News,May 2018

what is a journal entry

What is a Journal Entry?

18/09/2024Accounting , Bookkeeping

Wondering about what is a journal entry in the UK? If you are an accountant in the UK, you are obliged to maintain accurate records of the business finances. This will ensure that companies with the UK rules and regulations. This will also lead to making better and more informed decisions for the betterment of the future in the business world of the UK. Journal entry is one of the essential factors in this regard. This will help to track the transaction of business finances and will play the role of an important tool to maintain the records as well. In this discussion, we will talk about what exactly a journal entry is in the UK and what its important role is in maintaining the records. This will help to release how with the help of one tool the enterries can be maintained accurately. The auditing process will be smoother after this and there will be no financial chaos or financial errors if you meet the standards. You can be an experienced accountant or new to the accounting world, this guide will help you learn a lot of factors about journal entries in the UK. You will be able to take control of journal entries and finances. So let us get started! Our team of professional members loves to hear out your business problems and find out the possible and suitable solutions quickly to the reporting in the UK. Contact us now. What is a Journal Entry? It is a basic requirement for businesses in the UK to keep bookkeeping and accounting records accurately. This is why one of the crucial tools to ensure this is journal entries. Journal entry serves as the record of a business’s financial transactions. If this basic demand is not maintained, the business can be affected. It is a good way to maintain the records and classify the details to be ever ready for the smooth auditing process. Normally the journal records are maintained in a journal or a ledger by the accountants. Moreover, there are several types of journal entries: General Journal Entries: Used for non-routine transactions, such as corrections or adjustments. Special Journal Entries: Used for specific transactions, like sales or purchases. Adjusting Journal Entries: Used to adjust accounts at the end of an accounting period. If you ensure the accurate journal entries, you will have the benefit of the following: Compliance with UK accounting standards and regulations Accuracy and reliability of financial statements Effective financial analysis and decision-making What are the Components of a Journal Entry? The completeness and accuracy of records are essential while you are maintaining journal entries in the UK. This is not possible without having the journal entries digitally or manually. So it becomes equally important to have a basic understanding of the components that are a part of the journal entry. These sections consist of the components of a journal entry. 1. Date The date is the first component of a journal entry, indicating when the transaction occurred. This ensures that transactions are recorded in chronological order. 2. Description or Narration A brief description or narration explains the purpose of the transaction. This provides context and helps identify the transaction’s nature. 3. Debit Entry A debit entry records the increase or decrease in an asset or expense account. Debits are typically listed first in a journal entry. 4. Credit Entry A credit entry records the increase or decrease in a liability, equity, or revenue account. Credits are typically listed second in a journal entry. 5. Accounts Affected The accounts affected section identifies the specific accounts impacted by the transaction. This ensures that the transaction is properly recorded and updated in the ledger. What are the Common Journal Entry Errors? As discussed earlier the importance of journal entries is clear. But sometimes even the most experienced accountants make mistakes. If you want to achieve accuracy, identify the mistakes and correct them on the spot. This will ensure a reliable way of financial reporting and compliance according to the required standards of the UK. Some prominent common errors and pitfalls regarding maintaining the journal entries include the following. Accounting Concept Errors Incorrect application of accounting principles Misunderstanding of account types Failure to account for VAT or other taxes Mathematical Errors Incorrect calculations or postings Unbalanced debits and credits Rounding errors or incorrect precision Omission Errors Failure to record transactions or journal entries Omitting necessary supporting documentation Incomplete or missing information Classification Errors Incorrect classification of transactions Misclassification of accounts Incorrect application of accounting standards Reconciliation Errors Failure to reconcile accounts or ledgers Incorrect or incomplete reconciliation procedures Unresolved discrepancies or differences Compliance Errors Non-compliance with UK accounting standards Failure to meet HMRC requirements Non-adherence to industry-specific regulations Typographical Errors Incorrect account numbers or names Misspelled transaction descriptions Wrong dates or posting periods The Bottom Line In conclusion, it is clear what journal entry is in the UK. If you want to manage the business finances with accurate records, the fundamental concepts of accounting tools play an essential role. Here comes the journal entry which is an updated record of the financial details. This includes the chronological history of a company’s financial events. It is a requirement to meet the UK standards of keeping compliance. So while you are recording the transaction details in the normal, you are making sure of it. Moreover, this helps the business owners as well as the accountants to maintain accurate statements of finances and income statements. The journal entries can be manual and digital but the importance of the record remains the same. People are more inclined towards digital maintaining journal entries these days. It reduces the chances of keeping errors under control. If you are sure the journal entries are being maintained well, you will not have to worry about transparency, accountability, and accuracy in their financial recording and reporting. So, gear up today and get your hands on maintaining accurate records of your journals and ledgers. A good beginning means you …

Read more
when you should hire a bookkeeper

When You Should Hire a Bookkeeper?

