AMR logo

01892 559480

The evolution of bookkeeping

Thousands of years ago when commodities were exchanged for other goods and services, the Egyptians, Romans and Greeks all recorded their trades on pieces of parchment. It’s fair to say the process has changed dramatically since then with a modern bookkeeper dealing with an increased number of transactions, improved digital software, and much less parchment.

The importance of good bookkeeping practices

Nowadays, not only is maintaining accurate financial records required by law, but keeping track stands you in good stead to know all you can about your business income and expenditure. Creating viable budgets and having a focus on building strong business strategies allows you to make better informed decisions, whereas bad bookkeeping practices often play a critical role in the failure of a fledgling business.

The evolution of bookkeeping - image of bookkeeper at desk

Technological advancements

The theory of bookkeeping hasn’t changed since an abacus was used instead of a computer, but the advancement of technology has enabled professionals to add new services and gain new skills. Gone are the days of counting machines and cash book ledgers, now is the age of software.

Today, transactions are increasingly digital, and therefore need more thorough tracking than they did even just 20 years ago. Computer programs, when coupled with a bookkeeper with the right knowledge and experience, can make time-consuming and complex tasks more attainable.

Specialist bookkeeping

While this technology means the process itself can be quicker, when correctly set-up, the modern world and the growth of the internet have meant the complexity and volume of data requires specialisations on behalf of the bookkeeper. These can occur in a number of ways; they can be based upon certain programs like Sage or Xero, or can be in relation to specific business processes such as payroll, or auto-enrolment.

Making Tax Digital

Perhaps the biggest advancement in the last five years is Making Tax Digital, which was first announced in 2015. The aim is to improve the efficiency of the current system for business owners and individuals, and the first stage of the Government’s plan to modernise the UK’s tax system came into effect in April 2019. It requires companies with a taxable turnover above the VAT registration threshold to keep and send VAT returns via Making Tax Digital approved software. This allows HMRC to receive information electronically and subsequently improve the time it takes to process submissions whilst reducing the risk of errors and misrepresentation of VAT liabilities. You can find out more about Making Tax Digital here. 

Here at AMR we have evolved with the advancements and have a team of friendly and approachable professionals able to assist with all bookkeeping and payroll services. Get in touch and find out how our specialisations can help you and your business.

More articles you might like

March Newsletter

Afternoon Although the clocks don’t change until the end of March, we are starting to see the first signs of Spring coming through and here

Learn More
A person in a pink, black and white checked shirt is shown from the shoulders down sitting at a black table and holding a calculator in their left hand and a pen in their right. On the table are some files, a laptop, a rental agreement on a clipboard and four small wooden houses.

Better bookkeeping for landlords

It’s becoming increasingly complicated to be a landlord. Legislation covering every aspect of the business is continually streaming from Westminster and equally rapidly being updated;

Learn More

Why choose AMR Bookkeeping Solutions?

Professionalism

We combine the highest level of professionalism with a friendly, clear approach for all of our clients.

Trust

Our approach is tailored to the needs of each individual client, and we build personal relationships to make sure that our clients can have complete trust in what we do.

AAT Qualified

All of our services are provided by our team of Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualified bookkeepers, highly experienced bookkeeping experts and certified accountants.

CPD Trained

Each member of the team undergoes Continuing Professional Development (CPD) which keeps them right up to date with changing tax legislation.

Accredited Experts

All our bookkeepers are accredited in leading accountancy software Sage, Xero and QuickBooks.

AAT logo
Xero Gold Partner
Sage logo
Intuit Quickbooks ProAdvisor Gold
Freeagent logo

Get in touch for a free, no obligation consultation

Find out how AMR Bookkeeping Solutions can provide the right support for your business, send us your details and one of our experts will get in touch with you without delay.

Alternatively, you are welcome to contact us by phone on 01892 559480

You can also pop into our offices in Tonbridge.