---
title: What is bookkeeping?
description: "Bookkeeping is the organised recording of a business's financial transactions."
url: "https://ukaccountingacademy.co.uk/docs/what-is-bookkeeping/"
updated: "2026-07-15"
tags:
  - accounting basics
  - bookkeeping
  - financial records
---

# What is bookkeeping?

**Bookkeeping is the organised recording of a business's financial transactions.**

It includes sales, purchases, expenses, bank movements and other financial activity. Accurate bookkeeping provides the records needed for VAT returns, payroll, year-end accounts, Corporation Tax and Self Assessment.

 **Good to know:** Bookkeeping is not only data entry. The records must also be complete, correctly categorised and supported by suitable documents.