Online Bookkeeping for the Entertainment Industry

We have provided a simple method for all individuals/sole traders to record all incomes and expenditure. Simply fill in the form on a weekly basis - or however frequently suits you - and either send them directly to us as email attachments, or print them off and send them via post. The example below is for an actor/performer but the categories/spreadsheet can easily be adjusted to suit any individual. If you are having any difficulties please contact us.

For those clients that are companies we offer a range of bookkeeping options; we can take care of it for you, we can provide a mobile bookkeeper, we can train you on an appropriate program or we can provide tailor made spreadsheets. For sole traders over the VAT threshold (currently £68,000), we can offer the same services. Please contact us if this is something that may be of interest.

Download Weekly Bookkeeping Form - CLICK HERE

Examples of Online Bookkeeping

The following is a typical (though fictitious) accounts of weekly income and expenditure laid out on an Excel Spreadsheet.

Bookkeeping Explanatory Notes: Income & Expenditure

These notes are to give you some idea of the kinds of things that you might include in your weekly/monthly return. They relate to the Weekly Bookkeeping Form which you can download above.

20. Agents Fees/Commission
This is not listed above but is on the weekly bookkeeping form, as this is for most the major expense. This will appear on your statement from your agent. If however you do not have an agent at present, you will not incur this expense.

21. Travel & Subsistence
This include bus, taxi, train and air fares a well as the cost of staying/working away if not refunded including accommodation & food & drink.

22. Motor Expenses
Includes all petrol, servicing, insurance AA, RAC memberships etc...

23. Subscriptions
These might include such things as subscriptions to professional bodies (eg. Equity, Spotlight), professional publications (PCR, The Stage), etc...

24. Research Material
Those bought for audition & rehearsal purposes including books, magazines, CDs, DVDs etc

25. Advertising& Photography
Including reprints of 10x8s, portfolio fees etc..

26. Cosmetics/Hair
This is self-explanatory.

27. Wardrobe
This includes only clothes which you are required to buy for specific productions or auditions, and should not include normal day wear.

28. Telephone
The cost of the telephone bill - we will make a proportional calculation as to how much of it is personal and how much work-related/business.

29. Computer Costs
Running costs such as internet connection cost, online chargers, etc... excluding entered under PPS (below)

30. Accountancy
The costs you pay to us.

31. Loan/Lease Repayments
These might include student loans, care hire/purchase, etc...

32. PPS - Postage, Printing, Stationery
This is self-explanatory.

33. Personal Care
Including fitness instructors, gym membership, yoga classes, as well as some dental and optical services, osteopathy, physiotherapy etc...

34. Recording & Studio Fees
This is self explanatory.

35. Theatre, Gallery Tickets
Only your ticket is allowable unless you have purchased one for your agent or other industry professional. Family & friends do not count.

36. Professional Training
Singing lessons, dances classes, drama workshops etc

37. Conferences/Lectures

38. Other
Self explanatory.

Additional Information on Bookkeeping

Legitimate Claims
The Weekly Returns should only include legitimate business expenses, and NOT all outgoings of a personal nature - but, if in doubt, please include. We do, however, reserve the right to exclude those items which we feel are unjustified.

Other Employment

Any full/part time employment (under PAYE scheme), we only need details of at your your end, which we obtain through a P60/045. You do not need to enter this on a weekly basis.

Monthly & Annual Costs
Many of your costs may occur monthly or annually - in these cases, simply enter the full amount in the week they are received.

Invoices & Receipts
Please supply any relevant invoices, receipts and statements to support your Return.

Working from Home
Please do not enter a specific cost for the use of residence - we will make an entry on an annual basis under the category "Use of Home as Office".