Understanding numbers is essential for a company to exist. Business bookkeeping helps to determine the prospects for the company’s development, profitability, and impact on the market. Financial reports let you know in which direction you are moving and what needs to be changed, or vice versa, left as it is.
For the IRS, the correctness of filling out documents is essential. At the same time, one should remember the reliability of the information. It would help if you recorded all movement of funds in the financial book and filled receipts and invoices. Only in this case your business will thrive, and the bank can give you credit.
To plan a business budget, you need to monitor the company expenses and income. You can find this information in the financial documents. If you do not control the money flow, then there is a risk of losing assets. So let’s explore the basics, principles, and types of accounting.
Why do businesses need to keep bookkeeping records?
Accounting is needed to see the actual situation of the company. Using financial reports, you will be able to correctly estimate the business’s financial condition and understand your profitability. Bookkeeping estimates the level of expenses and income, as well as how much was paid as wages to employees.
One of the accountant’s tasks is to optimize the business budget. Documentation helps identify weaknesses and spending that can be eliminated. Business bookkeeping determines whether the investments were wasted or brought profit.
Basic concepts of bookkeeping
The basic concepts of accounting should be known to everyone who runs a business. You can easily understand the current company’s financial situation if you have specialized education. Beginners should carefully study the basis. It will significantly simplify all further steps.
The basic terms of accounting are:
- Accounts payable — money you owe suppliers;
- Receivables — funds that customers pay you;
- Cash flow — the movement of funds in your business;
- Capital — your funds that are invested in the company;
- Balance sheet — a document on the actions of money in a specific period;
- Profit and loss statement — document displays how much money the company received and how much it spent in the current month.
There are many more concepts and definitions in the bookkeeping area. But the fundamentals can help you make the ground for further actions and understand the intricacies.
Accounting methods
There are two types of bookkeeping for business: cash and accruals. In the first case, you need special equipment called a cash register. It captures the movements of money: calculations and payments. The system records the time of each transaction.
With the accrual method, financial transactions are captured after the fact. It helps you understand that the money is not instantly turned into the company’s account; it takes time. This method allows you to calculate the expected amount of money that will enter the company or transfer to another account.
The cash method is more straightforward and more accessible. This is a great option for a start-up business. When conducting accounting on an accrual basis, it is essential to record all amounts of transactions carefully.
You should always keep documents attentively, regardless of which bookkeeping type you choose. Up-to-date information will help you avoid difficulties when filling out a tax return.
Business bookkeeping principles
The basics of business accounting also include principles. They aimed to help in keeping records and all the necessary information in order. According to the first principle, documentation should reveal information, not hide it. The data must correspond to the actual state of the budget.
From the previous one emerges the principle of correspondence. Income, expenses, and all monetary transactions are comparable with each other.
The principle of objectivity says that transactions must be confirmed. It requires receipts, bank statements, and other documents.
According to the principle of revenue recognition, bookkeeping must record each transaction (income or spending). The profit and expenses of the enterprise must be fixed in the ledger.
Three main bookkeeping mistakes
The biggest mistake in accounting is negligence. You are greatly mistaken if you think recording financial documents is unnecessary. You must keep all the documents. Otherwise, it will be challenging to make a report. Even the slightest mistake will arouse suspicion.
Misclassification of income and expenses prevents you from seeing the company’s position. As a result: it is very difficult to estimate the real profitability of a business.
Wrong behavior with cash also leads to serious mistakes. Lack of small money causes big financial losses. As a result, there is a risk of budget shortfalls.
How to avoid bookkeeping mistakes
It is not easy to avoid mistakes in accounting. To succeed in this, you need to record all the movements of money. Use cash registers and software in order to control the finances. It is essential to fix the smallest amount. It is a trifle that can accumulate, leading to losses.
Furthermore, it is difficult for the owners of large businesses to independently maintain double-entry, monitor the payment of taxes, and deposit funds into a bank account. Also, it is advised to hire an experienced accountant to control those moments. A specialist will monitor the maintenance of all documentation and calculate payments and expenses.
Smaller companies may try outsourcing assistance. Thus, the need for a full-time employee disappears. At the same time, you do not need to worry about company documentation and accounting.
What are the responsibilities of an accountant?
It is a mistake to think that an accountant is a person who only controls company accounts. Undoubtedly, the accountant records the movement of money and creates documentation about the company’s budget. The bookkeeper submits materials to the IRS, fills out reports, and makes payroll. Also, the expert will help to prepare properly for the audit.
Reconciling bank statements, calculating tax returns, and offering guidance on improving financial state are also what an accountant is responsible for. He draws up a financial strategy, optimizes the company’s expenses, and eliminates unnecessary payments. With the help of an accountant, you can reduce costs, increase profits and not worry about possible problems with the IRS.
Why it’s important to hire a professional accountant
The best solution is to delegate accounting to a professional. First, it’s about your money. Therefore, an experienced bookkeeper correctly records all finance movements and transactions. Contact BooksTime for dedicated professional accounting assistance. We cooperate with the best specialists who will deal with your company’s financial documents.
A professional accountant knows how to correctly draw up a company’s budget, file a tax return or prepare documents for an audit. Thus, you can avoid issues and focus on business development. Depending on your company size and budget, you can choose a full-time, part-time accountant or outsource services.
