Book-keeping basics every business owner must know

Few people get into business so they can do paperwork. Spending time adding up receipts or pushing invoices around a desk is nobody’s idea of fun (unless you’re starting up as a book-keeper or accountant!).

Unfortunately it’s a necessary evil and something you need to stay on top of in your new business. Being disorganised and putting off paperwork just isn’t an option. Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will fine you if you’re late getting essential information to them. And the longer you leave it, the worse the problem gets.

Being on top of your bookkeeping will also help you maintain a healthy cash flow within your business, and allow you to spot trends in your finances early on. That kind of information is invaluable as you grow your venture.

Here’s a Bytestart guide to the book-keeping basics every business owner must know. They’re relevant whether you’re a sole trader or running a limited company.

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Here’s How To Make Sure That Your Bookkeeping Service Provider Is Trustworthy

When it comes to business, outsourcing is always a tough call to be made. It is never easy to convince yourself or your partners that you are going to entrust a service provider with the internal business operations responsibilities. Especially for accounting, it involves the transfer of confidential information to a third party whom you have never met before. So before you make any decision to outsource your accounting, the following points should be taken into consideration first:

1. Conduct a background check of the company. As it is your first time entrusting confidential data to a company, it is always wise for you to do a background check first. Search for the company’s details on search engines and you should be able to get a fair idea about the background of the company. You should also try to get details of the vendor’s clients. Ask for their feedback on the service before you make the final decision.
2. Sign a contract with the vendor. The contract is the basis of any business relationship you have with another company. On the contract, it should states very clearly about the accountability of the outsource provider so as to avoid any confusion on the deliverables. The contract should also list down the tasks that the service provider will perform and these tasks should be open for revision for both the parties.
3. Request for an evaluation period. If you want to know whether you can work well with the service provider and are they going to meet your expectation, the performance of the service provider needs to be gauged during the evaluation period. The service provider should allow internal oversight by you so that all parties will know the progress of the account and ensure that the contract is being upheld.
4. Write a performance appraisal after the completion of the assignment. Once the assignment is completed, conduct a performance appraisal on whether the service provider has performed the necessary desired tasks. In the appraisal, also list down areas that you think the service provider can improve. This is to ensure that improvements can be made for future outsourcing assignments.
   

Outsourcing your bookkeeping to a service provider is definitely beneficial to your company. It is Time VS Money. When you outsource your accounting, you will save money on recruiting and training your staffs to do the accounting work for you. Last but not least, remember to conduct your background check of a company before making any decision.

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How Much Do You Make: Taking A Critical Look At Finances

How Much Does A Small Business Owner Make: Taking A Critical Look At Finances

How Much Does A Small Business Owner Really Make?

If you are a small business owner, you probably have a financial target in mind. This target is the amount of money that you would like to make. However, meeting that goal can be harder than you think. The reason is that much of your money will be swallowed up by the business overhead. Many small business owners do not fully understand the financial side of business ownership, so provided here is a guide to determining how much money you actually have.

How Much Do You Bring In?

In order to start figuring out how much you make, you will first need to figure out how much you bring in. If you have a good bookkeeping system, this should be fairly easy. However, if your bookkeeping system needs work, you may not have a clear idea exactly how much money the company brings in each month.

If your books are out of control, consider hiring outside help. A Virtual Assistant firm such as IAC Professionals can get your bookkeeping back on track. Your VA can also handle a variety of other paperwork tasks, and can be used only when needed.

Once you have determined how much money your business brings in, you will need to determine how much the company spends each month.

How Much Do You Spend?

At this point, you should focus only on your business-related expenses. Your personal expenses should come out of your pay, just as they would if you worked for someone else. Office rent, your company vehicle, software, business phone calls and memberships in professional organizations are just a few of the costs of running a business. You also need to subtract insurance costs, including liability, health and life insurance.

Freshbooks

Once your bookkeeping records are well-organized, it should be fairly easy to determine your set monthly business expenses. Your next step is to subtract your expenses from your income. In theory, the result is your monthly personal income. However, it is not quite that simple. If you are still building your business, you will want to invest a certain amount of your profits back into the company. From software upgrades to building improvements, most small businesses have a backlog of projects that are awaiting funding. Determine how much, in either percentage or hard dollar amount format, you want to reinvest each month.

Determine Your Goal

Only by going through the above steps will you begin to develop a clear picture of how much money you make. Of course, the best you will be able to come up with is an estimate, as most small businesses experience rapid fluctuations in income. Over time, however, you will be able to see patterns and averages. At this point, you can set realistic financial goals and begin working to achieve them.

