Accounting and Bookkeeping

2005-11-15T08:33:00.000-08:00

1 Overlooked Key to Small Business Success

Bookkeeping

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1 Overlooked Key to Small Business Success

Author: Amy Andrews

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1 Overlooked Key to Small Business Success
by Amy Andrews
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Is this you?

You dreamed of owning your own business, doing what you love and enjoying unlimited earning potential. You researched. You planned. You prepared. Finally, you launched.

Your dream was realized...and then your business started to grow! Could it get any better? Well, yes, but if you're like many others, you may have encountered one unexpected challenge along the way: Are you drowning in the day-to-day administrative tasks necessary to make your business successful?

Managing emails. Bookkeeping. Writing articles or newsletters. Processing invoices. Answering phone calls. Scheduling appointments. Marketing. Customer Service. Travel Planning. They all take time. Unfortunately, time is in short supply when business is booming.

The work needs to be done, but you don't want to do it yourself and you don't want the cost or the hassle of hiring an employee, right?

So what's the key? A virtual assistant.

Virtual assistants provide a wide range of administrative services to small businesses and individuals. They are independent contractors who work from home, use their own equipment, occupy their own space and pay their own taxes and benefits. Best of all, they charge you only for time spent on your particular project(s). They typically have years of administrative experience under their belt and most are amazingly budget-conscious.

As an emerging industry, virtual assistance is quickly becoming a valuable asset to individual business owners and a must-have in the small business community at large. Handing off administrative tasks to someone with the tools and know-how to complete them quickly and efficiently is saving many businesses untold amounts of time and money. A virtual assistant is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment.

BONUS: 4 Tips for Working with a Virtual Assistant:

* Start small. Don't be afraid to "test the waters" by giving your new virtual assistant a small project without a huge budget. It may take time to find a virtual assistant with whom you work well.

* Be specific. Virtual assistants like to know exactly what's expected of them. Provide as much detail about your project and your needs as possible.

* Forge a relationship. Establishing a strong, lasting connection with a virtual assistant will benefit you enormously in the long run. You will be surprised how much you come to rely on his/her knowledge and expertise.

* Remember, your virtual assistant is not your employee; they are small business owners themselves, partnering with you to achieve success. This is a win-win situation because when you succeed, they succeed.

Keywords: virtual assistant, virtual assistance, administrative, outsource, support

About the Author
Amy Andrews,
amy@simplycomplete.com
Learn more about virtual assistant
Find a virtual assistant quickly, easily and for free at SimplyComplete.com, owned by Amy Andrews. Search the VA Directory or post your project in minutes. Get your to-dos done!

...

Top 7 Strategies for Writing Accounting Procedures
Part Two of Cash to Cash Cycle Series Next Sales Weve already found 250000so lets find another 250000 Laying the Foundation Last week we raised the question what would your business do with 1000000 To lay the foundation we introduced inventory as the

Top 5 Services Your Companys Accounting Department Should Outsource
Accounting is one area which every company has to maintain but mostly not part of their core business It is also one of the areas that keep changing every year and the company has to aggressively keep up with the changes in the tax code This includes managing your books till you finish up with

Bookkeeping Techniques For Morons
Please dont think I am calling you a moron to hurt your feelings in any way I was a moron when I first started setting up my files You have to force yourself to do it NOW right at the beginning Many of a business has collapsed simply because they lacked organization in their basic accoun

2005-11-08T23:20:00.000-08:00

Surprise! Accounting is the Hot New Major

Accounting

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Surprise! Accounting is the Hot New Major

Author: Donna Monday

There was a time when accounting was the boring college major that many people regretted signing up for. A constant barrage of numbers, statistics and spreadsheets was none too interesting.

Boy, have times changed! Thanks to recent accounting scandals by companies like Enron, there is a high demand for accountants and auditors.

According to the Job Outlook 2005 survey, accounting comes out on top as the most in-demand major on college campuses. Forget dot com start ups. Cleaning up a company�s accounting books is what�s in.

But can accounting be sexy?

�All the focus on accounting created a perception to students that accounting matters and is perhaps even sexy,� says Ira Solomon, head of the department of accountancy at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Colleges are scrambling to find more accounting teachers and professors to replace those retiring. Not an easy task, since there are twice as many accounting faculty openings than applicants to fill them.

Here are the top 10 most in-demand college majors as surveyed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE):

Accounting
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Business Administration/Management
Economics/Finance
Computer Science
Computer Engineering
Marketing/Marketing Management
Chemical Engineering
Information Sciences and Systems

If you�re good with numbers and a stickler for details, you might want to consider accounting as a good career choice. However, you�ll probably have to take a number and wait in line behind all those other future accountant hopefuls.

About The Author

Donna Monday writes employment related articles for http://www.get-a-job-interview-quick-tips.com.

...

Surprise Accounting is the Hot New Major
There was a time when accounting was the boring college major that many people regretted signing up for A constant barrage of numbers statistics and spreadsheets was none too interesting Boy have times changed Thanks to recent accounting scandals by companies like Enron there is a hig

Top 5 Services Your Companys Accounting Department Should Outsource
Accounting is one area which every company has to maintain but mostly not part of their core business It is also one of the areas that keep changing every year and the company has to aggressively keep up with the changes in the tax code This includes managing your books till you finish up with

How To Start a Bookkeeping Business

2005-11-05T22:32:00.000-08:00

Mail Order Bookkeeping Basics

Bookkeeping

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Mail Order Bookkeeping Basics

Author: DeAnna Spencer

INTRODUCTION

This information is provided for individuals who are starting a mail order business and require a basic bookkeeping system. It has been written for someone who has little or no bookkeeping background. No income tax or professional advice is rendered. Such advice should be obtained from a CPA or an Attorney.

The operation for any business requires a basic system to keep track of income expenses. There are two good reasons to keep good records.

1. It is the law. The IRS, State Income Tax Division and State Sales Tax Division (where applicable) requires you to keep complete and accurate records.

2. Keeping good records is good business. It helps you to understand your business better. It will let you know at all times how your business is doing -- how much money you are making or losing. In addition it enables you to analyze expenses and revenues. You can see how seasonal and other trends develop. All of this will help you to make sound business decisions.

BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNT

It is best to set-up a separate business checking account with your bank for your business. This account should be used only for deposit of business related income and payment of business expenses. In this way you a maintain a distinction between business and personal expenses.

STATE SALES TAX

You are required by law in most states to collect the appropriate State Sales Tax. This only applies for sales within your state. Out of state purchasers are not charged a sales tax. Only the end-user pays sales tax. If you should be selling to a dealer he can provide you with a sales tax exemption certificate.. In this case he is not required to pay the sales tax to you since he will be collecting if from his customers.