09/09/2024Bookkeeping , Uncategorised

Wondering when you should hire a bookkeeper? If you are a business owner in the UK, it is essential to carry out your financial activities with accuracy. This will put your company to be on the way to success and achieve the planned milestones. Keeping the financial track, taxes, invoices and other such tasks can be quite overwhelming. Especially if you are planning to expand your business. This is where the role of a bookkeeper comes in. A trained professional who can handle all the financial records and act like a business advisor is all you need here. You will have to figure out when is the right time to get these bookkeeping services. There are significant signs that will indicate the need to have a bookkeeper. In this discussion, we have covered when you should hire a bookkeeper and how they can benefit your business. You can be a newbie or an old expert in the business world, this discussion will help you in several ways. So let us get started. Get in touch with our young, clever, and tech-driven professionals if you want to choose when you should hire a bookkeeper. When You Should Hire a Bookkeeper? Here is an explanation of the significant signs that you need to hire a bookkeeper in the UK. i. Difficulty Managing Cash Flow If you are managing cash flow and it has become a constant struggle, you might lose track of your expenses, income and plans. Here comes the need to hire a bookkeeper who can help you ensure you have enough funds to carry out your business activities. This will allow you to free up a little and focus on the growth of your business. ii. Administrative Burden Sometimes the financial tasks and keeping a balance between the finances and business growth drain a lot of energy. Hours and hours need to be invoked to manage the accurate record of finances which hinders your input for the business growth strategies. This seems to be a clear indication that now is the time to get the help of a booking expert so you can focus on planning the future of your business. iii. Lack of Financial Clarity or Visibility If you lack financial clarity and do not understand how to handle the finances of your business and manage accurate records, do yourself a favour and get a bookkeeper. You can have timely information and ensure that there are fewer chances of errors in the records. This will offer the kind of visibility and clarity that will help you to make informed decisions about your business. Benefits of Hiring a Bookkeeper in the UK The prominent benefits of hiring the services of a bookkeeper include the following. i. Improved Financial Accuracy and Compliance Once you have the benefit of bookkeeping services, you will enjoy accuracy in your financial records and an immediate improvement in them. This will further lead to avoiding discrepancies and chances of errors in the records. You can be easy with meeting HMRC deadlines and avoid unpleasant circumstances like penalties and other such punishments. ii. Enhanced Financial Decision-Making With the help of a bookkeeper, you will get timely information on your business finances. You will be able to make better choices regarding your business investment and funding after having the clarity and visibility of your business. This will allow you to be able to make greatly informed decisions about your business growth. iii. Reduced Stress and Administrative Burden The core business activities of your business will not have to undergo any neglecting patterns once you have freed up your time from finances. This will reduce your workload and work stress will be managed effectively. You will not have to worry about late-night work stress to meet those deadlines. Types of Bookkeepers to Consider in the UK Here are the core and prominent types of bookkeepers to consider if you are planning to get the services for your business in the UK. i. In-House Bookkeeper vs. Outsourced Bookkeeper If you finally have decided to get bookkeeping services for your business, you can get in touch with a bookkeeping agency. You can even hire an in-house bookkeeper to work for your business finances. In-house bookkeepers are hired to work correctly for your business. On the other hand, if you outsource the bookkeeping, they will work for you remotely or through a bookkeeping agency. You must consider the factors of cost, control and space while you are planning to get the services. ii. Freelance Bookkeeper vs. Bookkeeping Agency If you are interested in getting a freelance bookkeeper, they are independent to set working rules with you. This kind of service can be flexible and offer more personalised services for your business. However, if you’re getting in touch with a bookkeeping agency, you will have a team of bookkeepers to offer their expertise. You can look for reliability and consistency while choosing your options. iii. Certified Bookkeeper vs. Non-Certified Bookkeeper There are certified bookkeepers and then there are no certified bookkeepers to offer services in the business world. Certified bookkeepers are the ones who are with recognised degrees like ACCA. They ensure their expertise and updated knowledge in the field. Non-certified ones come with the experience and can provide quality services. However, getting certified services is still a better choice for your business. The Bottom Line In conclusion, when you should hire a bookkeeper, you can have any size of business in the UK, hiring a bookkeeper is a crucial step. This is for the future of your business. Once you understand the significant signs that your business requires bookkeeping services, you can make a better choice for your business. This will ensure accurate financial records and compliant, and supportive growth of a business. Moreover, while you are selecting bookkeeping services for your business, be mindful about considering factors like getting certified services, fees, reliability, and communication skills. By doing so, you can ensure that your business is getting a partner who …

Read more
why does airbnb need accountants

Why Does Airbnb Need Accountants?

