By Tanya Kuhrt

Are you still doing your bookkeeping using spreadsheets – or even manually? Read on to find out how to get ahead with bookkeeping and propel your business forward!

There are many reasons why lots of small business owners are still using old fashioned methods to keep their books.

Are you one of these?

Perhaps you are worried that using bookkeeping software will be complicated and you haven’t got time to learn how to use it?

Maybe you think you won’t be able to afford it?

Are you thinking that if you use software you’ll need to employ a bookkeeper to do your books?

Or is it just that you have been doing it the old fashioned way for so long you can’t imagine doing it any other way?

Well guess what? It’s time to wake up to the joys of cloud-based bookkeeping!

Cloud-based means software accessed via the internet. It’s safe, secure, easy to use and is leading the way in software solutions for small businesses.

Here are just some of the reasons why using this kind of bookkeeping software will help you take your business to the next level without breaking the bank:

• There are several completely free, cloud-based bookkeeping programs out there, and even the ones you pay for are reasonably priced – from as little as £6 per month.

• Cloud-based software is safe and secure, and can be accessed from anywhere

• Most software is extremely user-friendly and easy to learn how to use.

• Set up a link (known as a “live bank feed”) to your bank account and transactions are recorded automatically!

• Raise your sales invoices quickly and easily from within the program and email them straight to your customers.

• Take control of your finances: instantly see who owes you money and which bills you need to pay.

• Automatically produce your VAT returns and reconcile your bank accounts.

• Some of the best bookkeeping software has tracking features that will give you valuable insight into your business such as which lines are most profitable

• Produce a range of useful reports at the touch of a button

• Reduce the chances of making errors or losing your records

• Your accountant can simply log in at year end and download the information that they need

So which cloud-based software should you use?

There are a range of programs on the market but the two most versatile and cost-effective are Xero and Quickbooks Online. I have been torn in the past between these two but right now my favourite pick is Xero as they have a range of add-ons that make it amazingly versatile and their customer service is second to none.

These online programs are available from as little as £6 per month and both offer a free trial.

Once you have got your software set up you’ll wonder how you managed without it!

If you have any questions about bookkeeping, or you don’t know which program to choose,  just send us an email at info@theofficehq.com and we’d be happy to help.