STATE USE TAX

THe Use tax generally applies when a company buys supplies or equipment for its own use from an out of state business. It does not apply when material or merchandise are bought from an out of state company which will be re-sold. The use tax rate is the same as the sales tax rate.

For specific information on regulations in your state call the nearest State Sales Tax Division in your area.

ACQUISITION OF EQUIPMENT

When acquiring office machines, such as typewriters, computers, copiers, furniture, etc. such expenditures are generally depreciated on your tax return over a period of time.. For specific information check with a qualified tax advisor.

EXPENSES RELATED TO A HOME OPERATED BUSINESS

If a business is operated from home in many instances a portion of rental, mortgage or other expense may be deductible when filing your income tax.. The same may apply to utility expenses. There are specific laws pertaining to this, and again you should get professional advice.

EXPLANATION OF FORMS

We have provided you with several forms. You can use them as they are or change them to fit your particular needs.

1. DETAIL OF MONTHLY EXPENDITURE FORM

In the left hand column you keep track of expenditures for merchandise and products that you resell to your customers. The accounting term is generally cost of goods or product, or cost of sales.. If you sell books by mail you would record your purchases for these goods (including drop shipments) in this column.

The right hand column should be used to record all other expenditures. You obtain this information from your business checking account. If you pay for business expenses by cash keep track of theses expenditures separately and enter into this column also.. If you also use one or more credit cards to pay for business expenses list these expenses here too.. It is best to designate a specific credit card to be used for business expenses only.. Do not intermingle personal charges. In this case you may be able to deduct the interest on your taxes.

2. INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FORM

Record your daily income in the left hand column. Since you may not have income on a daily basis in the beginning stages of your business you can record income less frequently, such as weekly or even monthly.

You may wish to keep a separate income journal. The purpose of such a journal would be to give you a more detailed breakdown of your revenue. Set it up in any way you feel it will best suit your needs. For example you may want to record new business separately from repeat business. If you sell dealerships and books, for example, you may want to record the revenue from dealerships separately from the revenue for books, etc.

In fact the right column of this form you can keep track of your expenditures by category. Again you can change the categories to suit your particular needs.

When you deduct your expenses from your receipts at the end of the month you will have an income or loss figure for your business

PROFIT & LOSS STATEMENT FORM

Here you show you monthly revenue, expenses and profit loss. There are no requirements for you to do this on a monthly basis..

Especially in the beginning stages of your new business, you may want to generate a Profit & Loss Statement on a quarterly basis, semi-annual or even annual basis.

SUMMARY

The above information and forms will give you a basic system. Tailor it to fit your own situation. You may want something more elaborate or less detailed. Or you may not even put all your business accounting on your P.C. If you are considering acquirING a software program to help you with your accounting I would strongly suggest you wait until you understand your business well. Also accounting software can be difficult to use for an individual without accounting background. A personal money management software system will generally be quite adequate for most small businesses.

Don't get overwhelmed by record keeping for you new business especially if this is something new for you. Governmental agencies do not require you to keep your books in a particular way but do require you keep good records. This also means that records must be substantial. Again your accountant can give you detailed information on existing requirements.

While the big task of any new business is developing sales and acquiring customers, good record keeping is generally found in successful business operations. Your records provide you with accurate present and past information that you as the owner and president of your company must use constantly analyze your business so you will maximize profits.

Note to editors:
To show my appreciation to the editors that use my articles, I offer a free solo ad. Simply send an email to me by using the form on the contact me page on my website to tell me the url the article was used on or send me a copy of the ezine it was used in.

This article may be redistributed freely on the Internet as long as the resource box remains intact.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
DeAnna is the publisher of the ezine, Prospecting and Presents.
Subscribers get one free ad per week.
Subscribe today by visiting http://www.pnewsletter.com
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How to Get The Best Accounting Software For Your Small Business
Buying accounting software is a major investment Its an important decision and you need to be sure of all the facts before you buy You certainly wouldnt want to get accounting software and then find a few months later that the software cant handle your growing business You also

1 Overlooked Key to Small Business Success

Let Someone Else Do It
When you decide to become selfemployed you automatically become the Chief Cook and Bottle Washer In other words you do it all You do the bookkeeping buy the paper clips market your business and you even provide your businesss product or service But you are better a

2005-11-04T21:42:00.000-08:00

Let Someone Else Do It!

Bookkeeping

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Let Someone Else Do It!

Author: Ellen Zucker

When you decide to become self-employed, you automatically become the �Chief, Cook, and Bottle Washer.�

In other words, you do it all.

You do the bookkeeping, buy the paper clips, market your business, and you even provide your business's product or service.

But you are better at some tasks than others and there are some tasks that you just hate to do.

Fortunately, there is someone out there who likes doing what you hate-or what you do poorly. And, for a fee, they'll be happy to do it for you.

The payoff? Your productivity increases and you have more time to do the things you enjoy.

Most people will quickly hire an accountant or tax preparer to prepare their taxes if that is an area in which they have little expertise.

That payoff is obvious. The work is time consuming and tedious for most non-tax people. A competent tax pro will get the job done quickly and efficiently. Best of all, in an area where the consequences for getting it wrong can be huge, his expertise will ensure that the job gets done right.

Then there are additional benefits. If there is a problem, many will represent you before the tax authorities. And your tax pro can advise you on tax questions and strategies.

So the money spent is a bargain and the decision to hire his services is easy.

The same logic applies to other areas. If you find it difficult to write good copy for the postcards and letters you use for your direct mail campaigns, consider hiring a copywriter.

If you hate keeping your books, hire a bookkeeper. Or at least buy decent accounting software and hire someone to help you set it up properly.

These days, virtual assistants can work on specific projects or handle everyday mundane tasks. And you won�t even have to carve out a place in your bedroom home office for them.

And if there is too little money available, a business consultant can help you grow your business.

The money spent will more than repay itself in greater time for you-and a better bottom-line.

About the Author

Ellen Zucker has been self-employed for over 10 years and owns the web site http://www.selfemployment101.com .

Self-Employment 101: It's about making a living and creating a life! ... Observations, information and resources for those of us who are self employed or just thinking about it.

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How To Set Up A TaxSaving Bookkeeping System
One of the most important but least understood or appreciated aspects of any business is its bookkeeping or accounting system And because very few people know much about the reasons for a bookkeeping system most people are frightened by the thought of the work involved in setting up such a sy

Bookkeeping Techniques For Morons
Please dont think I am calling you a moron to hurt your feelings in any way I was a moron when I first started setting up my files You have to force yourself to do it NOW right at the beginning Many of a business has collapsed simply because they lacked organization in their basic accoun

Let Someone Else Do It
When you decide to become selfemployed you automatically become the Chief Cook and Bottle Washer In other words you do it all You do the bookkeeping buy the paper clips market your business and you even provide your businesss product or service But you are better a

2005-11-02T21:24:00.000-08:00

How To Start a Bookkeeping Business

Bookkeeping

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How To Start a Bookkeeping Business

Author: Jose Valdez

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How To Start a Bookkeeping Business
by Jose Valdez
Send Feedback to Jose Valdez
More Details about home based business here.

