Bookkeeping for Small Businesses & Sole Traders in Blackburn
Searching for a bookkeeper or accountant near Blackburn? We offer expert support with bookkeeping, accounts, and tax for local businesses.
If you’re a small business owner, sole trader, or limited company in Blackburn, and you’re looking for someone to handle your accounts, VAT returns, payroll, or invoice management, we can help.
Many of our clients search for terms like “accountant near me” or “help with business accounts” when what they really need is a reliable, affordable bookkeeper who understands small business finances. That’s where we come in.
We work with all major accounting platforms, including Sage, QuickBooks, Xero, and FreeAgent, so you can continue using the software you’re already comfortable with or let us help you choose the best fit. We can also get you a discount or even free software! If you need help setting up Xero for small business bookkeeping, ongoing support with QuickBooks accounting, or are looking for a FreeAgent bookkeeper, we’ve got you covered. As experienced users of cloud-based systems, we ensure your records are accurate, up to date, and easily accessible. We can also assist with software migrations and offer training if you’re new to any of these platforms. Whichever tool you prefer, we’ll integrate our business bookkeeping services seamlessly into your existing workflow.
Blackburn Bookkeeping Services – What We Offer
We provide bookkeeping and accounts support in Blackburn, Darwen, Rishton, Great Harwood, Accrington, Oswaldtwistlee, and throughout the surrounding areas.
Need an online bookkeeper? We work remotely too. Our services include:
Day-to-Day Bookkeeping
This is the foundation of everything we do. We manage your day-to-day financial records by accurately recording all income and expenses, reconciling bank and credit card transactions, and maintaining clean, up-to-date ledgers.
We categorise your business transactions according to HMRC rules and provide regular financial reports to give you an accurate snapshot of your business health.
What we handle:
- Bank and credit card reconciliations
- Categorising income and expenses
- Recording supplier and customer invoices
- Petty cash and out-of-pocket expenses
- Digital receipt management (we can advise on software)
- Regular reporting (weekly, monthly, or quarterly)
Client Benefits:
- Real-time financial visibility
- Confidence that nothing is missed or misreported
- Reduced errors at year-end or VAT submissions
- Less admin, more control
VAT Returns
If your turnover exceeds the VAT threshold (or you’ve voluntarily registered), managing your VAT obligations is essential. We prepare and submit accurate VAT returns that comply with Making Tax Digital (MTD), ensuring deadlines are never missed.
What we do:
- Review VAT transactions for accuracy
- File returns directly with HMRC through MTD-compliant software
- Monitor submission deadlines and remind you in advance
- Advise on best VAT scheme for your business (Standard, Flat Rate, etc.)
- Handle partial exemption calculations if relevant
Client Benefits:
- Peace of mind that returns are filed on time, every time
- Avoidance of costly VAT penalties or interest charges
- Advice that could save you money by using the right VAT scheme
- No need to keep manual spreadsheets or chase paperwork
Payroll Management
Managing payroll isn’t just about paying staff. It involves tax, reporting, compliance, and pensions. We provide a complete, HMRC-compliant payroll solution that keeps your business running smoothly and your staff happy.
Included in our payroll service:
- Running payroll (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly)
- Real Time Information (RTI) submissions to HMRC
- Payslips (PDF or portal access for employees)
- Holiday pay, sick pay, and statutory leave calculations
- Pension auto-enrolment setup and ongoing submissions
- Handling new starters, leavers, and P45s/P60s
- Payroll journals for easy integration with bookkeeping
Client Benefits:
- Fully outsourced payroll, no need for in-house expertise
- Staff paid correctly and on time
- Automatic compliance with pension and RTI rules
- Reduced admin burden for you or your HR team
Credit Control
Late payments affect cash flow, growth, and your peace of mind. We offer discreet, polite credit control that protects your business relationships while keeping cash moving.
