Virtual Assistant & Admin Support | Emma Shergold

Bookkeeping Services for UK Sole Traders & Small Businesses. Image of Emma (blonde white female) smiling into the camera wearing a black top and cream jack, with a rustic brick wall background.

Bookkeeping Services for UK Small Businesses & Sole Traders.

Whether you need weekly or monthly bookkeeping services, I will manage your invoices, log expenses, and reconcile bank feeds using Xero or FreeAgent software.

"Emma's expertise in bookkeeping has been invaluable. She's streamlined our financial processes, providing clear and concise reports that have allowed us to make informed decisions. "

Let's Talk About the Elephant in the Room

Do you dread the 31st January tax deadline every year? Is your bookkeeping so backed up that asking for help feels impossible because you’re embarrassed to show anyone what needs to be done?

Here’s what you need to know: that embarrassment you feel? I don’t see it that way at all.

One of my favourite VA jobs was organising a box filled with two years of backed-up accounts paperwork. Receipts in different envelopes, invoices everywhere, nothing reconciled – it was genuinely the best job ever!

And you’re absolutely not doing anything wrong by having a backlog. You’re running a business, and bookkeeping probably isn’t your thing. But, for me, it’s a joy to get it all organised and reconciled.

So if your bookkeeping is behind, messy, or overwhelming – that’s exactly the kind of project I love. No judgment. No shame. All you’ll get is someone who genuinely enjoys untangling the mess so you don’t have to.

WHO THIS IS FOR

Sole traders and small business owners (under 10 employees) across the UK who need practical bookkeeping support, whether that’s taking it off your plate completely, catching up on a backlog, or maintaining regular updates throughout the year.

This is for you if:

  • Your bookkeeping is overwhelming and you need help getting it under control
  • You can’t justify (or don’t want) an in-house bookkeeper but need consistent support
  • Receipts, invoices, and reconciliations pile up because bookkeeping isn’t your thing
  • You dread tax deadlines every year
  • You want someone who won’t judge your backed-up accounts
  • You need clear, straightforward communication about your processes
  • You’re neurodivergent or prefer working with someone who understands different working styles

Whether you’re a sole trader with 20 transactions a month or running a small team with more complex bookkeeping needs, if you need practical support that actually fits your business, you’re in the right place.

BENEFITS OF BOOKKEEPING SERVICES

Bookkeeping is the process of recording, organising, and maintaining financial transactions in your business.

It ensures that all income and expenses are tracked accurately, helping you manage cash flow, stay compliant with tax regulations, and make informed decisions.

Raising Sales Invoices

  • Raising sales invoices ensures you get paid for the products or services you provide
  • A dedicated bookkeeper ensures invoices are issued promptly and correctly, reducing delays in payments
  • As your bookkeeper, I can help track outstanding payments, making it easier to follow up with your clients
  • Accurate and clear records of income is essential for your annual accounts, tax/self assessment returns and other reports.

Logging and Processing Purchase Invoices

  • Logging and processing purchase invoices ensures you stay on top of your costs and help avoid unexpected payments
  • Regular bookkeeping helps manage cash flow by tracking when payments are due
  • As your bookkeeper, I will ensure all purchase invoices and expenses are recorded in line with your tax requirements
  • Regularly processing your purchase invoices helps prevent missed payments and potential late payments fees.

Reconciling Bank Statements Against Transactions

  • Bank reconciliation to match your sales and purchases with your actual bank statements to ensure accuracy and help prevent discrepancies
  • As your bookkeeper, I will identifies any errors, such as duplicate payments or missed transactions
  • Locating receipts and payment confirmation emails is much easier when bank reconciliations are done regularly
  • Regular bookkeeping helps detect fraudulent activity or unexpected charges, and provides an accurate reflection of your accounts.

Other Benefits

  • Regular bookkeeping helps reduce the overwhelm and procrastination of impending deadlines (and the risk of late filing penalties)
  • A bookkeeper will be less emotional when processing your transactions, triggering less reactions to difficult payments and clients
  • Forwarding purchase invoices and receipts directly to your bookkeeper upon purchase will help prevent delays and rabbit holes at a later date.

