A system for preparing mail for submission to a postal service is described, the system comprising: a mail finishing system of the mailer for generating items of mail for inclusion in a submission of mail by the mailer to the postal service; an announcement system of the mailer for analyzing the items of mail generated by the mail finishing system and generating an electronic statement based on the composition and value of the items of mail in the submission and transmitting the electronic statement to the postal service via an electronic link therewith; and a secure accounting system of the mailer connected to the mail finishing system and to the announcement system for generating accounting data relating to the items of mail in the submission. In a preferred embodiment, the electronic link between the announcement system of the mailer and the postal service may be established via the internet. A corresponding method of exchanging information between a mailer and a postal service is also described.