5 Bookkeeping Best Practises to Get Ahead

Let’s be honest. Bookkeeping is rarely the reason anyone joins the creative world.

 No one picks up a paintbrush or launches a design studio because they love a good spreadsheet. But whether you’re an illustrator, filmmaker, or graphic design guru, good bookkeeping can make the difference between flying high or floundering in the fog.

That’s where we come in. At Raedan, we love numbers, balance sheets, and receipts tucked into coat pockets from six months ago. Yes, we’re weird like that, but in a useful way. So whether you’re a one-person wonder or a full-on creative empire, here are five smart, simple, totally doable bookkeeping best practises that can help you get ahead.

1. Keep your personal and business finances as separate as your paint colours

Mixing business and personal finances is like painting with every colour on the palette. You’ll end up with a lovely shade of “what on earth is going on?” It might seem easier to use one bank account, especially if you’re just starting out, but it can turn into a massive headache at tax time.

Open a dedicated business account and run all income and expenses through it. Not only does this keep everything crystal clear, but it also gives you a more accurate picture of how your creative business is really doing. And let’s face it, knowing you can actually afford that fancy new camera is a pretty great feeling.

2. Set aside time for your books like you do for your favourite Netflix series

Bookkeeping doesn’t have to be a once-a-year panic-induced ritual involving snacks and mild hysteria. Instead, schedule regular “bookkeeping dates” with yourself. Whether it’s 30 minutes every week or a full hour at the end of the month, consistency is key.

Pop on your headphones, make a cup of tea, and treat it like admin self-care. You’ll stay on top of things, avoid a mountain of receipts, and future-you will absolutely love past-you for it.

3. Use accounting software that doesn’t make you want to scream into the void

Gone are the days of dusty ledgers and endless Excel spreadsheets. Today, there are loads of brilliant accounting tools designed for creatives who’d rather be sketching than calculating. Platforms like Xero or QuickBooks make bookkeeping feel less like a chore and more like a superpower.

You can connect your bank accounts, track invoices, and even upload receipts on the go. If you’re unsure where to start, a team like creative industry accountants (hello, that’s us!) can help you set it all up so it works like a dream.

4. Categorise expenses like a boss

If you’ve ever stared at a year’s worth of transactions and wondered what “Digital Sparkle £89.99” was, you are not alone. Categorising your expenses as they happen saves so much time and confusion later.

Create clear categories like software, equipment, travel, or client expenses. The more organised your records, the easier it is to understand your spending habits, make better decisions, and impress your accountant (who definitely notices your tidy books and sends you invisible high-fives).

Plus, when it comes to claiming expenses, well-categorised records can mean fewer missed opportunities and potentially less tax to pay. Which we can all agree is the dream.

5. Ask for help before things get wild

Here’s the truth. You don’t have to do it all alone. Most creatives didn’t go to art school to learn about VAT returns, and that’s perfectly fine. Partnering with creative industry accountants (ding ding, that’s our second mention) can take the pressure off and help you focus on what you do best.

Whether you need help getting set up, sorting a backlog, or figuring out how to grow, getting expert support early can save time, money, and a lot of unnecessary stress. Plus, we promise not to speak in confusing jargon or judge your inbox full of receipts.

Wrap-up: bookkeeping is your secret weapon

Sure, it might not be the sexiest part of running a creative business, but great bookkeeping is the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed. It gives you clarity, confidence, and maybe even a smug little smile when tax season rolls around and you’re already sorted.

So start small, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to call in the pros when you need a hand. Whether it’s choosing the right software or just figuring out where to begin, we’re here for all your wonderfully creative chaos. Because at Raedan, we believe numbers should help your business thrive, not hold it back.

And hey, if all else fails, bribe yourself with biscuits. Works every time.