Free Accounting Advice and Tools for UK Small Business Owners
Business Accounting Basics are here to help make accounting simple for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses. From recording income and expenses to reading financial statements we offer step by step guides.
Established 2008
Written By a Qualified Bookkeeper
Over 375,000 Template Downloads
Trusted by Small Businesses
Accounting can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a sole trader or small business owner. That’s why this site breaks everything down into clear, easy-to-follow steps—from where to start to creating financial reports.
You’ll find free templates, checklists, and beginner-friendly guides on VAT, financial reports, and self-assessment. All content is written in plain English with no jargon and no fluff. Whether you’re just starting or trying to get more organised, these resources help you save time, stay compliant, and manage your business finances with confidence.
Getting Started with Bookkeeping
New to bookkeeping and not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Many small business owners feel overwhelmed by the receipts, invoices, and accounting terms they’ve never encountered before.
That’s why we created a beginner-friendly guide to help you understand the basics without the jargon. Whether you are a sole trader or just starting your business, our step-by-step tips will walk you through everything you need to get your accounts in order.
Accounting Basics
Getting to grips with basic accounting gives you better control over your business finances. You don’t need to be an expert; just understanding a few core principles can help you make smarter decisions, stay organised, and avoid costly mistakes. This section covers the key topics every small business owner should know, explained in plain English and broken into simple, practical steps.
You will learn:
- The difference between income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
- How to track transactions and keep accurate records
- The importance of bank reconciliation and cash flow
- When and how to register for VAT
- How to read financial reports
25 Free Excel Bookkeeping Templates
No email required
Instant downloads
Over 375,000 downloads
Business Accounting Basics has created over 25 free Excel bookkeeping templates for business or personal use. They include cashbook, budgeting, cash flow statement, petty cash, sales receipts, depreciation, stock record card, bank reconciliation and more.
Over 375,000 people have downloaded our templates. They all have full instructions and examples to help you use them with confidence.
Accounting Software For Small Businesses
Accounting software helps small business owners save time and money by automating everyday tasks. It’s beneficial if you’re not familiar with accounting. The right software lets you track expenses, send invoices, run payroll, and create financial reports – all in a few clicks.
Best Small Business
| From £16 per month |
| Free Trial |
| Integration with apps |
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Best Free
| From £12 per month |
| 1,000 invoices PA Free |
| Integrate with Zoho Apps |
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About Business Accounting Basics
Business Accounting Basics is designed to simplify bookkeeping for UK small business owners. Drawing on years of hands-on experience in the accounting industry, working with a wide range of clients and running our own business, to share practical, real-world advice.
Angela Boxwell, the founder, is AAT qualified and a registered member in practice. She combines professional accounting knowledge with real experience in small business bookkeeping. That’s why everything on the site, including guides, templates, and tips, is clear, practical, and designed to help you manage your business with confidence.
