Total Books, outsourced bookkeeping services
At Total Books, we understand the challenges you face as a business owner. Whether it’s finding time to focus on the core aspects of running your business or getting your head around the ever-changing tax rules, we’re here to help.
Our forward-thinking bookkeeping services are available to businesses big and small. Using the latest technologies and bookkeeping software, we can provide professional support that is easily accessible online, giving you quick and accurate results.
Whatever you need support with, our services can help, from maintaining records and streamlining data entry to compiling real-time monthly reports so you know where your business sits financially.
Contact us today and learn how our experienced bookkeepers can take care of your business’s bookkeeping needs.
What is bookkeeping?
Bookkeeping is the process of recording specific financial transactions related to a business, including all income and outgoings in the form of invoices, receipts, bank statements and so on. It is the cornerstone of any successful business and ensures all other accounting processes are accurate and in line with HMRC’s complex rules and regulations. We use modern digital bookkeeping software, so you have clear reporting from the get-go.
What Bookkeeping Methods Do We Use?
We use both single-entry and double-entry bookkeeping methods depending on your business needs. Most limited companies benefit from double-entry bookkeeping, where every transaction is recorded as both a credit and a debit. This ensures accuracy across your general ledger, helping reduce errors and improve financial clarity. We also help you decide between cash basis and accrual accounting — ensuring your books align with HMRC rules and reporting requirements.
Who are bookkeeping services ideal for?
Every business needs bookkeeping. The right bookkeeping support will help you understand your business finances and prepare for ongoing financial responsibilities, whether you’re a new business or a long-established firm.
At Total Books, our bookkeeping services are ideal for:
- Small and medium-sized businesses that want to hit the ground running
- Limited companies in need of accurate and streamlined record-keeping
- Sole traders that require additional support with bookkeeping processes
Why hire a professional bookkeeper?
If you notice a never-ending pile of paperwork on your desk or you can’t quite keep track of your business finances, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Many small businesses and growing companies struggle to keep up with bookkeeping demands, leaving them with less time and energy to focus on their business. Hiring a professional bookkeeper might just be the answer you’re looking for.
Our experienced bookkeepers can help small and growing businesses organise their finances and speed up time-consuming administrative tasks. Their meticulous work and experience using professional bookkeeping software means they can help reduce the risk of errors, so you don’t have to worry about fines and penalties.
Not only do our bookkeepers ensure accuracy and compliance from the get-go, but they also provide you with an overview of how your business performs financially. Through detailed reports and real-time analysis, our bookkeepers give you the right amount of knowledge to make effective business decisions.
Outsourced vs In-House Bookkeeping – What’s Right for You?
Outsourcing your bookkeeping gives you more flexibility and expert support at a lower cost than hiring in-house. While in-house staff need supervision, holiday cover, and training, an outsourced bookkeeper takes care of everything — backed by the latest tools and professional oversight. Our Cardiff-based team works remotely but securely, following GDPR rules and using bank-level encryption. For many SMEs, this reduces overheads, improves turnaround time, and ensures a stress-free experience.
Is Your Bookkeeping MTD-Ready?
From April 2026, most UK businesses will need to submit quarterly VAT and income tax updates under Making Tax Digital (MTD). We help you stay ahead of HMRC deadlines by using compliant software such as Xero, QuickBooks, and TaxCalc. With MTD-ready bookkeeping, your records are submitted automatically — reducing the chance of penalties and giving you better control over your tax position throughout the year.
Our bookkeeping service
At Total Books, we’re here to ease the stresses associated with bookkeeping and help you get back on track with our expert bookkeeping services.
Whether you’re a small business needing someone to show you the ropes or a growing limited company needing more time, we ensure our service matches your specific needs and caters to your unique challenges.
Our team will handle every aspect of the bookkeeping process on your behalf. To do so, we simply ask for clear communication from you and access to your financial documents, including your automated bank feed, invoices, receipts and any other crucial information about your business transactions.
Here’s what our bookkeeping service involves:
- Maintain all financial data, ensuring records are accurate and up-to-date
- Bank reconciliations
- Purchases and sales invoices reconciliations
- Payroll, pensions and employment tax; postings and reconciliations
- Produce regular financial reports, profit and loss, balance sheet and debtors
- Prepare relevant documentation for tax returns and VAT returns
- Implement the most suitable bookkeeping software to speed up processes
- Provide ongoing guidance and support with all bookkeeping matters
Software We Use and Recommend
We tailor our software to your business. Xero is our most recommended platform — especially for growing businesses that need clear dashboards, automated bank feeds, and integration with tools like Dext or Hubdoc. However, we also work with Sage Business Cloud, QuickBooks Online, and FreeAgent. We will guide you to the right option based on your business model, sector, and reporting needs.
Why choose Total Books for your bookkeeping needs?
We understand that no two businesses are the same, which is why our bookkeeping solutions differ from client to client. We get to know you and your business to provide the very best service for your needs, giving you peace of mind that your finances are in safe hands.
Looking for a team of friendly bookkeepers to keep your accounts organised and well-maintained? Contact us today for a free quote and to discuss your bookkeeping needs.
Frequently asked questions about our bookkeeping service
Does bookkeeping include the maintenance of financial records?
Yes, bookkeeping is a pivotal part of maintaining financial records. By helping you keep track of your financial data, such as your income and expenses, we make sure your business is in the best position to submit tax returns on time and accurately and prepare important financial reports. HMRC advises that records have to be kept for 6 years, and our online Xero bookkeeping software enables this.
Can a bookkeeper prepare financial statements?
Our primary role is to ensure your bookkeeping records are accurate and up-to-date, ready to prepare future financial reports and statements. Our services can be tailored to suit the needs of your business, meaning we can help prepare basic financial statements as required, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Rest assured that all of our bookkeepers with Total Books are qualified and experienced to ensure 100% accuracy.
Can Bookkeeping Help During HMRC Investigations?
Yes, accurate bookkeeping is your strongest defence during an HMRC enquiry. If records are missing, late, or incorrect, you could face interest charges, fines, or more serious investigations. Our bookkeeping ensures your data is complete, time-stamped, and fully backed up, helping you respond quickly to any HMRC request. We also support businesses going through tax investigations by preparing necessary financial documentation and summaries on your behalf.
