What we do
Get the Records Straight
When I first engage with a client, the first task is to sort out the existing accounting records - this includes reconciling the bank accounts, agreeing the debtors & creditors, creating a fixed asset register to amortize the business assets & agreeing any other assets & liabilities. I then review the profit & loss to ensure the structure is correct & then analyse every account on a line by line basis. Only once this has been done, is a straight edge created from which monthly/quarterly accounts can follow.
Book-keeping Service
Many clients require a complete book-keeping service so I often take total full control of the accounting records, from raising sales invoices & managing credit control, to running the integrated payroll & managing the bank account.
Management Accounts
I work with each client to agree what they need to know & when they need to know it - some clients want monthly accounts within a week of month end with detailed KPI reporting. Others are happy with a quarterly profit & loss account. I tailor a reporting package to suit each client's needs based on agreed content & timescales.
System Set Up/Training/Processes
Following an initial review of a business, I recommend how the accounts function should operate, put in place procedures & processes for the staff to follow & then train them to use the system. On an ongoing basis I continue to review the records, train the staff & be available for any specific queries.
Quarterly VAT
Once the correct systems are in place and the quarterly management accounts have been prepared, the preparation of the quarterly VAT return itself is a straightforward process.
Year End
For many businesses year end is a time of upheaval & adjustment to get the accounts right. My view is if the monthly/quarterly accounts are in order then year end should not involve any additional adjustment except for tax. For my clients it is simply a case of reproducing their existing accounts in the correct statutory format & calculating the year end tax. This process should be complete & accounts filed within 1-3 months of year end for a fraction of the cost of a normal accounts year end.
Payroll
The Quickbooks Accounts software I use has an integrated payroll option. I run weekly/monthly payroll, produce payslips & often arrange the bank payments. At year end I file the necessary forms in line with HMRC requirements.
Budgeting
If required, I work with a client to create a profit & loss budget appropriate to their business. This will have a number of variable aspects which can easily be changed to create different scenarios. On a monthly/quarterly basis, actual results can be compared with budgets to identify any variances which can then be drilled down & appropriate actions taken. From the initial profit & loss budget I can use further assumptions to create balance sheet & cashflow budgets so businesses are able to predict their cashflow needs.
Statutory
I operate as company secretary for many clients & keep on top of any ongoing statutory paperwork regarding company address, officers & shareholdings as well as submitting the annual accounts & return.
Quickbooks Advisor
I have used Quickbooks Accounts Software for around 15 years & I think it is a fantastic tool for managing accounts & payroll. The its reporting is incredibly flexible allowing me to easily build bespoke reports. I use Quickbooks every day, am a Quickbooks "Professional Advisor" and am happy to advise on any area of Quickbooks from setup & training to advanced user.
Troubleshooting
I am in daily contact with all my clients by email, phone & skype (skype id: andyewing). Usually I deal with any issues remotely but if necessary I will call in to address any specific accounts issues.