Expanding Your Business Globally: Managing Foreign Sales in Your Accounts
As you consider growing your business, the idea of selling your products or services to customers in other countries may have crossed your mind. If these customers prefer to pay you in their local currency, how do you handle these foreign sales in your accounts?
Why Accept Payment in Foreign Currencies and How to Do It
Allowing customers to pay in their own currency can make transactions more convenient for them, potentially attracting more international clients. Setting up a system to accept foreign currencies can be done by opening a bank account in the customer’s currency or using services like PayPal that handle multiple currencies and convert them into your local currency for a fee.
With advancements in fintech, services like TransferWise offer a cost-effective way to receive international payments in different currencies without the need for a foreign bank account. They provide unique account details for major currencies and offer competitive exchange rates.
Avoiding Foreign Transaction Fees with Innovative Solutions
Traditional methods of opening a foreign bank account can be expensive and cumbersome. New players in the market like TransferWise offer free multi-currency accounts with favorable exchange rates and low fees, making it easier for businesses to manage money across borders.
Invoicing in Foreign Currencies Made Easy
Modern online accounting systems make it simple to invoice customers in different currencies. By selecting the customer’s currency, the system automatically translates the invoice into your local currency for accounting purposes. It’s essential to remember to convert foreign currency invoices into pounds sterling for tax reporting.
Managing Multiple Foreign Currencies in Your Accounts
When dealing with multiple currencies, it’s crucial to follow accounting standards for translating foreign transactions into pounds sterling. Utilizing published exchange rates and online tools can help accurately record foreign currency transactions in your accounts. Seek the advice of a professional accountant if you’re unsure about handling foreign currency transactions.
Top Picks for Accounting Software with Multi-Currency Support
Sage
Sage’s Accounting Plus plan offers multi-currency support, allowing you to invoice and receive payments in different currencies with real-time exchange rate updates.
Price: £59 per month (excluding VAT) with an introductory offer of 90% off for the first 12 months.
Intuit QuickBooks
QuickBooks enables trading in over 145 currencies and automatic exchange rate functions for invoicing, making it easy to conduct business globally.
Price: Foreign currency support from £47 per month with a 90% off introductory offer for the first six months.
Xero
Xero’s multi-currency accounting software provides real-time foreign exchange rates, instant currency conversions, and multi-currency reporting for global business operations.
Price: Foreign currency support from £47 per month with a current 90% off promotion for the first six months.
Exploring the Right Accounting Software for Your Business
Choosing the right accounting software with multi-currency support can streamline your global business operations and ensure accurate financial reporting. Consider the features and pricing of different platforms to find the best fit for your business needs.