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Bookkeeping Cleanup

A structured diagnostic and cleanup process for unreliable bookkeeping records.

Not every business knows exactly what is wrong with its bookkeeping. We can start with a fixed-fee Bookkeeping Diagnostic Review using our standard 14-point checklist, then provide a traffic-light report showing the priority issues, compliance risks and recommended next steps.

Request a Discovery CallWhat’s Included
Diagnostic & Cleanup Support14-point review, traffic-light report and agreed cleanup scope.
What changes

You move from unclear records to a structured plan for fixing the issues.

01

Issues identified
A diagnostic review highlights what is wrong, what looks risky and what needs attention.
02

Priorities made clear
A traffic-light report shows red, amber and green issues based on urgency, compliance risk and reporting impact.
03

Cleanup scope agreed
If cleanup work is needed, the scope, fee, timescale and information required are agreed before work begins.
04

Records improved
Agreed cleanup work can then be completed so reports, VAT returns and year-end records become more reliable.

Service overview

A structured diagnostic and cleanup process for unreliable bookkeeping records.

Not every business knows exactly what is wrong with its bookkeeping. Sometimes the reports do not look right, VAT figures feel unclear, bank balances do not agree, or the year-end accountant has raised concerns, but the underlying issue is not obvious.

We can start with a fixed-fee Bookkeeping Diagnostic Review. This includes our standard 14-point bookkeeping checklist, plus any specific areas you want us to review. We then provide a traffic-light report showing the priority issues, compliance risks and recommended next steps.

The diagnostic review does not include cleanup work. It is designed to identify what needs fixing before a separate cleanup scope, quote and timescale are agreed.

Why it matters

Unreliable bookkeeping creates unreliable reports.

If the bookkeeping is not clean, VAT returns, management reports, cash flow forecasts and year-end accounts all become harder to prepare. A diagnostic review helps identify the issues before time is spent on cleanup work.

You may not know what is wrong

Reports can look wrong without it being obvious whether the issue is bank reconciliations, VAT codes, ledgers or old balances.

Bank reconciliations fall behind

Unreconciled bank accounts make it difficult to confirm whether records are complete.

Duplicates distort the accounts

Duplicate bills, receipts or payments can overstate costs or liabilities.

VAT codes may be wrong

Incorrect VAT treatment can affect VAT returns and create future queries.

Old balances build up

Suspense, debtors, creditors and control accounts need review.

Year-end becomes harder

Accountants need cleaner records to prepare accounts efficiently.

What’s included

Diagnostic review, priority report and cleanup support where required.

We start by identifying the issues. If cleanup work is needed, it is scoped and quoted separately so you know what needs fixing before committing to wider work.

Talk to us about scope
Cleanup Controls
The checks that help identify, prioritise and correct unreliable bookkeeping records.

Bookkeeping Diagnostic Review
Fixed-fee review using our standard 14-point bookkeeping checklist, plus any specific areas you want checked.

Traffic-light report
Clear report showing priority issues using a red, amber and green rating system.

Compliance risk review
Issues highlighted based on bookkeeping accuracy, VAT risk, reporting reliability and year-end impact.

Cleanup scope recommendation
Summary of what needs fixing, what should be prioritised and what cleanup work would be required.

Bank reconciliation cleanup
Bank accounts reviewed and reconciled to identify missing, duplicated or incorrect entries, where cleanup work is agreed.

Ledger and control account review
Customer, supplier, VAT, PAYE, pensions, suspense and other balances reviewed where relevant.
How it works

A clear process from diagnosis to cleanup.

01

Diagnostic review
We complete a fixed-fee bookkeeping diagnostic using our 14-point checklist, plus any specific areas you want reviewed.
02

Traffic-light report
We provide a red, amber and green report showing priority issues, compliance risks and recommended next steps.
03

Cleanup scope agreed
If cleanup work is needed, we agree the scope, fee, timescale and information required before work begins.
04

Correct and reconcile
We complete the agreed cleanup work, raise queries and bring the records into a cleaner position.
Is this you?

Who Bookkeeping Cleanup is for.

Businesses unsure what is wrong
Businesses where the reports feel unreliable but the exact issue is unclear.

Businesses with messy books
Businesses where bank reconciliations, VAT codes, ledgers or control accounts no longer make sense.

Businesses preparing for year-end
Companies that need cleaner records before accounts are prepared.

Businesses changing bookkeeper or accountant
Businesses that need records reviewed before moving to a new finance process.
Packages

Packages designed around your business

Every business is different. The packages below provide a guide to our most common service levels, with final pricing tailored to your specific requirements.
Starter
Foundation
£350–£600 / month
For businesses that need reliable bookkeeping, VAT compliance and accurate financial records.
Weekly bookkeeping
Bank reconciliations
Receipt capture
Payroll for up to 10 employees
VAT-ready records
Monthly reports
MOST POPULAR

Growth
Growth
£600–£1,500 / month
For growing businesses that need better visibility, payroll support and regular financial reporting.
Everything in Foundation
Payroll for up to 25 employees
Monthly management reports
Cashflow support
Regular review meetings
Scale
Outsourced Finance Team
£1,500+ / month
For businesses that need a dedicated finance function without the cost of an in-house team.
Everything in Growth
Daily bookkeeping
Payroll for 25+ employees
Budgeting and forecasting
Cashflow management
Board and management reporting
Every package includes a dedicated bookkeeping team, documented processes, cloud software and ongoing support. One-off onboarding fees may apply depending on the condition of the records, software setup and overall project requirements.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

No. If you are not sure what is wrong, we can start with a fixed-fee Bookkeeping Diagnostic Review.

We use our standard 14-point bookkeeping checklist and can also review any specific issues you are worried about.

Yes. We provide a traffic-light report showing red, amber and green issues, with priority areas and recommended next steps.

No. The diagnostic review identifies the issues. Cleanup work is quoted separately once the scope is clear.

Yes. If cleanup work is needed, we can provide a separate scope, fee and timescale for the work required.

Yes. Where agreed, we can review and reconcile bank accounts where records have fallen behind or become unreliable.

Yes. We can review VAT codes for obvious errors and inconsistencies as part of the diagnostic or cleanup process.

Yes. Cleanup work is often useful before sending records to the accountant for year-end accounts.

No. We do not make payments on behalf of clients. We can prepare records, reports and recommendations, but the client remains responsible for making payments.

Get started

Get your back office running smarter

Book a free 30-minute consultation and we’ll show you exactly where the wins are in your current setup.

Request a Discovery Call

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Client reviews

What our clients say

Google★★★★★

I was really let down by my previous accountant, and for a long time I felt completely lost when it came to anything accounting-related. Then I found Mike and his team at Better Bookkeeping Solutions, and the difference has been incredible.
They’ve not only been amazing to work with, but they’ve also taken the time to help me understand how everything actually works. They explain things clearly, answer every question with patience, and have even created opportunities for me to learn as I go, which means a lot, because I honestly didn’t have a clue before.
I finally feel supported, confident, and on top of my business finances. I can’t recommend Mike and the team at Better Bookkeeping Solutions enough!

RGAbout Sports UKGoogle review
Google★★★★★

I’ve worked with Mike at BBS for several years now, and he’s been brilliant throughout. As a director of a small limited company, I needed someone who could just get on with the bookkeeping and tax returns without me having to chase or micromanage – and that’s exactly what Mike does.
He’s always been easy to deal with, responsive when I need something, and reliable on deadlines. He’s saved me a serious amount of time and hassle that I’d rather spend running the business. Can’t fault him. Five stars well earned.

JWChris LangmaidGoogle review