If you have any questions about how much a small business owner really makes, contact us today.

IAC Professionals is a single source for contracting qualified professionals to assist you with your most critical business needs. They offer a wide range of outsourcing solution which include Accounting, Bookkeeping, Virtual Assistants, Company Formation and Business Consulting.

Author Info:

IAC Professionals 1-786-214-6046 1.877 MY-IAC-VA IAC Professionals.

Bookkeeping Business Tips For Developing Reliable Financial Projections

Financial forecasting reminds me of the weather - you assemble your forecast at a second in day based upon the dope currently available. You allure a result and society your financial forecast. Nevertheless then, the facts changes, immediately it's raining, and you're caught without your umbrella!

Financial forecasting, unlike the weather, isn't a science on the contrary it's not pure guess grind either. It is a combination of:

awake your business;
discerning your marketplace;
setting goals; and
using daily sense.

As a affair coach, I understand that every miniature racket needs to constitute dependable financial projections at one continuance or another. Forecasting is critical during the next stages of a company's duration span:

when seeking financing
gauging the profitability of a contemporary product or supply
determining the contact of staff expansion or cutback
assessing other incident decisions

The crowded components of forecasting boil down to the succeeding five bookkeeping bag tips that for oldness I've shared with function coaching clients:

Bookkeeping Calling Gratuity #1: Audit Actual Year-To-Date Results

Start by looking at where you've been. Provided you handle an accounting programme allied QuickBooks you can print elsewhere a Income & Loss statement showing year-to-date results. Evaluation the statement for all financial transactions that occurred up to the generation of the report. Reconcile the announcement to your bank statements. (If you don't apply an accounting program or bookkeeping service, then catching the characteristic of the complete year-to-date cash receipts and total expenditures. This should identical your profit or loss.) See everyone column entity to beget confident that it makes belief - is your year-to-date revenue figure where you anticipated, or has it fallen short? Are expenses higher than expected?

Bookkeeping Matter Tip #2: Endow Goals and Involve into Your Forecast

What effect you hankering to accomplish by year's end? Cook you hankering to introduce a contemporary product or service, boost revenue on existing products or services, chop spending, accept a cutting edge employee, outsource a bookkeeping service, or start a marketing crusade that testament position the convention for the dawning of later year?

Write absent your objectives and then choose three to five which are the most determining to accomplish by the objective of the year. Finish the needed steps to consummate the objectives. Which Profit & Loss borderline items will be impacted? Adjust your forecast accordingly. For example, your mark may be to exaggeration revenue 10% by year's neb or to depart a marketing campaign first off so its benefits will be felt in the cardinal quarter of 2009.

Bookkeeping Line Tip #3: Forecast Variable Costs

Variable costs are costs that pin money in manner with revenue change. For example, you are selling bounteous widgets; therefore, your labour costs and materials costs will cumulation in relation to the revenue increase.

Using the conceit that Forecast = Projections + Predictions, combined with the scholarship that variable costs nickels in operation with revenues, forecast each month's variable costs. Forecast each contour effects separately. Glance for opportunities to shorten costs, and be aware of credible eventual influences on each cost.

Bookkeeping Career Tip #4: Forecast Constant Expenses

Fixed costs are relatively steady costs that repeated every month. Examples of fixed costs are rent, call and bookkeeping overhaul fees. Forecast the month's fixed expenses by using the identical solution used to forecast variable costs (Forecast = Projections + Predictions) and the accomplishments that fixed expenses tend to be relatively stable and engage in not modify in action with revenues. Again, forecast each border oppose separately, looking for opportunities to decrease costs, while control in belief any viable likely influences.

Bookkeeping Event Tip #5: Forecast Trap Profit

The ending system is to evaluate your forecast for entangle profit. Is the profit forecast is logical and acceptable? Whether not, re-evaluate each wrinkle thing including revenues and dash off felicitous adjustments. Also, anticipate non-operating resources and expense items, and involve them in your forecast.

Your financial projections may not be defect less at first, on the other hand we didn't con to legwork without falling down. As a complication coach I've seen others entertain a hardly any bumps along the way. However I warranty that if you displace these bookkeeping metier tips, locate your financial projections on paper and revisit them frequently, you will bring off your goals faster.

Autor: Linda A. Hunt
Linda Hunt is the co-founder of The Bookkeeper's Referral Network Inc., the place where business meets great bookkeepers. To get your copy of a free special report, The 9 Disastrous Mistakes Most Freelance Bookkeeper's Make in Business (and How You Can Avoid Them!)

