Inside Small Business Bookkeeping in UK

We know of thousands of such small business owners or entrepreneurs who are great with creating products, launching them and also win over customers instantly. However, not all of them are equally good in basic bookkeeping. Moreover, if you are someone like me who learned it after much effort, this post is going to help you to jot down the points that are covered in small business bookkeeping in UK.

What All are There in Bookkeeping?

Apparently, it is not rocket science. However, it has a science of its own. Though most of the work today is done with the help of software, yet the basic accounts must be known to be able to function properly. Here is a list on the most important accounts that a small business entrepreneur should know:

1. Cash: This is the basic of basics. Cash Receipts and Cash Disbursements are the 2 basic cash accounts that are maintained by a Xero bookkeeper. It is one of the most important accounts in business accounting.
2. Inventory: This is the stock of the company and enables the owner to keep track of the products. The number maintained in the computer by the software must be tallied with the physical stock within the company.
3. Accounts Receivable: This type of account is created when your company does not get paid immediately for products or services sold. It keeps track of the amount due from customers. This helps in sending accurate bills to customers.
4. Accounts Payable: This is exactly the opposite because it keeps track of the money payable by the organization. Good bookkeeping ensures that the company makes accurate payment. Also, it prevents extra payment of money.
5. Sales: Sales is vital to any organization and keeping track of this will clarify the revenue generated by the company. The position of the small business can be measured with the help of this account.
6. Purchases: Making purchase is an important part of running any business. Keeping track of purchased raw materials and finished goods help in knowing the company’s gross profit.
7. Loans Payable: Whatever money is due on the part of the company in lieu of buying vehicles, equipments, furniture or such objects is maintained in this account.
8. Payroll Expenses: This is the biggest monetary account and the most important one because it contains all the tax and government expense records.
9. Owner’s Equity: This keep a record of how much each owner has contributed towards business. This account can be divided into Capital and Drawing Accounts for small businesses.
10. Retained Earnings: This deals in reinvesting profits into the business and not sharing it with owners. This account is cumulative and hence provides a good overview for lenders and investors to know about the company’s performance over a long period of time.

All these accounts constitute bookkeeping. To think each of these were maintained manually even during the last decade. However, now, there is software to help maintain these accounts which are absolutely important for small businesses.