e-mail address: info@cosbookkeeping.co.uk

Phone number 0161 850 3355

Office Phone 0161 850 3355

DEFENDER
  • Home
  • COS Services
    • Bookkeeping
    • Payroll
    • Pricing
    • Software
      • Xero
        • Xero Training
      • Quickbooks Online
        • QuickBooks Online Training
      • Sage
      • Third-party apps/partnerships
    • Accounts Software Training
      • Xero Training
      • QuickBooks Online Training
    • Bookkeeping Training
  • COS Membership
  • About COS
    • The COS Blog
    • Testimonials
    • The COS Team
    • Our Chosen Charities
    • FAQ
    • Privacy Policy
  • Contact COS
  • Members’ Area
    • Log In

Mar 28 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

Do I need a Bookkeeper or an Accountant?

More often than not, people think Bookkeepers and Accountants are the same job role. They’re actually not and because people don’t realise this they don’t always know what it is they really need out of the two. They might need both or just one. In this blog post we’ll help you answer the question: “Do […]

Read more
do-I-need-a-bookkeeper-or-an-accountant-header-written-on-a-pad

Jun 4 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

Summer 2021 Newsletter – BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters

Welcome to our Summer 2021 newsletter. We have tons to share in our jam-packed Summer 2021 newsletter. We interviewed Susan Leigh for her mental health advice on adjusting to life back a the office. We also cover the new RLS scheme, Google Workspace, an exciting networking relaunch and much more.  The COS Crew Find out what our […]

Read more
Summer-2021-newsletter-image

Apr 12 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

Spring 2021 Newsletter – BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters

Welcome to our Spring newsletter. This quarter we’ll be sharing our favourite lesser-known accounting tools that could really save you some time. We also interviewed Helen from Clear Day about how to prevent business burnout. Plus read about the staff member with all the puppies and our newly qualified team members. Head to the bottom for our […]

Read more
COS-Spring-Newsletter-2021-header-image

Feb 25 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

Things you need to consider if you want to become a Bookkeeper

Not all qualifications are created equal Bookkeepers often share experiences and feedback with us about qualifications they have taken. We have discovered that some feel their qualifications have been disappointing as though essential parts of their training were missed out. This has led them to feel unprepared for the working world.  Anti-money laundering (discussed further […]

Read more
bookkeeper-career

Dec 10 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters – Winter 2020 Newsletter

Welcome to our Winter newsletter. This quarter we have a guest blog all about getting prepared for your self-assessment from the wonderful EK Williams Accountants. Our interview this quarter is with pension expert Gary Bishop who answers your FAQ’s on pensions. We also have card machine advice, an award announcement, our Christmas hours, and a […]

Read more
Winter-Newsletter-2020

Nov 18 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

What makes a good bookkeeper?

To celebrate Global Bookkeeping Week, we’re asking the question “What makes a good bookkeeper?”. Is it a dashing suit and smile? It’s a bit more than that! Here’s what we think makes a good bookkeeper. Attention to detail As bookkeepers our role revolves around the detail. We look for patterns, changes and missing links. We […]

Read more
what-makes-a-good-bookkeeper

Oct 13 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters – Autumn 2020

Welcome to our Autumn newsletter. This quarter we interviewed a HMRC investigation expert who shared her tips with us. We also share some of our favourite software packages that can help you and your team save some time. Thanks for stopping by to read our newsletter. COS Crew News Tasnim gets her Xero Payroll certificate Congratulations […]

Read more
Autumn-Newsletter-2020

Jul 13 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters – Summer 2020 Newsletter

Welcome to our Summer Newsletter. In this quarter we interviewed COS member Joseph about how living with Asperger’s has been during lockdown. We share our top tips for saving money and improving cashflow during the pandemic. Plus we have a few celebrations and a new business venture to share. Thanks for stopping by to read our newsletter. […]

Read more
Summer-Newsletter-2020

May 19 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

Are your finances affecting your mental health more than you realise?

