“Save time!” “It’s so easy!” “Anyone can do it!”

I know you’ve seen those repetitive adverts promising that modern accounting software will handle all your bookkeeping with just a few clicks — I’ve seen them too.

It drives me mad and makes me cringe, because I’ve helped countless businesses recover from DIY bookkeeping mishaps — all because the business owner thinks they know what they’re doing. The software tells them so.

Tools like Xero are brilliant (I use them myself!), but they’re just that — tools. Having access to a professional kitchen doesn’t make you a chef, and having accounting software doesn’t make you a bookkeeper.

Here’s what I often see go wrong in DIY Bookkeeping:

Those “simple” VAT codes? Choosing the wrong one can lead to costly mistakes. According to HMRC, around 1 in 10 VAT returns contain errors. Just last month, I helped a client who had been incorrectly coding their exports for two years — resulting in thousands owed in backdated VAT.

Bank reconciliation showing as matched doesn’t always mean it’s accurate. One incorrectly categorised transaction can skew your entire year-end reporting — and trust me, finding that error months later isn’t quick or easy (or cheap).

Then there’s the joy of payroll integration, Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) deductions, and those ever-evolving Making Tax Digital requirements. All areas where seemingly small errors can lead to big penalties.

HMRC isn’t exactly known for giving the benefit of the doubt when it comes to compliance mistakes. Getting it right the first time matters.

Here’s the real value of having a bookkeeper:

We’re not just data entry clerks.

We’re your financial early warning system.

We spot patterns, catch inconsistencies, and flag potential cash flow problems before they hit. We help you make informed business decisions — not just tick boxes for compliance.

Plus, while you’re trying to figure out whether that business lunch counts as entertainment or subsistence, you could be doing what you’re great at — running your business.

Good bookkeeping isn’t just about making the numbers balance. It’s about giving you clear, timely, and useful insight into your business’s financial health. That takes more than just software — it takes training, judgment, and years of experience.

We’re always happy to chat about how we can keep your books tidy and compliant while freeing you up to grow your business. Please drop me a message — I’d love to hear from you!

P.S. If you’re determined to DIY, at least let us give you some proper training first. Your future self (and your accountant) will thank you! You can view our training calendar here.