What we offer:
- Monitoring aged debtor reports
- Issuing professional invoice reminders
- Following up on late payments via email or phone
- Regular updates on overdue balances
- Setting up processes to reduce future delays (e.g. payment terms, invoicing workflows)
Client Benefits:
- Improved cash flow and financial planning
- Reduced aged debts without damaging relationships
- Less awkwardness chasing money from clients
- Time saved by outsourcing the follow-up process
Management Accounts
Ideal for businesses who want deeper insight, our management accounts service gives you monthly or quarterly reports that help you make better decisions based on up-to-date data.
Includes:
- Custom Profit & Loss reports
- Budget vs. actual analysis
- Cash flow overview
- Trend reports and variance analysis
- Forecasting support (when needed)
Client Benefits:
- Clear insight into profitability, growth and risks
- Helps with investor updates, loan applications, or board reports
- Make strategic decisions based on facts, not assumptions
Year-End Accounts Preparation
We prepare your financial records for year-end, ensuring they’re fully reconciled and ready for submission. Either directly to HMRC/Companies House or for your accountant to file.
Our service includes:
- Reviewing and closing the financial year in your software
- Final bank, loan, and asset reconciliations
- Depreciation schedules (if needed)
- Accruals and prepayments
- Trial balance and final reports
- Liaising directly with an accountant, if needed
Client Benefits:
- Accounts completed on time with fewer queries
- Cleaner, more professional year-end submissions
- Reduces accountant fees by handing them a “ready-to-go” file
- Less back-and-forth stress at year-end
Budgeting & Cash Flow Forecasting
We help you look ahead, not just behind. Our forecasting services create financial roadmaps that help you prepare for seasonality, investments, hiring, or navigating downturns.
Service includes:
- Budget preparation aligned to your goals
- Short and long-term cash flow forecasts
- Scenario planning (“what if” analysis)
- Regular updates and reviews
Client Benefits:
- Avoid unpleasant surprises
- Better control over spending and investments
- Confidence when seeking external funding
CIS Returns (Construction Industry Scheme)
If you’re in construction and hire subcontractors, you’ll need to meet strict monthly reporting requirements under CIS. We ensure your returns are filed accurately and on time.
What’s included:
- Verifying subcontractors with HMRC
- Deducting and calculating the correct tax rate (20%, 30% or gross)
- Filing CIS returns monthly
- Generating and issuing deduction statements to subcontractors
- Assisting subcontractors with reclaiming deductions via Self Assessment
Client Benefits:
- Full compliance with HMRC’s CIS rules
- Avoid fines and interest due to late or incorrect filings
- Professional presentation of your subcontractor payments
- Clarity around tax responsibilities, both for you and your subcontractors
Dedicated Bookkeeper Who Knows Your Business
When you choose us, you’re not just getting a service. You’re getting a real person who gets to know your business inside out. From day one, you’ll be paired with a dedicated bookkeeper who will handle your accounts consistently, communicate with you directly, and become a trusted part of your extended team.
What this means for you:
- No being passed from person to person: You’ll always deal with the same knowledgeable bookkeeper, not a faceless team or a rotating pool of staff.
- We learn your business: Your dedicated bookkeeper will become familiar with how your business operates, what matters to you, and how best to support you.
- Consistency and accuracy: With one person managing your records, there’s less room for error, confusion, or things falling through the cracks.
- Personalised communication: You’ll receive updates and support in a way that suits you. You choose whether that’s by email, phone, or scheduled check-ins.
- Trust and reliability: Over time, your bookkeeper becomes someone you can trust with sensitive information and lean on for advice and support.
Why choose us
Clear, Simple, Worry-Free Bookkeeping
- Fixed monthly pricing with no hidden costs
- Personalised service from real humans
- Cloud-based tools for efficiency and transparency
- Fully HMRC-compliant processes
- Support and advice when you need it. Not just at year-end
- Remote or in-person options: Work with us online or face-to-face
Who We Work With
We offer bookkeeping and small business accounting services in Blackburn for:
Ready to Take the First Step?
We’ll tailor a quote specifically for your business based on what services you need. Just fill in our quick online form and we’ll get back to you promptly.