# Get set up

Source: https://docs.neropay.app/nerobooks/getting-started
Last updated: 2026-09-21T16:39:20+00:00

Set NeroBooks up in the right order and everything after is easier. Most of it is quick — the slow part is usually getting opening balances from whoever kept your records before.

### What to have ready

- Your business type and the date your financial year ends 
- Your company number and VAT number, if you have them 
- Closing figures from your old records, or from your accountant 
- A list of anyone you pay, if you plan to use payroll

### The order

| Step | What happens |
| --- | --- |
| 1. Access is switched on | the header shows **Access until** and a date |
| 2. Accept the terms | in **Settings**, under **Terms, authority & identity checks** |
| 3. Describe the business | type, year end, currency and your references |
| 4. Pick your modules | switch on only what you need |
| 5. Enter opening balances | where your accounts stood on your start date |
| 6. Add bills, review payment income | this is what the Overview points you to |
| 7. Connect things | a bank, scanning, a bookkeeper — all optional |

> 💡 Note: Do steps 1 to 5 in one go. Reports read approved entries, so until opening balances are in, a balance sheet will not tell you much.

### Your business details

Go to **NeroBooks → Settings**.

| Setting | What to enter |
| --- | --- |
| Business type | limited company, sole trader, partnership, LLP, landlord or charity |
| Financial year end | month and day, like 03-31 |
| Preferred currency | the one you trade in most |
| Company number | your Companies House number, if you have one |
| UK VAT number | your VAT number, if you are registered |
| Lock accounts through | owner only — the date entries can no longer change |
| NeroAi categorisation preferences | free text that guides draft suggestions |

> ⚠️ **Warning:** A locked period cannot be reopened from this screen. Only lock a period you are sure is finished.

### Picking modules

Module switches control which areas show up at all.

| Module | Switch it on if |
| --- | --- |
| People | you employ anyone, use contractors or have directors |
| Payroll records | you want to work out UK PAYE pay, or keep pay records |
| Time entries | you track hours |
| Leave requests | you want a record of time off |
| Fixed assets | you own equipment, vehicles or similar |
| HMRC & tax | you want the tax areas visible |

### Opening balances

Opening balances say where your accounts stood the day NeroBooks took over. Without them a balance sheet starts from nothing.

Go to **NeroBooks → Bookkeeping** and open **Opening balances, transfers and other journals**. Each one has two lines and the two sides must match. [Bookkeeping](https://docs.neropay.app/nerobooks/bookkeeping) has worked examples.

> 💡 Note: Not sure which accounts to use? This is the step to ask your bookkeeper about. Everything else is easier to fix later.

### Optional connections

| Connection | What you get | Who sets it up |
| --- | --- | --- |
| UK bank feed | bank movements pulled in read-only | the account owner only |
| Document scanning | where enabled, receipts read into an expense form | the account owner |
| Outside bookkeeper | limited access for a practice you choose | the account owner |

None of these record anything for you. See [Bank feeds](https://docs.neropay.app/nerobooks/bank-feeds) and [Receipts and bills](https://docs.neropay.app/nerobooks/receipts-and-bills).

### What good looks like after a week

- Opening balances entered and approved 
- This period's bills entered and reviewed 
- Payments in the inbox checked and added 
- A profit and loss you recognise

### Frequently asked questions

**What if I do not know my opening balances?**

Ask whoever kept your records before, or your accountant, for the closing figures at your start date. Guessing will make every report wrong from day one.

**Can I change the financial year end later?**

Yes, in Settings. Report periods like **Financial year to date** are worked out from it, so re-run anything you have already shared.

**Do I need every module on?**

No. Switch on what you use, and turn more on later if the business changes.

**Why can I not see some screens?**

The sidebar only shows a few. The rest are in the tab bar inside NeroBooks — see [Getting around](https://docs.neropay.app/nerobooks/finding-your-way-around).

**Can someone else set it up for me?**

Some of it. Only the account owner can accept the terms, lock a period, connect a bank or grant access.

*This article explains how NeroBooks works. It is general information about the software, not accounting, tax or financial advice. Nero Panda Ltd, trading as NeroPay, is not a tax agent, accountancy firm or financial adviser.*

*Still need help? Contact us at support@neropay.app or create a ticket.*