By engaging me as your bookkeeper, I will ensure these tasks are handled accurately and efficiently, freeing up your time to focus on your other business activities.

BOOKKEEPING SERVICE PACKAGES & PRICING

Starter Package - Up to 20 Transactions

Ideal for new or micro businesses requiring straightforward bookkeeping services (1-10 employees).

This is for you if you have up to 20 transactions a month and are not VAT registered.

I will learn about how your business works, and take over the day-to-day management of your bookkeeping using Xero or FreeAgent software.

This may naturally lead to identifying improvements of some processes, but the focus will be on ensuring your business runs smoothly in the background.

Together we will discuss and determine how to implement any changes to produce maximum effect with minimal disruption to your business.

What’s included

  • Learning how you and your business works
  • Taking over the day-to-day management of your bookkeeping
  • Processing your bookkeeping at least once a month (up to 2 hours a month)
  • Raising single process* sales invoices
  • Logging and processing purchase invoices
  • Logging personal expenses and salaries
  • Reconciling bank statements against transactions on one current account
  • Monthly P&L reports.

£80 per month

Optional extras

  • Reconciling a bookkeeping backlog
  • Setting up Xero or FreeAgent software
  • Identifying improvements in your bookkeeping processes
  • Implementing changes to your procedures
  • Developing bookkeeping SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).

Growth Package - Up to 40 Transactions

Perfect for growing sole traders or small businesses (1-10 employees) needing regular bookkeeping support, including VAT registered.

This is for you if you have up to 40 transactions a month.

I will learn about how your business works, and take over the day-to-day management of your bookkeeping using Xero or FreeAgent software.

This may naturally lead to identifying improvements of some processes, but the focus will be on ensuring your business runs smoothly in the background.

Together we will discuss and determine how to implement any changes to produce maximum effect with minimal disruption to your business.

What’s included

  • Learning how you and your business works
  • Taking over the day-to-day management of your bookkeeping
  • Processing your bookkeeping at least once a fortnight (up to 4.5 hours a month)
  • Raising single process* sales invoices
  • Logging and processing purchase invoices
  • Logging personal expenses and salaries
  • Reconciling bank statements against transactions on up to two current accounts
  • Reconciling bank statements against transactions on up to one credit card account
  • VAT Return preparations via accounting software
  • Monthly P&L reports.

£180 per month

Optional extras

  • Reconciling a bookkeeping backlog
  • Setting up Xero or FreeAgent software
  • Identifying improvements in your bookkeeping processes
  • Implementing changes to your procedures
  • Developing bookkeeping SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).

Established Package - Up to 60 Transactions

Comprehensive weekly bookkeeping services for established sole traders or small businesses (1-10 employees) with a medium – high level of transactions, including VAT registered.

This is for you if you have up to 60 transactions a month.

I will learn about how your business works, and take over the day-to-day management of your bookkeeping using Xero or FreeAgent software.

This may naturally lead to identifying improvements of some processes, but the focus will be on ensuring your business runs smoothly in the background.

Together we will discuss and determine how to implement any changes to produce maximum effect with minimal disruption to your business.

What’s included

  • Learning how you and your business works
  • Taking over the day-to-day management of your bookkeeping
  • Processing your bookkeeping at least once a week (up to 6.5 hours a month)
  • Raising single process* sales invoices
  • Logging and processing purchase invoices
  • Logging personal expenses and salaries
  • Reconciling bank statements against transactions on up to two current accounts
  • Reconciling bank statements against transactions on up to two credit card accounts
  • VAT Return preparations via accounting software
  • Monthly P&L reports.

£260 per month

Optional extras

  • Reconciling a bookkeeping backlog
  • Setting up Xero or FreeAgent software
  • Identifying improvements in your bookkeeping processes
  • Implementing changes to your procedures
  • Developing bookkeeping SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).

Premium Package - Up to 80 Transactions

Premium bookkeeping package with twice-weekly updates for sole traders or small businesses with a high level of transactions, including VAT registered.

This is for you if you have up to 80 transactions a month.

I will learn about how your business works, and take over the day-to-day management of your bookkeeping using Xero or FreeAgent software.

This may naturally lead to identifying improvements of some processes, but the focus will be on ensuring your business runs smoothly in the background.

