Your business’s accounting system is based on the bookkeeping process established to manage your company’s funds. Bookkeeping records the financial transactions that are carried out during the course of business. When your business finances are in order, it becomes simpler to equip strategies that would bring success to your business. Here are a few strategies that our ATS Accounting & Tax Edmonton team believes would assist your business to achieve perpetual success.
Maintain Separate Business and Personal Finances
When running a business, it is important to engage organization funds for business use only. Using them for personal purposes not only affects the quantity in your business fund but also can invite legal complications. It could be a reason to pierce through the corporate veil and harm your business finances. Small businesses are managed by limited people, which makes it easier to cause a default whilst accessing the finances for the business. You should make it a point to open separate accounts each for personal and business finances. Using distinct bank accounts and credit cards for your business will not only help during tax filing processes but will also help you distinguish between the nature of your finances, thus uncomplicating the task of bookkeeping.
Hold Internal Control in Place
Having internal control over the company’s bookkeeping procedures and policies can expand your control over various finances and outtakes occurring in the business. When a transaction takes place, it is better to have an employee take down the transaction while another collects the fee. A third person can authorize the dealing. This measure of dividing work amongst the employees would keep more than one person in the loop and maintain accuracy while inputting data.
Plan Your Taxes Through the Year
Keeping in touch with your tax filing dates and requirements will not only save you time but also help you organize your expenses. You can plan the tax filing amounts and strategies well in advance to implement and pay smartly to avoid any costly penalties or burdens.
Follow a Specified Accounting Method
The standard accounting systems comprise of two accounting methods to be used in your business: cash basis accounting and accrual accounting. In the former method, cash is recorded when it is received by the business. This method is usually recommended to be used in businesses that strictly require making cash payments. In the accrual method of accounting, the matching principle of accounts is implemented, where the revenues and expenses are recorded as they occur. This method could be complicated because of the various rules it requires to be followed. Nonetheless, accrual accounting is your best choice while you opt for invoicing to clients. Your bookkeeping strategy should be built with an appropriate method that suits your business.
Track Expenses with Accounting Software
Recording expenses on a timely basis can be effective in many ways. From assisting in tax filing to helping in maintaining the books, a thorough record of the business finances is promising. Different accounting software are available to be used for tracking expenses and managing your accounts. Planning your expenses well in advance and building categories for them will ease the bookkeeping process. Choose to use an accounting software system that will not only help you with your current bookkeeping requirements but extend to a larger scope of work needs.
Focus on Tracking Performance Rather Than Plans
The best bookkeeping strategy to put in place is tracking the performance rather than plans built for the business. Most businesses chart plans or projects to undertake, which are then used to track the company’s ongoing progress. When a plan is put in place, the financial budget of the business would be tracked and manufactured accordingly. On the other hand, if more focus is engaged in tracking the overall progress, it gives you a wider scope to compare financial figures compared to previous numbers and conclude strategically. Evaluating financial data monthly assists in building bookkeeping strategies for better results. For example, if growth in a company’s finance margin over a period is visible due to a particular product, decisions of investing more into it can increase the annual cash flow.
Access Real-Time Data
Immediate access to the financial data of your business gives a larger scope to planning your company’s finances. Your business may require you to deal with various critical information of outstanding account receivables or payables. With access to real-time data, it would be easier to develop strategic decisions and evaluate the current status of the business.
Follow Up on Bank Statements
Your bank statements are a compilation of the balances in your account and information on the complete stack of transactions. Conducting regular follow-ups makes it easier to review business proceedings thoroughly. Ideally, you can compare the information you’ve put in your company’s books with the bank statement. This ensures a check over the presence of any discrepancies or any unauthorized transaction that may have taken place during the course of business.
Structure Accounts in Order
Structuring accounts according to categories eases the bookkeeping process. Well-categorized accounts would also make it easier to go back to them in the future if the need arises. The business’s receipts, records, and any other information important for the bookkeeping process should be maintained in an orderly manner to suffice any requirements. This ensures efficient bookkeeping and aid in picking out any discrepancies.
The basic strategy your company should follow to is avoid making bookkeeping mistakes to accomplish continuous success. Having said that, the above-mentioned strategies when implemented with prior consultation can help you achieve greater results. While you consult professional accountants, make sure to give them a true and fair view of your company to achieve the best results.
ATS Accounting & Tax Edmonton has experienced financial advisors who will help you with your business’s financial audits. Our team of dedicated experts knows the specific risks you may face and help ensure your business is protected.
Ready to get started? For more information about our accounting and tax services, book your free 15-minute consultation by calling us at 780-484-4006 or contacting us online.
