Hiring a professional bookkeeper is one of the smartest investments a small business owner can make. At PBAS, we bring years of hands-on experience working with sole traders, freelancers, and small businesses across a wide range of industries. We help you avoid common pitfalls — missed HMRC deadlines, costly errors, and unnecessary tax bills — so you can focus on running your business.
What Our Bookkeeping Service Includes
- Recording all income and expenses accurately
- Bank reconciliation to keep your records clean
- VAT return preparation and submission
- Payroll processing (if applicable)
- Monthly or quarterly management reports
- Year-end preparation to support your accountant or self-assessment
Cloud-Based Bookkeeping
We use the latest cloud accounting software — including QuickBooks and Xero — to keep your books accurate and accessible in real time. You get 24/7 visibility of your finances through simple smartphone apps, making it easy to send receipts, check your figures, and stay on top of cash flow without any accounting knowledge.
Our digital systems are also fully compatible with Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements, so you’ll be prepared well ahead of any HMRC deadlines.
Why Choose PBAS for Bookkeeping?
- Fixed, transparent pricing — no hidden fees
- Flexible service to suit your business size and budget
- Personal, friendly service from a local bookkeeper
- Fully MTD-compliant digital systems
- Regular updates so you always know where your business stands
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to hand over the admin burden of an established business, we make bookkeeping straightforward and stress-free.
Get in Touch
Ready to take bookkeeping off your plate? Contact PBAS today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
”Frequently Asked Questions — Bookkeeping
What’s the difference between bookkeeping and accountancy?
Bookkeeping is the day-to-day recording of financial transactions — income, expenses, invoices, and bank reconciliation. Accountancy uses that data to prepare accounts, calculate tax, and provide financial advice. Many small businesses need both. Read more: What’s the Difference Between Bookkeeping and Accountancy? →
Do I need a bookkeeper as a sole trader?
It depends on how complex your finances are and how confident you are managing them yourself. Many sole traders benefit greatly from professional bookkeeping — it saves time, reduces errors, and ensures your records are ready for Self Assessment. Read more: Do I Need a Bookkeeper or Accountant as a Sole Trader? →
What records should I be keeping?
HMRC requires you to keep records of all sales and income, all business expenses, VAT records if VAT-registered, and PAYE records if you employ people. Records must be kept for at least 5 years after the Self Assessment deadline. Read more: What Records Do I Need to Keep as a Sole Trader? →
Do I need to use accounting software for bookkeeping?
If you’re VAT-registered, MTD rules already require digital record-keeping. And from April 2026, self-employed people with income over £50,000 must use MTD-compatible software for income tax too. Even if you’re not yet required to, cloud software like QuickBooks or Xero makes bookkeeping significantly easier. Read more: MTD for Income Tax — What Sole Traders Need to Do Now →
How do I budget for my tax bill throughout the year?
Good bookkeeping makes this much easier — when you can see your profit clearly at any point in the year, you can set aside the right amount for tax. A common approach is to put aside a percentage of every payment received into a separate account. Read more: How to Budget for Your Tax Bill as a Sole Trader →
Who We Serve
PBAS provides bookkeeping services for sole traders and micro-businesses across East Lothian, Edinburgh, Midlothian and the wider Scotland area. We’re based in Wallyford, Musselburgh — conveniently located for clients across the Lothians — and we work remotely with clients throughout Scotland.
Whether you’re a tradesperson in Musselburgh, a freelancer in Edinburgh, or a small business owner anywhere in East Lothian, we offer the same personal, affordable service. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation chat →
Related Guides
- Do I Need a Bookkeeper or Accountant as a Sole Trader?
- What’s the Difference Between Bookkeeping and Accountancy?
- What Records Do I Need to Keep as a Sole Trader?
- Sole Traders Start Here — Our Complete Guide
For authoritative HMRC guidance on bookkeeping services, visit the GOV.UK self-employed record-keeping guide.
