New to business accounting? These 12 guides take you from zero to confident — covering everything from basic concepts to setting up your records correctly from day one.
Setting up your accounting correctly from the start saves hours of painful corrections later. Whether you're a brand-new sole trader or a recently incorporated limited company, these guides walk you through every foundational concept — in plain English, with UK-specific examples throughout.
At the end of each guide, you'll find recommendations for accounting software that makes the topic easier to manage — so you can go from understanding to action in one place.
Understand what accounting software does, why you need it, and how it differs from spreadsheets.
The two main accounting methods explained — with a clear guide on which is right for your business.
A step-by-step walkthrough for new business owners setting up their financial records for the first time.
What a chart of accounts is, how it's structured, and how to set one up for your UK business.
The fundamental principle behind all accounting — explained simply with real UK business examples.
Why mixing business and personal finances is a costly mistake — and how to fix it.
What to look for, what to ask, and how much you should expect to pay for a UK accountant.
How your business structure affects your accounting obligations, tax, and software needs.
HMRC's record-keeping requirements — what to keep, how long to keep it, and what happens if you don't.
What must appear on a UK invoice, how to number them, and how accounting software automates the process.
The difference between the UK tax year (April - April) and your company's accounting year — and why it matters.
A plain-English glossary of the most common accounting terms you'll encounter running a UK business.