Small Business Bookkeeping Tips: How To Set Up And Manage Your Own Books

Bookkeeping, or the process of recording and managing financial transactions in business operations, is an essential part of managing a business. The information from bookkeeping is used for analysis, evaluation, interpretation, and reports in the accounting procedure.

It is helpful to manage finances and ensure that nothing is overlooked in business operations. However, it can be challenging for entrepreneurs, but it does not have to be very daunting, especially with technology today, such as invoice maker software. To help in setting up and managing finances, provided below are some tips to consider.

Understand and Set Up Your Business Accounts

An account is a record of debit and credit that covers a specific transaction in bookkeeping. It is classified into five types:

Assets
Liabilities
Revenue
Expenses
Equity

Determine the Type of Bookkeeping System to Use

Business owners can opt for a cash system or an accrual system for bookkeeping systems they can use. A cash system is used depending on cash flow, wherein the transaction is recorded when cash changes hands. On the other hand, an accrual system is used when a transaction transpires where sales are recorded immediately, but the cash does not immediately change hands.

Decide on a Bookkeeping Method

Another decision to consider is choosing between a single-entry or double-entry bookkeeping method. Single-entry bookkeeping records each transaction once as an expense or revenue, which is similar to keeping a check register. Double-entry bookkeeping records all transactions in one account, which requires a corresponding and opposite entry in another.

Keep Your Financial Records Organized

Ensuring that each transaction is recorded correctly keeps your books balanced to keep your business running efficiently. Organizing business records isalso crucial for auditing as it determines which expenses qualify for deductions.

Complete Bookkeeping Tasks Diligently

Neglecting bookkeeping can entail some consequences for your business, especially when tasks tend to pile up. It might also end up overlooking essential details, which can lead to inaccuracies and mistakes in your account. However, it helps to schedule time in ensuring a good bookkeeping habit.

Use a Reliable Bookkeeping Software to Simplify and Expedite Tasks

Today, technology is often used to streamline business operations like using business accounting software to eliminate risks and hassles that are commonly related to manual processes. These software and digital tools are customized with valuable features that are specifically for accounting and bookkeeping tasks.

Here is an infographic by Kippin for more information about bookkeeping tips for small businesses.