Bookkeepers Westhoughton Greater Manchester (BL5): You're responsible for maintaining "true and fair", accurate accounting and financial records for a minimum of 6 yrs, if you operate a small business, run an online store or are a sole trader in Westhoughton, as stated by the Companies Act. If you cannot produce these records, you may face disqualification as a Company Director and get a fine of thousands of pounds. It can be more cost-effective to use a professional bookkeeping company or accountant to accomplish this for you, since according to Accounting Today over forty percent of small businesses spend 80 plus hours each year on their bookkeeping tasks, which is a significant investment of time, and might be more effectively spent on actually running your business.
It's high time to contact a bookkeeper in Westhoughton for assistance, if just the thought of preparing profit, loss and fiscal reports, tracking liabilities and assets, compiling balance sheets or writing ledgers fills you with a sense of panic.
BOOKKEEPER OR ACCOUNTANT?
For many business owners in Westhoughton, an obvious question when facing this challenge is "What is the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?" The truth is that while in the past the process of bookkeeping, was considered to be beneath the qualifications, experience and skill set of an accountant, because of software improvements over the past decade, most accountancy companies in the Westhoughton area will now undertake bookkeeping tasks. It is fairly common for accountancy firms to charge a set fee for bookkeeping services in line with a typical bookkeeper's fee. This is good news for business owners in Westhoughton because it offers a broader range of competition within the marketplace and can make your bookkeeping costs cheaper than initially thought.
The amount of training that is required is the biggest difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant. Generally holding a degree in accounting, a professional accountant will also have had training in tax law and additional qualifications in business and financial management. While probably not holding the same financial qualifications, or having this level of experience and training, a bookkeeper in Westhoughton will invariably have a decent understanding of all these fiscal procedures.
A BOOKKEEPER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
The recording of day by day monetary transactions of any enterprise or business in Westhoughton, describes the process of bookkeeping in simple terms. This may include;
- Recording invoices received and ensuring payment is completed promptly.
- VAT recording and submissions.
- Documenting of all financial incomings; cash, electronic and card payments included.
- Highlighting and rectifying any discrepancies in financial accounts.
- Payroll services.
- Making sure that double-entry bookkeeping and accounting practices are implemented.
- Billing of clients for work completed or goods.
- Monthly reports and reconciliations.
Whilst it depends on the type of service you are interested in, if you're prepared to perform a large majority of bookkeeping work yourself, a professional bookkeeper might only be needed to periodically double-check your records. This ought to be monthly at the bare minimum, as this will allow any problems or mistakes to be found and rectified swiftly. As long as it's possible to stay in control of your financial transactions without impacting on your everyday trading operations, this option can be the most economical solution.
Whatever your scenario, if you're thinking of hiring a bookkeeper it's fairly likely that you might be struggling with the financial recording aspects of your small business in Westhoughton. A good bookkeeping service will be able to provide advice on everything from invoicing, stocktaking and preparing expense reports, to linking your accounts with the most up-to-date software application to allow the seamless organisation of data.
The ability to reconcile accounts payable with cash flow, is an especially important aspect of a good bookkeeper. Which means that your bookkeeper will schedule bill payments to a time when your finances are buoyant and in good shape, rather than paying an outstanding bill straight away, or waiting for a final notice, which most small businesses are guilty of at some time or other. This not only keeps you in favour with suppliers and those who supply services to you, but also ensures your enterprise or business is financially sound. When you're primarily focussed on the operation of your company, this is a balancing act that can be tough to perform as an individual.
Employing an experienced bookkeeper in Westhoughton, for your small business or if you're a sole trader also gives them the opportunity to cast an unrelated eye over your business. Business patterns and trends that you may have overlooked could be highlighted by this sort of independent appraisal. A bookkeeper spotting a brand new opportunity or flagging an area which is dropping in profits, is not at all unheard of. These key performance indicators are vital in driving growth for any enterprise in Westhoughton.
It can sometimes be embarrassing to pursue late payments if your company sends out invoices. By having a professional outside your normal business situation visit your client or make that phone call, some of that apprehension can be removed. If you are troubled with a consistent late payer there are legal solutions a professional bookkeeper can use to help to clear up the issue before the situation ends up in claims court proceedings.
