grow moving forward, chat to a trusted bookkeeper.
BOOKKEEPING FOR ONLINE TRADERS
There are certain niches in bookkeeping where a specialist might be essential. You're going to need a bookkeeper in Glasgow who's familiar with multi-currency processing, international and cross-border taxes, exchange rate transfers and online payments, if you operate an online store for instance. If that same shop sells goods you hold or produce, then keeping track of your inventory on a 24 hours a day basis is a massive priority, as I'm sure you'll be aware the internet does not sleep, so neither should your bookkeeping software or services.
A virtual office can also be provided in combination with bookkeeping service. This enables a sole trader or online only business to have a postal address and telephone service to provide a physical link with their clients. If this kind of service could be useful, it is definitely worth discussing, although this option will not be offered by all Glasgow bookkeeping companies.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
A certified bookkeeper in Glasgow does not need to have a university degree and many the industry qualifications are at Diploma and Certificate level. Bookkeeping qualifications can be gained via further education colleges and universities but there are also an ever-increasing choice of online courses available.
There are 2 primary certification and training organisations representing bookkeepers:
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT): The Association of Accounting Technicians or AAT provides a training schedule with advanced qualifications allowing a fully trained member to use the letters AATQB after their name. They then become authorised AAT bookkeepers, approved by this organisation, which promises a minimum standard of service for their clients. To safeguard the credibility of AAT membership, if a bookkeeper who is associated with the AAT is found to have contravened the code of conduct or has a complaint filed against them, they will be subject to tribunal and disciplinary processes.
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers or ICB: Keeping their associated members informed about the latest trends, the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is the largest organisation of its kind on the planet, providing certification for qualified bookkeepers, together with training and reference material.
By going to their respective websites, you are able to check the register of AAT or ICB members, to verify the accreditations of any bookkeeper in Glasgow. It is generally a good idea to perform this check, before you retain the services of any local bookkeeper in Glasgow.
Bookkeeping services are available for people living in Glasgow and also in nearby places like: Maryhill, Laurieston, Bishopbriggs, Strathbungo, Hillhead, Rutherglen, Pollokshields, Govan, Bearsden, Dennistoun, Anderston, Kevinhaugh, Oatlands, Gorbals, Kinning Park, Springburn, Patrick, as well as in these postcodes G1 2TD, G1 1QH, G1 1HP, G1 1QA, G1 2PP, G1 1ZE, G1 1RX, G1 1JN, G1 2QH, and G1 1LG. Locally based Glasgow bookkeepers will likely have the postcode G1 and the telephone dialling code 0141. Checking this will confirm that you're accessing local bookkeepers. Glasgow sole traders and business owners will be able to utilise these and many other bookkeeping related services.
Outsourced Bookkeeping Glasgow
Outsourced bookkeeping has grown in popularity among small and medium-sized businesses in Glasgow, offering a flexible and economical alternative to in-house accounting. By outsourcing, companies can dedicate their attention to core activities without worrying about keeping accurate financial records. It also removes the need to recruit and train full-time bookkeeping staff, which can be both time-consuming and costly, particularly for businesses with limited budgets.
Access to professional expertise is one of the significant benefits of choosing outsourced bookkeeping. Many outsourced services employ knowledgeable accountants who are always up-to-date with the most recent regulations and best practices, ensuring that your books are accurate and in line with current standards. This expertise leads to reduced errors, enhanced reporting, and offers business owners in Glasgow the reassurance they need for reliable financial insights, all without the hassle of having to manage it personally.
Moreover, outsourced bookkeeping services frequently utilise sophisticated software to simplify the process, which gives businesses real-time access to their financial information. This arrangement enables business owners in Glasgow to make timely and informed decisions, with the assurance that their financial data is both accurate and easily accessible. Ultimately, outsourcing bookkeeping can serve as an effective and dependable method for managing finances while concentrating on business growth. (Tags: Outsourced Bookkeeping Glasgow)
What Are the Main Advantages of Using a Bookkeeper in Glasgow Rather Than an Accountant?
The following are just some reasons why you may want to use a bookkeeper in Glasgow, rather than an accountant:
- Expertise: Bookkeepers typically have a more specialised focus on day-to-day financial record-keeping and transaction management, which can make them more effective and efficient in such tasks.
- Time Savings: By outsourcing their bookkeeping tasks, businesses can save time and focus on other aspects of their business, like marketing and sales.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Bookkeeping services are generally more cost-efficient in comparison to accounting services, which makes them a sensible choice for sole traders, startups and small businesses looking to save money.
- Accessibility: Bookkeepers are generally more available to answer questions and provide support on a regular basis than an accountant, who might only be available at certain times of the year.
- Customisable Services: Bookkeepers can provide customised services that are tailored to a business's particular needs, whereas accountants whose approach may be more general.
