Hospitality & Leisure Accountants

Accounting for Bars, Restaurants & Cafes

Running a bar, restaurant, or café comes with tight margins, complex VAT rules, and staff payroll challenges. We help hospitality businesses manage cash flow, tax planning, and financial reporting, ensuring they stay profitable.

The hospitality industry operates on tight profit margins, seasonal fluctuations, and complex tax rules, making accurate financial management essential. From VAT on food and alcohol to payroll for staff and tips, keeping up with compliance can be challenging.

At Launch Accounts, we specialise in hospitality accounting for:

Bars & pubs – Managing VAT on alcohol sales and cash flow
Restaurants & cafés – Handling payroll, supplier costs, and service charge reporting
Hotels & B&Bs – Managing bookings, seasonal cash flow, and VAT schemes
Franchises & multi-location businesses – Scalable accounting solutions for growing brands

Our services can include:

VAT on food, alcohol & service charges – Ensuring compliance with the complex VAT rates in the hospitality sector
Payroll, staff tips & pensions – Managing payroll, auto-enrolment pensions, and compliance with HMRC rules
Stock & supplier cost management – Helping businesses control costs and track profitability
Cash flow forecasting – Ensuring businesses manage seasonal fluctuations and plan ahead
Bookkeeping & real-time financial reporting – Using cloud accounting tools to track performance

With rising costs in the hospitality sector, smart financial management is key to running a profitable business.

EPOS Integration

Connect your accounting with EPOS systems to track sales, stock, & financial data.

Multi-Locations

Consolidate accounts across multiple venues with real-time financial insights.

Inventory Management

Optimise stock levels, reduce waste, improve cashflow & cut costs.

Business Expansion

Plan new locations, secure investment, and structure finances for growth.

What are year-end accounts, and why are they important?

Year-end accounts are a summary of your company’s financial activity over the accounting period. They include a profit and loss statement and a balance sheet. These reports are required for compliance with Companies House and HMRC and help businesses assess financial performance and tax obligations.
When do I need to file my accounts with Companies House?

Limited companies in the UK must file their annual accounts within 9 months of the company’s financial year-end. Filing late can result in penalties, so it’s essential to work with a reliable accountant like Launch Accounts to meet deadlines.
What cloud accounting software do you recommend?

We specialise in Xero (but can also work with other cloud accounting software) and work with businesses already using the platform to optimise their accounting processes. As Xero experts, we ensure your financial records are accurate, compliant, and efficient, helping you get the most out of cloud accounting. If you're currently using another system, we also provide seamless migration to Xero, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal disruption to your business. With automated bank feeds, real-time financial insights, and effortless tax submissions, cloud accounting makes managing your finances easier than ever.
What’s included in your year-end accounts service?

Our year-end accounts service includes: Preparation of financial statements (profit & loss, balance sheet) Companies House submission Corporation tax return (CT600) filing with HMRC Cloud accounting support for Xero Tax efficiency advice to help minimise liabilities Year-end accounts virtual meeting
How can I switch my accounting to Launch Accounts?

Switching to Launch Accounts is seamless. We handle everything, from liaising with your previous accountant to registering as your Agent with HMRC. Many clients worry that changing accountants will be complicated, but the process is straightforward, and your current accountant is required to provide the necessary information. We make the transition smooth, ensuring minimal disruption while keeping your accounts compliant and up to date.

Let’s Talk About Your Hospitality Business

Need a hand with your bar or restaurant accounts? Give us a shout!

From VAT compliance to payroll and cash flow, we help bars, restaurants, and cafés manage their finances and improve profitability.

Start the conversation today – get in touch to see how we can help.