The role of a bookkeeper covers many different services and includes credit control, payroll services, budgeting and cashflow, pensions auto-enrolment and financial processing. It’s a profession which requires accuracy and efficiency, attention to detail, time management and problem-solving, and in which the use of technology plays a major and continually increasing part.
Cloud accounting software and apps can make the bookkeeping journey more efficient for both client and bookkeeper; at AMR Bookkeeping Solutions, we use all types of accounting software, including Sage, Xero, QuickBooks and Free Agent, to record and process business transactions.
However, bookkeeping is also a profession which needs the very human qualities of empathy, understanding, intuition and friendliness. The aim of a good bookkeeper is to document accurately all a business’s financial transactions with the intention of maximising profit, and we certainly pull out all the stops for our clients. Having said that, business owners come to us with all sorts of problems – tax shortfalls, self-assessment issues, cashflow complications, even, in extreme cases, impending bankruptcy – and they don’t want to discuss their worries with a robot. They need calm, friendly advice and help from a sympathetic professional. An algorithm can’t provide reassurance and support.
Data crunching and analysis have been revolutionised by technology and AI machine learning. Efficiency and accuracy are its hallmarks – although the data is only as reliable as the person putting it in. Bookkeeping software for business owners stores documents and receipts online, scans files from a mobile phone, connects to and syncs with bank accounts, pays bills and simplifies VAT returns. It saves hours of time which can be used far more productively to grow the businesses.
Having said that, an experienced bookkeeper will have spent years nurturing businesses and will quickly get to know clients and understand their individual strengths and weaknesses. They will pick up on nuances, read between the lines and know instinctively when to move forward with plans and when to exercise restraint. The best working relationships are built on the very human qualities of respect, trust and a commitment to shared aims and attainment.
At AMR Bookkeeping Solutions, that’s what we aspire to. We fully embrace the technology, which is continually transforming our profession, but when it comes down to it, we know nothing can replace the loyalty built up by a good business relationship.
If you need help with any aspect of bookkeeping or payroll, why not call our very human but highly professional team? We’d love to hear from you. Complete our contact us form or call 01892 559480.
