FAQ's
What is a bookkeeper?
A bookkeeper is a person who records, organises and maintains financial transactions. They ensure that all money coming in and going out is accurately recorded.
How is a bookkeeper different from an accountant?
A bookkeeper focuses on the day-to-day recording of information. An accountant interprets, and analyses the information to advise and help with decision making.
Do I need a bookkeeper?
This depends on how much time you spend on financial admin and how complex your records are. If your admin time is stressful or could be better spent making money from your area of expertise, gaining new customers or growing your business it could be a good idea to get a bookkeeper.
It could be beneficial to get a bookkeeper if you don’t have the confidence to ensure you are accurately recording your income and expenses or if you are struggling to meet deadlines, are VAT registered with regular VAT returns to submit, or if you have employees and need someone for payroll and pension tasks.
Who could benefit from a bookkeeper?
Small businesses who want to stay organised and up to date with their income and expenses.
Sole traders who want help staying organised and compliant.
Larger companies to support in-house finance teams.
Startups needing help setting up suitable financial systems.
How often and how many hours do I need a bookkeeper for?
The frequency and number of hours you need a bookkeeper for depends on many factors such as the size of your business, the number of transactions per month, whether you're VAT-registered, if you have employees/payroll and what you want the bookkeeper to handle.
A sole trader with a low number of weekly transactions will likely only need a few hours a month or a quarter. A small business may need a couple of hours a week or bi-weekly. A growing business that is VAT registered, maybe with some employees, is likely to need a few hours each week.
Larger businesses with more weekly transactions or more complex record keeping needs may need more hours each week. It could also be that a sole trader or a business needs a one-off project completed, or maybe just an annual tidy up or to get on top of a backlog.
All of these options are available with Nel’s Numbers.
