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Right Planfor Your Business

Choose a plan that fits your business compliances and let us handle the numbers while you focus on growth!

Essential

Premium

Premium

The ultimate package for businesses seeking advanced financial management.

₹16999

offer

24% off

₹12,999

What you'll get

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Accounting and Bookkeeping for One Financial Year (FY) (Turnover up to ₹10 lakhs)

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Financial Statement Preparation (Profit & Loss & Balance Sheet) for One FY

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Auditing and Validation of Financial Records for One FY

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ITR Filing for the Company for One FY

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Access to Free Accounting Software for Real-Time Entries

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2 Free Consultations with a CA for One FY

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Dedicated Accounts Manager

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ITR Filing for 2 Directors for One FY

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Recommended

Essential

Perfect for small businesses starting their financial journey

₹9999

offer

20% off

₹7,999

What you'll get

tick

Accounting and Bookkeeping for One Financial Year (FY) (Turnover up to ₹10 lakhs)

tick

Financial Statement Preparation (Profit & Loss & Balance Sheet) for One FY

tick

Auditing and Validation of Financial Records for One FY

tick

ITR Filing for the Company for One FY

Premium

The ultimate package for businesses seeking advanced financial management.

₹16999

offer

24% off

₹12,999

What you'll get

tick

Accounting and Bookkeeping for One Financial Year (FY) (Turnover up to ₹10 lakhs)

tick

Financial Statement Preparation (Profit & Loss & Balance Sheet) for One FY

tick

Auditing and Validation of Financial Records for One FY

tick

ITR Filing for the Company for One FY

tick

Access to Free Accounting Software for Real-Time Entries

tick

2 Free Consultations with a CA for One FY

tick

Dedicated Accounts Manager

tick

ITR Filing for 2 Directors for One FY

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Recommended

Prices are for turnover up to ₹10 lakhs. Higher turnover may incur additional charges.

Accounting and Book keeping - An overview

Accounting and Book keeping - An overview

Accounting is the structured process of recording, organizing, summarizing, and interpreting financial data to provide meaningful insights and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards. This includes the preparation of financial statements and supporting strategic decision-making. Bookkeeping, as a foundational element of accounting, focuses on the meticulous documentation of daily financial transactions like sales, purchases, receipts, and payments. Together, these interrelated functions form the backbone of accurate financial management, enabling businesses to maintain transparency, meet statutory obligations, and drive informed growth.

Benefits of Bookkeeping and Accounting

Bookkeeping and accounting serve as the foundation for maintaining accurate financial information, enabling businesses to track their financial activities effectively and ensure compliance with accounting standards.

  • Financial Organization: Bookkeeping involves the systematic recording of financial transactions, ensuring easy access to the general ledger and trial balance, both critical for the accounting process.
  • Better Financial Planning: The preparation of financial statements, such as the income statement and balance sheet, provides small business owners and business entities with insights for financial planning and business decisions.
  • Legal Compliance: Accurate bookkeeping helps maintain an audit trail and ensures compliance with accounting standards. This is especially critical for tax filing, including income tax returns, which certified public accountants or tax experts can facilitate for business entities.
  • Improved Decision-Making: Through accurate records of financial transactions of a business, the accounting system ensures stakeholders have reliable financial data for decision-making. For instance, the cash flow statement highlights key financial activities and supports inventory management.
  • Cash Flow Management: Tracking daily transactions through the bookkeeping process helps small companies avoid cash shortages. Bank reconciliation and the use of accounting software ensure all bank statements align with the ledger accounts.
  • Facilitates Business Growth: Historical accounts and financial reports, such as the cost of goods sold, help business owners understand profitability trends. The Double-Entry Bookkeeping System provides a broader scope for tracking business transactions.
  • Risk Management: Accurate recording of financial transactions identifies potential risks, while single-entry bookkeeping may serve as a starting point for simpler financial systems in personal finance or small businesses.
  • Operational Efficiency: Leveraging bookkeeping software streamlines data entry and journal entries, optimizing the accounting cycle and enhancing bookkeeping skills among staff. The cash book is another key tool in this process.
  • Enhanced Profitability: Financial reporting and financial analysis allow businesses to identify cost-saving measures and optimize resources. Case studies of successful businesses often highlight the importance of accurate bookkeeping.
  • Historical Records: Maintaining historical accounts through the general ledger and journal entries ensures that financial data is preserved for external users, such as auditors or regulatory bodies.
  • Stakeholder Confidence: Transparent accounting processes using certified public accountants and adhering to terms bookkeeping build trust with stakeholders. Chartered Accountants often provide bookkeeping services for businesses of all sizes.
  • Strategic Tax Planning: Tax experts analyze input tax and financial reports to minimize liabilities. Double-entry bookkeeping systems are particularly useful for aligning tax filing with business requirements.

Checklist of Bookkeeping and Accounting

A well-organized bookkeeping and accounting checklist ensures businesses maintain accurate financial records, comply with regulations, and make informed decisions. This checklist covers essential tasks and processes for effective financial management.

Business Details

  • Business Registration Documents (e.g., Certificate of Incorporation, GST Registration).
  • Tax Identification Number (e.g., GSTIN, PAN).
  • Contact Details (Business Address, Email Address, Phone Number).

