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The New Entrepreneur's Guide series

What does an accountant need for bookkeeping?

For the smooth running of accounting, it is important that the accountant has access to the necessary information and documentation regarding the company's transactions. When the necessary information is provided on time, the accounting remains up to date and a clear overall picture of the company's finances is formed.

The items to be submitted to the accountant depend on the company's business, but certain basic information applies to almost all companies.

Bank statements and receipts

Bookkeeping is based on a company's business transactions, which are verified by bank statements and receipts. Every payment or income transaction for a company must have an explanation of where the money came from or what it was used for. In practice, this means, for example, sales invoices, purchase invoices, receipts, and other documents related to the company's operations.

The accountant needs the necessary information from the company's sales so that revenue and any applicable value-added tax can be processed correctly. Depending on how the company operates, this may include sales invoices sent to customers, till system reports, payment terminal statements, or online shop sales reports.

For company purchases and expenses, purchase invoices and receipts are required accordingly. These include, for example, business-related acquisitions, software fees, work equipment, phone and internet bills, and other company expenses. A good rule of thumb is that every company transaction needs a corresponding voucher.

Agreements and other company documents

It is good for the accountant to also receive the company's important agreements and documents. For example, lease agreements, loan agreements, leasing and instalment agreements, and insurance-related information can affect the treatment of accounting and taxation.

You should also inform the accountant about larger purchases, financing decisions, and other changes that affect the company's operations. Not all documents need to be submitted monthly, but they should be given to the accountant when a new agreement is made or changes are made to a previous agreement.

This way the accountant has a better overall picture of the company's situation and matters can be taken into account correctly.

Information related to salaries and travel

If a company pays salaries, information related to payroll management is also required. This includes, for example, employee details, employment contracts, salary information, tax card details, hours worked, absences, holiday information, and any employee benefits.

Information related to business trips is also part of a company's accounting. For travel expense claims, mileage allowances, and daily allowances, details are required regarding, for example, the date of the trip, its purpose, the route and the mileage.

Remember to inform us of changes in good time.

It is advisable to inform your accountant about significant changes in your company well in advance. For example, hiring a new employee, making substantial purchases, taking out loans, receiving grants, or other decisions that affect the company's operations are matters it is good for the accountant to know about in good time.

Good bookkeeping stems from effective collaboration between the entrepreneur and the accountant. When the necessary information flows regularly, the bookkeeping stays up-to-date and the entrepreneur gains a better understanding of their company's finances.

At Konkretia Kirjanpito, we aim to make financial management as clear and understandable as possible. We take care of your accounting needs comprehensively, so you have more time to focus on running and developing your business.