Are you an entrepreneur or small business owner looking for ways to get your finances in order? Starting a new venture can be overwhelming and intimidating. You’ve likely got lots of questions that impact your business profitability – from finding office space to managing staffing needs.
When it comes to accounting, it’s vital to ensure accuracy with every transaction. Even if you don’t consider yourself a numbers person, knowing some basic accounting tips can help you hit the ground running.
Accounting tips: Starting your startup
Launching a startup is an incredible journey full of opportunities. There are a variety of complex tasks to consider—accounting being one of the most important. Having accurate financial records is essential for any successful venture. They help you meet legal requirements. And they also provide invaluable insights into how well your business is performing on a day-to-day basis.
Here are ten accounting tips that startups and beginning entrepreneurs should know when handling their accounts — no financial background required!
1. Know the laws and regulations
Startups should be aware of the laws and regulations that govern accounting practices in their area. These regulations can include tax laws, reporting requirements, and financial disclosure documentation. It’s important to know these rules and follow them closely so that your business remains in compliance with the law.
- How do you file local, state, and federal taxes?
- What are payroll taxes and how often do you pay them?
- What information do you need to record regarding business revenue and expenses?
- How long should you save copies of invoices?
- Do you need to submit quarterly or annual reports?
- How and when do you report customer transactions?
It is important to understand the regulations that govern your business when accounting for taxes, expenses, and revenues. Familiarize yourself with any local, state, and federal laws related to taxation, disclosure, and reporting so that you remain compliant. Remaining compliant helps you avoid nasty financial penalties, too.
2. Get familiar with basic accounting software
Accounting software makes it easy for startups to keep track of their finances without having to hire a full-time accountant. There are many different types of software available, from simple spreadsheets to more complex accounts packages, including QuickBooks or Xero. Familiarizing yourself with the basics of your preferred software will help you maximize its capabilities for your unique business needs.
3. Accurately track payroll taxes
If you’re an entrepreneur or getting a small business startup off the ground, consider using an online payroll tax calculator to manage employee tax deductions efficiently and hassle-free. Many of these tools can be accessed on a desktop computer or mobile device at any time of day or night, making it easy (and convenient) to figure out tax withholdings and deductions with just a few clicks. Furthermore, many do the math for you, which can prevent problems with your employees’ paychecks (or sounding any payroll-related alarms with Uncle Sam). Some can even help with tasks like calculating employee bonuses or figuring gross-ups.
Though keeping track of payroll taxes can be a time-consuming process, it’s important to ensure your business is always compliant with tax laws. Taking the time to accurately enter employee information into your accounting software and double-checking all calculations before making payments can help you avoid any payroll-related headaches — or potential IRS penalties — down the road.
4. Stay organized
Maintaining good records is essential for any business, and startup companies are no exception. Set up an organized filing system for storing invoices, bank statements, receipts, and other documents related to the company’s finances. This accounting tip will help you when preparing financial statements or responding to IRS queries.
5. Automate Your Processes
Accounting software can be used to automate many of the administrative tasks associated with bookkeeping, such as invoicing and paying bills. These digital tools can save your business both time and money by eliminating manual labor associated with these processes. They will also ensure the accuracy of your financial records. The proper accounting software may also provide helpful insights into running your business and possible changes to make moving forward.
6. Understand double-entry bookkeeping
One of the most important accounting tips is to fully understand double-entry bookkeeping. What is double-entry bookkeeping? It is a system of recording financial transactions that involves entering each transaction twice – once as a debit and once as a credit. Every entry must have an equal and opposite entry on the other side of the ledger. This method helps to ensure accuracy and consistency in the company’s books.
7. Regularly Check Your Cash Flow
Knowing how much cash is coming in and going out of your business is crucial. Keeping track of your cash flow allows you to spot trends that help you make sound financial decisions. You can learn when to invest, where to spend, or whether to take on additional debt. Understanding cash flow is especially important for startups, which often have limited amounts of capital.
8. Use Cloud-Based Accounting Solutions
Cloud-based accounting solutions enable businesses to work with their financial data in real-time from any location. All members of your accounting team can access up-to-date information at the same time and make informed decisions promptly. Furthermore, cloud-based solutions provide a high level of security for confidential business records and allow for easy collaboration between stakeholders.
9. Monitor Your Expenses Closely
Startups must always stay informed of their expenses so they don’t overspend or miss opportunities to save money. Be sure to track all expenses —both personal and business—to make the most of every dollar spent. Additionally, consider outsourcing certain functions or services, as needed. Outsourcing complex accounting tasks can often save time and money in the long run.
10. Keep Your Records Clean
Having accurate financial records often determines the long-term success of your business. To ensure accuracy, make sure that all transactions are properly documented and recorded promptly. It’s also important to store digital copies of all documents for fast and easy access when needed. Keeping your records up-to-date will help you avoid costly mistakes down the line and make filing taxes much easier come April.
The secret to a successful startup: Accurate accounting
At the end of the day, managing your finances is key to running a successful startup. First, you need to get organized. Then, you need to stay organized. Understanding and implementing these ten accounting tips will help streamline your bookkeeping processes and ensure that you’re always on top of your business finances. With the right accounting tools and processes in place, you can focus on growing your business instead of worrying about how to manage its finances