5 Tips to reduce your financial anxiety One of the most awful feelings is when you know you have bills to pay and you don’t know where you are going to get the money from. Our Director, Karen, has been in this position and knows just how difficult it is. So we wanted to share […]

Read more
worry

Apr 6 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters – Spring 2020 Newsletter

Welcome to our Spring newsletter. This quarter we’ll be sharing our top 5 tried and tested cloud accounting softwares. We also interviewed Rik Heap from Leonard Curtis for his advice on rescuing and recovering businesses. Plus read about our new staff achievements and meet our new apprentice. We also now have a dedicated Coronavirus support and […]

Read more
Spring-Newsletter-2020

Dec 13 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters – Winter 2019 Newsletter

Welcome to our Winter Newsletter. This quarter we’ll be sharing how you could improve your cash flow. Plus we interview Amanda Fearn from WPA about how to support your employees with their health. COS Crew News What have our staff been getting up to this quarter? Find out here. *** Ann gets festive on her […]

Read more
Winter-Newsletter-2019

Nov 20 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

5 Reasons why we’re proud of our Bookkeepers – Celebrating Global Bookkeeping Week

It’s Global Bookkeeping Week so we are taking this opportunity to shout about how proud we are of our members and employees. There are far more than 5 reasons why we’re proud of our bookkeepers! But we couldn’t very well name them all on here, it would be a long read indeed. 1. They have […]

Read more

Oct 23 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters – Autumn 2019

Welcome to our Autumn newsletter! This quarter we tell you how we said goodbye to expense claims and how you can do the same. We also interviewed local pet expert Carys Middleton from Mojo Pet Companies. She shares her tips and business advice with us. Plus we have weddings, engagements, and births to announce! We’ve […]

Read more
Autumn-Newsletter-2019

Jul 1 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters – Summer 2019 Newsletter

In this edition, we’ll be helping you decide if you’re using the right accounting software. We will also be sharing some health and safety advice from Luke at Orchard Compliance. Plus lots of exciting news from the COS crew (including an upcoming wedding). COS Crew News – Summer 2019 Find out below what staff and members […]

Read more
summer-newsletter

Apr 25 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters – Spring 2019 Newsletter

Thanks for stopping by to read our newsletter. In this edition, we’ll be helping you with MTD, with our simple timeline. We also have some important payroll updates; and we have some brand new courses available If you’re an Urmston Business, read our interview to find out how the Urmston Partnership could help you. The […]

Read more
spring-newsletter

Dec 14 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters – Winter 2018 Newsletter

In this edition, we’re sharing our self-assessment advice. We also interview Hannah Dempsey, from the charity FOP Friends, about an illness you may never have heard of. You can also see what the COS crew have been up to. Please note that our Christmas hours can be found at the bottom of this page. The COS Crew […]

Read more
winter-2018-newsletter

Oct 1 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters – Autumn 2018 Newsletter

Welcome to our Autumn 2018 COS Newsletter – BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters! Welcome to our Autumn 2018 newsletter. In this edition we share essential things you might not know about payroll. We also get advice from Lucia and Franck at Saco Trading about staying healthy this Autumn. The COS Crew have some very special occasions to […]

Read more
autumn-newsletter

Jul 30 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters – Summer 2018 Newsletter

Welcome to our Summer 2018 Edition of BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters! In this edition you can find out how to save hours of data entry. You’ll also get some wonderful tips on how to survive at work from Becky and Gemma at Go Train and Develop. Do you like cats? The Society for Abandoned Animals are […]

Read more
Quarterly Newsletter - Summer

Apr 23 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters – Spring 2018 Newsletter

 Welcome to our Spring 2018 Edition of BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters! In this edition we have a revised pet section which is now “Pet Adoption Corner”. We’ll be featuring a different animal in each edition that is in desperate need of a home. We also have a new section featuring news about the COS Crew! Plus […]

Read more
COS-Spring-Newsletter-Banner-2018

Dec 18 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters – Winter 2017 Newsletter