Click here for more >>

Businesses need to have up to date and accurate account of their business income and expenses. Many business owners and professionals either do not like to do their own bookkeeping and/or prefer to focus their time and energy on other aspects of their business or profession.

This creates an opportunity for bookkeeping services. A bookkeeper adds and subtracts a business's income and expenses, makes deposits, reconciles bank statements, handle payroll, do billing and prepare reports. A home based bookkeeping business service allows self employed professionals and/or other small or home based businesses to focus their time and efforts on the aspects of their business that make them money. The bookkeeper's clients drop off their receipts and sales slips to be posted to a ledger or computer data bank. The bookkeeper provides the client monthly statements and information for his yearly taxes and other any other contracted services. What to Charge Bookkeepers normally charge between $20 and $50 per hour for regular services and more for specialized services such as preparing tax reports or financial statements. Some bookkeeping service businesses charge a flat monthly fee. This fee typically ranges from $200 to $800 per month. The Market for Bookkeeping Services Many small business and home based business owners can not afford a lawyer of professional accountant. They simply need someone to keep track of their day to day operations to be able to tell where they stand financially. The target market for a home based bookkeeping service are other home based businesses, small businesses or professionals that are too busy or prefer not to do the bookkeeping themselves. Typically, a bookkeeping service will give each client a report of all of their invoices, check, tickets, etc., that are brought to the bookkeeping service. These are items that are required by the IRS. You will also need to provide a monthly statement as well as any other services that are offered and requested for. A bookkeeper is legally obligated to accurately and honestly reflect their client's profits that he is aware of. Honesty on the part of the bookkeeper is crucial. What you will need It is possible to start and operate a bookkeeping service without a computer, keeping only handwritten records. This however limits the profitability of your home based business. To make some serious money with a bookkeeping business, you will need a computer. You can get a computer and the programs necessary to operate a bookkeeping business for far less than $1,000. If you are not buy a computer and programs, you can lease both of these for relatively low rates. How To Charge Bookkeeping services charge by the hour. The fee usually start at $20 each hour plus any additional services or information that are required, such as year end totals. Advertising and Marketing Have and maintain a professional image with the use of a stationery, business cards, brochures. Be sure to hand out your business cards to potential clients. Be visible in the community. Attend business related events such as fund raisers, charity events, etc. Place an ad in the service section of your local paper. Mail brochures to businesses in your area describing the services you offer. Try to get an easy to remember phone number or convert it to an easy to remember name. List the telephone number of your business in the business section of the paper with A to get it listed first in the yellow pages. If possible, find a professional consultant such as a CPA, that you can seek out for advice. He or she will probably not worry with your bookkeeping service taking potential business clients away from them because most of the accounts that your business takes on could not afford him. Getting Started You need to have some knowledge in bookkeeping. You can obtain this knowledge through work experience and/or by taking a bookkeeping course. Contact your local community college or the www.aipb.com for information on bookkeeping courses. You are free to reprint this article if you include the following the following text and link

about the author Jose Valdez is the owner/webmaster of A Guide To Starting A Business.com Find Business Articles.com and All Home Based Business Ideas.com

Keywords: starting a business, small business, home based business, home business

About the Author
Jose Valdez,
Learn more about home based business
Jose Valdez is the owner/webmaster of http://www.aguidetostartingabusiness.com http://www.findbusinessarticles.com and http://www.allhomebasedbusinessideas.com

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Small Business Is The Accounting Profession Ripping Them Off
My 16 yearold daughter said Gee Dad You look just like an accountant And she wasnt being complimentary Accountants are perceived to be boring stodgy and conservative Over the years weve been the butt of many jokes Ive heard them all Why did

How to Get The Best Accounting Software For Your Small Business
Buying accounting software is a major investment Its an important decision and you need to be sure of all the facts before you buy You certainly wouldnt want to get accounting software and then find a few months later that the software cant handle your growing business You also

1 Overlooked Key to Small Business Success

2005-10-27T20:45:00.000-07:00

Empower Web clients, Increase your profits

Accounting

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Empower Web clients, Increase your profits

Author: Kevin Murray

Static Websites, Static Content

In the early days of websites and webdesign, if (when) there was a need to change, add or modify published information on a clients website we'd get a call (or email) from the client with a markup of proposed changes. Simple stream of workflow, Client to us, us to web.

Dynamic Websites, Fluid Content

The days of static HTML pages has pretty much passed, and that's a good thing. Today, there's a much greater amount of, and need for "fluid content" on the web... Targeted "fresh" information is today's asset, and web-enabled business needs the abilty to keep that content current and relevant. Here's where content management comes in...

Real-World Business uses Content Management

The working model for just about any conventional business with more than one employee already uses a content management structure in real-world, day to day business.

As an example (unless you are a sole proprietor), when your company sells a product or gets an order;

* You get a paper trail upstream from sales
* Revisions and approvals are made by you (or lower management) and are passed back downstream to sales and accounting.

Your employees don't physically move walls, change or add doorways or build new additions to the building, they work only with assets, not the physical structure of your business.
Employees + Inventory = Yes
Employees + Building = No

Same Story, Different Media

Online Content Management works along similar veins by assigning administrative priorities and permissions to all content data available on your website. This structure enables anyone with permission to access, modify and add content to your website within administration guidelines without the need to change global website structure. Content can be anything you currently publish or would like to publish on your website; inventory (catalog/e-store), articles and business information are all considered content assets.

Separation of Church and State

The real strength behind most content management applications isn't the ease of content manipulation but rather, the complete separation of the "content" layer from the "application" layer. In the old days, when we developed a static website, content and interface were assembled together, page by page. Client content (articles, pictures and business information) were designed around navigation menus and the internal structure of the website, therefore, each time we were asked to make a substantial change to the clients content, someone here had to go under the client's hood and change or modify the application layer to reflect the new additions. On some the large sites, changing or adding a menu item or new content section required hand-coding hundreds of pages and took days, sometimes weeks.

Billable yes, cost efficient to client, no... From a design shop standpoint, static content maintenance was not even marginally profitable.

That�s where a good content management tool comes in.

By separating all client content from the application layer of the clients website, we now have the ability to make global changes to our clients website in seconds instead of hours or days.

