Accounting will be a vital element in the successful maintenance of your business. It is also a huge area which, for the inexperienced, can be extremely daunting.

If you’re starting out and can’t afford the services of an accountant to help you with this area, you may like to visit the sites listed below which offer helpful information on all aspects of business accounting.

• Business Link – practical advice on all areas of financial planning.
• Bizhelp 24 - hugely informative website on all things financial.
• Learn Direct – offers courses in finance for beginners and budgeting.
• Bizwise – FAQs and ask-the-expert services on all areas of finance.

There is a Bristol-based accountancy organisation, the Bristol Community Accountancy Project (BCAP), which has a good track record in assisting charities, community and voluntary organisations and development trusts in the city. They offer affordable services, such as telephone support, payroll bureau and computerised system training, as well general accountancy services. They can be contacted on 0117 3773388 or at steph@bcap.info.

There are a variety of accounting packages on the market which, if you will be handling your own accounts, offer an efficient and easy-to-use way to maintain your records. Below is a list of some widely used packages.

• Sage Line 50/100
• SunAccounts
• QuickBooks Accountant
• Microsoft Great Plains
• Pegasus Opera II
• TAS
• SAP