Basic bookkeeping & Accounting Principles For Business

A good knowledge of basic accounting principles is essential to any business: Dragon’s Den contestants can rarely be questioned for their passion and enthusiasm, however, when it comes to the finances many a contestant has been publicly slain for a lack of basic financial acumen.

Failing to keep good financial records and making business decisions based on inadequate information can be fatal for smaller companies and often proves the downfall of even the best entrepreneur.

It is important for any business to remember that a company’s books and financial statements show how the organisation is progressing, as well as enabling the company to predict when and why things may be going wrong.

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Book keeping Rates For Quality Work

Individuals and businesses who wish to get the services of bookkeepers have one common question in mind. How much do these bookkeepers charge? Will the charge be in an hourly basis or a monthly basis? What is the assurance that what they charge is what is really due them? What is the acceptable bookkeeping rate?

Bookkeeping Cost vs. Bookkeeping Quality

Bookkeeping rate really depends on the bookkeeper himself. Remember, you are dealing here with service business. That means time is equal money. The more time you indulge in one output would mean more money. Bookkeepers would usually lay down their normal rate, but the clients are still free to compromise.

Bookkeeping rate can be negotiable. The rates you gave your clients now can be different tomorrow, depending on how you ask them. Or the rates you give to one client can be different to others. Say, you give them a deal, you quote a $30 per hour job, the client will accept it but only for $15 per hour, you may go for it. Then proceed with additional negotiation. Like you do accept the $15 rate per hour, but the moment they are satisfied with your work, you can ask them to give you the original $30 per hour fee. Bookkeeping rate can be raised anytime, but make sure that you do your job right, or else prospects and clients could drop you anytime. Quality work, meaning giving a concise, complete, and on-time output, are good factors of good bookkeepers. And when you deliver them well, you will be assured of a fairly negotiated bookkeeping rate.

Bookkeeper's Experience Just like in any business, the bookkeepers experience in the industry is also influential in bookkeeping rate. The more experience a bookkeeper is, the higher charge he would give you. Our bookkeepers are highly recommended. Clients can attest to their work. Along with experience, bookkeepers are working hand in hand with a team and a supervisor who are all qualified, as well. Look for bookkeeping rate that suits you or your business. Our bookkeepers make sure that what they charge is worth it.

Analyze the Client The client has a big bearing in quoting bookkeeping rate. Individual clients have different needs and different concept of the need for bookkeeping. Clients may not fully recognize the importance of a bookkeeper. They should be made to understand what the work of a bookkeeper is, and why there is a need to get one. There are clients who do not even maintain a ledger account. If this is the case, then that would be a big effort for bookkeepers. All transactions have to be traced and worked back. There are some that even if they do have ledger account, they have not been kept well, or are disorganized, or worse, months or years behind in recording.

Bookkeeping rate will vary, depending on the client's set up. It will also depend on how big or how small a business is. For individuals, the bookkeeping rate will be based on the number of transactions they wish to include.

Many offshore bookkeeping firms offer good Bookkeeping Rate Amittabh heads one such reputed and experienced bookkeeping firm that offers attractive Bookkeeping Rate and caters to small and medium businesses and CPA Firms worldwide.

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Cost Benefit Analysis-whether you Should Outsource your Bookkeeping to Professional Book Keeper

What is a role of a bookkeeper in your organisation :

BOOKKEEPERS keep complete, up-to-date, and accurate records of accounts and financial arrangements. Bookkeepers verify and enter information into journals and ledgers or into a computer. They periodically balance the books and compile reports and financial statements. Bookkeepers also receive, record, bank and pay out cash. They balance checkbooks with monthly bank statements. They may calculate employee wages from plant records or time cards and issue payroll checks. Some of the other work they may do includes posting accounts receivable and payable, prepare and make bank deposits, record payrolls, maintain inventory records, purchase supplies, prepare purchase orders and do expense reports. Bookkeepers may also make schedules, sort documents, and file bills. These type of jobs are found in every industry and may have various job titles, such as accounts payable clerk, accounts receivable clerk or assistant bookkeeper.

Cost of a Bookkeeper :

The pay for these jobs depends upon experience, clerical skills, the level of responsibility and the job location. Beginning salaries go from minimum wage to $ 15 per hour. Experienced Bookkeeper can make $ 20 an hour. After having worked for three years with the same firm, a Bookkeeper can earn at $ 25 per hour. A Bookkeepers usually work 40 hours a week; sometimes it may be necessary to work overtime. Some employers have fringe benefits such as paid vacations and sick leave, life and health insurance, and bonuses. Other benefits that the employer may include are participation in a credit union, or retirement and profit sharing plans.

