Accounting and Bookkeeping Services for Small Businesses

When you work with me, you are already getting real-time data on your accounts via the cloud software, as well as having regular conversations about your financial position and decisions and targets that can be put in place. Everything is being kept up to date, and there is no outstanding paperwork to pass on. So the annual statutory accounts and confirmation statement really aren't the painful, boring process they have traditionally been (well, maybe the confirmation statement still is). They still need to be done, though! So I'll get them put together and signed off for you - but we're already getting the leg work done throughout the year. The important thing here is how we can understand and use your prepared accounts to further drive your business forward.

All active limited companies must file a corporation tax return to HMRC each year. This return is based on the profit or loss made and as shown in your statutory accounts, and any expenses or allowances claimed. There are lots of available tax reliefs we can look at to try to reduce your corporation tax liability. You typically need to file your corporation tax return 12 months after the end of your accounting period. Save yourself another headache and let me do it for you. 

The process of completing the VAT return is, to put it bluntly, a real complex pain in the backside for most business owners. Especially the task of determining was VAT rate applies to each transaction. So pass on the burden and I'll get your VAT return ready and submitted for you.

I’l also keep on top of your VAT liability, so you don’t make the dreaded error of thinking that EVERYTHING in the bank belongs to the business. If you are VAT registered, usually a chunk of it needs to be paid back to HMRC.

Management Reports SHOULD produce vital informative, instructive data that can be utilised when making business decisions. There are still a few practices out there who jumble together a bunch of basic reports (think P&L, Balance Sheet, Creditors etc), send them over to you and expect you to know what to do with that information.

That's NOT management reporting. That’s just making all the information you already have look fancy for no useful reason. I produce management reports tailored to YOUR business. You'll get the information that YOU need for running your business, and that's not exclusive to just financial data! I can also incorporate other data that is integral to your operations. Do you run advertising campaigns on social media, for exmaple? I can pull in that data and report on KPIs from those campaigns.

This really is a very powerful tool for business owners.

Cash is the lifeblood of your business, and this is actually one of my favourite service offerings. When Covid hit and everyone took a financial beating - my clients on cashflow forecasts found them indispensable. They could plan, make quick decisions, and use the data to secure advantageous Covid business loans.

Using an integration with your accounting software to enable the use of live, real-time data, I'll model an easy-to-navigate and read cashflow forecast. You'll see an intuitive visual representation of the cashflow, as well as have the ability to drill-down into the figures if you want. You'll have the be able to budget weeks, months and years ahead, using reliable forecast data. And if you want to look at the cost of a new staff member, or some expensive equipment - we can add in a scenario that plots all the related costs and advantages to those big spends so that you know if it’s the right choice to make.

Any business that employs staff must process a payroll. There's a lot of specialist knowledge involved, and it takes time and practice to do properly, which is why I'm happy to take this off your hands. Especially now we have Auto Enrolment, where all employers are obligated to offer eligible employees a pension scheme.

I'll handle everything - payroll setup, income tax, national insurance, leave, statutory payments and deductions, student loans, payslips, pensions. I'll even get your employees payments processed for you, if you like.

Many small businesses don’t feel like they have enough clout to negotiate payment terms or better rates. That's where I come in. Bringing in the experience of working with suppliers for existing and previous clients over many years, I have the knowledge of many cost and credit benchmarks and will happily work with your suppliers to get you the best credit terms and prices for you.

It’s one of those annoying aspects of doing business, that we often have customers who simply aren’t good at paying us! I’ve been there, too. I’ll make sure there is a great accounts receivable process in place. From initial invoicing and invoice delivery, to payment reminders and chasing, right through to statutory payment demands and application of charges (though hopefully it never gets that bad!)

Realistically, this is an amalgamation of all the services I offer to my clients. Its just an easy way of saying that, if you choose a comprehensive package of services from me - you’ll be effectively gaining a financial director for your company without actually having to pay the wages, pension and national insurance of a full-time FD. I’ll be working with you all the time, helping you to understand your finances and help with the big business decisions. A financial co-pilot for your business. This is what I LOVE doing. I relish becoming part of my clients’ businesses, watching and helping as they grow and thrive.