There are a huge number of books out there in the market place. Some good, some not so good, some downright bad and a few that are just wrong.
How can you tell the difference without parting with your hard earned cash?
Amazon sometimes give a snippet of a book and quite often you will get a review or two but publishers have cottoned onto this and many book reviews are not as independant as they may first seem.
I thought that it would be a good idea to start a thread where people are able to chip in with books that they really rate.
Feel free to add multiple books in a single post and try to say in a few words why you think that others should buy that book.
The only restrictions on the thread will be that the books must be relevant to bookkeepers and small accounting practices. That does not exclude study texts for professional qualifications as some of those are actually some of the best books in the market place.
Here's my starter list of books that can be used whether you are just starting out or as reference books later on (I'll keep adding to it. I've got 8 floor to ceiling bookcases filled with accountancy books so will update my list as I reference books and remember how good they are) :
Business Accounts for book-keeping and Financial Accounting Courses : David Cox
To my mind the best starter book for those just coming to this business that you will refer back to even when you have read far more complex texts.
Taxation : Alan Melville
If you want to understand tax accept no substitute. Written in an easy to understand form with hundreds of examples to work through
Financial and Management Accounting (an introduction) : Pauline Weetman
A solid easy to read, easy to understand text that is well paced and example driven. This could be considered the next step after the David Cox book
Accounting (an introduction) : Eddie McLaney and Peter Atrill
Another easy to read book covering both financial and management accountancy. This one unlike the other two above does not start with bookkeeping but rather launches straight into accountancy.
That should do for starters. Please feel free to add a post with your own recomendations.
Shaun.
p.s. this is a repeat of the good book thread as that one got hijacked. Non relevant posts will be moved out of this thread and into that one.
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
An excellent, easy to understand introduction to costing.
Management and Cost Accounting: Colin Drury
Covers costing, decision making and planning and control. This is my go to text on this subject. If you serve SME businesses, you are unlikely to need another book on this subject.
The Best Home Businesses For The 90s: Paul and Sarah Edwards
Relevant because it can help with advising clients on starting a business. Written for the US market, but directly transferable to the UK. All business models thoroughly researched and easy to read. I have read many "start a home business" books and this is by far the best. Now updated to "The Best Home Businesses For the 21st Century".
Getting Business To Come To You: Paul and Sarah Edwards
Relevant for any small business including your own practice. A real, practical guide to marketing your small business.
Working From Home: Paul and Sarah Edwards
The best book I have read on getting yourself set up for business. Includes a list of 500 home based businesses.
How To Start And Operate A Mail Order Business: Julian L Simon
An accounting practice, as well as many other businesses can be operated as a mail order business. Thoroughly researched, excellent advice on classified advertising, writing sales copy and direct mail. Written in the 90s but still very relevant today.