SOLE TRADER'S BOOKKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
There are some reasonably uncomplicated sole trader bookkeeping requirements, that are laid out by law. Sole traders are required to keep track of expenditure and income from month to month and retain all receipts and invoices. Even though this might at first sound fairly easy, hiring the expertise of a competent bookkeeper is still a wise move. So that you can claim back all bonafide business expenses from HMRC, a professional sole trader bookkeeper in Westhoughton will be in a position to advise you on what you must do. This may include items such as laptops, advertising, consumables, stationery and rent and bills if working from home. Talk to your local bookkeeper for more in-depth advice and discover how they may be able to help your small business to prosper and grow.
ONLINE TRADERS
There are niche areas in bookkeeping where the skills of a specialist might be necessary. If you manage an online store for instance, you'll require a bookkeeper in Westhoughton who is familiar with cross-border and international taxes, online payments, exchange rate transfers and multi-currency processing. Since the internet doesn't sleep, if that same store sells goods that you hold or produce then supervising your stock on a 24/7 basis is a major concern which will need to be dealt with.
A remote virtual office can also be supplied in conjunction with your bookkeeping service. Providing a physical connection to their buyers, this allows an online only business or sole trader to have a postal address and phone service. It's definitely worth talking about this possibility if it is required, although not all bookkeeping companies in Westhoughton will offer this option.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND AFFILIATIONS
Many of the bookkeeping industry qualifications are at Diploma or Certificate level, and it is not mandatory for a professional bookkeeper in Westhoughton to hold a degree in accounting. Although there is a selection of courses available online, bookkeeping qualifications can still be obtained through further education universities and colleges, if that is the preferred route.
There are two primary training and certification organisations which represent bookkeepers:
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers or ICB: Offering accreditation to bookkeepers, in addition to reference material and training to ensure their members are current with the latest trends and innovations, the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) is the largest organisation in the world.
The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT): The AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) provides a training schedule with advanced qualifications entitling fully certified bookkeepers to use the letters AATQB. This then allows them to become a approved AAT bookkeeper and assures a level of service which is backed up by the organisation. To protect the trustworthiness of AAT membership, if a bookkeeper who's affiliated with the AAT has a complaint filed against them or is found to have contravened the code of practice they can be subject to disciplinary and tribunal processes.
The qualifications of any professional Westhoughton bookkeeper can be verified on the register of AAT or ICB members on their websites. Before you use the services of any local bookkeeper in Westhoughton it's wise to implement this check.
Bookkeeping services are available for people living in Westhoughton and also in nearby places like: Dob Brow, Daisy Hill, Hart Common, Over Hulton, Dobb Brow, Bolton, Pennington Green, Chew Moor, Aspull, Chequerbent, Hindley, Wingates, Lostock, Hindley Green, Cooper Turning, as well as in these postcodes BL5 2DQ, BL5 2NW, BL5 2BL, BL5 2EY, BL5 2ET, BL5 2EX, BL5 2JU, BL5 2PP, BL5 2EZ, and BL5 2LU. Locally based Westhoughton bookkeepers will probably have the telephone dialling code 01942 and the postcode BL5. Checking this out will make certain that you're accessing local bookkeepers. Westhoughton sole traders and business owners can utilise these and lots of other comparable services.
VAT Returns in Westhoughton
Getting your VAT returns done by a bookkeeper in Westhoughton 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. Your VAT return can be handled entirely by a bookkeeper, who will manage everything from calculating your VAT obligations or credits to preparing and submitting your return to HMRC, and keeping an accurate account of all 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. With the help of a bookkeeper, you can have peace of mind knowing that your VAT returns are being handled accurately and efficiently, giving you more time to focus on growing your business in Westhoughton.
What Are the Main Advantages of Using a Bookkeeper in Westhoughton Instead of an Accountant?
The following are a few reasons why you may opt to use a bookkeeper in Westhoughton, as opposed to an accountant:
- Specialisation: Bookkeepers have a more focused expertise in day-to-day financial record-keeping and transaction management, leading to greater efficiency and effectiveness in these tasks.
- Cost: Bookkeeping services are normally cheaper than accounting services. This makes them a cost-effective choice for startups and small businesses.
- Availability: Bookkeepers are generally more accessible and ready to provide support and answer questions in comparison to an accountant, who may only be reachable during specific times.
