Bookkeeping Basics for Mauritian SMEs: Stay Audit-Ready All Year

Good bookkeeping isn't accountancy — it's a small habit that saves you thousands in penalties and hours in year-end scrambles. Here's the minimum monthly routine every Mauritian SME should run.

The monthly routine

Once a month, block 90 minutes:

1. Download bank statements for all business accounts.
2. Match every entry to an invoice, receipt or purchase.
3. Categorise expenses (COGS, rent, utilities, marketing…).
4. File digital copies of receipts (Google Drive folder per month).
5. Update your cash flow forecast for the next 90 days.

Tools that work in Mauritius

• Zoho Books — MRA-friendly, VAT support.
• Xero and QuickBooks — global standards, well supported locally.
• Wave — free, good for very small businesses.
• Google Sheets — perfectly fine if you're disciplined.

What to keep and for how long

Keep the following for at least 5 years:

• Sales invoices.
• Purchase invoices.
• Bank statements.
• Payroll records.
• Contracts.

Digital storage is accepted.

When to bring in an accountant

• You cross Rs 3M turnover.
• You register for VAT.
• You hire your first employee.
• You start bidding for tenders.

Expect Rs 8,000–30,000 per year for a small operation.

Frequently asked questions

Can I do my own bookkeeping in Mauritius?

Absolutely, especially below Rs 3M turnover. Discipline matters more than software choice.

How long should I keep records?

At least 5 years, per MRA guidance.

Do I need a Mauritian-based accountant?

For MRA filings and VAT, yes — local knowledge saves time.

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