It's important to note that even though bookkeepers offer some amazing services, they might not have the same level of expertise or qualifications as an accountant in areas such financial planning or tax preparation. In these cases, seeking the services of an accountant may be necessary.
Tax Returns
You might need to file a self-assessment tax return if you are self-employed or have a small business in the UK. This can be a challenging task, especially if you're not familiar with the process. A trained bookkeeper can help you keep your records organised and prepare your tax return accurately and on time.
To complete your tax returns, employing a bookkeeper can be beneficial in several ways. Firstly, the correct completion of your return is guaranteed by their experience and expertise. This can help you avoid interest charges or penalties from HMRC. Second, the use of a bookkeeper can save you a lot of hassle, time and stress. So that you can concentrate on running your business, they will take care of all of the calculations and paperwork. Thirdly, valuable advice on tax planning can be provided by a bookkeeper in Glasgow. This can help you to boost your profits and lower your tax liability. (47265 - Tax Returns Glasgow)
Coming Articles:
Bookkeeping for charities (article 1364).
Glasgow Bookkeeping Tasks
Most Glasgow bookkeepers will be able to provide you with the following bookkeeping and accounting services: VAT returns, letting agent bookkeeping services, bookkeeping for organisations, off-site bookkeeping services, accounting and bookkeeping, personal tax returns in Glasgow, partnership tax returns, Sage bookkeeping, bookkeeping services for pubs, management reports, profit & loss reports, assistance with registering for self-employment, tax preparation, Self-Assessment tax returns, bookkeeping services for restaurants, management accounts, independent bookkeeping services, credit control, bookkeeping price quotes in Glasgow, small business tax returns, bookkeeping for freelancers, Quickbook bookkeeping services in Glasgow, bookkeeping services for shops in Glasgow, payment services, bookkeeping services for clubs, bookkeeping services for small business, bookkeeping for home-based businesses, bookkeeping for limited companies, PAYE & wages, maintaining fixed asset registers, and more. Listed are just an example of the duties that are conducted by local bookkeepers. Glasgow companies will tell you about their whole range of bookkeeping services. If there are different Glasgow bookkeeper requirements that you want but don't see here, you can mention them on the QUOTE FORM provided. We will be in touch with details as soon as we are able.
Glasgow Bookkeeper Questions
One day last week I was reading through the most commonplace questions people in Glasgow ask regarding bookkeepers. Quite a few of you have put forward noteworthy enquiries that are worthy of mentioning here. The ones I picked are, Why do Glasgow businesses need a bookkeeper? Should a bookkeeper be bonded? How can a bookkeeper help my business in Glasgow? Do bookkeepers do journal entry? Who would a bookkeeper work with? Should I use an accountant or a bookkeeper? How much do bookkeepers charge per hour? How do bookkeeping services work? What are the advantages of a bookkeeper over an accountant? The vast majority of these questions will have hopefully been answered in this short article, and if not we will be introducing a bookkeeping "Q&A" feature before very long. Our thanks go out to Jude Roberts, Otis Lowe, Cairo Hewitt and Rose Davey from Glasgow, for taking the time to raise these excellent questions. Interesting enquiries were also received from Kendall Mccann in Kinning Park, Jaxson Thorne in Oatlands and Ella Lancaster in Springburn.
Bookkeepers Near Glasgow
Also find: Govan bookkeepers, Hillhead bookkeepers, Patrick bookkeepers, Bearsden bookkeepers, Springburn bookkeepers, Rutherglen bookkeepers, Anderston bookkeepers, Strathbungo bookkeepers, Dennistoun bookkeepers, Gorbals bookkeepers, Kevinhaugh bookkeepers, Maryhill bookkeepers, Laurieston bookkeepers, Bishopbriggs bookkeepers, Kinning Park bookkeepers, Pollokshields bookkeepers, Oatlands bookkeepers and more. Practically all of these areas are serviced by local bookkeepers. Ensuring such easy access allows both businesses and individuals to readily obtain the financial support they need for effective account management. Residents in the region can get quotations for bookkeeping tasks by clicking here.
Bookkeeping Services Glasgow
- Cash Flow Management
- Self-Assessment Bookkeeping
- PAYE and Wages
- Payroll Services
- Double-Entry Bookkeeping
- Small Business Bookkeeping
- Tax Preparation
- Bookkeeping Quotations
- Cheap Bookkeeping
- Self-Assessment Tax Returns
- Profit and Loss Reporting
- Invoice Processing
- Bookkeeping Services
- Credit Control
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Glasgow Bookkeeping Jobs: See bookkeeping jobs near Glasgow here: Glasgow Bookkeeping Jobs
To find out local Glasgow info check here
Bookkeepers in G1 area, phone code 0141.
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