7 Warning Signs That Your Small Business Needs Outsourced Accounting
Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, and as such, it’s crucial that they keep on top of their accounting. But unfortunately, many small businesses don’t realise they need outsourced accounting until it’s too late.
For many small business owners, managing their accounting independently is simply too much. Outsourcing accounting to a professional accounting firm can be the best solution. Not only will they take care of all the nitty-gritty details for you, but they can also offer valuable advice and insights into how your business is performing and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
If you’re not sure whether your small business would benefit from outsourced accounting, here are seven warning signs to look out for:
Spending Too Much Time on Accounting Processes
Accounting can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially for small businesses trying to manage everything independently. If you spend more time on bookkeeping and accounting than you’d like, it might be time to outsource that work to professional business accountants.
The most significant advantage of outsourcing your accounting is that it can free up your time so you can focus on running your business. It can be hard to progress with your goals when overwhelmed with paperwork. An accountant can take care of all financial aspects for you, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your business, such as growing your customer base and expanding your operations.
Concerned about Employee Fraud
While no business owner likes to think badly of the people they employ, it’s essential to be aware of employee fraud risks.
Employee fraud is a serious issue for small businesses, and it can be difficult to detect. In these cases, employees steal money or information from their company in order to benefit themselves.
There are several warning signs that your business might be experiencing employee fraud, including:
- Unexplained discrepancies between financial statements and actual results
- Employees who are constantly asking for favours or making unusual requests
- Staff members who seem reluctant to provide information or answer questions
- Financial documents that have been altered or are missing key information
If you’re concerned that your employees might be stealing from you, it’s time to outsource your accounting. An outsourced accountant can help you keep track of your finances and ensure that all transactions are legitimate.
Delays in Accounting, Payroll
When accounting and payroll experience delays, it can cause severe problems for your business. For example, employees might not be getting paid on time, and you might not be able to track your finances accurately.
A number of things can cause these delays, such as:
- Incorrect data entry
- Lack of staff resources
- Poor bookkeeping procedures
- Inefficient accounting processes
Whatever the reason, if you’re having trouble keeping up with your accounting and payroll, it’s time to consider outsourcing those tasks to an accountant. An accountant can help you get your finances back on track, and ensure that your employees get paid on time and that your business is running smoothly.
Records are all Stored in a Filing Cabinet
If your business is still keeping paper records, it might signify that you need to outsource your accounting. When you store everything in a filing cabinet, it can be challenging to track your finances accurately. In addition, paper records are vulnerable to fires, floods, and other disasters.
An outsourced accountant can help you switch to electronic records and ensure that your finances are always up-to-date, saving time and money in the long run.
You’re Scaling your Business
If you’re scaling your business, it’s essential to make sure that you have the resources in place to support business growth and make wise financial decisions. One of the most important resources for any business is orderly, accurate and timely financial information. For this reason, it’s often a good idea to allow a professional accounting firm to manage your finances and ensure you’re making smart decisions about your growth.
Concerned about your Data Security
If you’re worried about the security of your data, it’s a sign that you need to outsource your accounting. A professional accounting firm can help you keep your data safe and secure. They’ll have the latest security technologies in place to protect your information. Plus, they’ll be able to advise you on how best to protect your data from hackers and other threats.
You’re Unprepared for a Tax Audit
Being unprepared for a tax audit can be a disaster for any business. If you don’t feel prepared for a tax audit, it’s likely that you’re not keeping accurate financial records, which could lead to serious consequences for your business. It can result in fines and penalties from HMRC on top of paying any taxes you owe, which can pose a significant problem for small businesses. You could also lose your business license or be subject to criminal charges.
Outsourcing your accounting can help you avoid this situation. An accountant can help you navigate the process and ensure that you’re compliant with all of the relevant tax laws. They will also help you find potential financial problems and correct them before an audit occurs.
It’s important to work with a professional accounting firm to ensure that your records are accurate and up-to-date to help you avoid any potential problems down the road.
If you’re worried about a possible tax audit, it’s time to outsource your accounting to a professional who can help you protect your finances and ensure that you’re audit-ready.
Needing More Defined Processes
When everything is in disarray, it can be complicated to track your finances and balance your books.
An outsourced accountant can help you develop defined processes for tracking your finances. They can also help you automate tasks like invoicing and bill payment, saving you time and money in the long term.
When everything is clearly laid out and documented, it can be much easier to keep track of your finances and make sure that everything is running smoothly. An accountant can help you create and implement these processes, ensuring that your business is always on track financially.
Conclusion
If you’re a small UK business, it’s crucial to ensure that all your financial processes and records are in order. Any company can find this difficult, especially when they don’t have the time or resources to do so themselves. Outsourcing your accounting is an excellent way of ensuring that everything is up-to-date and accurate without having to worry about anything yourself. As a result, you’ll save money, have the peace of mind that your finances are in good hands, and give yourself more time to focus on what matters: increasing productivity and scaling your business.
Contact Us
At MNE Accounting, we offer outsourced accounting for small business owners in the UK. Our team of experienced small business accountants can help you take care of all your financial needs, from bookkeeping to tax preparation. If you’re interested in outsourcing your accounting or have any other questions about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and help you find the right solution for your business.