Ho, ho, ho, it’s nearly Christmas and our Winter Newsletter is here! BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters Welcome our winter newsletter. We have lots to share with you: from tips to help you with your self-assessment to how to make your card payments easier. You can also find our Christmas hours at the bottom. Guess Who Can […]

Read more
COS-Winter-Newsletter-banner

Oct 31 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters – Autumn 2017 Newsletter

It’s time for the Autumn Edition of our Quarterly Newsletter: BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters! Thanks for stopping by to read our newsletter. In this addition we tell you how to stop bookkeeping becoming a “monster”! Stuart Sinclair from CVSL has essential advice on car leasing in our interview section. You’ll find out how much we raised […]

Read more
autumn-2017-newsletter-large-image

Oct 19 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

Celebrating our Members this Global Bookkeeping Week

It’s Global Bookkeeping Week and we’d like to say a huge thank you to every one of our hard-working members. From those who have been with us for 15 years to those who have been with us a matter of days. You are a part of the COS family and we thank you for that. […]

Read more
cupcake-love

Sep 1 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

6 Vital Reasons You Shouldn’t Leave Your Bookkeeping Until The Last Minute

The last thing any business owner needs is to stress about their accounts. The more time you give yourself and the more tools you invest in, the less stressful it will be. We’ve put together a list of reasons why bookkeeping shouldn’t be at the bottom of your list. There could be huge fines via […]

Read more
t-rex

Jul 25 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters – Summer 2017 Newsletter

Welcome to the Summer Edition of our Quarterly Newsletter: BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters! Thanks for being a part of our newsletter. We have another great interview lined up for you, this time from Mark at Ralli Solicitors about how to deal with employee disputes. You can read all about it below. We also delve into the history and […]

Read more
becos-bookkeeping-matters-summer-2017

Mar 31 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters -Spring 2017 Newletter

Welcome to the Spring Edition of our newsletter – BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters. Firstly, welcome to our new website! We’re really excited about it but please bare with us, we’re still working on it in places.In this edition we have hints and tips about household renovations from Chris at Technique. We’ll be telling you “Things you […]

Read more
Spring-Edition-2017

Mar 8 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

5 reasons why frequent bookkeeping can save your business money – Celebrating IWD 2017

5 reasons why frequent bookkeeping can save your business money – Celebrating IWD 2017 It’s International Women’s Day and we are proud to say that our company is managed by two successful women: Karen Garrattley and Diane Middleton We believe that women around the world should be able to start their own business and thrive. […]

Read more
IWD-logo

Feb 22 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

April 2017 Payroll – Changes you need to know about

April Payroll – Changes you need to know about Change is on its way…are you ready? From April 2017 HMRC will be implementing a variety of changes and it’s important that Bookkeepers and Accountants are prepared. The changes will affect: The National Living Wage The National Minimum Wage Statutory Payments National Insurance Expenses and Benefits and […]

Read more
calculator-1

Dec 21 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters – Winter Newsletter

Welcome to our Winter 2016, BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters, Newsletter! In this edition we have an insightful interview with Accountant Peter Brassington on how to avoid fines and how to make your financial life easier. We also celebrate our new FSB award and have some exciting news about our upcoming charity pantomime! We won an FSB Award! Several […]

Read more

Oct 4 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

Our First Quarterly Newsletter – BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters

 Welcome to the first edition of our newsletter – BeCOS Bookkeeping Matters! Autumn Edition In our first edition we’ll be talking to website designer Suzi Brown and we’ll also be sharing our favourite Xero add-ons. We’ll be delving into our latest fundraising activities and we’ve also thrown a few fun sections into the mix. Five Handy Xero Add-ons […]

Read more
Autumn-Edition

Jul 28 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

Bookkeepers’ Ball Raises Dazzling amount for Cancer Research UK

The tables glittered with diamantes whilst awaiting the guests to arrive. The trumpets and drums shined as the band prepared for a night of musical marvel. The DJ was ready to compare in his best suit. The stage was set ready for a night we wouldn’t soon forget. On the 16th July we celebrated our 25th anniversary with a charity […]