- Time: By choosing to outsource bookkeeping, small business owners can save a bit of time and focus on other crucial aspects of their business for example sales and marketing.
- Customisable Services: Bookkeepers often provide customised services that are tailored to a business's specific needs, whereby accountants whose approach may be more general.
That being said, you need to note that while bookkeepers can provide invaluable support, they may not have the same level of expertise or qualifications as an accountant in certain aspects such as financial planning or tax preparation. In these instances, it might be necessary to check with an accountant when more specialist services are needed.
Using a Bookkeeper for Tax Returns
A self-assessment tax return may be required for self-employed people or those with small businesses in the UK. Especially if you aren't familiar with the process, this task can be challenging. Accurately and on time, a good bookkeeper can help you prepare your tax return, as well as keeping your records in order.
Employing a bookkeeper for your tax returns has many benefits. 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 interest charges or penalties. Second, a lot of time and effort can be saved by a bookkeeper. All of the calculations and paperwork will be taken care of by them, so you can focus your attention on the running of your business. Third, Westhoughton bookkeepers can provide you with invaluable advice on tax planning and financial strategy. This enables you to boost your profits and lower your tax liability. (83543 - Tax Returns Westhoughton)
Westhoughton Bookkeeping Tasks
Most Westhoughton bookkeepers will be able to offer you the following bookkeeping services: credit control, cash flow analysis, VAT returns, bookkeeping for sole traders, bookkeeping price quotes, bookkeeping services, Kashflow bookkeeping, landlord bookkeeping, double-entry bookkeeping, bookkeeping services for retail outlets, profit & loss reports, letting agent bookkeeping services, bookkeeping and accounting, bookkeeping for tradesmen, bookkeeping services for clubs in Westhoughton, business bookkeeping, bookkeeping services for societies, tax return preparation, professional bookkeeping services, wages & PAYE, maintaining fixed asset registers, franchise bookkeeping services, management accounts, Quickbook bookkeeping, bookkeeping services for freelancers in Westhoughton, personal tax returns, assistance with registering for self-employment, company cash books in Westhoughton, financial statement preparation, bookkeeping for charities, and more. Listed are just a selection of the tasks that are performed by local bookkeepers. Westhoughton companies will be happy to inform you of their full range of bookkeeping services. If there are additional Westhoughton bookkeeper requirements that you want but don't see here, you should mention them on the QUOTE FORM provided. We will be in touch with information just as soon as we can.
Bookkeepers Near Westhoughton
Also find: Bolton bookkeepers, Chequerbent bookkeepers, Over Hulton bookkeepers, Wingates bookkeepers, Pennington Green bookkeepers, Lostock bookkeepers, Aspull bookkeepers, Dob Brow bookkeepers, Daisy Hill bookkeepers, Hindley Green bookkeepers, Cooper Turning bookkeepers, Chew Moor bookkeepers, Hart Common bookkeepers, Hindley bookkeepers, Dobb Brow bookkeepers and more. Companies specialising in bookkeeping services are accessible across pretty much all of these locations. Such accessibility guarantees that both individuals and businesses can effortlessly locate the financial assistance necessary to effectively manage their accounts. Residents and businesses in these localities can get quotations for bookkeeping tasks by going here.
Bookkeeping Services Westhoughton
- Profit and Loss Reporting
- Self-Assessment Tax Returns
- Small Business Bookkeeping
- Self-Assessment Bookkeeping
- Credit Control
- Cash Flow Solutions
- Sole Trader Bookkeeping
- Tax Preparation
- Bookkeeping Estimates
- Cheap Bookkeeping
- Payroll Services
- PAYE and Wages
- VAT Returns
- Bookkeeping Services
Bookkeeping Jobs Westhoughton: See bookkeeping jobs near Westhoughton here: Bookkeeping Jobs Westhoughton
If you're interested in local info on Westhoughton, Greater Manchester check here
Bookkeepers in BL5 area, 01942.
TOP - Bookkeepers Westhoughton
Bookkeeping Westhoughton - Small Business Bookkeepers Westhoughton - VAT Returns Westhoughton - Sole Trader Bookkeepers Westhoughton - Bookkeepers Near Westhoughton - Self-Assessment Tax Returns Westhoughton - Bookkeepers Westhoughton - Bookkeeper Westhoughton - Sole Trader Bookkeeping Westhoughton