Do your own bookkeeping, set up properly from the start
For freelancers and small businesses in Germany who want to keep their bookkeeping in their own hands. I set it up once with the right software, bank connection, receipt flow and categories. Then you take over, with a clear monthly routine and the knowledge you need for it.
You want to handle your bookkeeping yourself
Not everyone wants to hand over their bookkeeping. Maybe you want to see your numbers whenever you like, you can't find a tax advisor who takes on new clients, or you're tired of waiting for every report from the accounting firm.
A lot of people start with the wrong setup. The wrong software, the wrong categories, no clear routine. In the end it takes more time than expected, and before the year end a lot has to be corrected.
I set everything up properly once. After that you know exactly what to do each month.
What I set up for you
A complete setup, so your bookkeeping is organised from day one.
Choosing and setting up the software
I choose the accounting software that fits your business and set it up completely, with chart of accounts, tax categories and basic settings.
Bank connection
Your bank account is connected directly. Transactions come in automatically and can be matched with a click.
Receipt flow
I set up one fixed way for your receipts to come in, by app, email or upload. So you don't have to go looking for anything at the end of the month.
Data for the year end
If a tax advisor does your year end, I set up the DATEV export or direct access for them. If you do it yourself, I set up the software so you can use the numbers directly.
Walkthrough by video call
I show you around your new setup, walk you through each step and answer all your questions.
Written documentation
You get step-by-step instructions for your monthly routine to look things up later.
Who this suits
You want to take care of your bookkeeping yourself without constant questions from your tax advisor.
You want to start off right instead of changing everything later.
You've been working without a clear setup, your tax advisor has no capacity left, or you're unhappy with your accounting firm.
You've hired someone and need a solid basis for their work.
Three steps to your own bookkeeping
Free info call
15 minutes. We look at your situation and whether the setup is right for you.
Setup
I set up everything, software, bank connection, receipts, tax rates and categories. You don't have to configure anything yourself.
Handover and walkthrough
In an online session I hand over your new setup and show you how your monthly routine works. You get everything in writing.
What clients say about working with me
“Sandra is the go-to expert for setting up automated accounting in Germany. She was very patient with me, always available for answering my questions. Very supportive. Highly recommend her.”
“She was an absolute pleasure to work with. Her expertise in accounting automation helped us streamline our processes significantly.”
“Sandra is one of a kind in her unique mix of great analytical & entrepreneurial thinking and hands-on mentality.”
Good to know: if you book a consultation on software and processes before the setup, BAFA can fund 50 or 80% of that consultation. BAFA doesn't fund the setup itself. The funding programme has been extended until the end of 2028.
More about BAFA funding →
Common questions
Do I need any prior knowledge?
No. You should know what's going on in your business. I show you the rest in the walkthrough, and you have the instructions in writing. If you want to go deeper, there's training for you and your team.
Am I allowed to do my own bookkeeping?
Yes. For your own business you can do all of the bookkeeping yourself, including VAT returns and the annual financial statements. The German Tax Advisory Act (Steuerberatungsgesetz) only restricts helping others, not working on your own business. More on this: bookkeeping without a tax advisor.
Can I do the year end myself too?
For your own business, yes. In BuchhaltungsButler you can make the closing entries and run the balance sheet as a report, and the E-Bilanz (the electronic filing of the balance sheet) goes through the external service eBilanz+. For full annual financial statements you need separate software or a tax advisor of your choice.
How long do I have to keep receipts?
Invoices and accounting receipts for eight years, books and annual financial statements for ten years, business letters for six years, each counted from the end of the calendar year. That's what the German Fiscal Code (Abgabenordnung) says.
What if I want to hand it over later?
Then I keep booking your day-to-day business transactions in the same software, so you don't have to change anything. I also prepare your VAT returns and year-end closing up to the final step. You or a tax advisor of your choice then submit them.
Want to do your own bookkeeping?
15 minutes, free. Afterwards you'll know whether the setup is right for you.