Just Add Water and Stir

There are dozens of exceptional content management applications available on the market today that range from simple Online Journal Tools (Blog Software) to enterprise-capable CRMS (Content Resource Management Software). Most of the popular applications are internet enabled which means the application software needs to be installed on a dedicated intranet or web-server. Once installed, maintenance and editorial changes can be made directly from a secure administration section on your website with no special software needed. Just open up your favorite web-browser on any computer connected to the internet, log in and away you go.

About the Author

Kevin Murray is a managing partner at vkMedia Group, a small Florida Web Design and Application development Company the focuses on content managagement solutions for the Arts and Non-Profit Organizations.

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2005-10-26T17:54:00.000-07:00

Bookkeeping Techniques For "Morons"

Bookkeeping

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Bookkeeping Techniques For "Morons"

Author: Julia Tang

Please don't think I am calling you a "moron" to hurt your feelings in any way. I was a moron when I first started setting up my files. You have to force yourself to do it NOW -- right at the beginning! Many of a business has collapsed simply because they lacked organization in their basic accounting business practices. Don't be one of them!

As a small business you don't have to really do much in the beginning. Here is how to set up your files from ground zero:

1. Take out a hanging file folder and a label of any kind. (Hanging folders and labels for them can be purchased at K-Mart, Wal-Mart and any office supply store.)

2. Type or hand print "Receipts" on the label and place it on the hanging folder.

3. Now, place 5 MANILA file folders inside the hanging file folder (which you labeled "Receipts") and label each of the manila file folders with the following headings:

a. Advertising
b. Postage
c. Office Supplies
d. Utilities and Rent for the Office
e. Miscellaneous

You now have one large hanging file folder with 5 separate manila file folders inside it. Carefully place your hanging file folder in your metal file cabinet or cardboard banker's box. (A banker's box can be purchased at any office supply store also and normally cost around $4.)

Now, wasn't that easy? Some of you reading this will think that I am attempting to insult your intelligence. This is NOT my intention. This report is broken down in a simple, step-by-step way so everybody can understand it -- regardless of their previous knowledge and experience. Remember, some people have never worked in an office their entire life. What seems simple and accepted to some of us, may be something another person would never have known.

Okay, let's go back to where we were. You now have one master file completed and we're ready to make another just like it. This time we'll name the hanging file folder "Income" and label 3 manila folders inside it with the following headings: a. Completed and Shipped Orders b. Inquiries and Correspondence c. Open Orders Still Pending

See how easy? From now on, you simply make another folder as the need arrives and you're files will always be easy to maintain. (Once you get this concept down pat -- you can easily think about getting a computer. A computer organizes its information in the SAME manner. Believe me -- this same system works! You'll be amazed at how many mistakes it will help you prevent.)

Yes -- bookkeeping is a very simple process. All you have to do is keep the system going. For instance, every order that I process, I completely finish before moving on to the next order. Example:

1. Mail is received and opened. As each piece is opened it is placed into individual piles. Orders with pre-payment are placed in one pile, information and daily correspondence in another, and so forth.

2. Each order that has been pre-paid for is processed first -- with each one being processed individually to completion. (That means it is in an envelope, a label typed out and the completed order is ready to be mailed at the post office.)

3. During the process, the "date," "amount of check or payment" and "product ordered" is recorded on the outside of the envelope -- making sure the customer's full name, address and telephone number (if available) is on the envelope too.

4. Just before closing up the office for the evening, the envelopes are then keyed into the database on our computer (you can substitute a computer for the hanging files in the beginning.) We record all the information that was written on the envelopes during the processing of the order. (Don't think you will remember "what" the order was. That thinking will open you up to make human errors.)

If you operate an Internet business, you are going to use computer and email a lot. You need do following:

1. Create different folder in your computer, name it with different resources: marketing, search engine tools, articles and tips, ebooks, ezine lists, picture files...

2. Create folders in your email account, you can save useful emails for different purpose: training, sales, purchase receipt, new customers, prospects... As your business grows, your understanding and abilities will grow also. At that time you can grow into a more sophisticated means of keeping the books.

In the meantime -- keep good records. They are the lifeblood of any business and can eventually make or break you. You'll thank yourself in the long run.

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Julia Tang publishes Smart Online Business Tips, a fresh
and informative newsletter dedicated to supporting people
like you! To find out the best online business opportunities,
and to discover hundreds more proven and practical internet
marketing secrets, plus FREE internet marketing products
worth over $200, visit: http://www.best-internet-businesses.com
----------------------------------------------------------

Note: Feel free to publish it with the resource box and content unchanged ...

Accounting Nightmare at the FTC
Most government agencies cannot pass an audit of their expenses I can vouch for that and have been a longtime advocate that the government follow the same rules they force on business Walk the Walk In 1990 Bush Sr signed The Chief Financial Officers Act The Act called for 14 cabinet level

Bookkeeping Techniques For Morons
Please dont think I am calling you a moron to hurt your feelings in any way I was a moron when I first started setting up my files You have to force yourself to do it NOW right at the beginning Many of a business has collapsed simply because they lacked organization in their basic accoun

Let Someone Else Do It
When you decide to become selfemployed you automatically become the Chief Cook and Bottle Washer In other words you do it all You do the bookkeeping buy the paper clips market your business and you even provide your businesss product or service But you are better a

2005-10-23T16:16:00.000-07:00

Accounting for Affiliate Marketers

Accounting

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Accounting for Affiliate Marketers

Author: Charles Waters

If you are an affiliate marketer, then you are in business. Therefore, you should treat it like a business. Keep in mind that Linkshare, Clickbank, Commission Junction and all the other affiliate marketplaces are going to report your earnings to the IRS.

Each of them requires that you provide a Social Security Number or EIN number when you apply with them. These numbers are used to report your earnings. At the end of the year, you'll receive a 1099 form which is the IRS earnings document given to Independent Contractors.

Since you have to pay taxes on your income, you should take care to make sure that your income is properly calculate. Remember, gross adjusted income is going to be the total amount that you earned - your expenses. For this reason, you really need to keep track of all of your affiliate marketing expenses.

Keep receipts and track all the following:

* Web Hosting Costs

* Affiliate marketing tools (such as your WordTracker membership fees, the cost of products like Adwords Analyzer, etc.)

* Any PPC advertising that you purchase.

Don't do as I have been prone to do and wait til the end of the year before you start putting these numbers together. You'll forget many and you won't be able to gain access to others.

For example, with PPC advertising, Google seems to keep records online forever. Great. But Overture only keeps the last 90 days and you can't - I repeat - You CAN'T get those records older than 90 days. (Ask me how I know :(

Getting receipts means that you'll have to think ahead. When you buy something online, print the receipt page. When you subscribe to a service that may pull a fee from your checking account or credit card account on a monthly basis, make sure to opt in to any e-mail notification of transactions that you might be able to get.

Print everything out and put it in a folder for that years tax records. You won't regret it when tax season comes along.