Advantage of outsourcing Bookkeeping work to a professional bookkeeper :

There are several distinct advantages to outsourcing your bookkeeping functions. First and foremost is saving money. You get what you pay for and if you don't pay for quality than you won't have quality service. However, you can save money by outsourcing because you won't be paying for employer payroll tax expense, workman's compensation and general liability insurances, vacation time, sick time, health insurance and other benefits a good full time bookkeeper will expect from his/her employer. Just remember, however, that these costs will be built into the consultant's hourly rate and their fee will reflect these costs. Any bookkeeping consultant who has not taken these costs into consideration is not a bookkeeper you want - if they don't know enough to include these costs into their fees, then they don't know enough to be a help to your business. You should expect to pay at least three times what you would pay an experienced full charge bookkeeper.

And just how do you save money by paying three times the amount you would pay an employee? Well, let's see. There will be no recruiting, interviewing and training costs for start. And if you should find yourself unhappy with the services there will be no additional recruiting, interviewing and training to replace your bookkeeper. Also, you will not have to be concerned about law suits such as sexual harassment, unlawful firing, age discrimination, sexist, etc. Or an increase in your unemployment rates because you laid off an employee that you really wanted to fire but had no lawful cause to do so. So right away we have less time and money spent and potentially less hassle if things don't go well.

And of course you will not be paying workman's compensation and general liability insurance premiums. Also any worthy bookkeeper will expect at least two weeks vacation, coverage for sick time, health and dental insurance and even perhaps more benefits.

Most professional bookkeepers will have their own offices saving you space within your office. So you will not be buying that extra desk, calculator, computer and computer software. Your bookkeeper will be providing all of that as part of his/her fee. No software updates, computer maintenance, training costs, etc. Of course should you prefer to have your computerized bookkeeping records available to you at your office, a small investment in software installed on your computer makes this possible. Also no office supplies to be paid for. You will be amazed at just how much pens, pencils, and paper can be used by a bookkeeper. Your consultant bookkeeper will either ask you to drop off the work at their office, will pick it up at your office or some may even offer remote bookkeeping service. And by having your bookkeeping done off site, your bookkeeper will be able to work more efficiently and accurately because her/his office will most likely offer less distractions than your busy office. All of this is saving you money.

And the best reason for outsourcing is that you control the amount of money spent on bookkeeping. What I mean by this is that the person you hire to do your bookkeeping will be doing just that - not answering the phone, dealing with drop-bys, chatting to other employees, etc. Also you can start with just a few hours a month and add on when you need to and then adjust downward again should it be necessary. Can you imagine finding an employee to start with only four hours a month, then asking them to put in 20 hours a week for awhile and then back down to four hours a month again. I don't think you would keep them for very long, but a free lance bookkeeper is able to work around these variables and even more importantly expects to work with flexible schedules.

So have I convinced you yet? If so, then just remember "you will get what you pay for". Go for top quality because your financial records are the core of your business and without great bookkeeping you cannot expect to succeed no matter what type of business you have. After all don't you think you are worth it ?

About the Author:

Mr.Bhaskar Thakkar is a qualified Chartered Accountant and professional bookkeeper from India. He is a president of M/s. BT Associates, Chartered Accountants. The said firm provides Book keeping, Accounting, Auditing and Tax preparation services to various Chartered Accountants in UK, US and Canada. The firm is also specialized in preparation of VAT returns, Payroll Processing. Visit 1. btassociate.com,. A division of said firm provides various outsourcing solutions please visit 1. jobs2india.com., to get more details.

Start An Accounting & Bookkeeping Business

You've dreamed of being your own boss, having your own business, and setting your own work hours. It seemed out of reach because of the high start-up costs of opening a store-front business and your lack of experience running a company.

We Make It Easy

You don't need to rent a store-front business. We show you how you can work from home. You don't even have to leave your present job. You can work part-time until you have sufficient income to tell your boss good-bye.

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The Accounting Software (R)evolution

It’s time to take a long, hard look at the accounting software your office uses to serve clients. Not because there is anything wrong with what you’ve used all these years, but because the software we use has improved so dramatically over the past few years that the decisions made in decades past may no longer be valid.

Some 15 years ago, when I first started writing this column, accounting software was a mess. Rooted firmly in DOS, static and often spreadsheet-based, it sat there like a three-color lump on the screen. In those days, the big question was, “Which tax program would print a return the fastest?” Heck, they even held “shootouts” to time them and declare winners and losers.