01/04/2024Accountants , Accounting , Accounting Issues , Bookkeeping

Why does Airbnb need accountants? Airbnb is a popular home-sharing site and travel platform. It is a widely recognised brand and an invaluable asset in many global markets. The business has continued to grow and thrive despite the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Which highlights the importance of having well-planned and efficient financial oversight. While accounting is typically viewed as a back-end process, it is crucial for the success of businesses like Airbnb. Having an accountant on board can provide invaluable guidance and support. This helps in managing finances, taxes, compliance, and business growth.   Reach out to our smart and clever-minded guys to understand why Airbnb needs accountants. We will help to understand your queries instantly.   What is the Role of Airbnb in the UK? The role of Airbnb in the UK is significant. Airbnb has become a popular and viable hosting option for travellers. As it helps in offering access to unique and authentic accommodation options at a range of price points. Airbnb has also played a key role in the hospitality sector by supporting the tourism industry and enabling guests and hosts. This is to connect across geographical boundaries, fostering cultural exchange and building cross-cultural understanding. Airbnb has become a key contributor to the UK’s overall economy, providing job opportunities and injecting valuable revenue into the local economy. It has also enabled hosts to earn supplemental income, thus providing an important source of financial stability. Despite the challenges faced by the tourism and hospitality industries during the COVID-19 pandemic, Airbnb has continued to play a key role in the UK economy. Host and guest interactions have shifted online. Allowing the platform to persist as the world adjusted to new norms. Airbnb has also continued to be an important driver for local economies, providing opportunities for business and employment.   Why Does Airbnb Need Accountants? Airbnb, like any large tech company, requires accountants to handle a wide range of financial and tax-related matters. Accountants help ensure compliance with relevant taxes, manage cash flow, track financial transactions, and prepare financial reports. Without the support and expertise of accountants, companies such as Airbnb could face significant legal risks and financial penalties. Accountants also provide valuable guidance and support with business planning, funding, and valuation. Accountants provide Airbnb with a trusted and efficient business partner. Ensuring the sustainability and success of this widely popular platform. Accountants can also assist with risk management, ensuring that Airbnb considers potential risk factors and implements measures to protect the company and its users.   Tips to Choose the Right Accountant for Airbnb Here are some tips for choosing the appropriate accountant for Airbnb in the UK: 1. Experience and expertise: When choosing an accountant for Airbnb, look for one who has extensive experience working with businesses similar to Airbnb, such as technology platforms, hosting services, and hospitality companies. 2. Cost: Consider the cost of the accountant’s services and package offerings. As well as the potential savings that the accountant could bring to your business. 3. Dependability and communication: Ensure that you trust the accountant and have a clear communication channel with them. 4. Reputation and trust: Check for any reviews or testimonies about the accountant, or ask for referrals from other clients. 5. Responsiveness and availability: Make sure that the accountant is responsive and accessible, and check their level of communication. 6. Experience with relevant authorities: Consider if the accountant has experience, and is familiar with, the laws and regulations relevant to Airbnb’s industry and region. 7. Tax compliance and knowledge: Ensure that the accountant is up-to-date on all tax laws and rules relating to your business and Airbnb’s location. 8. Industry insight and knowledge: Consider the accountant’s knowledge of the Airbnb industry. The trends related to that industry, and how those trends could affect your business. 9. Professional certification and qualification: Verify that the accountant is certified and qualified to provide accounting services in the UK. 10. Openness and flexibility: Ensure that the accountant is open to discussing any concerns or challenges that you might face and flexible in responding to your needs and requests. 11. Availability and support: Consider the availability and accessibility of the accountant, as well as the level of support and communication they can provide. 12. Knowledge of relevant software: Verify that the accountant knows relevant accounting software. Which can greatly enhance the efficiency and ease of the accounting process.   What are the Benefits of Hiring an Accountant for Airbnb? Hiring an accountant for Airbnb in the UK can offer a range of benefits. 1. Compliance and risk management: Hiring an accountant can ensure that Airbnb keeps up with all relevant tax and legal obligations, reducing the risk of fines and penalties. Accountants can also help identify potential risks and manage them efficiently. Reducing the risk of losses and maintaining a smooth business operation. 2. Financial stability and growth: Hiring an accountant can ensure that Airbnb maintains a healthy and stable financial position. Enabling it to grow and expand its business. 4. Business planning and forecasting: Hiring an accountant can help Airbnb plan and forecast its business operations. Ensuring that it has a clear understanding of its financial situation and can make effective decisions for the business. 5. Business valuation and funding: Accountants can provide valuable insight and analysis around Airbnb’s value. Which can be helpful when seeking funding or making significant business decisions. 6. Efficient business operations: Accountants can ensure efficient business operations by managing finances. Tracking financial transactions, filing taxes and reports on time, and providing timely feedback on performance. 7. Tax savings: Accountants can help Airbnb identify legal loopholes and tax deductions. Ensuring that it pays the least amount of taxes possible. 8. Financial advice and guidance: Hiring an accountant can allow Airbnb to make informed, well-considered financial decisions based on expert advice and analysis. 9. Financial protection: Accountants can help ensure that Airbnb is protected against risks and liabilities. Reducing the risk of significant damages or financial losses. 10. Continuity and sustainability: …

Read more
why production houses needs bookkeepers

Why Production Houses Needs Bookkeepers in the UK?

