How much do you charge?
Fees are based on each individual business depending on their needs. Please see the Fees & Services page for more information.
How do I sign up to use your services?
The first thing we would need to do is have an initial meeting (either face to face or over the phone) so we can discuss your requirements. A suitable package will be put together and a proposal sent to you to review (this will usually be via email but can be posted if required). If you agree the package suits your requirements, then I would supply you with a contract of engagement pack to check and sign.
How do I get paperwork to you?
Whatever works best for you. I can collect it from you as and when required. Alternatively you could scan and email it or send it to me in the post. If you choose to scan and email, you will still need to keep the original copies for your records. If you choose to post them, the preferred method is tracked and signed for.
What paperwork should I save?
EVERYTHING! If you are not sure…. save it! It is far better to have too much than not enough. Things to save include sales and purchase invoices & credit notes, bank statements, card statements and any paperwork relating to purchases and sales via Paypal or Amazon etc…
How often should I send them?
This will depend on the needs of the individual business and will be discussed at our initial meeting. It would usually be either weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually.
What is bookkeeping?
In its very basic form ‘keeping the books’ is an in depth record of the finances of a business. It records the money a business spends (expenses) and the money a business receives (income). It can tell you at a glance how much is owed in from customers and how much is owed out to suppliers.
What is the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?
That is a question that is asked a lot! Many people are not exactly sure of the difference and confuse the two. As a very basic guide you would typically expect a bookkeeper to do the basic day to day accounts for the business. E.g. sales and purchase invoices, bank reconciliation, VAT returns, basic sales reports, process expenses claims etc…
An accountant would typically be responsible for finalising accounts ready to file tax returns, prepare Ltd company accounts, file corporate tax returns, calculate capital gains tax, prepare management accounts, advise on business structure and prepare business plans.
This is however just a rough guide as some of these tasks may be done by both parties. Some small businesses may only require an accountant once a year to submit final accounts to HMRC on their behalf.
Do you provide a payroll service?
This is not a service I currently provide but I will be looking to do so in the future.
amethyst-bookkeeping.co.uk 