Getting it right from the first transaction
Setting up accounting software looks quick: enter a business name, connect a bank and start invoicing. But many of the problems we're asked to fix later trace back to those first few choices. A wrong VAT scheme, a start date that doesn't line up with the financial year or a generic chart of accounts can cause errors on every transaction that follows.
What a proper setup covers
Business and tax details
Legal name, business type, financial year end, VAT registration number, effective date and scheme, and whether you use cash or accrual accounting.
Chart of accounts and VAT codes
Categories that match how your business earns and spends money, with sensible default VAT treatment and the right accounts for loans, director's or owner's drawings and assets.
Bank accounts and feeds
Every current, savings and card account added, feeds connected from the right start date, and opening balances agreed to statements.
Sales and purchases
Invoice templates with the details required on a VAT invoice, payment terms, customer and supplier records, and receipt capture if you use it.
Integrations
Payroll, e-commerce, payment platforms and other apps connected so they post to the right accounts without duplicating entries.
How we work
- We talk through how your business operates and what you want from your reports.
- You create the subscription in your name and invite us as your accountant or advisor. You own the account and we never need your password.
- We configure the settings, accounts, VAT, bank feeds and templates.
- We enter opening balances if you're an existing business.
- We walk you through day-to-day tasks so you're confident from the start.
Choosing between packages for the first time, or moving from spreadsheets into the cloud? Our cloud accounting migration service covers that decision. If you're already set up in one package and want to move to another, see accounting software migration.
What we'll need
Your company or business details, VAT registration information, bank statements for opening balances, your last accounts if you've been trading, and a list of apps you want connected. If you work in construction, our CIS software setup covers the extra settings you need, and Making Tax Digital requirements are on our MTD for Income Tax page.
New setups across Kent
We set up accounting software for new and established businesses across Kent, all done remotely. Send us a message and let us know which package you've chosen, or ask us for a view.
Frequently asked questions
Which accounting software should I choose?
It depends on your business type, how you invoice, whether you need payroll, stock or project tracking, and which integrations you rely on. The main cloud packages all handle core bookkeeping and Making Tax Digital submissions. We talk through your needs and give a practical view rather than pushing one product.
Should the software subscription be in my name or yours?
We recommend it is in your name, so you own your records and keep them if you change accountant. You then invite us as your accountant or advisor. That gives us the access we need without ever sharing passwords, and you can remove us at any time.
Can you set up software partway through my financial year?
Yes. We enter opening balances at the start date, along with any unpaid invoices and bills, so the software picks up exactly where your old records left off. It is usually simplest to start at the beginning of a VAT quarter if you're VAT registered.
What settings most often cause problems later?
In our experience, the VAT scheme and registration date, the financial year end, bank feed start dates and default VAT codes on accounts and bank rules. Getting these right at setup avoids most of the reconciliation and VAT errors we're asked to fix later.
Accounting Software Setup across Kent
We help clients throughout the county, including: