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Updated by Roger Gary on Jun 24, 2015
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Roger Gary Roger Gary
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Accounting Best Practices for Small Businesses – essential tips

Small business owners should make it a point to follow effective practices that lead to efficiency. Some of the accounting practices that will achieve these objectives are listed below.

1

Make accounting a priority from the word go

Proper accounting is an essential process that you should emphasize from the commencement of the business. It may be tempting to neglect this part of the business but in the long run you will find that accounting is a crucial part of your enterprise. As your business's accounting needs will only expand in the years ahead, it makes a lot of sense to maintain accurate records so as to assure the success and health of your enterprise.

2

Make the most of your time

As a busy entrepreneur who needs to coordinate and manage the various aspects of your business, you must decide on the areas of the company in which to devote your personal time. If you cannot devote adequate time to the accounting or bookkeeping function, you must make sure that this role is delegated to a competent employee who can fulfil this role effectively. If the company is at a stage where you can afford to hire a professional for this role, it is sensible to do so.

3

Acquire the correct software

Proper accounting software will greatly simplify and assist the accounting function of your business. By availing yourself of such a software you will be able to keep track of factors such as invoices, payments, taxes and payroll in their proper order and organization. Before selecting a software you must identify the functions and tools that you require, and also keep in mind factors like your business's size, location and growth expectations. However you must avoid over-spending for a solution that features unnecessary and superfluous capabilities.

4

Keep accounts separate

Business owners should always make sure to differentiate between personal and business income and spending. Although it may be tempting to blur the distinction between personal and business finances, particularly in the early stages of a business when not a lot of money is coming into the company, this should not happen. Business owners should invariably take care to establish clear budgets and accounts for the company so that all financial matters are orderly and transparent.

5

Keep track of expenses

It is vital to keep records of all expenses incurred by the business. This means that you should retain all receipts for expenses made, and you must take care that all expenses are released through a dedicated bank account as well as a specific credit card. By doing so you will be able to track financial activity so that you can easily identify your profit margins. These practices will also greatly facilitate the process of analyzing your enterprise for tax assessments at the conclusion of the financial year. An excellent way to handle the accounting functions of a business would be to obtain finance and accounting outsourcing services such as those offered by InfoMate, a premier outsourcing provider.

6

Always monitor your finances

A small business owner must always take the time to oversee and assess the company finances. Monitoring the accounting function is essential so as to ensure that all financial matters have been taken care of and that nothing is overlooked. You must make the effort to go through all the books and ensure that everything is in order. This will assist in making the accounting function watertight and transparent.