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20 11, 2020

Top 3 Analytics Every New Business Owner Should Know To Keep Your Business Running

By |2020-11-18T22:59:39+00:00November 20th, 2020|Bookkeeping Basics, Business Tips, Finance Tips, Small Business|0 Comments

Cash Flow Your cash flow statement shows you the amount of money your business receives and spends during a period of time. Keeping track of your income and expenses is necessary to make sure that you have enough money to keep your business running, during the good times and the bad. This data shows you how much money you have on hand, excluding any credit that is owed but hasn’t been paid to you yet. Long term, you can use this information to predict potential decreases in your cash flow and plan accordingly so that it doesn’t affect your business on a large scale. Cash Flow Runaway Starting your own business can be financially straining and there will be some months that are more cash dependent than others. Especially when starting out, there may be times when you are spending more than you are making. In order to properly plan for the future, it is important to know how long you can keep doing this before your finances are in trouble. Revenue Growth Rate Revenue is the amount of money [...]

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31 10, 2020

What is the Difference Between Bookkeeping and Accounting

By |2020-10-21T21:58:26+00:00October 31st, 2020|Bookkeeping Basics, Business Tips, Finance Tips, Small Business|0 Comments

The first thing you should know is that bookkeeping and accounting are not the same. Bookkeeping is the process of identifying, tracking, and measuring a business’s financial transactions. Accounting occurs later on in the process. It deals more with taking that information that was gathered in the bookkeeping stage and using that to summarize, interpret, and analyze for reporting purposes. Bookkeeping The main objective is to keep records of financial transactions and organize them in a systematic manner. The complexity of bookkeeping varies depending on the size of the business but will most likely always include the creation and management of the following accounts: cash, accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable, loans payable, sales, payroll expenses, and purchases. Properly maintaining those records requires bookkeepers to be accurate and to have an acute attention to detail. Accounting An accountant takes the data provided by the bookkeeper and uses it to interpret financial insights for the business owner. They are usually responsible for performing audits, reporting tax returns, income statements, and balance sheets. These reports are important to the success of the business [...]

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21 10, 2020

Ready to Reopen? How to Ensure a Successful Re-Opening for Your Small Business.

By |2020-10-21T21:51:57+00:00October 21st, 2020|Business Tips, COVID-19, Small Business|0 Comments

If there is one thing we have learned from this year, it is that we should expect the unexpected. The COVID-19 pandemic shook business owners and consumers alike when it forced businesses to temporarily close their doors until the unforeseeable future. Now, as we see some of our favorite shops begin to open again, business owners can start to think about how they can ensure that their reopening is successful. Assess your Business’ Needs Consider your operational needs. To do this, ask yourself the following questions: What will my staffing requirements be when I open? What customer/employee questions or concerns will I need to address? What is possible for my business?  Most businesses will find themselves in a situation where they cannot pick up where they left off. By addressing these questions, you can start to think about the realistic changes you will need to make before you reopen. Learn from Others Businesses around you are probably going through the same challenges. Take a moment to connect with your neighboring shops and learn how they have adapted their businesses during [...]

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29 09, 2020

The Anatomy Of An Invoice 

By |2020-09-09T22:43:29+00:00September 29th, 2020|Bookkeeping Basics, Business Tips, Finance Tips, Small Business|0 Comments

Chances are if you are working with clients or need to keep track of inventory and sales, you will likely be using invoices. Invoices give you information about the buyer and the seller, and if done correctly, it will minimize misunderstandings with your clients so that you get paid on time. If you are not familiar with this tool and hope to use it for your business, it's important that you understand the different components that make it up.  Contact Information  A simple step that you do not want to overlook is including up-to-date buyer and seller contact information.  Invoice Number  Using an invoice number is helpful for when you or your client need to reference the transaction.  Payment Terms and Due Date  Always include a clear due date and terms. You should be stating specific payment terms (due on receipt, net 15, etc.) to reduce ambiguity. While it is possible to agree on a later payment date, customers should pay you within 30 days. When setting your payment terms, it is important to be mindful of any holidays or other disruptions that may [...]

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11 09, 2020

New Business Financial Checklist: Essential Tasks to Maintain Daily, Monthly, and Annually.

By |2020-09-09T22:14:50+00:00September 11th, 2020|Bookkeeping Basics, Business Tips, Finance Tips, Small Business|0 Comments

Starting your new business can be exciting and stressful at the same time. There is a lot that goes into business finances, so maintaining those items for the first time can quickly become overwhelming. We’ve highlighted a few essential tasks to keep you on track and ensure your company’s success throughout its first year and every year after.  Daily   Check Cash Position  Start your day by routinely checking the amount of cash you have on hand. We recommend you repeat this task weekly and monthly to estimate how much money you will need in the future.    Weekly   Organize and File Receipts  Organizing your receipts, invoices, and cash payments every week will help you find information easily come tax time. While Excel can be an excellent option to keep track of all expenses, it can time consuming and confusing. Instead, you can find a bookkeeping team to help manage that information for you.  Review Unpaid Bills From Vendors  Start by identifying any unpaid vendors. If you don’t already have an “unpaid vendor” folder, this would be a good time to do so. [...]

