Banking, Bookkeeping & Excel – made very simple, do your accountant a favour, Excel

By Anthony MellorNo Comments
By an accountant - me Why this subject? It is the basis for using Excel for bookkeeping in this modern age of bank data download availability. Who this is for? Self employed, company owner managers, any small business or indeed anyone who is still punching in numbers "for the accountant". Where? (Country) Anywhere, but written in the context of the UK, where I mention VAT just think "Sales Tax". What you need to know Excel can open csv files directly. This is about how to give your accountant what he needs without doing any bookkeeping. Bear in mind I am one of those accountants. Motivation I was chatting with a business owner the other day. I asked how he does his bookkeeping and he said he uses Sage so as to help his accountant. It turns out he uses his own sales invoicing and ledger system online, not Sage, he uses his credit card for all expenditure to speak of and his girlfriend types ALL these transactions individually into Sage. He is...
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Five easy steps to getting your cash flowing faster

By Ben TempleNo Comments
By Navigator member Kathryn Crockford, Director, Axis Accounting This guide outlines five simple procedures that, if followed correctly, have proved to be successful in speeding up the payment of outstanding customer debt.  The ideas can also help to improve your bank balance. 1. Managing your sales invoicing Regardless of whether you sell goods or services, the way you prepare your sales invoices will dictate how quickly you get paid. Presentation is the key. Sales Invoices need to be: *   Addressed clearly, ideally to an individual who is authorising payment *   Clear as to who has sent the invoice and where and how payment is to be made *   Clear on what is being charged for *   Clear about the length of time you allow for payment *   Accurate, not just with the figures but with spellings also If your customer has specified a Purchase Order (PO) number or job reference, use it (leave it out and your invoice may not get paid). Use simple understandable language where possible. Avoid...
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