Hey there, fellow small business owner! Are you one of those amazing folks who pour their heart and soul into their business day in and day out? Well, kudos to you! But let me ask you this: How’s your bookkeeping game? Ah, I see that puzzled look. Don’t worry; you’re not alone.

Let’s talk about your bookkeeping—yeah, I know, it might sound as exciting as watching paint dry, but trust me, it’s a crucial part of keeping your business ship sailing smoothly. So, grab your favorite beverage and settle in as we take a dive into the world of hassle-free bookkeeping.

First things first, let’s talk about keeping tabs on your moolah. Every penny coming in and going out of your business needs to be accounted for. Whether it’s a sale, a purchase, or that cup of coffee you bought for a client meeting, record the transaction. This step ensures you have a clear picture of where your money is coming from and where it’s going.

Split your transactions into two main categories: Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable

Picture this: You’ve delivered your top-notch service or product, but where’s the cash? Don’t let those outstanding invoices gather dust. Keep track of who owes you what and give ’em a gentle nudge if they’re lagging behind. Your business needs that cash flow to keep the lights on! These are your accounts receivable, or in other words any money that you are expecting to come into your bank account. Speaking about keeping the lights on, we cant forget about the bills… Bills, bills, bills—they’re like those unwanted guests that just keep showing up. But ignoring them won’t make them disappear. Stay on top of your payables. Know what you owe, and pay on time to avoid those pesky late fees. Your vendors will love you for it, and your business will run smoother. These are your accounts payable, or in other words money other people are expecting from you. Top Tip: Remember to mark these items as paid as soon as you receive the money in or pay the money out.

Quick question: Have you ever had that moment of panic when you check your bank balance and it doesn’t match what you thought you had? Yeah, not fun. That’s where reconciling bank statements comes in. It’s like a financial reality check. Make sure your records match up with what your bank says. Spot any discrepancies? No sweat, just investigate and sort them out.

Another important part of the bank reconciliation process is to allocate your income and expense into categories.

Allocate income to “sales” or “services rendered”, airtime and data belongs in “telephone and internet”, fuel and tolls will obviously go to “motor vehicle expenses” and those coffees for client meetings they can fall under “entertainment” but remember the tax man gives you the side eye for high entertainment expenses so keep these to a minimum.

Now, let’s talk about the fun part—well, at least for us numbers nerds. Financial reporting! Financial reports are like your business’s report card. They tell you how well you’re doing, where you’re excelling, and where you might need a little boost. Keep an eye on your income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. They’re your roadmap to success.

Then last but certainly not least you need to review your financial performance, your business report card is not just for show. Dive into those numbers, analyze trends, and spot opportunities.

Are you spending too much on something that’s not bringing in the bacon? Or maybe there’s a golden goose hiding in plain sight that you can capitalize on.

Knowledge is power, my friend!

So there you have it, your crash course in stress-free bookkeeping. It might not be the most glamorous part of running a business, but it’s definitely one of the most important. Regular and accurate bookkeeping not only helps you make informed decisions but also keeps the taxman happy—which means more money in your pocket.

Until next time, keep crunching those numbers and chasing those dreams!

Cheers,

Shelly – Chief Growth Enthusiast
Figured Out – Your multivitamin for a healthy business