Running a small business means wearing a lot of hats. You’re the marketer, the salesperson, the customer service team… and somehow, you’re also supposed to be the finance department. Whether you are a Sole Trader or a Limited company that’s where a bookkeeper can make a difference to your business. Wondering what a bookkeeper does?
So, what does a bookkeeper actually do?
Bookkeeping is about keeping your financial house in order. A bookkeeper tracks, organises, and maintains the day-to-day financial records of your business so nothing slips through the cracks.
Some of the most common bookkeeping tasks include:
- Recording income and expenses
- Categorising transactions correctly
- Reconciling bank and credit card statements
- Managing invoices and tracking payments
- Handling payroll records
- Preparing basic financial reports, like profit and loss statements
Think of a bookkeeper as the person who makes sure every pound coming in and going out is properly documented. They don’t just enter numbers – they create a clear financial picture of how your business is performing. And that’s essential to running a successful business.
Why using a bookkeeper matters
Many small business owners start out doing their own books, usually late at night or during tax season panic. While that might work early on, messy or inaccurate records can quickly become a serious problem.
Without proper bookkeeping:
- You don’t really know if you’re profitable
- Cash flow issues sneak up on you
- Tax time becomes stressful and expensive
- Small mistakes turn into costly errors
A bookkeeper prevents these issues by keeping everything organised and up to date all year long – not just when deadlines hit. And you can use that time you save to work on your business.
Why small businesses love bookkeepers
1. They save time
Time is one thing small business owners never have enough of. Outsourcing bookkeeping frees up hours each month that can be spent growing the business instead of chasing receipts.
2. They reduce stress
Knowing your finances are handled by someone who understands them is a huge relief. No more guessing, scrambling, or avoiding your numbers altogether.
3. They improve cash flow
Bookkeepers help track unpaid invoices, recurring expenses, and spending patterns. This insight makes it easier to manage cash flow and plan ahead.
4. They make tax season easier
Clean books mean fewer surprises. When tax time comes around, everything is already organized, which saves money on accounting fees and reduces the risk of errors.
5. They support smarter decisions
Accurate financial reports help business owners make informed choices — whether that’s hiring, investing, or cutting unnecessary costs.
Bookkeeping isn’t a luxury – it’s an essential tool
For small businesses, bookkeeping isn’t about being fancy or corporate. It’s about clarity, confidence, and control. A good bookkeeper helps business owners understand their numbers, avoid costly mistakes, and build a stronger foundation for growth.
That’s why small businesses don’t just use bookkeepers – they love them.
How can Tandem help with your bookkeeping?
Well, whether you are a Sole Trader or a Limited Company we have you covered at Tandem. We are rated Excellent on Google so why not checkout our reviews from our happy clients. If you want to find out more about how we can save you time, give you clarity on how your business is performing and take away the stress, then just Book a Call with us.