Business Details
13 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Ethical Accounting Solutions
The Helpful Bookkeeper, established in 2014 and based in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, provides ethical and environmentally conscious accounting solutions tailored to small businesses, sole traders, charities, and non-profit organisations. Our services, regulated by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, include bookkeeping, payroll management, VAT returns, and cloud accounting software implementation. We prioritise transparency with fixed monthly fees, ensuring clients avoid unexpected costs while benefiting from customised financial reporting and proactive credit control.Our team leverages over 15 years of industry experience to deliver actionable insights through data-driven KPI analysis, helping clients optimise cash flow and make informed business decisions. Committed to sustainability, we operate as a carbon-neutral business using solar energy and paperless technologies. Our approach combines technical expertise with a client-centric ethos, offering support for start-ups, rescue jobs, and payroll services, while maintaining strict compliance with HMRC requirements.
Services
Bookkeeping
VAT Returns
Payroll Services
Self-Assessment
Credit Control
Cash Flow Management
Accounting Software Advice
Management Reports
Bank Reconciliation
Invoicing
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- Fully qualified, regulated members of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
- Transparent fixed monthly fees with no hidden charges
- Carbon-neutral operations using renewable energy and paperless technology
- Expertise in cloud accounting software including Xero and Sage
- Specialist support for charities with minimum 10% discount and monthly donations
Associations and certifications
- Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
Services
Bookkeeping
Our bookkeeping service transforms raw financial data into actionable insights through key performance indicators. We maintain accurate records of transactions, reconcile accounts regularly, and provide tailored management reports. Clients receive clear, easy-to-understand financial summaries that highlight business performance metrics, enabling informed decision-making while ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
Self-Assessment Tax Return
We handle complete Self-Assessment submissions for sole traders and individuals, ensuring timely HMRC compliance. Our service includes calculating tax liabilities, preparing returns, and managing all communications with tax authorities. We help clients avoid penalties while ensuring accurate reporting of income and allowable expenses for optimal tax efficiency.
Payroll Services
Our payroll service manages all aspects of employee payments and tax deductions. We calculate wages, produce payslips, submit HMRC reports, and handle year-end documentation. Specialising in construction industry CIS compliance, we ensure accurate subcontractor payments and regulatory adherence while maintaining detailed employee records for businesses of all sizes.
VAT Returns
We prepare and submit VAT returns for businesses registered under HMRC schemes. Our service includes accurate calculation of VAT liabilities, completion of required documentation, and direct submission to tax authorities. We also coordinate with accountants to ensure seamless integration with broader financial reporting requirements for limited companies.
Credit Control
Our credit control service proactively manages accounts receivable to improve cash flow. We implement systematic invoice tracking, follow up on overdue payments, and establish payment plans for debtors. This service helps businesses reduce bad debt risk while maintaining professional client relationships through timely and persistent collection processes.
People
Josie Duggan
Owner
Qualified bookkeeper with 15+ years' experience in business management and finance. Former operations manager in London's hospitality sector, now specialising in ethical accounting. Member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (Practice No. 14667). Founded The Helpful Bookkeeper in 2013 after transitioning from corporate roles to establish a sustainable, values-driven practice.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer for small businesses?
We provide bookkeeping, VAT returns, payroll management, self-assessment tax returns, credit control, and cloud accounting software support tailored to small businesses in Sussex and beyond.
How do you help businesses improve cash flow?
Through proactive credit control, invoice management systems, and cash flow reporting that helps businesses track income and expenses while optimising payment schedules.
Are your services available outside Shoreham-by-Sea?
Yes, while based in Shoreham-by-Sea, we serve clients across Sussex and nationally through cloud accounting software and virtual communication tools.
What makes your bookkeeping service environmentally friendly?
We operate paperlessly using cloud technology, power our office with solar energy, and prioritise digital processes to reduce environmental impact while supporting carbon-neutral operations.
Do you work with charities and non-profit organisations?
Yes, we offer minimum 10% discounts, monthly donations, and tailored accounting services for charities including SORP-compliant financial reporting and grant management support.
How are your accounting fees structured?
We use fixed monthly pricing with three tiers (Basic, Standard, Advanced) starting from £20/month, plus specific service charges for payroll (£1.50/payslip) and tax returns (£60).
