Bookkeeping 101: Bookkeeping Basics for Small Businesses

Bookkeeping is a core part of business finances and can impact the growth and success of your small business. It can encompass a variety of tasks — from basic data entry in a software platform to working with certified public accountants — and is the backbone of your accounting and financial systems.

Bookkeeping basics for small businesses

With the development of bookkeeping and accounting technology, bookkeeping tasks have become more automated. However, this doesn’t make it any less important to ensure you set everything up properly from the start.

Setting up accounting software

Setting up bookkeeping or accounting software includes connecting business bank accounts, doing any necessary data entry and reconciling transactions. It also involves checking for errors, learning about your specific software and looking for ways to streamline different parts of your accounting processes.

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» MORE: NerdWallet’s best small-business apps

Choosing an entry system

Small-business bookkeeping requires you to choose between single- or double-entry accounting.

Single-entry accounting records all of your transactions once, either as an expense or an income. This method is straightforward and suitable for smaller businesses that don’t have significant inventory or equipment involved in their finances.

Double-entry accounting enters every transaction twice, as both a debit and a credit, to “balance the books” between accounts. Although more complicated, it can prevent errors in recording transactions.

The entry system you choose impacts how you manage your finances and how your bookkeeping processes will work. Back to top

Choosing an accounting method

You’ll also choose between cash- or accrual-based accounting.

Cash-based accounting records transactions when money changes hands. This method doesn’t record invoices or your company’s outstanding bills until they’ve actually been paid.

Accrual-based accounting records those invoices and bills even if the funds haven’t been exchanged. Generally, accrual-based is the recommended accounting method, but the decision is ultimately up to you.» MORE: Accrual vs. cash basis accounting: What’s the difference?

Managing transactions

Managing transactions is a day-to-day part of bookkeeping. This includes importing and categorizing transactions properly, reconciling these transactions and making sure they’re recorded according to your entry system and accounting method. Back to top

Handling accounts receivable and payable

Small businesses also handle aspects of accounts receivable, which ensures your business is paid for its goods or services. This can include estimating the eventual value of a finished project, preparing and sending invoices and providing statements.

Small-business bookkeeping also includes ensuring your business pays bills and invoices on time, which is known as accounts payable.

Setting up payroll

Some businesses process payroll within their accounting software; others will have a separate payroll software. How you set up and manage payroll will depend on which software you choose. Back to top

Coordinating with a tax specialist

A small business needs to identify potential deductions and make tax procedures as seamless as possible. Some accounting software options can connect you with tax specialists. If you don’t connect with one through a service or software, you’ll likely want to work with one when it comes to filing business taxes.

Managing financial statements and documents

Bookkeeping for small businesses also includes managing important accounting documents and maintaining the information — transactions, assets, income, expenses, etc. — that are used for financial statements. Many software options allow you to store documents and streamline the documentation process as you go.» MORE: What is bookkeeping? A small-business owner’s guide Back to top

Bookkeeping vs. accounting: What’s the difference?

Accounting and bookkeeping work hand in hand, and although many people refer to bookkeeping and accounting interchangeably, these two operations aren’t technically synonymous.

Benefit	Bookkeeper	Accountant
Experience	On-the-job training or certifications.	Accounting degrees and might be a CPA.
Services	Specific business-level solutions.	Solutions for tax planning and accounting software.
Financial statements	Maintains general ledger and accounts.	Creates more complex financial statements.
Business insight	Day-to-day business details.	Higher-level business for broader financial aspects.
Filing taxes	Processes payroll taxes.	Files business and personal tax returns.

» MORE: Bookkeeper vs. accountant: Which does your business need? Back to top

Why bookkeeping for small businesses is important

Even though accounting software can make bookkeeping processes simpler, it’s essential that your small-business bookkeeping is handled properly. Here are a few reasons why bookkeeping is so important:

• Separating business and personal finances ensures that you’re not personally held liable for any debts or issues related to your business.
• Identifying mistakes early by managing transactions and reconciliation avoids financial issues later on.
• Simplifying business finances by streamlining tax processes and working with tax professionals can save money.
• Keeping an eye on business financial health identifies ways to improve or change processes.
• Organizing documents and records simplifies processes such as applying for a business loan or buying new equipment.

 Back to top

How to manage bookkeeping for small businesses

There are three ways to perform bookkeeping for your small business:

1. Manage your own small-business bookkeeping

If you run a very small business, you might be able to manage your bookkeeping with accounting software, saving yourself time and money by using free options.

However, managing your own bookkeeping means you’re in charge of keeping your finances in order, storing records and creating necessary statements. Using accounting software simplifies many bookkeeping processes, but you’ll still need the tech-based skills to run and streamline your business’s software.

2. Use an online bookkeeping service

Outsourcing your bookkeeping is another option, and this guide on how to find the best virtual bookkeeping service can help you get the process started.

With this type of service, you can communicate completely by email or phone without having to worry about meeting in person. The responsibilities handled by a service will depend on the provider.» MORE: Best virtual bookkeeping services for small businesses

3. Hire an in-house bookkeeper

You can also hire a bookkeeper to work directly for your business.

Bringing a part-time or full-time professional into your business gives you access to their expertise and allows them to become more familiar with your business’s finances, processes and accounting tools and software.

However, it’s important to note that your bookkeeper won’t be the only person working on your business finances. So you’ll want to understand which tasks your bookkeeper is and isn’t responsible for handling.» MORE: 9 basic accounting concepts every small-business owner should know Back to top

How to find bookkeeping help for small businesses

If you want to outsource your small-business bookkeeping, there are several ways to find experienced bookkeepers.

Referrals

Consider asking for a referral from someone you trust. If you work with a certified public accountant, business lawyer or tax advisor, ask if they have recommendations for a bookkeeper or bookkeeping service.

Similarly, you can reach out to other small-business owners to ask about bookkeeping services they recommend. More than likely, someone within your small-business community will be able to point you in the right direction for getting the best bookkeeping assistance for your business.

Searching online

You can also search for professionals or bookkeeping services online.

To find reliable options, look through your accounting software’s directory of certified bookkeeping professionals. You can also consult professional bookkeeping communities, accounting blogs or industry forums for available professionals.

SOURCE https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/small-business-bookkeeping