Read more
mask

Jul 20 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

5 Reasons Why Cloud Accounting is Better than Excel for Your Accounts

Many companies begin with excel when starting to record their financial activity but unfortunately this method can be risky, inaccurate and time-consuming. Here’s our top reasons why cloud accounting is essential for business.   You can access it from anywhere with an internet connection If your accounts are on The Cloud then all you will […]

Read more

Jun 6 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

Join us as we Celebrate 25 Year Milestone with Charity Ball

When Karen Garrattley started COS in early 1991 with just herself and a notebook she didn’t think it would grow into such a unique and exciting business. After running the business for several years, and working alongside several other self-employed Bookkeepers and Accountants, she realised there was a gap in the market in her field. […]

Read more
masquerade-mask

May 9 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

Essential Free Webinars for the Self-Employed courtesy of HMRC

HMRC have created a series of free webinars to help and support the self-employed. From Capital Allowances to Income Tax they have a wide range of resources ready to help. Join the other thousands of business owners who have benefited from their training by signing up today. Capital Allowances for the Self-employed Tuesday 10th May 09:00 […]

Read more
man-in-webinar

Mar 23 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

7 Essential Ways to Make your Bookkeeping Easier to Manage

We understand that keeping on top of your books can be hard to do when you’re trying to run a business. We have compiled a list of tips to try and make life a little easier for business owners when it comes to managing accounts. 1. Find a software that works for you There is […]

Read more
fed-up

Jan 28 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

Why we love FreeAgent

FreeAgent is an effective and efficient cloud accounting software that we have recently added to our portfolio. We discovered the package back in the summer and since then we’ve tried and tested its features and realised just how useful it is. Many people have asked “Isn’t it just the same as Xero?” and the answer […]

Read more
FreeAgent-Logo

Nov 4 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

The End Of The Tax Return

The government are putting in place a system to replace the outdated tax return. This system enables individuals and businesses to create “Digital Tax Accounts”. This has been created as a way of modernising the tax system. Much like an online bank account you will have all your details in one place and you will be […]

Read more
calculator

Oct 27 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

5 Misconceptions About Bookkeepers

1). We’re boring Just because we enjoy crunching numbers and love accounting software doesn’t mean we’re a bit on the dull side. We can assure you that underneath that cool exterior we are bags of fun and full of personality. From actors and archers to guitarists and fun-runners, our bookkeepers have a range of exciting […]

Read more

Oct 5 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

How Xero Accreditation Can Boost Your CV And Your Client Base

Xero is amongst our favourite software packages and we always encourage our members to become Xero Accredited. The package is affordable, easy to use and a fantastic tool for many businesses to have. By becoming accredited you can open new doors in your career and even broaden your client base, see how below. Affordability Being very […]

Read more

Sep 25 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

Why Bookkeepers Are Amazing

As it’s Global Bookkeeping Week we’ve put together a list of reasons why bookkeepers are wonderful! They have the patience of a Saint As well as doing hours of careful data entry they also have the patience to spend time troubleshooting problems. This is a job for someone with serious patience!   2.  They have a […]

Read more

Sep 11 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

Why Xero Training Can Revolutionise Your Business

Cloud Access With Xero you can access your accounts from anywhere with an internet connection. If you have not yet used cloud accounting software, now is the perfect time. Our training courses enable you to confidently convert to Xero. Our training includes showing you how to open an account and how to use the mobile […]

Read more

Aug 27 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

Does your company offer apprenticeships? An update from HMRC

Do you  offer apprenticeships to young people in the UK? From April 2016, employers of apprentices under the age of 25 will no longer need to pay secondary (employer) Class 1 NICs on earnings below the Upper Earnings Limit (UEL). The consultation exercise  to define the meaning of “relevant apprentice” for the purpose of the […]

Read more

Aug 17 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

Guest Blog – Tax Tips and News from our Accountant Friends at Leavitt Walmsley & Associates