30/01/2024Accountants , Accounting , Accounting Issues , Bookkeeping

Production accountants are responsible for managing the financial aspects of production projects in production houses in the UK. This article is based on the discussion about why production houses need bookkeepers. We will explore some key skills and expertise that production accountants need to excel in their roles. We will also discuss the individuals and departments that production accountants work with and how they contribute to the success of production projects. Additionally, we will examine the value of production accountants in the industry and the importance of their skills and expertise. This article will also highlight the critical role that production accountants play in the world of production and will provide valuable insights to anyone interested in this field.   Talk to our best accountants and bookkeepers in the UK at CruseBurke. You will get instant help about why production houses need bookkeepers, whether you are running a small or large business.   What Does a Production Accountant Do? Production accountants are responsible for overseeing the financial aspects of film, television, and video production projects in the UK. They are responsible for maintaining accurate budgeting, cost control, and bookkeeping throughout the production process. Their duties include preparing and managing budgets, monitoring expenditures, negotiating contracts, tracking expenses, reporting on production progress, and providing financial analysis and reports to production managers and producers.   Why Do Production Houses Need Bookkeepers? Production houses in the UK need accountants to manage their financial affairs and provide financial data and insights to management, investors, and other stakeholders. The role of a production accountant is crucial in ensuring that production projects stay within budget and on schedule, as well as in providing accurate financial data, analysis, and reporting to support decision-making. The following are some of the key reasons why production houses in the UK need accountants: 1. Financial management: Production houses need to manage their finances carefully to ensure the success of production projects. They provide financial data and insights to managers and producers, enabling them to make informed decisions and ensure that production is on budget and schedule. 2. Compliance: Production houses operate in a highly regulated industry and must ensure they comply with financial and regulatory requirements. 3. Strategic planning: Production houses rely on accurate financial data to develop strategic business plans and identify growth opportunities. 4. Investor reporting: Production houses need to maintain accurate financial records and provide transparent and accurate financial data to investors, lenders, and other stakeholders. A production accountant is responsible for providing financial data and insights to support investor reporting and ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial information.   What Works Best for Production House Bookkeepers? Bookkeepers in production houses in the UK need a range of skills and expertise to operate effectively. Here are some key areas that work best for production bookkeepers: 1. Risk management: Production houses operate in a highly competitive and dynamic industry, and production bookkeepers must identify and manage risks effectively. They must understand the risks associated with production projects and provide recommendations to management to minimise those risks. 3. Legal and regulatory compliance: They are the custodian of financial information and need to ensure that financial records are accurately maintained and reported to comply with legal and regulatory requirements. 4. Project management: Production bookkeepers must have good project management skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously and ensure they stay on budget and schedule. They must be able to prioritise tasks, allocate resources, and establish deadlines to meet production schedules.   Who Does a Production Bookkeeper Work With? Production bookkeepers work closely with various departments and stakeholders in production houses to manage the financial aspects of production projects. Some of the key individuals and departments they work with include: 1. Production managers: Production bookkeepers work closely with production managers to ensure that production stays within budget and on schedule. They provide financial data and insights to help managers make informed decisions and support managers in managing multiple projects simultaneously. 2. Producers: Since financial data is critical to decision-making, production bookkeepers work closely with producers to provide financial data and insights that help them make informed decisions. They provide support in managing budgets, cost control, and management of expenditures and help producers understand trends and identify areas for improvement. 3. Location managers: Production bookkeepers work closely with location managers to ensure that production projects are completed on schedule and budget. They provide support in budgeting, cost control, and the management of expenditures and help location managers understand trends and identify areas for improvement. 4. Investors:  They provide financial data and insights to help investors make informed decisions, and they provide support in managing budgets, cost control, and the management of expenditures.   The Bottom Line This article concludes that bookkeepers for production houses are key professionals in production houses in the UK. They are skilled at managing the financial aspects of production projects, providing financial data and insights to management, investors, and other stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and legal requirements.   Disclaimer: The information about why production houses need bookkeepers provided in this blog includes text and graphics of general nature. It does not intend to disregard any of the professional advice.

Read more
what is pro forma invoice

What is a Pro Forma Invoice?

26/01/2024Accountants , Accounting , Accounting Issues , Bookkeeping

If you are wondering about what is pro forma invoice, well, Pro forma invoices are a widely used business document in the UK, particularly in large-scale commercial transactions. Pro forma invoices provide a detailed breakdown of the cost and charges associated with a proposed transaction, and they allow the customer to review and approve the details of the transaction before proceeding. There are several key reasons for issuing a pro form invoice, including the need to obtain customer approval for the proposed transaction, the need to facilitate the negotiation and finalisation of the transaction, and the need to verify the information before proceeding with the transaction. In general, the appearance and layout of a pro forma invoice may vary depending on the industry and the customer’s preferences, but it should communicate the details of the transaction and provide enough information to enable the customer to make an informed purchasing decision.   Reach out to our intelligent and clever-minded guys to get the answer to your queries in the UK, we will get to your answers quickly. We will help to decide how to deal with your tax implications.   What is Pro Forma Invoice? A pro forma invoice, also known as a preliminary invoice, is a document used in the UK to outline the key details of a proposed or anticipated commercial transaction. It can be particularly useful for large or complex transactions, where there may be multiple components to the final cost. In the UK, pro forma invoices are commonly issued by businesses to each other, or by suppliers to their customers. They are often used in B2B transactions, but can also be issued in B2C transactions, particularly in cases where the customer requires additional detail or clarification before they can give final approval.   Common Reasons for Issuing a Pro Forma Invoice After getting an idea about what is pro forma invoice, we must know there are several reasons why businesses may issue a pro forma invoice. Here are some of the most common reasons: 1. To provide a detailed breakdown of a proposed or anticipated commercial transaction. By issuing a pro forma invoice in advance of the final invoice, businesses can provide the customer with a clear and detailed breakdown of the proposed transaction, including the total price and any additional costs or fees. This helps to ensure that the customer has a full understanding of the transaction before giving their approval or signing a contract. 2. To enable the customer to make informed purchasing decisions. This can be particularly useful for large or complex transactions, where there may be multiple components to the final cost. By reviewing the pro forma invoice, the customer can make an informed purchasing decision, ensuring that they have a full understanding of the cost implications and can compare it to other options available in the market. 3. By issuing a pro forma invoice before the final invoice, businesses can ensure that both parties are in agreement on the terms of the transaction before proceeding. This can help to avoid any misunderstandings or disagreements that may arise later in the process and can ensure that the final agreement between the parties aligns with the terms of the pro forma invoice. 4. To provide additional detail or clarification. In some cases, the customer may require additional detail or clarification before they can give final approval. By reviewing the pro forma invoice, the customer can understand the cost implications and other aspects of the transaction and can make an informed purchasing decision.   What Should a Pro Forma Invoice Look Like? The appearance and layout of a pro forma invoice in the UK can vary depending on the industry and the customer’s preferences. However, some general guidelines can be followed to ensure that the pro forma invoice is clear, easy to understand, and provides all the necessary information. In general, a pro forma invoice should include the following information: 1. The name and address of the customer and the supplier. 2. The invoice date and invoice number. 3. A detailed breakdown of the products or services being sold, including the price, quantity, any additional costs or fees, and any applicable taxes. 4. Any special conditions or terms and conditions. 5. The total price and any additional fees for any additional services or costs. 6. The date of delivery and any other relevant delivery information.   How is a Pro Forma Invoice Different from Other Invoices? A pro forma invoice, also known as a preliminary invoice, is a document that provides a preliminary breakdown of the costs and charges associated with a proposed transaction, typically issued in advance of the final invoice. However, there are several key differences between a pro forma invoice and other types of invoices that businesses should be aware of. Firstly, a pro forma invoice is not a legally binding contract. As such, it does not create any legal obligation for the customer to pay for the goods or services, and there may be further negotiations or adjustments made before the final invoice is issued. Secondly, a pro forma invoice is issued in advance of the final invoice and serves as a means of facilitating the negotiation and finalisation of the transaction. This is unlike a final invoice, which is issued only after the customer has approved the details of the transaction and is legally obligated to pay for the goods or services. Thirdly, a pro forma invoice is typically used in B2B transactions, usually as a means of obtaining a customer’s approval before proceeding with a large or complex transaction. This differs from a final invoice, which is often used in B2C transactions and is issued after the customer has received the goods or services and is legally obligated to pay for them.   How to Create a Pro Forma Invoice? Here are some steps for how to create a pro forma invoice: 1. Select the necessary information to include in the invoice. 2. Organise the information clearly and …

