Good accounting practices are vital to the success of your small business. With care and dedication, you can easily track your expenses, income and profits, giving you the tools you need to improve your business. Moreover, good accounting practices will save you headaches come tax season, saving you time and money. Below are just five easy and helpful accounting tips that may help you and your small business.
Make a Budget:
The first thing any small business owner should do is create a budget. Start by calculating your monthly expenses. Your fixed expenses are the costs you must pay, such as rent, wages and taxes. Your variable expenses are the costs that can change, such as how many office supplies you buy for your business or how often you buy coffee for your employees. These two figures together will give you your monthly expenses and can be compared against your projected monthly income. Combined, you will have a clearer idea of what profits you can expect and a prediction on the health of your business. This budget can act as a good road map for your business’s financial health and can keep you on track in the future.
Keep Good Records:
Once your business is up and running, it is crucial that you keep and maintain good records. From receipts to invoices to monthly expenditures, make sure you hold on to and organize every piece of financial information that passes through your business. Not only will this help you keep track of your budget, but it will also be handy come tax season.
Invest in the Long Term:
If your business is successful and you find yourself flush with extra cash, reinvest it in your company with an eye towards the long-term. If you decide to make a purchase, be sure to consider how your purchase will benefit your business in the long term. Maybe you can upgrade some office hardware or digitize your record-keeping system. Investments such as these will benefit you and your business for many years to come.
Regular Checkups:
When running a business, always be sure to run regular check ups on your business’s financial health. A few times a month, check your income against the budget you made earlier. Are you on target, falling behind or exceeding expectations? This periodic snap shot will give you a closer and more up-to-date perspective on how your business is operating.
Hire a Professional:
Finally, when it comes to tax season, be sure to hire a professional. It may seem like an extra expense but it may be worthwhile to avoid any complications in your tax filing. Taxes can be a complicated business, so consider hiring a trustworthy and knowledgeable accounting firm to help you handle the paperwork.
Starting a small business is always a challenge, but it can be made easier with good accounting practices. By following the tips above and enlisting the help of professionals does not have to overwhelm you.
Eleena Timmons