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Business Details
13 Years
experience
Trusted Bookkeeping Services in Shoreham-by-Sea
The Helpful Bookkeeper, established in 2013, is a fully qualified and regulated bookkeeping practice based in Shoreham-by-Sea. We specialise in providing transparent, fixed-fee accounting solutions tailored to small businesses, sole traders, charities, and non-profit organisations. Our services include VAT returns, payroll management, bank reconciliation, and cloud accounting software advice, all delivered with a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. As a licensed member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, we prioritise client clarity, compliance, and financial efficiency.

Our approach combines technical expertise with a focus on reducing administrative burdens, enabling clients to concentrate on business growth. We serve local Sussex businesses and clients nationwide through paperless, cloud-based systems. Our founder, Josie Duggan, brings extensive experience in financial management and a dedication to environmentally conscious operations, ensuring clients receive accurate, compliant, and value-driven support.
Services
Bookkeeping Payroll VAT Returns Self-Assessment Bank Reconciliation Invoicing Credit Control Cash Flow Accounting Software Management Reports
Details
  • Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
  • We are fully qualified, regulated members of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers.
  • Our fixed-fee pricing ensures no unexpected costs for clients.
  • We operate with a strong commitment to environmental and ethical practices.
  • Our services are tailored to small businesses and non-profits in Sussex and nationwide.
  • We provide cloud-based, paperless solutions for modern, efficient financial management.
Associations and certifications
  • Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
Services
Bookkeeping
Our bookkeeping services transform raw financial data into actionable insights, helping businesses track performance and make informed decisions. We offer tailored reports on cash flow, profit and loss, and debt management, ensuring clarity and control. With cloud-based systems, we provide real-time updates and support for sustainable business growth.
Payroll
We manage payroll processing, including tax deductions, payslips, and HMRC compliance, starting at 1.50 per payslip. Our services cover CIS schemes, year-end reports, and employee record-keeping, ensuring accuracy and timely payments. This reduces administrative burdens, allowing businesses to focus on operations without compliance risks.
VAT Returns
We calculate and submit VAT returns directly to HMRC or collaborate with your accountant to streamline the process. Our expertise ensures compliance, minimises errors, and reduces accounting fees. We also provide guidance on VAT thresholds and obligations for growing businesses.
Self-Assessment
We prepare and file self-assessment tax returns from 60, ensuring compliance with HMRC deadlines. Our service includes expense tracking and error prevention, particularly for sole traders and individuals with complex income sources like rental properties or pensions.
Accounting Software
We advise on cloud accounting software like Xero, setting up efficient systems tailored to your business needs. Our support includes training and integration with document storage solutions, promoting paperless, sustainable practices and improving financial workflow efficiency.
People
Josie Duggan
Owner
Josie Duggan founded The Helpful Bookkeeper in 2013 after a career in media and hospitality management. A licensed member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, she specialises in ethical, cloud-based accounting solutions. Josie focuses on supporting small businesses and charities with sustainable financial practices.
Questions
What services does The Helpful Bookkeeper offer?
We provide bookkeeping, payroll, VAT returns, self-assessment tax returns, bank reconciliation, invoicing, credit control, and accounting software advice for small businesses and non-profits.
Are your fees transparent and fixed?
Yes, our fees are fixed monthly rates starting from £20, with no hidden charges. Prices depend on your business type and service requirements.
Do you work with businesses outside Sussex?
Yes, while based in Shoreham-by-Sea, we serve clients nationwide using cloud accounting software and paperless communication tools.
Are you qualified and accredited?
We are a licensed member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, ensuring professional standards, regulatory compliance, and ongoing support for all clients.
How do you support environmentally conscious businesses?
We operate as a carbon-neutral business using solar energy, recycled materials, and cloud-based systems to minimise environmental impact.