Read more
what is fair value accounting

What is Fair Value Accounting? Definition, Method and Difficulties

14/12/2023Accountants , Accountants for Contractors , Accounting , Accounting Issues , accounting software , Bookkeeping

Let’s dive into our discussion about what is fair value accounting. It’s an accounting approach that’s gaining traction in the UK and globally. Fair value accounting involves valuing assets and liabilities based on their current market prices, providing a more accurate reflection of their true worth. This method enhances transparency and relevance in financial reporting, as it captures the dynamic nature of the market. Fair value accounting is particularly useful for financial instruments and investment properties. However, it’s important to note that fair value measurements can be subjective and require careful judgment. Regulators and standard-setting bodies are continuously working to provide guidance and ensure consistency in fair value measurements. Now that we have the introduction covered, let’s get started with the blog.   Reach out to our intelligent and clever-minded guys to get the answer to your queries in the UK, we will get to your answers quickly. We will help to decide how to deal with your tax implications.   What is Fair Value Accounting? This approach is particularly relevant for assets that are traded in active markets, such as stocks or bonds. Fair value accounting takes into consideration factors like supply and demand, market conditions, and other relevant information to determine the fair value of an asset or liability. It provides transparency and helps investors and stakeholders make informed decisions. However, it’s worth noting that fair value accounting can be subjective and may require professional judgment. Companies need to have robust valuation processes and adhere to accounting standards to ensure consistency and accuracy.   Fair Value Accounting Method – How to Value the Assets? When it comes to valuing assets using the fair value accounting method in the UK, there are a few key considerations. For financial instruments like stocks or bonds, fair value can be determined by looking at their market prices. It’s important to note that fair value accounting requires companies to regularly reassess the value of their assets and liabilities, taking into account any changes in market conditions. This ensures that the financial statements provide an accurate representation of the company’s financial position. By using the fair value accounting method, companies in the UK can provide transparency and relevant information to investors and stakeholders.   When Does Fair Value Accounting Apply? Fair value accounting applies in various situations in the UK. Additionally, fair value accounting is applied when measuring the value of investment properties, biological assets, and certain intangible assets like patents or trademarks. It is also used when assessing the fair value of liabilities, such as contingent liabilities or financial liabilities that are held for trading.   What is Fair Value Accounting vs. Historical Cost Accounting? A difference is the level of objectivity involved in determining values. Fair value accounting requires judgment and estimation, as it relies on market conditions and other factors. This subjectivity can lead to differences in opinion among accountants and auditors. Historical cost accounting, on the other hand, is based on actual past transactions and is generally considered more objective. Comparability is also affected by the choice of accounting method. Fair value accounting provides a standardised approach to valuing assets and liabilities, which enhances comparability between companies. Historical cost accounting, on the other hand, may result in different values for similar assets and liabilities, as they are recorded at different points in time. Both fair value accounting and historical cost accounting have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two depends on various factors, including the nature of the assets and liabilities, the industry, and the specific reporting requirements.   What are the Benefits? Fair value accounting offers several benefits in financial reporting. One major advantage is that it provides more relevant and up-to-date information about the value of assets and liabilities. By valuing them at their current market prices, fair value accounting reflects the economic reality of a company’s financial position. This can help investors, creditors, and other stakeholders make more informed decisions. Fair value accounting also enhances transparency by disclosing the underlying assumptions and inputs used in determining fair values. This allows users of financial statements to better understand the basis for the reported values. Additionally, fair value accounting can improve comparability between companies, as it provides a standardised approach to valuing assets and liabilities. This consistency allows for better benchmarking and analysis across industries and markets. Fair value accounting can also capture changes in value more accurately, especially for assets that are subject to frequent market fluctuations, such as investments or derivatives. This helps prevent potential distortions in financial statements caused by outdated historical cost measurements. Overall, fair value accounting promotes transparency, relevance, and comparability in financial reporting.   What are the Difficulties? Since fair value relies on market conditions and estimates, there can be differences in opinion among accountants and auditors. Another disadvantage is the increased complexity and cost associated with fair value measurements. Valuing assets and liabilities at fair value requires expertise and resources, such as hiring independent appraisers or using complex valuation models. Changes in fair value can impact reported earnings and financial ratios, which may make it challenging for investors and stakeholders to assess a company’s performance and financial health. It’s important for companies to carefully consider the pros and cons and ensure proper implementation and disclosure to provide meaningful financial information.   What is the Possible Growth of Fair Value Accounting in Future? As the global economy becomes more interconnected and complex, fair value accounting is gaining traction as a more relevant and transparent method of valuing assets and liabilities. The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) in the UK has been actively promoting the use of fair value accounting to enhance the quality and transparency of financial reporting. This alignment with international standards further supports the future of fair value accounting in the UK. Moreover, advancements in technology and data analytics are making it easier to gather and analyse market data, which is crucial for fair value measurements. The subjectivity involved in fair value measurements can lead to differences in opinion …

Read more
adjusted net income

What is Adjusted Net Income?

