info about accountancy

samiam85

Hi i want to start a business and can't afford an accountant.
Is there any websites or books i can read?
thanks

nealnomoney

Please have a think before you post. Accountants charge for the amount of time it takes to do your accounts. It may be that you wont be charged a lot. If you cant afford an accountant, can you afford to start a business??

Lazy_Runner

Hi

Don't know about any websites nor can I recommend any books. However a quick look on Amazon finds these:

Starting a business for Dummies. (Not sure what happened to the normal way to link).
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Starting-Business-Dummies-Colin-Barrow/dp/0764570188/ref=sr_1_1/026-0249413-9184400?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1182443777&sr=1-1

The associated book, Business accounting for dummies:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Understanding-Business-Accounting-Dummies-UK/dp/0764570250/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b/026-0249413-9184400?ie=UTF8&qid=1182443777&sr=1-1

HTH

Treading_Water

Hi
Although you say that you can't afford an accountant, there are different levels of accountant. For instance you don't need a fully chartered accountant if you are only starting a small business. Also many good accountants will offer a free advisory first session.
The right accountant will save you money in the longer term, by advising you on the most tax efficient way to run your business and stay on the right side of HMR&C!:eek:
Do make sure that any accountant you use is lisensed to provide the services they do and covered by professional indemnity insurance. There are lots of people out there offering a service they have are not qualified to provide.

Timmne

Any good accountant will save you more money in tax and other areas than the amount they'll charge you.

Please don't think that an accountant is something you 'have' to have; it's something you should have - to help you!

Make sure you only use a qualified accountant (ACCA/FCCA, ACMA/FCMA, ACA/FCA, MAAT/FMAAT after their name) - at the moment the use of the word accountant is not regulated so any Tom !!!!!! or Harry can call themselves one. Don't ever be tempted to use a guy that works from his front bedroom unless they've been recommended for good reasons (not just low fees, this isn't always a good thing) - use a well regarded local accountant.

All accountants will give you a free initial meeting - you can get a quote from them then for any work you need doing. If it's just bookkeeping you need doing or advice on how to do it then they'll advise you or point you in the right direction. This work is often not lucrative enough for them to do so they should be able to direct you to someone who'll do it (around £8-10 per hour's a good rate to aim for).

Please PM me if you need any advice on where to look or what to do (don't worry, I'm not looking for new clients currently!) - I'll be more than happy to help.

mikewebs

Another good source of information is HMRC (Inland Revenue). They offer many infomation packs and have advisors to help you if you are not sure what to do - the best thing about them is (in true money saving style) the information is free! Have a look at

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/businesses/index.shtml

I am sure you'll find information there to help you.