Financial Information

  • Previous Financial Statements (Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement).
  • Trial Balance from the last accounting period.
  • General Ledger and Journal Entries for ongoing transactions.

Bank Details

  • Access to Bank Statements for the required accounting period.
  • Bank Reconciliation Reports (if available).
  • Details of all active Bank Accounts used for business transactions.

Tax Records

  • Tax Filing Records (Income Tax Returns, GST Returns, VAT Returns).
  • Input Tax and Output Tax Records for the applicable tax period.

Invoices and Receipts

  • Sales Invoices (Details of all revenue-generating transactions).
  • Purchase Invoices (Details of expenses and vendor transactions).
  • Receipts for any other business income or payments.

Payroll Information

  • Employee Details (Names, Designations, Salary Structure).
  • Payroll Registers for the current accounting period.
  • TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) and other statutory compliance records.

Inventory Details (if applicable)

  • Inventory Management Reports.
  • Details of purchases and sales affecting inventory levels.

Accounting System and Software

  • Access Credentials to Current Accounting Software (if any).
  • Details of the existing Accounting Process or Single-Entry/Double-Entry System used.

Business Policies and Agreements

  • Payment Terms and Credit Policies for customers and vendors.
  • Contracts or Agreements with vendors, clients, and stakeholders.

Miscellaneous Documents

  • Fixed Asset Register (if applicable).
  • Details of loans or advances (including repayment schedules).
  • Historical Accounts and records of the bookkeeping process.
  • Bank Reconciliation and Cash Book (if maintained manually).

Differences Between Bookkeeping and Accounting

Bookkeeping is the foundation of accounting. It is the process of recording financial transactions, while accounting is the process of summarizing and interpreting that data.

CharacteristicBookkeepingAccounting
PurposeTo record financial transactionsTo summarize and interpret financial data
ScopeNarrowerWider
FocusDetailsBig picture
ToolsAccounting softwareFinancial statements, tax returns, etc.
ExpertiseNot requiredRequired
Why Vakilsearch?

Why Vakilsearch?

  • Expertise and Experience: Vakilsearch brings a wealth of experience and a team of qualified professionals to handle all your accounting and bookkeeping needs. Their expertise ensures compliance with the latest accounting standards and tax regulations, allowing businesses to focus on growth.
  • Real-Time Accounting: Vakilsearch uses advanced accounting software to provide real-time updates on your financial transactions, offering up-to-date insights into your cash flow, profits, and financial health. This allows businesses to make informed decisions quickly, ensuring they remain agile and responsive to changing market conditions.
  • Comprehensive and Scalable Solutions: From bookkeeping to tax filings and strategic financial planning, Vakilsearch offers end-to-end services that are scalable to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. Whether you're a startup or an established enterprise, Vakilsearch adapts its services to your unique requirements.
  • Client-Centric and Transparent Approach: Vakilsearch focuses on providing tailored solutions for each business, maintaining transparency in all dealings. Their clear communication and consistent reporting foster trust, ensuring that businesses receive the best possible financial advice and support for long-term success.

FAQs for Accounting and Bookkeeping Services

Accounting and bookkeeping services involve tracking and managing your financial transactions. They’re essential for staying compliant with Indian tax laws, organizing your finances, and making better business decisions.
  • Bookkeeping: Recording daily financial transactions like income, expenses, and sales.
  • Accounting: Analyzing this data to prepare financial reports, file taxes, and offer financial insights.
  • Together, they provide a complete financial management solution for your business in India.
    Yes, all businesses must maintain proper financial records as per Indian laws. Whether it’s GST filings, audits, or managing daily transactions, professional services help you stay compliant and organized.
    Professional services save you time, reduce errors, and ensure compliance with Indian tax regulations. They also provide expert advice for improving your cash flow and overall business performance.
  • Experience with businesses like yours.
  • Expertise in Indian tax laws, including GST and TDS.
  • Use of advanced accounting software for accuracy.
  • Flexible and transparent pricing.
  • Yes! Outsourced services are affordable and give small businesses access to expert accountants without the cost of hiring a full-time employee.
    The cost depends on your business size, the volume of transactions, and the services required. Many providers offer budget-friendly packages for startups and small businesses.
    Yes, most service providers in India offer customizable packages. You can start with basic bookkeeping and upgrade to comprehensive accounting support as your business grows.
    Reputable firms provide clear pricing with no hidden fees. Always request a detailed quote to understand what’s included.
    Yes, we can seamlessly integrate with software like QuickBooks, Tally, or Zoho Books, ensuring a smooth transition.

    Authors

    Written by Akash, Reviewed by Deepa Balakrishnan. Last updated on May 28 2024, 05:23 PM

    Deepa Balakrishnan BBA.LLB. (Hons.), specializes in various legal disciplines including GST advice, tax-saving strategies, ITR filing, and LLP annual compliance. With her expertise, she provides valuable guidance to clients across diverse industries.

    Akash G Varadaraj, a legal content writer at Vakilsearch, brings over 3 years of experience in the legal niche. His mission is to simplify complex legal matters into understandable terms even for a layman. Collaborating closely with senior lawyers and SMEs, he ensures the delivery of top-notch content.