Bookkeeping
Regular, accurate bookkeeping that keeps your records clean, your cash flow clear, and your year-end accounts straightforward.
Why bookkeeping matters
Good bookkeeping is the foundation of every other financial service. When your records are accurate and up to date, your VAT returns are easier, your year-end accounts are faster, and you always know where you stand financially. Messy records, on the other hand, lead to errors, missed deductions, and accountancy fees that cost you more at year-end.
We take care of your bookkeeping on a regular basis, monthly or quarterly, so your records are always in order and you always have a clear picture of your business finances.
What's included
- Regular processing of income and expenses
- Bank reconciliation against your business accounts
- Categorisation of all transactions to the correct accounts
- Sales invoice recording and accounts receivable management
- Supplier invoice processing and accounts payable recording
- Credit card and PayPal reconciliation
- Monthly or quarterly management reports (P&L, balance sheet)
- Preparation of records for VAT returns
- Year-end close and preparation for annual accounts
Cloud accounting software
We work with all major cloud accounting platforms, including:
- Xero, our recommended platform for most businesses
- QuickBooks Online, popular for e-commerce and retail
- FreeAgent, excellent for freelancers and sole traders
- Sage Business Cloud, widely used in traditional industries
If you're not already using cloud accounting software, we'll help you choose the right platform and migrate your records. Cloud software means we can work on your books remotely, and you can check your financial position in real time from any device.
Making Tax Digital (MTD)
HMRC's MTD initiative is expanding to income tax (MTD for ITSA) from April 2026 for the self-employed and landlords with income over £50,000. Accurate digital bookkeeping will be a legal requirement. We'll ensure your records are MTD-compliant well in advance.
Bookkeeping as part of a package
Many of our clients combine bookkeeping with their annual accounts, VAT returns and payroll into a single fixed monthly fee, covering all their compliance needs in one place. Book a free call to discuss a package.
Frequently asked questions
How often should my bookkeeping be done?
Monthly is the standard for most active businesses, so records never fall too far behind and you always have an accurate financial picture. Lower-volume businesses can sometimes manage on a quarterly cycle instead.
Which accounting software do you recommend?
Xero suits most small businesses, QuickBooks Online works well for e-commerce and retail, and FreeAgent is popular with freelancers and sole traders. We'll help you choose and migrate your existing records if you're switching.
What is Making Tax Digital for Income Tax?
MTD for ITSA extends Making Tax Digital to self-employed people and landlords with income over £50,000, requiring digital record-keeping and quarterly updates to HMRC. We keep your bookkeeping compliant well ahead of your mandation date.
Is bookkeeping included in your monthly plans?
Bookkeeping is included in the Growing Business plan. On the Sole Trader and Limited Company plans it's available as an add-on, priced on transaction volume, so you only pay for what your business actually needs.
What happens if my bookkeeping is behind or messy?
We regularly take on clients whose records need catching up or untangling. We'll assess what's there, reconstruct what's missing from bank statements and invoices, and get you back to a clean, current position.
Get your books in order
Clean, accurate bookkeeping is the foundation of a healthy business. Let Claritax handle it so you can focus on what you do best.