Hands up if you enjoy bookkeeping! Well, it’s safe to say that not many people do. Most individuals dread the idea of managing their finances and dealing with the complexities of bookkeeping. The fear of making errors, facing the tax office, or even risking the financial stability of their business can be overwhelming. In many cases, this burden falls on one person, often the wife, who takes on the responsibility to save costs. Unfortunately, this can lead to stress and anxiety. But fret not, we have some strategies that can make bookkeeping more efficient and less daunting.
- Outsourcing: The Smart Move
Firstly, if you’re not keen on handling bookkeeping yourself, consider outsourcing it to professionals who specialize in this field. Services like Bookkeeper Hub are excellent options. They can efficiently manage your financial records, leaving you with more time to focus on growing your business and alleviating the fear of errors.
- Do It Yourself, but Smartly
If you decide to take on bookkeeping yourself, there’s a smart way to do it. We recommend using Xero as your accounting software. Xero allows you to seamlessly connect your bank account, simplifying the process. Each night, your bank feeds push out the transactions from your bank account, which automatically appear in the program the next morning, ready to be allocated. This feature eliminates the need to manually enter transaction details such as date, name, and amount, saving you valuable time.
- The Game-Changing Receipt and Bill Apps
The real game-changer for efficient bookkeeping is the use of receipt and bill apps. At HBA Encompass, we recommend two standout options:
- a) DEX (formerly Receipt Bank): DEX is a powerful tool that not only digitizes receipts but also splits line items and offers various useful features. While it’s a bit pricey, its capabilities are impressive.
- b) Hub Doc: Owned by Xero, Hub Doc is a fantastic option. If you have a standard subscription or higher for Xero, you can access Hub Doc for free. Simply download the app, and every time you make a purchase, snap a picture of your receipt or bill. Hub Doc will automatically extract essential information like the date, name, and amount. You can even train it to recognize specific vendors and expense categories. This intelligent system streamlines the process significantly.
- How Hub Doc and DEX Supercharge Your Bookkeeping
Once you’ve captured your receipts and bills with Hub Doc or DEX, the magic begins. These apps push the data directly into Xero. When your bank or credit card statement shows a payment to a vendor like BP, Hub Doc or DEX matches it with the corresponding receipt or bill. As a bookkeeper, all you need to do is review and hit ‘OK.’ This automation can reduce your bookkeeping time by up to 80%.
In the world of bookkeeping, fear and anxiety can often overshadow efficiency and productivity. However, with tools like Hub Doc and DEX, you can transform your bookkeeping experience from a dreaded chore into a streamlined and manageable process. Whether you decide to outsource or tackle it yourself, these innovative apps can significantly cut down on the time and stress associated with bookkeeping.
Don’t let the fear of errors, tax offices, or financial pitfalls hold you back. Embrace the power of technology, and reach out to our knowledgeable team to learn more about how Hub Doc and DEX can revolutionize your bookkeeping and provide peace of mind. Your financial records will be accurate, organized, and always ready for review, meeting all ATO requirements, and eliminating the worry of fading receipts. Say goodbye to bookkeeping woes and hello to a more efficient and stress-free financial future!