Together we will discuss and determine how to implement any changes to produce maximum effect with minimal disruption to your business.

What’s included

  • Learning how you and your business works
  • Taking over the day-to-day management of your bookkeeping
  • Processing your bookkeeping at least twice a week (up to 8.5 hours a month)
  • Raising single process* sales invoices
  • Logging and processing purchase invoices
  • Logging personal expenses and salaries
  • Reconciling bank statements against transactions on up to two current accounts
  • Reconciling bank statements against transactions on up to two credit card accounts
  • VAT Return preparations via accounting software
  • Monthly P&L reports.

£340 per month

Optional extras

  • Reconciling a bookkeeping backlog
  • Setting up Xero or FreeAgent software
  • Identifying improvements in your bookkeeping email processes
  • Implementing changes to your procedures
  • Developing bookkeeping SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).

* A single process Sales Invoice is raising an invoice in one step within accounting software. I.e. Either all the information is already within the software, or it can be easily transferred from an email or other document/communication.

Bespoke packages can be provided for more complicated processes, or if you have a specific requirement.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BOOKKEEPING SERVICES

What bookkeeping software do you use?

I primarily use Xero and FreeAgent accounting software. Both are cloud-based platforms that allow secure access from anywhere, making it easy for us to collaborate. If you’re not currently using either, I can help you choose and set up the most appropriate software for your business needs.

Although Xero and FreeAgent are my preferred software, I am also able to use other software if you already have something else in place.

Do I need to be VAT registered to work with you?

Not at all. I work with both VAT registered and non-VAT registered businesses. The Starter Package is specifically designed for non-VAT registered start-ups and micro businesses, while the other packages include VAT return preparation as standard.

How often will you update my books?

This depends on your package. The Starter Package includes monthly updates, Growth fortnightly, Established weekly, and Premium twice weekly. Regular updates mean your financial records stay current and accurate throughout the year, so these are the minimum I will do.

For example, on the Starter Package, some clients like their bookkeeping done weekly, and others are happy with monthly.

The important factors are the total transactions and hours for each month when choosing a package, and we can discuss all the other details during the onboarding process.

What if I have more than 80 transactions per month?

I offer bespoke packages for businesses with higher transaction volumes or more complex bookkeeping requirements. Once you have completed my work with me form, you will be directed to book a free initial consultation to discuss your specific needs, from which I will create a tailored package for you.

For example, I have one client who has a fairly straightforward bank reconciliation process, but a very complicated sales billing procedure that required more information before providing a quote.

Can you help if my bookkeeping is behind?

Absolutely yes! Catching up on bookkeeping backlogs is available as an optional extra across all packages (and one of my favourite parts of bookkeeping!). This is quoted separately based on how much work is required to bring your books up to date.

There are also options to have me develop a bookkeeping process at the same time so you can pick it up yourself when it’s all organised, or outsource the ongoing bookkeeping to me once the backlog is sorted.

Do I need to visit your office?

No, I work entirely remotely. I am based in Hampshire, supporting businesses across the UK without the need for face-to-face meetings. Everything is managed securely online through your accounting software and email communication, with review sessions carried out via Teams video calls.

However, if you literally do have a shoebox of receipts that you want to post to me, this can be arranged!

What's the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?

Bookkeepers (like me) handle the day-to-day recording of financial transactions – invoices, expenses, bank reconciliation. Accountants typically handle year-end accounts, tax returns, and strategic financial advice. I will track and record what transactions come in and out of your business and your accountant will provide the detailed reports on what the information looks like as a whole.

Some clients prefer me to liaise directly with their accountants, whereas other prefer to keep us separate. However, given the bookkeeping and accounts are all done via the accounting software, we will both have access to it so there is not always a need to stay in regular contact until it gets nearer to the filing deadlines.

READY TO GET STARTED WITH YOUR BOOKKEEPING?

If you are interested in any of my bookkeeping services, or would like to find out how we can work together, please complete my Work With Me form. You will then be directed to book a free initial consultation where we can discuss your bookkeeping needs in more detail.

Alternatively, if you would like to know more about how I can help you and your business, you can email [email protected].