What to prepare before handing over your bookkeeping

Set the handover period.

Confirm which business and dates the work covers. Explain who maintains the records, which accounting software you use and which bookkeeping tasks remain unfinished. Flag upcoming deadlines so you can agree the scope and timetable.

Gather the records.

Prepare sales invoices, purchase invoices, receipts, bank and credit-card statements for the agreed period. Include records from payment processors. Keep the original documents available after you enter figures in your accounting software.

List missing statements or receipts. Your accountant can tell you what else they need.

Explain items that need context.

List bank entries that do not explain themselves: money introduced by an owner, transfers between accounts, loan payments, refunds and unusual purchases. State the business purpose and point to the supporting documents.

Mark personal transactions that appear in the business records. Ask your accountant how to treat an item when you are unsure.

Set up access.

Ask which files and permissions your accountant needs before you share information. Use the access controls in your accounting software instead of sending your password. Agree how you will transfer documents and keep passwords and confidential client records out of website enquiries.

Agree the next steps.

Decide who answers questions, how you track missing information and how often you provide new records. Agree the work, fees and outputs. Keep those responsibilities in writing.

Discuss your bookkeeping.

Send us the records you have and the work you need covered. We will agree the scope and information needed to begin.