21/06/2023Accountants , Accounting Issues , Bookkeeping

In simple words, we can call the adjusted net income the total taxable income. The money you are earning from freelancing along with rental income and salary is included in the list of net adjusted income. On the other hand, charities, donations, pension contributions, and losses and reliefs from the yester years are not considered to be part of this list. This might confuse several cases but the amount of your personal allowance is considered to be included. Which is known to be the first part of income that is tax-free. This is an amount of £12,570. Further in the discussion, this comprehensive guide will be based on frequently asked questions like how adjusted income works in the UK, what should be taken care of in this case, what happens to your child’s benefits, and what amount goes over a certain limit. Let us get further delved into the discussion to know more facts about how net adjusted income will work for you.   Our team of professional members loves to hear out your problems and find out the possible and suitable solutions quickly for small businesses’ accounting problems. Call us or email us today.   How Does Adjusted Net Income Work in the UK? It is calculated by taking your total income and deducting any allowable expenses and certain tax reliefs, such as pension contributions and charitable donations. This kind of income is used to determine whether you are eligible for certain tax credits and benefits, such as child tax credit, and whether you will receive the full amount or a reduced amount. It can also affect your personal allowance, which is the amount of income you can earn before you start paying income tax. If your net adjusted income exceeds certain thresholds, your personal allowance may be reduced or eliminated altogether. It’s important to keep track of your adjusted net income to make sure that you are able to avoid any unexpected tax bills.   Why Should I Care About My Adjusted Net Income? Your adjusted net income is an important figure to be aware of in the UK because it can affect your eligibility for certain tax credits, benefits, and personal allowances. For example, if your net adjusted income exceeds £100,000, you will start to lose your personal allowance, which means you’ll pay more income tax. Moreover, if your adjusted net income is too high, you may not be eligible for certain tax credits or benefits, such as child tax credit or working tax credit. Therefore, it’s important to keep track of your net adjusted income to make sure you’re not missing out on any tax benefits or credits that you’re entitled to.   What If the Amount is Over £100,000? If your adjusted net income in the UK exceeds £100,000, you will start to lose your personal allowance. For every £2 that your net adjusted income exceeds £100,000, your personal allowance will be reduced by £1. This means that if your income is over £125,000, you will not receive any personal allowance, and you’ll pay more income tax. However, it’s worth noting that this only applies to your personal allowance, and not to other tax credits or benefits that you may be eligible for.   What If You’re a Who is Parent Claiming Child Benefits? If you’re a parent claiming child benefits in the UK, your adjusted net income can affect your eligibility for certain tax credits and benefits, such as child tax credit. If your net adjusted income exceeds £50,000, your child tax credit will be reduced by £1 for every £100 that your adjusted net income exceeds this threshold. If your net adjusted income is more than the figure £60,000, you will not be eligible for any child tax credit. However, it’s worth noting that these thresholds only apply to child tax credits, and not to other benefits or tax credits that you may be eligible for.   What If You were Born Before the Year 1938? If you were born before the year 1938 in the UK, you may be eligible for a higher personal allowance than other taxpayers. This is known as the age-related allowance, and the amount you receive will depend on your date of birth. However, it’s worth noting that the age-related allowance is being phased out, and will be replaced by a higher basic personal allowance for all taxpayers. The age-related allowance was fully phased out earlier.   The Bottom Line Now that you have gathered a fair amount of information about what is adjusted net income and how it works in the UK, we can bring the discussion towards wrapping up. To be eligible for the net adjusted income, there is a certain criterion which is to be met before you expect any benefit. So to check whether you are eligible or not, you will have to see the points mentioned and it will also depend on your specific circumstances. We hope this discussion will help you to develop a better understanding of net adjusted income and how will this help to get you the maximum benefits in the UK.   Reach out to our intelligent and clever-minded guys to get the answer to your queries in the UK, we will get to your answers quickly. We will help to decide how to deal with your tax implications.   Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is about adjusted net income, including the text and graphics, in general. It does not intend to disregard any of the professional advice.

Read more
bookkeeping for amazon sellers

What is the Best Way to do Bookkeeping for Amazon Sellers?

13/01/2023Accounting , accounting software , Bookkeeping

When you are associated with accounting needs in Amazon selling, it does the work mostly for the purpose of fulfilment. However, the seller has to deal with the management of selling operations as well as the financial requirements of accounting in this. In the case when you are into Amazon selling, but you are not connected with the accounting management of your finances, you will be unable to realise the financial health. One of the prominent reasons why businesses fail is also because of the poor cash flow and not keeping a track of the finances in accounting. Here comes the requirement of bookkeeping for amazon sellers. You will have to ensure that you are on top of handling your accounting requirements. This requirement of accounting does not seem to be a complicated process and especially for small businesses or new setups. The needs of bookkeeping might sound daunting to beginners. However, once you learn the professional way to do it, you will find it easy and handy. This is why bookkeeping is important for all Amazon sellers.   Talk to our best accountants and bookkeepers in the UK at CruseBurke. You will get instant help with bookkeeping for amazon sellers whether you are running a small or large business.   Bookkeeping for Amazon Sellers In simple words, we can say that bookkeeping for the sellers of Amazon refers to making records of the day-to-day activities of a merchant. This majorly includes the activity of financial transactions. Now the common factors that are associated with financial transactions in Amazon selling are sending money on advertisements, loan payments, the amount of money that is paid to the suppliers, and the cost of shipping, purchases, and sales. There are several factors due to which bookkeeping is an essential part of Amazon’s selling process.   What is the Important Fact About Bookkeeping for Amazon Sellers? The importance of bookkeeping can be witnessed by Amazon sellers through multiple factors. Having a conscious track of the financial activities is top on the list in this regard. Everyone among the owners is keenly interested in knowing the facts about what is the amount of revenue that is generated after the sales and what is the amount of earned profit. Here are a few important reasons for this regard: There are high chances of accidental mistakes due to which you can lose a lot of your money without even knowing. These expensive mistakes can be avoided by keeping a track of the accounts through bookkeeping. When you are up for borrowing an amount of money, you will have to prove that you are a reliable risk to lend the money. Your financial statement made with the bookkeeping will help you in this regard. There are several events that will bring in the need for the amount related to the tax deductions, your record-keeping through books will save you in such a scenario. Bookkeeping is a track of the financial position of your health which will further guide you to make the right decisions.   What are the Key Benefits of Bookkeeping for Amazon Sellers? There are several key benefits of bookkeeping for Amazon sellers. There are multiple examples of sellers who are not even fully aware of the key benefits of bookkeeping in their selling business. Let us consider a scenario where you are required to make a loan application for your business, the creditor will require a lot of financial information. This can be easily taken from the record of bookkeeping. For a fine record, you must ensure that your books are recorded with accurate details and are updated on a regular basis as well. This does not sound like much if your records are maintained and you keep a track of them. If you have maintained your books successfully this should not be a problem for you. If the records are not maintained, this experience can be quite a nightmare for you and your business.   What is the Procedure of Bookkeeping for Amazon’s Selling a Business? When it comes to the Amazon selling business, there are two ways to do the bookkeeping. Some of the sellers are up for handling the accounts on their own while others opt for hiring an expert to maintain the books for their financial details on a daily basis. Hiring a professional for the bookkeeping purpose is more popular among people and it is not a very costly procedure as well. Hiring a professional for this cause means that your workload will be decreased and you will be stress-free to focus on your business growth and valuation more. You will not worry about missing the deadlines and making possible errors in the records. When you outsource the bookkeeping services you will have time to enjoy multiple aspects of working on your business. This includes the aspects like marketing and the development of your product. You are often surprised by the low-cost packages of hiring bookkeeping professionals and how handy and affordable are these bookkeeping services to be availed virtually.   The Bottom Line Now that you have gathered a fair amount of information about bookkeeping for amazon sellers, we can bring the discussion towards wrapping up. The benefits and key factors of bookkeeping are essential for smooth selling on Amazon and this can really help you with other factors of your business. You can easily find a professional to be hired for bookkeeping services for your business. This will allow you to enjoy focusing on your product development as well as marketing them for business growth.   Are you seeking professional help to know bookkeeping for amazon sellers for a small business? Why not get help from the experts at the CruseBurke? Talk to us now and we will get back to you instantly.   Disclaimer: All the information provided in this article on bookkeeping for amazon sellers includes all the texts and graphics. It does not intend to disregard any of the professional advice.

Read more
year end accounting checklist

What are the Tips to Get Your Books Ready for End of Year?

