Xero as standard
Books In Order works primarily with Xero — it's HMRC-recognised, MTD-compatible, and has the best bank feed coverage in the UK. If you're already on QuickBooks or FreeAgent and don't want to move, that's fine too.
Software Set Up & Training
Cloud accounting set up so it actually works for you.
Cloud accounting software gives you a real-time picture of your business. But only if it's set up properly. Books In Order configures the system to fit how you actually work, connects your bank feeds, and makes sure you know how to use it before we leave you to it.
What's included
A complete set-up, not just a login and a wave goodbye.
Initial Configuration
- Chart of accounts set up for your business type
- VAT settings configured correctly from the start
- Bank accounts connected and bank feeds activated
- Opening balances entered where needed
Receipt & Invoice Capture
- Mobile app set up for receipt capture on your phone
- Email-to-inbox configured for supplier PDF invoices
- Document matching and approval workflow explained
Training
- Walkthrough of the platform and key functions
- How to read your dashboard and key reports
- What you need to do day-to-day vs what we handle
Ongoing Support
- You remain in control — access is at a permission level you choose
- Queries answered as you get comfortable with the system
- Optional ongoing bookkeeping if you don't want to manage it yourself
Already on something?
If you have software that isn't working as well as it should, we can review the setup, fix the configuration, and retrain you on the parts that aren't making sense. Sometimes a bad experience with cloud accounting is actually a bad setup.
Not sure if you need it?
Cloud accounting isn't essential for every sole trader, but it's strongly recommended for anyone who is VAT-registered, plans to grow, or wants to be ready for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. A 20-minute conversation will tell you whether it makes sense for where you are now.
Common questions
Software FAQs
What is cloud accounting software?
It's bookkeeping software that runs online rather than on your computer. Your bank transactions feed in automatically, receipts can be photographed and uploaded from your phone, and your bookkeeper can work on the same data in real time — no emailing spreadsheets or sending files back and forth.
How is it different from a spreadsheet?
Spreadsheets can work for very simple sole traders, but they don't connect to your bank, they're prone to formula errors, and they make it almost impossible to track changes over time. Cloud accounting creates a searchable audit trail and produces reliable reports automatically. For anyone VAT-registered or preparing for MTD ITSA, spreadsheets aren't a viable long-term solution.
How does access work?
You invite Books In Order as a user at the permission level you choose. You're always in control — you can see everything we do, and access can be removed at any time. You don't hand over the keys; you just open a door.
Will I have to enter everything myself?
No. Bank transactions feed in automatically via the bank connection. Receipts come in via the mobile app or email. The main things you'll be doing day-to-day are approving transactions and capturing receipts as you go — which takes a few minutes rather than an evening at the end of the month.
Which software do you recommend?
Xero, in most cases. It has the strongest bank feed coverage, it's fully MTD-compatible, and it's well-supported. QuickBooks and FreeAgent are both decent alternatives for simpler setups. The right choice depends on your business — it's worth discussing before you sign up to anything.
Get started
Get set up on cloud accounting properly.
A first call takes about 20 minutes. We'll talk through what you have and what makes sense.