Overview
Regular bookkeeping improves VAT, payroll, cash flow and year-end accounts. A monthly close should capture all bank and card activity, sales, purchases, payroll, taxes, loans and owner transactions, then reconcile balances and resolve missing evidence.
Who this applies to
Companies, sole traders, partnerships and landlords.
Key points
- Connect all relevant bank and payment accounts.
- Do not rely only on bank descriptions; retain the underlying invoice or receipt.
- Reconcile control accounts and investigate differences.
- Identify personal, capital and unusual items for review.
Important dates and deadlines
The routine should be completed soon after each month end and more frequently where VAT, payroll or management reporting requires it.
Practical checklist
- Upload sales and purchase documents.
- Reconcile banks, cards and payment processors.
- Post payroll and taxes.
- Review aged debtors and creditors.
- Check VAT coding.
- Flag loans, assets and connected-party transactions.
Frequently asked questions
Can bookkeeping wait until the annual accounts?
It can, but this increases errors, missing evidence and late decisions.
Should every receipt be retained?
Keep appropriate evidence for business transactions and tax claims, preferably in an organised digital system.
How Accountants4All can help
Support matched to your circumstances
Accountants4All can provide monthly bookkeeping, review client-maintained records and use the portal to request missing evidence.
Official sources and further reading
This page is general guidance and does not create an adviser/client relationship. Tax rules and official guidance can change. Use the official sources above and obtain advice based on your circumstances.
Read the full tax disclaimer