Bookkeeping and cloud accounting

Do I need bookkeeping?

Every business has to keep records of what it earns and spends, because accounts, VAT and tax are all prepared from them. Bookkeeping is simply keeping those records accurate and current, whether you do it yourself or hand it to us. How often it is done matters more than who does it: a year’s receipts sorted in one go at the year end is where mistakes and penalties come from.

What ABLM does

• Bookkeeping: your records accurate, up to date and ready for business decisions and regulatory requirements
• Cloud accounting on Xero and FreeAgent, with reporting, connectivity and real-time insight into the figures
• Help moving across if you already use a cloud platform or want to start
• Records that make VAT, payroll and year-end accounts straightforward

What cloud accounting changes

Your bank feeds, invoices and receipts sit in one online system that you and your accountant can both see. That gives you up-to-date figures during the year instead of a surprise at the end, and it helps you meet Making Tax Digital requirements. Software alone does not make a business compliant, so the records and returns still need to be right. If you already use a cloud platform we can usually work with it, or help you move across.

Not sure whether you need a bookkeeper or an accountant? We explain the difference in our common questions.

Where we work

ABLM is based in Peterborough. We work with small businesses and limited companies in Peterborough, Wisbech and the Fenland area, Whittlesey, Chatteris and March, and with owner-managed and family-run businesses across England, including many clients in London. You stay in touch with the team through Teams, phone and email, with face-to-face meetings available if you prefer.