Do you know the biggest challenges for small businesses in terms of finance?
Not having a diversified client base is one. If you mostly rely on a single client to keep your business running, you are more of an independent contractor than a business owner.
Another huge challenge is maintaining quality while trying to scale. Especially for some entrepreneurs, it is quite hard to let go of some tasks when they're so used to wearing different hats.
Then there is money management. With overseeing day-to-day operations, some businesses tend to not prioritize bookkeeping and accounting as much as they should. If you however recognize the need for accounting help, then you are in luck.
Here, we will be sharing some basic accounting tips to help your small business get on track financially.
Think About Automation
No matter how good you are at numbers, you can't be spending all your time making sure your accounting books are balanced. Remember, you have other duties and responsibilities to take care of. If you can't quite justify hiring an accountant, your next best bet is to use a tool that can automate accounting tasks.
The good news is there are tons of accounting software to choose from. If you do your homework, you should be able to pick the best one that fits your needs and budget.
Before you pay for one though, make sure the software you choose can grow with you. You don't want the hassle of learning how to use another software just because you didn't plan properly for the features you need as your company scales.
Identify What Type of Accounting Help You Need
You don't have to hire a CPA or an accountant full-time. There are small business accountants who can work on an as-needed basis to keep you in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
For example, if you are thinking of starting a new business, an accountant can provide invaluable advice about your business structure. He or she can also help with obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, writing a business plan, etc.
The same applies to nonprofit organizations. If you are running one, this article can give you insights on the basics of nonprofit accounting.
Other accounting partners who can help are CPAs if you need audited financial statements and bookkeepers for managing day-to-day records. You can also hire tax preparers for filling out and filing tax forms on your behalf, as well as tax planners for finding ways to lower your tax obligations.
Optimize Your Accounting Methods
Whether you choose to use accounting software or hire an accountant, don't forget to track their performance. If you don't know how much time and effort you're spending on your books, it will be hard to improve your accounting processes.
Also, when evaluating your accounting methods, always think about the future. Solid accounting is a powerful forecasting tool. It can help you identify upcoming costs, plan for company expansion, new investments, and so on.
Need More Accounting Tips?
Now that you know some basic accounting tips and where to get accounting help, don't stop there. There are other aspects of financial management you have to master if you want to keep your small business or NPO growing.
For more accounting advice and financial assistance, check out our other articles. For additional accounting help and bookkeeping tips, visit the Frugal Finances section of our blog right now!