05/01/2023Accountants , Accounting , Accounting Issues , Bookkeeping

It becomes critical and hectic especially for the finances team when the tax year is coming towards an end. It is a tendency among businesses that the finance professionals get their owners burry under the heps of accounting requirements, financial reports, and other relevant statements. It takes around a month time period for the accounting professionals to be prepared for the year closure. This usually makes the accountants overwhelmed with the work requirements. The year-end accounting checklist helps here to maintain focus on getting everything ready before the deadline approaches. Moreover, the best way to lessen the overwhelming burden and improve the productivity level in this busy period of the year is to make a set of workflow that can really help. This is also an easy method that will reduce your work stress as well. We have compiled this article to give you a good headstart. We have focused on outlining the important steps that will make the year-end closing cycle a successful experience for you. Let us get delved into the discussion without missing any tips and ways to make this happen.   Talk to one of our intelligent and clever professionals to get your further queries about the year-end accounting checklist. We will ensure to come up with the best possible solution.   A Short Introduction to the Year-End Close The year-end close is also famous with the name of closing the books. It is a procedure in which the professionals do a review, and verification of all the financial transactions, recompilation, and add up the ledgers of the company from the previous fiscal years. This has the involvement of equity, investments, assets, revenue, income, and other calculations of the business expenses. The goal of this annual closure is to make the financial statement finally which will help for the potential audit externally. This will keep the official financial records of the company in a sorted and managed manner. Moreover, the founders of the company are allowed to choose the year-end date that goes according to their business suitability. The duration of the fiscal year must be of 12 months. This should be fitted best with the industry and the company’s requirements.   Why is it so Difficult to Do the Year-End Closing? It is challenging and overwhelming when it comes to the year-end closing. Often professionals and accountants are found to seek help from others. So that their workload can be reduced. We have outlined some of the common problems that make it challenging for accountants through the financial year and at the year-end closing. This involves the following: The inefficient communication of the employees makes the process more difficult. The accountants are often found running after the employees for the sake of missing documents. The manual entry of the data is another challenge. This not only takes a lot of time but the chances of errors are also high in this method. It is challenging to juggle the files of paper. Human errors are possible even if the professionals are organised to a good level. It just has to be a simple wrong entry and this can give you costly consequences. The missing invoices and receipts are another major issue. This can even cause some major delays in meeting deadlines.   What are the Ways to Make the Year-End Closing a Little Easier? This is like a dream for professionals to seek ways that can make the year-end closing a little easier and less stressful. The good news is that there are certain ways to do so in reality. Being ahead in planning the year-end closing is one of the popular ways. When you are on the top game of handling your finances throughout the year, this will work as the most effective way to cut down the level of stress while you are closing the year-end finances and other requirements. You must ensure that laborious reconciliations is done already so that your accounting professionals can spare the time to focus on the business goals for the coming up year, setting the budget, making financial reports, and reviewing the ledgers.   What is the Year-End Accounting Checklist? There are several steps recommended by professionals that are related to double-entry accounting well. This will even help to close the books and either requirement right on time. 1- You must be preparing your year-end closing schedule to be on top of your performance game. You must know the delaine of the fiscal year and other important dates of the business activities. You can even create a calendar to focus on important deadlines. 2- You must gather all the receipts and outstanding invoices. 3- You must record the entries that are adjusted. This should involve the reconciliation of all the cash accounts. 4- You should close all the payable and receivable accounts as well. 5- If you want to start your new fiscal year with the right financial position, you must focus on accrue accounts receivable. 6- Keep a track of the accrued accounts payable. 7- Adjust the entitlements and the grants wherever required for the business’s betterment.   The Bottom Line Now that you have gathered a fair amount of information about the year-end accounting checklist, we can bring the discussion towards wrapping up. Getting your books ready and set for the upcoming new fiscal year means that you are in a good financial position with your business to make the right business choices and being your financial year. However, the professionals often state a few tips to be on top of this game. We hope these few minutes of reading will help you to develop a better understanding of the year-end accounting checklist. As well as how to deal with them professionally in the future.   If you seek professional help, learn more about the year-end accounting checklist. Why wander somewhere else when you have our young and clever team of professionals at CruseBurke?   Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is about the year-end …

Read more
tax treatment of dividends

Tax Consequences of ‘Illegal’ Dividends

04/10/2022Accounting , Bookkeeping , Dividend Allowance

When we are associated with the business world, we all know that the undistributed profits of a business can help to declare dividends. It is required to follow the accurate procedures well in order to make all the relevant payments legal. If there is a scenario where a director tends to sanction illegal dividends, the concerned individual and the director both will be associated with a significant tax. This will be applicable if the director was not aware of the non-validity in this process. Tax treatment of dividends is important to understand here, this will allow you to know that the credits in a company’s account do not specify that the earned profits are enough for the business. Moreover, when it comes to the declaration of dividends for a company, the calculations must belong to retained profits.   Reach out to one of our professionals to get to know what is the best way to handle tax treatment of dividends for your business in the UK.    Tax Treatment of Dividends vs Salary People often wonder about the directors and their salaries. The director of a company that is carrying out a business owned by another individual, the role of the director becomes a shareholder as well. There is always a beneficial factor involved when there is a split observed in the salary and dividends and the benefits are mostly related to the tax affairs. Such an arrangement achieves the following beneficial factors: There is no factor of attraction involved in the dividends for the national insurance contributions. The tax charges will be low because the rate of tax is lower on dividends as compared to the PAYE income. There is a separate allowance for dividends that is tax-free. Moreover, these benefits allow you to become more and more tax efficient. This is why the directors tend to take a tax-free amount of the salary and the rest of it goes to them in form of dividends.   When is the Right Time to Pay the Dividends? By now you must be wondering about the dividend payments and when is the most suitable time to pay. See the following listed factors to define when is the right time to pay the dividends. There should not be any duplication in the payment. This means that you have not paid any dividends already in any form. This is also applicable when your company profits exceed the limit of business losses in the same period.   What are the Consequences of Illegal Dividends? There are common problems that come across the way of directors that result in the form of illegal dividends. They include the followings: When you do not pay the same amount of money to all the shareholders who belong to the same class. When you fail to make a declaration of the dividends through accurate paperwork. When you fail to ensure that adequate reserves are there to support the payments of dividends. When you are not able to assess the solvency of the company. If your accounts are not prepared enough to play a supporting role for interim dividends. If you are not aware or self-assured about the declaration of your dividends, it is wise to reach out to an expert for help and suggestions. This will allow you to realise whether you can pay the dividend and how will it help you with the relevant paperwork. If you are not well aware of the dividend process, you will fall into illegal dividends and lack of knowledge will not be a justified reason for that.   The Bottom Line Now that you have gathered a fair amount of information about the tax treatment of dividends for your business, we can say that illegal dividends can make you suffer serious consequences, so it is better to realise how imperative it is to be well aware of the dividend process. We hope these few minutes of reading will help you to develop a better understanding of the tax treatment of dividends and you will be able to handle the dividend process efficiently.   Get in touch with our young, clever and tech-driven professionals if you want to choose the best guide for the tax treatment of dividends for your business in the UK  for your business.    Disclaimer: The information about the tax treatment of dividends for your business in the  UK provided in this blog includes text and graphics of general nature. It does not intend to disregard any of the professional advice.

Read more