You will also get a much better picture of how much money you're earning. I think a lot of affiliate marketers brag about their checks, but conveniently forget that out of the $10,000.00 they earned last month, they spent $8,000.00 for PPC advertising, $27.00 for Wordtracker, $100.00 for their web host, ect, etc, reducing their actual profit to enough to buy some bubble gum.

There's great software that makes all of this easier of course. Quicken or MS Money Home and Business editions or PeachTree accounting would all make the whole process of tracking these numbers much less painful.

Finally, there are real benefits (and some costs) to incorporating yourself. Incorporating changes the tax rules and create scenarios that let you put more of your profit into your pocket. They also help to shield you from liability. I'm not a lawyer, so I'd recommend talking to an tax law lawyer. I incorporated in Florida and the entire expense was about $495.00.

Charles Waters discovered affiliate marketing in 2003 and has never looked back. He operates several successful websites, including The Affiliates Home

...

2005-10-22T15:42:00.000-07:00

Accountants / Lawyers Do yourself a Favor - What do Your Customers Want?

Accounting

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Accountants / Lawyers Do yourself a Favor - What do Your Customers Want?

Author: Philip Lye

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Accountants / Lawyers Do yourself a Favor - What do Your Customers Want?
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In my day to day practice in assisting small business I often come across customers looking for a 'good' accountant or a 'good lawyer'. As an accountant myself the common thread for a 'good acountant or good lawyer' seems to be 'I want someone who can explain things in plain english without the jargon'. This simplicity of service and communications can grow your business and ensure that you never need to look for more work! And the sad fact is that there are many practioners that just don't deliver.

So what makes a 'good accountant or good lawyer'?

People from all walks of life are looking for someone they can trust with their hard earnt money and that gives advice that can be understood. They aren't interested in Part IVA, debt defeasance, estopel and other industry terms or jargon and they are willing to pay for your common sense understandable services.

From Professionals to Blue Collar Workers it is a common question that I am asked 'Where can I go for common sense advice, where can I go and who can I trust?

Sadly, even amongst the largest service firms to the private practitioner there appears to be a dearth of pratical practitioners.

Where are they you ask? Where indeed!

The sad fact is that many hide behind their memberships and qualifications. Before you think this is all esoteric may I remind you that I am a qualified accountant and a beleiver in the profession having worked in banking, finance and commerce for 20 years before strategic human resource management advising.

Here are some points to ponder and ask yourself if you are in the accounting or professional field ?

1. What do my customers really want? - In my experience, most customers want reassurance, want to be listened to and feel that you are there to help them and they will pay for this service.

2. Do you care? - you show you care by how you resond to their questions and to how you remember even the small things that are important to them.

3. Do you give them time? - we are all working at a hectic pace today, however customers want your time and will pay for it.

4. Do you follow up with them? - I recently engaged a firm of lawyers for a customer of mine. The customer rang me after seeing the lawyer and said how impressed they were. Why? - they hadn't seen the principal (this firm had 30 partners), however the principal had rung the next day to see whether they were being looked after. The firm now has a client for life.

5. Be practical - send a card, ring occasionally and factor this in to your pricing.

In a world of rapid change the one thing that people appreciate is the personal touch. Your business, accounting, law or other services business can be exciting, inspiring and profitable.

Its' really not that hard - it just takes some effort, kindness and a customer focussed outlook.

You can build your practice and enjoy the journey and the fruits of your labor. The choice is mine, the choice is yours.

For other helpful articles to help your business visit www.biz-momentum.com

Keywords: accountants lawyers customers jargon commonsense

About the Author
Philip Lye, Brisbane
phil@biz-momentum.com
Learn more about accountants lawyers customers jargon
Philip Lye is Director of Biz Momentum Pty Ltd. He works with small to medium businesses to help them cut through the maze of people matters. Clients get specific actionable strategies to protect their business interests. For more information on Philip, visit www.biz-momentum.com and subscribe to his free monthly e-zine.

...

2005-10-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

1 Overlooked Key to Small Business Success

Bookkeeping

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1 Overlooked Key to Small Business Success

Author: Amy Andrews

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1 Overlooked Key to Small Business Success
by Amy Andrews
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More Details about virtual assistant here.

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Is this you?

You dreamed of owning your own business, doing what you love and enjoying unlimited earning potential. You researched. You planned. You prepared. Finally, you launched.

The work needs to be done, but you don't want to do it yourself and you don't want the cost or the hassle of hiring an employee, right?

So what's the key? A virtual assistant.

BONUS: 4 Tips for Working with a Virtual Assistant:

* Start small. Don't be afraid to "test the waters" by giving your new virtual assistant a small project without a huge budget. It may take time to find a virtual assistant with whom you work well.

* Be specific. Virtual assistants like to know exactly what's expected of them. Provide as much detail about your project and your needs as possible.

Keywords: virtual assistant, virtual assistance, administrative, outsource, support

...

Surprise Accounting is the Hot New Major
There was a time when accounting was the boring college major that many people regretted signing up for A constant barrage of numbers statistics and spreadsheets was none too interesting Boy have times changed Thanks to recent accounting scandals by companies like Enron there is a hig

Great Plains Accounting Migration to Microsoft Great Plains Overview for IT Specialist
This is a short article written in questionanswerFAQ style to give IT Specialistdeveloperprogrammer balanced top level information on Great Plains Accounting migration to Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains If you have Great Plains Accounting as main accounting and ERP system you need

Mail Order Bookkeeping Basics
INTRODUCTION This information is provided for individuals who are starting a mail order business and require a basic bookkeeping system It has been written for someone who has little or no bookkeeping background No income tax or professional advice is rendered Such advice should be obtai

2005-10-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

Small Business Is The Accounting Profession Ripping Them Off
My 16 yearold daughter said Gee Dad You look just like an accountant And she wasnt being complimentary Accountants are perceived to be boring stodgy and conservative Over the years weve been the butt of many jokes Ive heard them all Why did

Accountants Lawyers Do yourself a Favor What do Your Customers Want

Mail Order Bookkeeping Basics
INTRODUCTION This information is provided for individuals who are starting a mail order business and require a basic bookkeeping system It has been written for someone who has little or no bookkeeping background No income tax or professional advice is rendered Such advice should be obtai

2005-10-19T14:32:00.000-07:00

Top 7 Strategies for Writing Accounting Procedures

Accounting

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Top 7 Strategies for Writing Accounting Procedures

Author: Chris Anderson

Part Two of Cash to Cash Cycle Series

Next: Sales

We�ve already found $250,000�so let�s find another $250,000�

Laying the Foundation

Last week, we raised the question: what would your business do with $1,000,000? To lay the foundation we introduced inventory as the first of four areas that will lead toward our million dollar goal. And you saw exactly how to achieve the first $250,000 in cash savings by avoiding delays with an increase in velocity, as well as an increase in discipline and competency. But how exactly? With time � as you saw with inventory and as you�ll see this week.