No one even thought about Windows For Workgroups 3.11, or the Mac. If there was any thought given to the impending release of Windows 95, it was half anticipation and half trepidation. Today, the software has improved so rapidly that it is almost less an evolution than a revolution. In the space of a single half-decade, we have seen whole genres of software, like payroll, become an online service … with full HR support incorporated. Virtually every type of software has gone through an extensive upgrade in usability, navigation and appearance. Colors in the output have become more vibrant and now routinely include not only printed output but full-screen presentations in PowerPoint and web output.

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Bookkeeping Rate - How Much Does a Bookkeeper Cost

What do you do when you can no longer keep track of your accounting books anymore? Even if you know the rules in taxation and in creating financial statements, when your business is going uphill, you definitely need some help. That's when you start looking for a freelance bookkeeper.

Hiring a bookkeeper, though, is not a joke. First of all, you have to look for someone who can do the job that you require. Second, you need to consider about the bookkeeping rate, which today can range from $15 to hundreds of dollars per hour. It's important that when you're in the selection process, you have some criteria in your mind. You can make use of the following:

1. Level of education. Keep in mind that a bookkeeper doesn't really have to possess a degree in accounting. Nevertheless, those who do will always have an edge for those who are none. Since they already have a good background, they are much easier to train, and they basically understand the concepts in business, such as payroll, taxation, and cash flow, to name a few. Normally, those with degree could have a higher bookkeeping rate. What you can do is to look for those who are just starting out in the field, perhaps a new graduate. They could give you a much cheaper bookkeeping rate, and they can start building their portfolio in your company.
   
   
2. Experience. Experience plays a great role in determining the bookkeeping rate. Even if he may not be a graduate in accounting, but if he has intensive experience in the field, his wage per hour can definitely go up. He already knows how to develop a payroll, organize and record invoices, create financial statements, and even process your business papers. They could be pretty expensive, but you will be able to save a good amount of time for training them. Needless to say, however, you don't have to go overboard. Be a good judge if his experience is truly commensurate to his bookkeeping rate. If in doubt, don't be afraid to ask for references or more credentials.
   
   
3. Level of know-how. There are certain rules in bookkeeping that do change. A good bookkeeper is someone who is very much aware of them. He should always be updated and be able to reflect the modifications in the way he does his bookkeeping job. It pays to interview your potential bookkeeper first before you hire him or give his bookkeeper rate. You can ask for his insights about the world of bookkeeping and what changes are already in place. You too can also read an overview of some of them, so you can come up with your own questions.
   
   
4. Capacity to do the job. Most of all, the bookkeeping rate should be based on what job you are going to give him and how well he is able to do it. If he is going to perform almost 90 percent of all the bookkeeping job, then his bookkeeping rate should be higher. If he only needs to focus on certain aspects, perhaps payroll or invoicing, then you can search for someone with much lower bookkeeping rate.
   
   
5. Overheads. You need to add all the benefits like payroll taxes, medical benefits, social security, office space etc to really understand the effective cost of the bookkeeper.
   

About the Author:

Many offshore bookkeeping firms offer good Bookkeeping Rates. There are many reputed and experienced Bookkeeping Firms that offer attractive Bookkeeping Rate and cater to small and medium businesses and CPA Firms worldwide.

Bookkeeping seminar for non-CPAs at USC

The University of San Carlos College of Commerce Alumni Association is inviting cashiers and clerks to attend the bookeeping seminar called “Accounting for Non-Accountants of Service Enterprises” on Aug. 25 and 26 at the USC Main campus from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The workshop will be handled by the Accountancy department of the USC College of Commerce.

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Basic Accounting Principles

Which accounting method is best for your business?

Most businesses typically use one of two basic accounting methods in their bookkeeping systems: cash basis and accrual basis. While most businesses use the accrual basis, the most appropriate method for your company depends on your sales volume, whether or not you sell on credit, and your business structure. The cash method is the most simple in that the books are kept based on the actual flow of cash in and out of the business. Income is recorded when it is received, and expenses are reported when they are actually paid. The cash method is used by many sole proprietors and businesses with no inventory.

From a tax standpoint, it is sometimes advantageous for a new business to use the cash method of accounting. That way, recording income can be put off until the next tax year, while expenses are counted right away.

With the accrual method, income and expenses are recorded as they occur, regardless of whether or not cash has actually changed hands. An excellent example is a sale on credit. The sale is entered into the books when the invoice is generated rather than when the cash is collected. Likewise, an expense occurs when materials are ordered or when a workday has been logged in by an employee, not when the check is actually written. The downside of this method is that you pay income taxes on revenue before you've actually received it.