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20 08, 2020

How Can You Support Small Businesses During COVID-19

By |2020-07-30T23:38:31+00:00August 20th, 2020|Bookkeeping Basics, Business Tips, COVID-19, Finance Tips, Small Business|0 Comments

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted every aspects of normal life. From school structure to to human interaction to business operations. One area that feels this disruption deeply is the small business sector. Across the country, small businesses are struggling to keep doors open. They are innovating and rapidly changing their business model in order to continue servicing clients and generate revenue.  According to the US Small Business Administration’s Office Advocacy, small businesses generate 44% of U.S. economic activity. To support this important sector of the economy, here are suggestions for ways to help:  Gift cards and take out are a great help. The food and beverage industry is greatly impacted. In some areas, only outdoor dining and/or take out options are available. This greatly diminishes the money generated in an already low margin industry. Consider purchasing gift cards or ordering from your favorite neighborhood eatery.   Shop Local. Many local retailers have pivoted to either build a more robust online store or offer products online for the first time.  When you are buying the next round of home goods, staples, groceries, and more, consider purchasing [...]

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30 07, 2020

Staying Afloat When Your Cash Flow is Impacted During Times of Crisis

By |2020-07-30T16:25:18+00:00July 30th, 2020|Bookkeeping Basics, Business Tips, Finance Tips, Small Business, Uncategorized|0 Comments

When our community undergoes a period of economic uncertainty, one of the most unsettling financial experiences is to question your stream of cash flow. Business owners and employees alike risk financial stability and loss of income when the economy takes a sudden downturn. Although we cannot stop a recession from happening, here are a few tips to curb the impact of a sudden crisis on your cash flow.  Get a bird’s eye view of your cash flow. When you have a good understanding of your monthly cash flow, you can better forecast your financial situation in the future. Take a look at your statements and identify profits, bills, payroll, inventory, debt, etc. to understand which expenses are fixed, and which expenses can be prevented. Consider cutting back on nonessential inventory for the time being.   Offer discounts for pre-paid services. This is a good way to ensure timely income, or to encourage clients and customers to pay early. Reevaluate your invoicing habits. Avoid sending out invoices at the end of the month if you want your cash to transfer into your bank account sooner. [...]

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23 07, 2020

How Do I Establish A Reimbursement Policy In My Company?

By |2020-07-23T21:36:23+00:00July 23rd, 2020|Bookkeeping Basics, Business Tips, Finance Tips, Small Business, Uncategorized|0 Comments

In some companies, employees are able to purchase things on behalf of that company, but may not have access to a corporate credit card or payment account. In other instances, an employee may incur costs, such as travel expenditures, that need to be reimbursed. Essentially, reimbursed expenses are an employee’s out of pocket expenses that are compensated by a company. As companies grow, there is typically more of a prevalence for these type of expenses. How can you make them manageable and create guidelines understood company-wide? It is important to set up a policy ahead of time so that employees understand what is eligible to be claimed as an expense and how much is acceptable. Beyond travel, gas, or food, you may also offer continuing education whereas college courses can be reimbursed. Outlining a policy upfront will help you clearly define categories and establish a process internally. This will be helpful as your business grows and can control employees from surprising you with unplanned costs. When creating a policy, consider these points: Create categories to define spending is appropriate Create [...]

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26 06, 2020

Update: Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Now Taking New Applications

By |2020-06-26T21:01:28+00:00June 26th, 2020|Business Tips, COVID-19, Small Business|0 Comments

It is uplifting to hear positive news in the midst of these concerning times. Two months after the SBA stopped accepting EIDL applications, they have opened them to the public once more. As of June 15, 2020 the SBA began accepting new EIDL applications which now include agriculture businesses.  Agriculture businesses are referred to as businesses engaged in the production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries.  You can access the application and specific information here. If you are not familiar with the Economic Injury Disaster Loan, it is an existing program administered through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offering emergency relief to businesses. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has expanded. Previously, only small businesses in presidentially-declared disaster locations were eligible to apply for the loan. However, as of March 13, 2020 these locations have expanded to include the entire United States, its territories, and Washington D.C..   The SBA allows qualified small business owners and agricultural businesses to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). COVID-19 related loans [...]

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15 06, 2020

Reopening Your Business after Quarantine

By |2020-06-08T18:03:38+00:00June 15th, 2020|Business Tips, COVID-19, Small Business|0 Comments

Many of us have felt the negative impacts brought forth by the coronavirus. Although the continual effects of the coronavirus are still uncertain, some business owners are beginning to plan to reopen, or already have.  If you are in the planning process, what are the next steps to prepare for reopening.  What does that look like? Here are a few tips for business owners who are looking to reopen and resume business. Resume Social Distancing – As states and cities across America begin to lift quarantine, each region will have its own pace and restrictions. Make sure you are knowledgeable about the laws and restrictions that are relevant to your location, as well as your customers’ locations. If employees are returning to the office, make sure your business is in compliance with CDC standards to ensure the health and safety of your workers. Find more information from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/businesses-employers.html Continue Regular Cleaning – Consider adding more sanitation stations, such as installing sanitizer dispensers at your building’s entryways and bathrooms. Increase sanitation of high-traffic areas, such as doorknobs, desks, printers, [...]

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Bakersmith Bookkeeping

Expert accounting and bookkeeping services for businesses in the Denver Metro and South Denver Metro Area. We specialize in QuickBooks Pro, QuickBooks Premier, QuickBooks Enterprise, QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks for Mac, LexisNexis Time Matters, PCLaw accounting and software.

Phone: 303-792-0655
Email: [email protected]

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