Tackling Accounting Procedures

Let�s continue that crucial theme of time with another major source on your balance sheet � specifically, accounts receivable (A/R). If you have $500,000 or more in accounts receivable then STOP! We have found it again.

Reducing Average Days Collection

Why? Because if we focus on reducing your average days collection by 50%, then your accounts receivable balance will fall to $250,000 and the result will be an extra $250,000 in your bank account. And just like that, we�re halfway to our $1,000,000 goal.

So now, let�s see how this actually works in a real-life business scenario.

Accounting Procedures Service Business Example

A service organization with $700,000 in average A/R balances needed assistance. So we examined their A/R function to understand and quantify the workflow and workload issues. Then we designed and implemented a process to improve the A/R performance.

The metrics we developed reduced their �over 60� accounts receivables by 85% and their overall A/R balance by 50% within 90 days of implementing the new procedures. With these new processes and reports, the company now tracks Average Days Collection and past due rather than just Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) as the measure of their collection effectiveness.

The result: an extra $350,000 in cash. And, again, we explicitly see the crucial role of time and how an increase in velocity and discipline directly yields an increase in efficiency and cash savings. So how can you use time to your advantage?

Methods to Design the New Accounting Process

Decrease collection cycle. Examine customer accounts that go beyond your terms. Do not wait until twice the net terms to take action.

Tighten credit policy. Examine credit process for slippage. Do you have a credit approval process? Do you perform credit checks? What standards are used to extend credit?

Reduce credit terms. Change the credit terms you offer your customers. If you offer terms of net 45, reduce it to net 30. You might offer a discount of 1% if paid within 10 days else net due in 30 days. This is equivalent to 18 % annual interest and most businesses will take those terms.

Shorten the invoice process. Bill your customers immediately. This is a big one. Many service organizations wait until the end of the month to tally billable hours and determine customer charges. Do not wait until the end of the month. This could reduce your day�s receivable by as much as 15 days right there. Email or fax your invoices to save another day or two (e.g. QuickBooks accounting software contains this feature).

Reduce billing errors. Most customers delay payments because of invoice errors. Customers won�t recognize the invoice until it is corrected and may not even notify you, the vendor, of the error until you call for collection. Again, avoiding this delay in error and time will amount to cash savings.

Train Accounts Receivables personnel. Make sure that all personnel involved are training to understand the performance metrics for their jobs. For example, a company will manage $500,000 in monthly A/R balances (that�s $6 Million a year!) using an A/R clerk who makes $30,000. But then the supervisor uses nothing more than On-The-Job (OJT) training for the clerk. Then the CFO thinks that he or she (the CFO) is really managing the money. But, in reality, that�s not the case; the clerk is managing the money day-to-day. So shouldn�t the A/R clerk receive enough training to manage such a significant amount?

After all, it only takes a 6% change in A/R in one month to equal the A/R clerk�s entire annual salary. Isn�t the A/R savings worth a little extra time in training?

Maximizing the Accounting Process. With the Accounts Receivable department you should use each element of the process to gain the most benefit for your business. And with time-saving procedures set in place, you will let your efficiency work for you.

Grabbing Your Policy Goal

With well-defined processes and procedures in place, you will increase efficiency by reducing your Average Days Collection. And of course a reduction in Average Days Collection means your Accounts Receivable balance will also fall, creating more cash on hand. And just like that we�re halfway to our $1,000,000 goal. All you have to do is grab it.

Next week, we will look at finding still another $250,000 in the Sales function � which will give us $750,000 toward our goal of $1 million in cash savings. So, again, not only do you aim to reap the rewards of extra savings to your bottom line, but also see more cash in the bank - $1,000,000 cash to be exact.

Chris Anderson is currently the managing director of Bizmanualz, Inc. and co-author of policies and procedures manuals, producing the layout, process design and implementation to increase performance. To learn how to increase your business performance, visit: Bizmanualz, Inc.

...

Surprise Accounting is the Hot New Major
There was a time when accounting was the boring college major that many people regretted signing up for A constant barrage of numbers statistics and spreadsheets was none too interesting Boy have times changed Thanks to recent accounting scandals by companies like Enron there is a hig

Great Plains Accounting Migration to Microsoft Great Plains Overview for IT Specialist
This is a short article written in questionanswerFAQ style to give IT Specialistdeveloperprogrammer balanced top level information on Great Plains Accounting migration to Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains If you have Great Plains Accounting as main accounting and ERP system you need

Accountants Lawyers Do yourself a Favor What do Your Customers Want

2005-10-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

Top 5 Services Your Company�s Accounting Department Should Outsource

Accounting

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Top 5 Services Your Company�s Accounting Department Should Outsource

Author: Vinodh Pushparaj

Accounting is one area which every company has to maintain but mostly not part of their core business. It is also one of the areas that keep changing every year and the company has to aggressively keep up with the changes in the tax code. This includes managing your books till you finish up with paying taxes. For a company to survive in an environment where mistakes are costly and dependent on how well they can play the accounting game correctly, they should have an outstanding accounting department. This could either be in-house or completely outsourced to some good service providers.

Accounting is a critical component of your business and care should be taken to employ the best and the bright. These accountants should be ahead of every tax and book keeping game. They should stay abreast with every tax code changes. More so over they should be capable of finding ways to save more for the company. But having an in-house team for this is often very costly given the price of publications to subscribe and the time it takes to go through complicated laws. The best would be to outsource this task and have a limited in-house staff to oversee the operation. This is one area where a separate expert entity makes a lot more sense and you can rest assured that the team is keeping up with the changes and saving you money and help you run the core business without distractions.

Here is the top 5 list of accounting areas that you should outsource to the experts:

1. Book Keeping: this involves maintaining your sales ledgers, purchase ledgers and cash books.

2. Payroll: This is a lot complex than you think, choosing the right software and constantly keeping up with the tax codes is by itself a very complex task. In this age the base salary is just one component, the majority is based on performance and achievements. These factors are highly volatile, and add a different equation to payroll processing. Outsource this first if you have more than 20 employees.

3. VAT: Value added tax is one of the very complex tax regimes which every company should seek advice with professionals. The customs and excise is a very task intensive area and having in-house experts for small companies who do a lot of imports and exports is a costly misuse of scarce resources. You should find out the folks who can keep up with the complex tax changes and who can ensure the returns you file are accurate without any overpayments or underpayments. The overpayments are one time loss, but underpayments will come back to haunt you.

4. Financial Accounts: The financial accounts should be maintained and shown at very strict time limits. This is usually a race against time. If you have an in-house team, they may perform this well in normal situations. But sometimes there may be some audits where the time to resolve issues will be a big pressure point and your in-house staff cannot just take it. It is better that a good service provider manages this area for you.