Should you use the cash or accrual method? The accrual method is required if your annual sales exceed $5 million and your venture is structured as a corporation. In addition, businesses with inventory must also use this method. It also is highly recommended for any business that sells on credit, as it more accurately matches income and expenses during a given time period. The cash method may be appropriate for a small, cash-based business or a small service company. You should consult your accountant when deciding on an accounting method.

Source : http://www.entrepreneur.com/

How can i learn bookkeeping ? - Some Basic Tips

Good bookkeeping practices are essential to keeping your business running smoothly.

Regardless of the size of your company, good bookkeeping practices are essential to keeping your business running smoothly. Accurately kept books do more than make it easy to file your annual tax returns. Banks may require you to submit a profit and loss statement or balance sheet so they can determine your credit-worthiness. A quick review of your books can show where you need to spend more or less money; who gives you the most business and who takes the longest to pay you; how much you're paying out in commissions compared to how much you're selling.

Here are some general terms that are helpful to know.

ASSETS are things that you own or are owed to you: bank accounts, inventory, loans made to other companies or individuals, company cars, etc.

LIABILITIES are things that you owe: loans, accounts payable, payroll taxes, etc.

EQUITY is net income (sales less expenses), capital stock, and owners/officers distributions.

EXPENSES are things you pay for: business meals, gas for company cars, professional services, postage, etc.

REVENUE is money you earn from the sale of services or product, or from interest earned on a bank account, investment, or a lease or loan of your equipment or property.

COST OF SALES is any expense directly related to earning revenue: product purchases, freight or delivery, sales tax expense, etc.

One of the most valuable resources you can have for a small business is a public accountant. Even if you only take your books in at tax time, having someone to give you specific advice and answer your bookkeeping questions is important. Find an accountant whom you like and trust. If you're having difficulty finding one on your own, talk to other people with similar businesses for recommendations.

Here are some helpful hints that should make good bookkeeping an easy task.

1. Get organized! Good organization is essential to good bookkeeping. In fact, when you come right down to it, bookkeeping is organizing. There are only four general categories of records you need to keep: bills (accounts payable or A/P), customer invoices (accounts receivable or A/R), payroll (time sheets and pay records), and human resources (employee information not directly related to payroll). File all records for these categories neatly in a system that works for you. Done well and consistently, even shoe boxes work! Even better are expandable, alphabetic file folders. Keep one folder for A/P and one for A/R. If your business is too large for that, invest in file cabinets - anything from small portable cases to floor-to-ceiling lateral files. Get something that fits your volume and your budget. Use a different color file folder for each category of record, and it will be that much easier to keep things organized.
   
   
2. Get an accounting software program, if you can fit it in your budget. This is one place where having an accountant can be very helpful. Ask your accountant to help you select the best program for your needs. An accounting program will collate information you input and present it in helpful reports almost instantly, so you don't have to hunt through your check register or deposit log for the information. Some of these reports can help you pinpoint problem areas, like deadbeat customers or inventory that's not moving, or will help to show employee shrinkage or overtime policy abuse. With a good program, you can get customized reports that will tell you almost anything you want to know. If software is out of the question, you can keep track of everything in a computer spreadsheet or good old traditional ledger books. Even if you have monthly services from your accountant, it's a good idea to keep track of everything on your own. That way, if you need some information in the middle of the month, you'll have it at your fingertips, instead of having to spend a lot of time searching. Keep one spreadsheet/ledger for A/P and one for A/R. If you pay all of your bills every month, your ledger for A/P can simply be your check register, as long as you . . .
   
   
3. keep detailed records of all payments and deposits. As soon as you write a check, write down when it was written, to whom, for what, and how much it was for. Most accounting programs have a check writing feature, and all of this information will automatically be recorded. If you don't have software that will do this, invest in a business desk set checkbook. The checks have large stubs on which you can write down all of the important information. Record as much detail as possible for your deposits, including if they were cash or credit card, and what kind of credit card.
   
   
4. Keep your check register reconciled to your latest bank statement. If a check or deposit doesn't clear the bank within a couple of months, contact the bank or the payee to find out why. If necessary, stop payment, void and re-issue uncleared checks.
   
   
5. Schedule a day of the week for paying bills and for reviewing unpaid customer invoices. Paying bills on time saves you money by avoiding late charges, and some vendors may give you a discount if you pay by a certain time. Don't let your customers lag too far behind in paying their bills. Send out monthly reminders, and set up a policy for when you will send a bill to a collection agency.
   