Thank you to Leavitt Walmsley & Associates for sharing their latest tax tips and news with us. Tax Reconciliation HMRC has started the tax reconciliation process for the majority of taxpayers who are taxed under PAYE. This may include you or your relatives, as this reconciliation also covers those in receipt of the State Retirement […]

Read more

Aug 14 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

Guest Blog – 8 Early Warning Signs That Can Help You Avoid Bad Debt

Our guest blogger this week is Chris from Query Management. She has put together an insightful piece on avoiding bad debt.  Thank you for the helpful tips Chris! Here’s a list of eight warning signs we’ve learnt to watch out for. No single sign is evidence of anything – but each one is a little […]

Read more

Jul 30 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

Growing, Growing Gone – Our new premises

25 Years Of Fun For almost 25 years we have been passionate about bookkeeping and have created a community of self-employed bookkeepers. Within this community, we help and support one another with everything from software innovations to tax changes. We always aim to stay ahead of the game. Training Generations As well as our membership […]

Read more
apple-desk-office-working-large

Jul 28 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

Why Excel Isn’t A Long Term Solution

Do you use excel for your bookkeeping? In this guest article Xero will explain why excel isn’t a long term solution. Small businesses often start out using Excel – but that’s only doable up until a point. Like every teenager eventually becomes an adult, your business needs to evolve and grow. Find out why the […]

Read more

Jul 20 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

Setting Up A Business: Employment Law

Setting up a business? How an employment law solicitor can help you Thinking of, or in the process of setting up your own business? Consulting an employment law solicitor could be one of the best initial decisions you make. Employment law is a complicated area and is constantly changing. Most employment disagreements are caused by […]

Read more

Jul 17 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

The Nominal Ledger Explained

What are debits and credits? What is the nominal ledger? Let us answer your questions and help to make your bookkeeping easier. On the 13th August we will be hosting a course presented by Karen Garrattley all about the nominal ledger. What’s included Prior knowledge is not required for this course but general bookkeeping experience […]

Read more

Jul 14 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

The Emergency budget – A Guide

Sage have complied a compressive list of facts and figures to guide you through the emergency budget. From personal allowances to pension relief, it covers a wide range of useful subjects. If you have any questions about the budget please do not hesitate to contact us. For the latest information on the emergency budget click […]

Read more

Jul 14 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

Free Pasties At The Business Growth Show 2015

On Thursday we will be exhibiting at the fantastic AJ Bell Stadium in Salford at The Business Growth Show. Home of the Salford City Reds and Sale Sharks, the stadium is truly is an exciting venue to be exhibiting at! Fresh, Tasty and Free On Thursday we will have a mixture of hot pasties available. […]

Read more

Jul 9 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

No Comments

What bookkeeping is and why it’s so important

Legally you have to keep track of the money that comes in and out of your business, this is called bookkeeping. This way you stay organised, you comply with HMRC and it can help you with financial forecasting. Without up to date, accurate information, a business can make bad decisions which can damage its own […]

Read more
  • 1
  • 2
  • Next

Member Menu

NEWS

  • recent post cover

    Do I need a Bookkeeper or an Accountant?

    Mar 28 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

  • recent post cover

    Summer 2021 Newsletter – BeCOS ...

    Jun 4 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

  • recent post cover

    Spring 2021 Newsletter – BeCOS ...

    Apr 12 / Posted by Rebekah Vanden

Testimonials

keyboard-webinar-text

"The webinar hosted by Karen was, as always, very informative and whilst Karen presents in a very friendly manner she is extremely professional and knowledgeable. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend COS."

Abi Wood -

Our Twitter Feed

Tweets by COSBookkeeping

© 2017 COS Bookkeeping. All Rights Reserved

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

COS Bookkeeping
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. If you don't them stored for the next time you visit, you have the option to delete this on your computer, via the browser.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

3rd Party Cookies

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Members' Mojo is connected to this site but we are not responsible for those cookies. Please contact members' mojo to find out more about the cookies they store.

Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!

Cookie Policy

More information about our Cookie Policy