5. Company formation and corporation law: This is one service which is wildly popular for its outsourcing ability. You can easily get the services of a good company to take care of the company formation and registration aspects. You need someone to talk to the tax authorities on your behalf. They should also be very well versed in the particular industry segment your company is in. This ensures the tax opportunities and relief available for your company can be fully utilized and proper structure could be employed.

There are a few more that could be outsourced but these are the major areas you may want to evaluate in your next board or company meeting.

If you need an Accountant in Essex you may want to visit the resource filled website auxesiaonline.co.uk. These folks have some good fee structures on an hourly, fixed or percentage basis. Get educated with a small consulting on how to outsource accountingwith these folks before you begin the next cost-saving company meeting that you want to hold.

Author is a Freelancer and writes content for many good websites like Aplora Web Solutions. You can reuse the content but you should reuse in it�s entirety with all links active.

...

Top 7 Strategies for Writing Accounting Procedures
Part Two of Cash to Cash Cycle Series Next Sales Weve already found 250000so lets find another 250000 Laying the Foundation Last week we raised the question what would your business do with 1000000 To lay the foundation we introduced inventory as the

Mail Order Bookkeeping Basics
INTRODUCTION This information is provided for individuals who are starting a mail order business and require a basic bookkeeping system It has been written for someone who has little or no bookkeeping background No income tax or professional advice is rendered Such advice should be obtai

Let Someone Else Do It
When you decide to become selfemployed you automatically become the Chief Cook and Bottle Washer In other words you do it all You do the bookkeeping buy the paper clips market your business and you even provide your businesss product or service But you are better a

2005-10-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

Surprise! Accounting is the Hot New Major

Accounting

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Surprise! Accounting is the Hot New Major

Author: Donna Monday

There was a time when accounting was the boring college major that many people regretted signing up for. A constant barrage of numbers, statistics and spreadsheets was none too interesting.

Boy, have times changed! Thanks to recent accounting scandals by companies like Enron, there is a high demand for accountants and auditors.

But can accounting be sexy?

Here are the top 10 most in-demand college majors as surveyed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE):

Accounting
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Business Administration/Management
Economics/Finance
Computer Science
Computer Engineering
Marketing/Marketing Management
Chemical Engineering
Information Sciences and Systems

About The Author

Donna Monday writes employment related articles for http://www.get-a-job-interview-quick-tips.com.

...

Small Business Is The Accounting Profession Ripping Them Off
My 16 yearold daughter said Gee Dad You look just like an accountant And she wasnt being complimentary Accountants are perceived to be boring stodgy and conservative Over the years weve been the butt of many jokes Ive heard them all Why did

Great Plains Accounting Migration to Microsoft Great Plains Overview for IT Specialist
This is a short article written in questionanswerFAQ style to give IT Specialistdeveloperprogrammer balanced top level information on Great Plains Accounting migration to Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains If you have Great Plains Accounting as main accounting and ERP system you need

Let Someone Else Do It
When you decide to become selfemployed you automatically become the Chief Cook and Bottle Washer In other words you do it all You do the bookkeeping buy the paper clips market your business and you even provide your businesss product or service But you are better a

2005-10-16T10:07:00.000-07:00

Small Business - Is The Accounting Profession Ripping Them Off?

Accounting

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Small Business - Is The Accounting Profession Ripping Them Off?

Author: Kelvyn Peters

My 16 year-old daughter said, �Gee Dad! You look just like an accountant�

And she wasn�t being complimentary.

Accountants are perceived to be boring, stodgy and conservative.

Over the years we�ve been the butt of many jokes. I�ve heard them all.

Why did the accountant cross the road? Because he looked up the file and that�s what they did last year! Ha Ha!

What do accountants use as a contraceptive? Their personality! Ha Ha!�

Why do accountants become accountants? They don�t have the charisma to be undertakers! Ha Ha!

What do they call an accountant at the bottom of the sea? A bloody good start! Ha Ha!

I think I am the exception.

That�s why I�ve begun to call myself a business strategist and counselor. �You�re still an accountant,� says teenage daughter.

I am still an accountant and I�m still as passionate about it as the day I started. Because accountants have an impact on people�s lives. The advice we give changes people�s businesses which in turn changes their lives. I�m excited in my role of accountant.

Accounting is not stodgy. Accounting is exciting. Accounting is cool! My ambition is to become the �cool dude of accounting�. (do they still say �dude�, do they still say �cool�. Remember that song: When I say, �cool, man, cool, I don�t mean cool, man, cool, I mean you leave me cold, Jack�)

We were throwing some ideas around with some of our clients as we do from time to time, looking for that unique benefit that our firm gives to our clients. That unique something that distinguishes us from other accounting practices.

One said, �You have helped me to improve my business. Not only am I making more profits and have more to spend, but I also have more time to spend away from the business. The more time I spend at home with my family the happier my life is. And the happier I am the happier my wife and children seem to be.

When my wife is happy all sorts of good things happen � even our sex life improves. That�s it! You can advertise that using Kelvyn Peters CPA and Associates improves your sex life�

I don�t think so!

Sorry, we haven�t accepted his idea. You�re completely on your own in that department, but we can help you improve your business and consequently your life. And your goal might not be extra profit but extra time for living! We know we can because we are doing it for others.

We repeat ourselves so often because the truth is the truth and there is only a limited number of ways to tell it. You�ve heard this before. If you are spending every waking moment in a hassle about your business, there must be a better way. There is!

Accountants have been ripping off their clients for years

In 1973 I attended a workshop for accountants at the Finance Management Research Center then headed by Dr Keith Cleland. The workshop was intended to drag participants into the 20th century.

�Accountants have been ripping off their clients for years�, he told us. The 25 participants were shocked. These represented vibrant accounting firms from all around Australia, both large firms and small. They were at the cutting edge of the industry. Otherwise they would not have been at this kind of workshop.

To a person they resented that comment and one fellow wanted to punch him on the nose. (It wasn�t me, but I would have held his coat).

By the week�s end we discovered how we were charging high fees for things that our clients couldn�t understand, couldn�t use and didn�t need. At the same time we were neglecting the information that they did need to increase their profits and safeguard their businesses.

20 Years Later what�s Changed?

I attended a week long seminar hosted by CPA Australia in 1993 which was to train us in �client based accounting�. Dr Cleland presented the initial module. He did not openly criticize accountants this time, after all, it was the CPA�s hosting it, but he gave almost the same speech (same jokes, too) as he had 20 years before.

�These things aren�t taught in Universities�, he said, �so the accounting profession has mostly ignored them. They have let small business down but things are changing�.