   
6. If you are a retail seller subject to sales tax, keep detailed records of sales so that you don't collect or pay sales tax on non-taxable items. In many states, labor and freight are non-taxable. If you sell to a tax-exempt entity, make sure that you get a copy of their exemption certificate. Keep those in a separate file, preferably with a list showing each customer's name and exemption number.
   
   
7. Make sure you are in compliance with record-keeping standards. There are some things that you only need to keep for three years, like individual copies of time sheets. Others need to be kept for much longer. For example, all records pertaining to a worker's compensation claim need to be kept forever. Regulations and recommendations change periodically, so (everyone together now) ask your accountant.
   
   
8. There are several companies out there that give continuing education seminars on a range of business topics, from human resource management, to communication skills, to effective accounts payable practice . . . just about anything you can imagine. Go to some seminars. Think about what you want to learn ahead of time, and ask questions that are relevant to your business. Oddly enough, meeting other people who also have lots of questions can be a real confidence builder. You'll know you aren't alone.
   
   
9. Take advantage of the many resources that are available. On-line forums exist for almost any topic. The business section of your local bookstore should have plenty of books for small businesses, or you can check materials out from the library. The Internal Revenue Service has a variety of publications for the small business owner, free of charge, available on their website. Also, the United States Small Business Administration can point you to a wealth of information. There is probably a national association for your type of business. The annual dues may seem high, but the industry specific information that you can get from them may well be worth it. This list could go on and on, but it would still end with this: when in doubt (one more time!), ask your accountant.
   

As you get more accustomed to keeping your books organized and accurate, you'll be better able to determine what information is really important, e.g. what receipts to keep, and how much detail to enter in your ledgers. You'll save time and money because you'll be getting your bills paid on time, and you'll be able to collect more money from your clients because you'll know how much they owe you, all without having to dig through all of the paperwork on your desk.

Source : http://www.essortment.com/

Bookkeeping Tips

Bookkeeping is a major challenge for many small businesses. We are good at our core business, but may not know much about the bookkeeping side, or don't enjoy keeping the books, or don't have time to keep the books.

Whether you are keeping your business' books yourself, or are hiring a bookkeeper to take care of them, here are some tips to help tame your paper monster, and save you some money, too.

1. Every week, take 15 minutes to file your receipts. This can be a simple as stuffing them all into one file, or sorting them by category. Do what works best for you, but do it. Having all your receipts in one place means that you won't lose them. A little bit of effort over the year will ensure that tax time is not a stressful time and you get all your deductions.
   
   
2. If your home phone is also your business phone, take the time each month to go through your phone bill with a highlighter and highlight all of your long distance business calls. You get to write off a portion of your basic phone charges if you work from home, but this is a small amount, even over the course of a year. Your long distance charges must be separated out. Highlight them and make an abbreviated note about who the call is to, if it is not obvious. Many small businesses lose this as a business write off because at the end of the year they can't remember which calls were for business, and your bookkeeper won't write off any of them, because there is no way for her to tell which calls were for business.
   
   
3. Take the time to staple receipts and bills that are more than one page long together. This will save you and your bookkeeper time at the end of the year.
   
   
4. Keep a file pouch in your vehicle or in your briefcase for receipts. Throw your receipts in the pouch as you get them. Don't stuff them into your pockets, purse, console, briefcase, or glove compartment. When it comes time to do your books, finding your receipts should not be a treasure hunt.

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Announcing: The “Best of the Best” Business Opportunity!

What is the “Best of the Best”? You might be surprised to learn that of all the possible business opportunities available today, a Bookkeeping and Accounting practice is considered by some to be one of the best. In fact, Paul and Sarah Edwards, authors of “The Best Home Businesses for the 21st Century,” rate a bookkeeping service as the “Best of the Best” home-based businesses. Below is a list of things that I think make an accounting and tax service such a great opportunity.

1. It’s Mandated By Government — Every business needs some form of bookkeeping — whether it’s a one-person operation or the business has thousands of employees.
2. A Great Income — A person can expect to earn more than $30 per hour — sometimes as high as $75 per hour. The average client billing will be $300 per month and require six to eight hours a month to complete.
3. Inexpensive to start— For less than $1,000 a person can purchase everything they will need to get the business underway. Those that already have a computer have the biggest part of the investment taken care of.
4. No Special Equipment Needed — Other than a computer, printer, inexpensive calculator, and fax machine, there’s no special equipment that’s necessary.
5. Work Anywhere — Using today’s technology you can have clients anywhere in the world.
6. It’s Easy — Accounting/Bookkeeping software has become easier to use. The most popular software on the market today is QuickBooks Pro (less than $250).
7. No Outside Office Required — You need only a small area of your home for your office. It can even be in the corner of a bedroom.
8. No Zoning Hassles — There’s no traffic in and out of your home, so zoning laws are never a consideration.
9. Keep Your Present Job — You can build a part-time business while working full-time at another job.
10. Work When You Want — You can perform the work during the day or night. It’s a great business to work around a busy schedule.
11. No Inventory — You don’t have to purchase or maintain inventory.
    

