Intimidated by Accounting? Five Simple Steps Are All You Need

• Learn five simple steps to accounting success.
• Find out why you should avoid mixing business and personal expenses.
• Learn the perks of using cloud-based software.
• Discover the importance of regularly logging expenses and revenue.
• Why should you schedule quarterly (or monthly) check-ups?

When you decided to start your own company, you likely focused on the products or services you were selling. You probably also focused on your amazing customer service and marketing skills. While running your own small business offers plenty of upsides, it also means you’re responsible for every aspect of operations. This includes the parts you think are beyond your capabilities – or just plain boring. Accounting tasks often fall into both of these categories, but that doesn’t keep attending to them from being absolutely necessary.

The good news is that you don’t need an accounting degree to do what needs to be done. You don’t even need to be good at math. Fiducial’s five tips that follow are simple to do. Incorporating them into your everyday tasks and mindset will not only cover the basics – but will also give you a much clearer sense of your business’s financial health.

Avoid mixing business expenses with personal expenses.

It may feel simpler to reach for the same credit card or use the same bank account to pay for everything. However, from a business accounting perspective, it’s a recipe for disaster. Whether you are a sole proprietor or are an LLC (where separating these expenses out is a requirement), you’ll find that if you pay for your business expenses separately, it will make it much easier to optimize your taxes and to make smarter decisions based on a good understanding of your revenues and cash flow.

Use cloud-based accounting software.

Where it was common for small businesses to invest in off-the-shelf accounting software, cloud-based software has made it much easier to access your information from anywhere. It also offers the advantage of continuous software updates that are responsive to both improved performance and legislative changes. They also have superior security.

Log expenses and payments every single day.

Procrastination is something we’re all guilty of, especially when it comes to tasks we’d rather not do – like accounting. However, keeping current on logging expenses and revenue is crucial. Make it part of your daily activities, like making yourself a cup of coffee or brushing your teeth. Otherwise, you’re going to have a big pile of records that either has to be entered into your books or get forgotten about completely. The good news is that there are plenty of apps that make the task easier.

Put a quarterly (or monthly) check-up on your calendar.

Every quarter you need to take a close look at how your business is doing. So, put it on your calendar as if it is an important appointment. If you’ve kept your records up to date, this will provide you with the opportunity to get a helpful overview of how your business is doing and what trends you can track and respond to.

If you can’t handle your accounting tasks, get help.

Fiducial offers bookkeeping and accounting services to help you stay on track. Though you may be able to manage on your own for a while, business growth may necessitate hiring accounting help. Whether that is a part-time or full-time employee or an outside service like ours is up to you. Just make sure that you recognize when you’re in over your head or out of the time you need to do it yourself.

Keep your business headed in the right direction with the critical financial data you need to make smart decisions. Looking for help to make your entity prosper? Call Fiducial at 1-866-FIDUCIAL or make an appointment at one of our office locations to discuss your situation.

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For more small business COVID-19 resources, visit Fiducial’s Coronavirus Update Center to find information on SBA loans, tax updates, the Paycheck Protection Program, paid sick and family leave.