I'm planning on setting up a part-time bookkeping business. I have thousands of questions, but forums such as this have been very helpful in answering them. However, I am interested to know- if I take on a small client in October this year who is currently producing manual accounts, should I start producing computerised accounts from October or from April 2008? It may seem a strange question, bu im thinking alon the lines of income tax calculations at the end of the year as well as Y-T-D profit and loss.
Any suggestions would be welcomed, plus any unrelated top tips!
I had the same situation a few years ago with a joinery/windows company - first and only time I have actually encountered a real-world complete manual system with all the ledger books.
The manual system is much slower and more prone to errors I just went straight to computerised from Day 1.
So long as you can prepare a Trial Balance, and identify what makes up the Sales & Purchase Ledger balances (enter these individually) you shouldn't have a problem. Just keep the manual system as support documentation and for queries.
Unless their accounts are quite complex or year end is within weeks, I'd just get it sorted out to run more effectively and efficiently. If you need any tips on how to do it please feel free to get in contact with me.
