Bookkeeping Question

[Wilma]

Hi everyone,

A client has approached me with a year's bookkeeping. Approximately 1100 receipts in all, they are not sorted in any order just thrown into a box. I propose to sort and process in Sage to trial balance for the client's accountant. How long would other bookkeeper's take to carry out this task? I don't want to take too long and on the other hand don't want to charge to little. I thought myself maybe around between 8/9 hours, any comments would be much appreciated.

I was told by an accountant that he normally processes 100 receipts every 15 minutes, is this the norm?

Wilma

[dp0848]

Wilma,

I have a few clients like that ..... your welcome to them if you'd like them!

I think I'd probably look to bill about 10 hours for that level of receipts, especially as they are not sorted.

I think 100 receipts every 15 minutes is almost unbelievable, that is one every 9 seconds! You'd certainly be suffering from RSI by the end of the day!

[Wilma]

Thanks for your comments. I thought myself 100 receipts every 15 minutes was over the top!

Wilma

[Alison Jones]

HI

I think 100 invoices in 15 minutes is an exaggeration, possibly would be 100 every hour.

Is your customer asking for quote before you start, all my customers never ask for quote and I invoice time taken after work completed.

Alison

[Wilma]

HI

I think 100 invoices in 15 minutes is an exaggeration, possibly would be 100 every hour.

Is your customer asking for quote before you start, all my customers never ask for quote and I invoice time taken after work completed.

Alison

Hi Allison,

Yes the customer is asking for a quote, all enquiries I get ask for a quotation, including accountants. I'm surprised your customers don't! Are your customers regulars and know how long you take & charge?

Wilma

[dp0848]

I always give my clients a quote and unless I come across a big problem in their books that I did not foresee I tend to stick to the quote. That said I've been in accountancy since I left university sixteen years ago so I have enough experience to look at a task and work out how long it will take. I find that it is rare that I under quote but if I do I take the hit. I find that my clients appreciate the quote approach. They know before I start what the bill is going to be and they don't get any nasty surprises.

[KM-Tiger]

I was told by an accountant that he normally processes 100 receipts every 15 minutes.......

I'd sub-contract the job to this accountant. It's only going to take him 2 3/4 hrs, so as long as his rate is not more than about 3 times yours, you should show a small profit while you get on with something nicer.

[An Oasis]

ROFLMAO

I'd sub-contract the job to this accountant. It's only going to take him 2 3/4 hrs, so as long as his rate is not more than about 3 times yours, you should show a small profit while you get on with something nicer.

Surely KM this needs to go out to tender!:D

[Alison Jones]

Hi Allison,

Yes the customer is asking for a quote, all enquiries I get ask for a quotation, including accountants. I'm surprised your customers don't! Are your customers regulars and know how long you take & charge?

Wilma


Some customers are regulars, others new. They are happy just knowing my rate, and the fact I never round up time to the nearest hour as some people do, I invoice in 15 minute slots.

Alison

[dp0848]

I think billing in 15 minute blocks is a good policy Alison.

[amanda1111]

I have done 13 months worth of invoices for a client of mine and charged him £16 per hour. It took me 15 hours in total to complete it but he was more than happy to pay me. :)

[Fernhurst Solutions Ltd]

I have a few clients like that ..... your welcome to them if you'd like them!



Are you being serious, if so I wouldn't mind taking some of them off your hands :D

[dp0848]

Are you being serious, if so I wouldn't mind taking some of them off your hands :D

I'm talking about a couple of farmers who put all their papers in black bin bags. A lot of the papers are covered in cow s**t as well. Oh, and they take months to pay you. Still want them Andrew??? :D

[Fernhurst Solutions Ltd]

If you really want rid of them, then yes why not ..... i'll get them into shape!!

[dp0848]

I've had one of them as a client for five years and no matter what I try he just refuses to get in to shape! One year he did not have the money to pay me so he filled my freezer with lamb and pork. Very tax efficient!

[Fernhurst Solutions Ltd]

Well if you really want rid of them, feel free to PM me with further details ..... :)

[dp0848]

I'll hang on to them if its all the same to you Andrew! Clients are hard won!

[Fernhurst Solutions Ltd]

phew ..... so my office can remain a s**t free zone, well apart from what comes out of my mouth!!!!!

:D