Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping is the practice of tracking a business or organisation's financial transactions and creating accurate and up-to-date records of the money coming in and going out. These records provide a clear snapshot of the business’s financial situation and help accountants, managers, and business owners to make informed financial decisions. Bookkeepers must have an excellent understanding of industry standards and regulations to ensure the records they keep are both reliable and compliant.

The primary responsibilities of bookkeepers include data entry, bank reconciliation (i.e. checking financial reports against bank statements to ensure everything is accurate) and creating monthly financial reports. Some bookkeepers also offer other services such as managing invoices and payroll, handling expenses, and ensuring compliance with industry rules and regulations.

Outsourcing your bookkeeping can benefit your business in several ways:

• Save money: Outsourcing can eliminate the need for in-house bookkeeping staff, reducing salary costs and training expenses.
• Improve efficiency: Outsourcing can free up time and resources within your business, improving productivity, efficiency, and your bottom line.
• Stay compliant: Bookkeeping is essential for regulatory compliance. Outsourced bookkeeping providers stay up to date with current regulations so that you don’t have to, which can reduce your risk of costly fines and reputation damage.
• Adapt to workload: Outsourced bookkeepers can adapt to fluctuations in your workload, providing scalability and flexibility without the need for you to reduce staff hours or make in-house redundancies.
• Maintain confidentiality: Reputable outsourcing partners prioritise data security. They use advanced technology and stringent data protection protocols to safeguard your data and help you comply with data protection regulations.

Choosing the right outsourced bookkeeping provider involves a thorough assessment of several key factors. Start by understanding your business's specific needs and look for a provider that delivers those services. Then, verify that they’re proficient in the accounting software your business uses to ensure a seamless integration.

Reputation matters, so don’t forget to assess their track record in regards to compliance and security! It’s also important to consider cultural fit and shared values, and check that they can scale and grow with your business. That way, you'll find a provider that not only meets your needs now but also aligns with your long-term goals.

In theory, outsourced bookkeeping can be suitable for businesses of all types and sizes. Small to medium-sized businesses often find it to be really cost-effective. Larger enterprises may encounter more challenges due to the scale of their operations but can still reap significant benefits if they choose to outsource.

To decide if outsourced bookkeeping is the right choice for you, carefully evaluate factors such as the nature of your business, client expectations, and cost considerations. This thoughtful and tailored approach will help you to determine the suitability for your unique circumstances.

There are several regulatory bodies that bookkeepers should be aware of in the UK. The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), for example, has established its own Professional Conduct Rules. While ICB membership is not mandatory, it’s recommended that bookkeepers have a sound understanding of these rules (which include not giving tax, estate planning, or investment advice).

Bookkeepers should also be aware of the regulatory bodies that oversee accountants since they operate within a shared financial ecosystem. These are: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), and The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Lastly, bookkeepers are obligated to adhere to key government regulations, including the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Companies Act 2006. These regulations apply broadly across the financial services industry. Non-compliance may lead to fines or prosecution.

At Numero, ensuring the security of our clients' financial data is a top priority. We adhere to all relevant legal and ethical obligations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and follow standards established by professional bodies like the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). We prioritise client confidentiality, use secure communication methods, and have contingency plans in place to respond to unexpected situations.

The cost of outsourced bookkeeping varies based on which services are needed, the volume and complexity of transactions, and the level of expertise required. At Numero, our fees are tailored to the specific scope of services chosen by your business.

To get an accurate estimate, contact us. We can provide you with a customised quote based on your unique requirements and help you to make an informed decision about whether outsourcing your bookkeeping to Numero is the right choice for you.