Bookkeeping and admin for small firms

Small trades, shops, therapists and other owner-managed businesses that want one person to keep their paperwork in order.

Fixed monthly fee based on the number of transactions and admin hours, plus extra for catch-up work or one-off projects.

• Comfortable with numbers and accuracy
• Cloud accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks or FreeAgent
• Good record keeping
• Explaining things clearly to non-experts

• Bookkeeping is not regulated in the same way as accountancy, but check whether you need anti-money laundering registration for the services you offer
• Professional indemnity insurance is worth checking
• Don't give tax advice unless you are properly qualified
• Register with the ICO if you process personal data, check whether this applies
• Deadlines such as VAT returns are the client's legal responsibility, so agree in writing who does what

Startup costs are typically around £300 to £2,000, depending on your software subscriptions, equipment, training and insurance. These are estimates, so check what cloud accounting tools you need and whether professional indemnity insurance is worth having.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many clients you take on and your fixed monthly fees. Your own hours and the complexity of each client's books will affect where you land in that range.

Check whether you need anti-money laundering registration for the services you offer, and whether you must register with the ICO if you process personal data. Don't give tax advice unless properly qualified, and agree in writing who handles deadlines such as VAT returns.