Bookkeeping problem

[andrew bilton]

Hi All,

I have recently set up my own business, had a few jobs and getting lots of job offers. i've been keeping all my receipts and invoices etc, but am having problems designing a spread sheet that i can update as i go along.

the reason for this is, i've never actually seen and businesses books, so i dont know what sort of information i need.

i was wondering if anyone could forward me a blank version of there books set up, or give me some pointers.

and info would be good.

thanks

 

[McP77]

I've based mine on the tax return form that you fill in at year end - that way everything is ready to transpose (baring a few necessary adjustments)

The credit side composes of the following columns - date, description, reference, total, income, capital introduced, interest.

The debit side is - date, description, reference, total, cost of sales, other direct costs, employee, admin, motor, travel, advetising, legal and professional, interest, finance costs, other costs, equipment, drawings.

Hope that's of some use

 

[postie]

Buy yourself the collins account book from WH Smiths

 

[DHTiling]

here's a link for collins books if you need it...........thanks postie......useful info for newbies..etc.....

Collins 4161 Account Book Self Employed 144 Pages A4 Ref SE310 - Office 365 UK

 

[stumac]

hi dont know what area of the country you are but i bought simplex d book only to be given one by business gateway about two weeks later ,they do a free bookeeping course, business link may be similar if you are in england

 

[IvegotsTILE]

The bookeeping course at my Business Link costs £40,I think personally business Link isn't much use.Business Gateway which I think is in Scotland is much better.

 

[Saltire69]

Stumac is the course any good? Was thinking off going on it in Sept after NETT course.

 

[Jeffrey4670]

Hi, I use Microsoft Excel. I have the following:

1. Bank Statement
2. My own, 3 column accounts, IN, OUT & Balance.
3. Work Done
4. Materials Consumed
5. Skip Hire
6. Income Tax
7. NICO
8. Public Liability
9. Mobile Phone
10. Business Stationary & Postage
11. Bank Interest
12. Van Running Costs - Servicing, Maintanence, Road Tax.
13. Breakdown Cover
14. Motor Insurance
15. Fuel Costs
16. Milage Record
17. Stock Items
18. Plant/Loose Tools

I have used this method for the past 10 years and never had any problems.

Regards

Jeff

 

[grumpygrouter]

If you are computer savvy - you are using this site so assume you are, you might want to consider starting straight away with a small accounting package. Very easy to use with a small amount of training and if done properly will reduce accountants bills.

The one i use enables me to write out the estimate change estimate to an orde, do the job, order to invoice and print off - without any further written input if nothing apart from the date has changed. I can also print of a "completion certificate" from the invoice information and get this signed. All with my company logo on it.

If you have supplier accounts set up with credit terms - i.e. pay in 30 days, the system (most acc. systems) help you keep track of how much you owe and to whom and when they are due to be paid.

Once you get used to using them, they are very quick and look much more professional than hand written or even spreadsheet template invoices - no offence to anyone that uses these!

 

[stumac]

Stumac is the course any good? Was thinking off going on it in Sept after NETT course.

ive been doing it bit at a time so far found it alright, it costs nothing, i am doing it in the evening and getting grant from local council for supplying business plan and reciepts for tools so worth doing, depending on area and age there is a few grants available especially if you are under 30 unfortunatly i am not so i get £250 quid, thats from falkirk council so dont know about your area. but anything that is free is worth doing even if you only learn one or two things. oh and they give you a free business advisor for three years
by the way NETT course is excellent

 

[Saltire69]

Thanks Stumac. Live in Laurieston and an old git (38) so it'll be £250 for me as well. Got ma 1st job lined up for when i come back so fingers crossed. not a biggy though, just running 1 row off tiles around a splash back but hey it's a start.