Maybe you feel like you’ve gone as far as you can go in your current career. Perhaps you’re a homemaker who wants to build a business out of her home. For thousands, an Accounting and Tax service could be the perfect business for you. How can I say this? There are thousands of people just like you who have found personal and professional satisfaction by owning a bookkeeping and accounting practice.

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Bookkeeping help: Bookkeeping tasks are Easily Managed

Accounting tasks are quite a problem when undertaken by in-house staff and become uncomplicated with the help of outsourcing. Since the accounting projects are of crucial importance for successfully running a venture, accounting firms regularly outsource the bookkeepers for this purpose. The financial records are maintained by the professionals which otherwise is considered a very hectic task involving innumerable number of calculations. To regularly update the accounts books, one needs to be thoroughly accurate with the numbers and their computations.

It is thus a wise decision to invest in the services of brilliant professionals who are known for their dedication and ethics. With their vast expertise collected over the years, the companies are able to touch the acme of growth immediately. Taking Bookkeeping help from the experts in this field ensures for an organization, availability of highly accurate data. This in turn, goes a long way to change the way a business is conducted and significantly contributes towards the decision making process by a business head.

For an optimum use of the resources, accounting professionals are hired by a corporate. This is done to reduce the chances of wastage of time and efforts on your part. Outsourcing increases the quality of projects since the professionals are armed with a vast expertise and take upon themselves to go in to the complex details contained therein. Bookkeeping help should only be sought from the well-established firms who are known for their accuracy and less charges.

Moreover, timely delivery of the projects is a standard followed by these professionals with deadly accuracy and hiring them is thus considered a best move by the organizations. Maintaining an internal staff comes with its own costs as far as the salary bit is concerned. Also, demands related to extra bonus from the in-house staff is what prompts an organizational head to take bookkeeping help. For a smaller firm, this is a boon as far as hiring the professional services of the bookkeepers are concerned.

Bookkeeping help is outsourced for a proper use of resources towards realizing growing aspirations of a company. References can be sought in this case from those firms, who have been the clients of these outsourcing companies. Since expansionism of the organizations is on the rise and needs a stable funding, it is important to curb the unnecessary expenditure. This ensures in turn, a proper regulation and outflow of cash which makes an organization capable of generating increasing revenue bases for themselves. The services offered by the professionals are unmatchable by any standard as the firms specialize in maintaining the bookkeeping records through appropriate software. The compiled and processed records of the daily transactions are then transferred by the accounting experts back to the client.

Internet is the perfect source of information as far as the selection of a right firm is concerned. Moreover, the proper selection of a firm ensures a regular tracking of the transaction in a business organization. This is made possible by the excellent expertise of the accounting professionals who check each and every detail by themselves. Handling the complex projects comes easily to them and any kind of mistake is duly looked into. This is done to ensure a flawless financial report from them, containing every detail related to the transactions in a company.

Alvis Brazma gives advice to business owners about how to manage their business efficiently without any hassles.To know more about Accounting help,accounting outsourcing, small business accounting, bookkeeping help visit this leading internet source: www.impacctusa.com

2008 Review of Small Business Accounting Systems

Helping SMBs Achieve Success: Programs Enhance Accountant Controls & Data Integrity Features

Accountants who provide services to small businesses frequently find themselves in the role of diagnostician, trying to find out why a particular client is hemorrhaging cash and what the short- and long-term chances of survival are for the company. They also assist in determining what strategies will best brace the entity and help develop financial processes that are sound and grounded in solid accounting practices. This is a critical role because when challenges are recognized early enough, problems can be averted or minimized.

But still, a 2007 study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites that more than half of small businesses (56 percent) fail before lasting four years. Among the most failure-likely industries are hospitality (particularly restaurants and bars), transportation and apparel. While these sectors may stand out as the most vulnerable, all small businesses are at risk since they face a myriad of challenges such as cash flow, budgeting and strategic planning. And they frequently rely upon individuals with limited financial and business management experience.

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