Know-it-all, Kelvyn Peters had to jump to his feet and say that the doctor had said exactly the same thing 20 years ago. Where were the signs of change? Universities were still not teaching accountants how to help their clients.

�This seminar with CPA Australia and the suggestion they might make client based accounting a speciality is a good sign�, he replied.

10 Years Later�

Nothing has changed. Our hopes have withered on the vine and small business must look elsewhere for help.

Recently I was called in to assist an ailing restaurant. We were happy to work with their existing accountant. We�d rather do the fun stuff and let the accountant do the boring tax returns and compliance work.

In this case the client insisted we take over the whole of the accounting function.

The accountant was most unhappy. �They are difficult clients�, he said, �I have kept the fee lower than it should be and I have done extra to help them�.

Indeed, he had! The financial statements were beautiful to behold with colored graphs and key ratios compared against industry average. (most accountants still don�t do that.

I had advised that both wages costs and cost of foodstuffs were too high. Our focus was to form tactics to reduce them.

�But I had already told them that�, said the Accountant, �what do they need you for?�

I told him that the client knew the kitchen wages were too high and what he wanted was for someone to show them how to reduce the wages in the kitchen.

�I can�t do that�, he said, �I�m an accountant�. I would have to camp down there in the restaurant to see what�s going on. And they wouldn�t pay the fee�.

Yes they would. They were going to pay me.

Most accountants see their role as being the provider of financial statements, cash-flow projections and tax returns, and there�s the rub.

Each of these is a tool not an end in itself. It�s like giving the client a hammer and saw and telling him to go build a house. He needs more than the tools, he needs to be shown how to use them.

Of course the client will complain about fees whatever the level if all he receives are not useful to him.

Accountants generally are flat out preparing financial statements and tax returns. Meeting dead-lines. They haven�t the time to �smell the roses�. Anything that doesn�t help meet a dead-line has to wait until later. Often its too late.

I may still look like an accountant, even the cool dude of accounting, but there is nothing I like more than talking with a business owner about his business. There�s nothing a business owner likes more than discussing his business and planning to make more money. It�s great fun and he loves to pay me for it.

Mostly, small business owners know what their problems are. And mostly they know the way to solve them. It�s just that they need a little help to implement the changes necessary. Quite often their business only needs a bit of fine-tuning and at http://www.profitstrategies4business.com you'll find Kelvyn Peters and Associates. They�ll give you the help you need.

Kelvyn is one of Australia's longest serving Tax Agents. Kelvyn was registered in February 1962. He is a director of Restaurant Catering Qld Inc the peak employer representative in Queensland, and has advised the hospitality industry for many years. His speciality is moving in to rescue ailing restaurants.

Kelvyn Peters CPA (The cool dude of accounting) has spent over 20 years experimenting and researching methods to help small business in meaningful ways that are affordable.

Kelvyn and his associates have perfected it with their local clients now they are going global: http://www.profitstrategies4business.com

...

2005-10-15T09:41:00.000-07:00

Small Business - Is The Accounting Profession Ripping Them Off?

Accounting

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Small Business - Is The Accounting Profession Ripping Them Off?

Author: Kelvyn Peters

Kelvyn Peters CPA (The cool dude of accounting) has spent over 20 years experimenting and researching methods to help small business in meaningful ways that are affordable.

Kelvyn and his associates have perfected it with their local clients now they are going global: http://www.profitstrategies4business.com

...

Real World Accounting for Small Business Owners
If youre like me you love accounting Its so fascinating and such an ingenious system Dont you just think that Double Entry Accounting is the most beautiful creation of all humankind Okay lets get real You probably think accounting is boring and best left to pencil pushing geeks l

Top 5 Services Your Companys Accounting Department Should Outsource
Accounting is one area which every company has to maintain but mostly not part of their core business It is also one of the areas that keep changing every year and the company has to aggressively keep up with the changes in the tax code This includes managing your books till you finish up with

How To Start a Bookkeeping Business

2005-10-14T09:32:00.000-07:00

Real World Accounting for Small Business Owners

Accounting

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Real World Accounting for Small Business Owners

Author: Caroline Jordan

If you�re like me, you love accounting. It�s so fascinating and such an ingenious system. Don�t you just think that Double Entry Accounting is the most beautiful creation of all humankind?

Okay, let�s get real. You probably think accounting is boring and best left to pencil pushing geeks (like me!). I mean�BOOORRRRING! Total Snooze-fest!

Well, my friend, I�m about to introduce you to Real World Accounting for Regular People. But, be careful, it just may change the way you look at accounting FOREVER! In fact, one of my clients looked up from a spreadsheet one day and said, �Wow, I never knew accounting could be FUN!� You just might have the same experience.

For starters, a lot of people think accounting is about math, which is an immediate turnoff. Although accounting does include math, it�s more like a foreign language. All you need to do is learn the parts of that language that actually apply to you. Think about visiting a foreign country. You don�t need to be fluent in the entire language. You just need to know the important things like what to order (or not order) in a restaurant, how to get directions, and how ask where the bathroom is. It�s the same thing with accounting. You need to know what you need to know and the rest is unimportant. I mean, do you really need to know about corporate accounting practices or off shore financial transactions. Probably not.

So, how do you figure out what you need to know when you don�t even know where to begin? Follow me and I�ll show you!

The first thing you need to know is this. You must, must, must keep your personal finances and your business finances separate. Using your personal checkbook for all your transactions is a bad way to go. Here�s why:

� The Internal Revenue Service wants to know that you have a very clear distinction between your personal affairs and your business affairs. They want details. If you try to pass off personal expenses as business expenses, you�re violating tax laws. They don�t like that.

� If you ever plan to borrow money for your business or get credit from your vendors, your lender or vendor will want to see detailed records of your business performance. Handing them your checkbook register is not going to make them want to give you money or sell to you on credit.

� You need to know how your company is performing at all times so you can plan ahead, make adjustments in your operations, and make informed decisions.

� The more accurate your records, the more accurate your tax return. It prevents you from missing deductions.

� It�s the only way you�ll know whether your business is making money or if you�re just kidding yourself.

So, if you don�t have a separate checking account for your business, go get one. It�s easy and inexpensive and it will give you clarity on how your business is really doing.

The next step is your accounting system. Now, when I say �accounting system� I�m talking about an organized way of keeping track of your records. It can be computerized or it can be the old fashioned pencil and paper route. The important thing is that a) you have one and b) you use it.

Finding a System That Works For You

Your record keeping system needs to be designed so that it works for you. It should be:

� Simple to understand
� Flexible and adaptable to changing needs
� Inexpensive to develop and maintain
� Require little time to maintain
� Be handy and convenient to use

If you use a computerized accounting software package like QuickBooks, all those qualifications are met. I generally recommend QuickBooks to my clients because it�s easy to use and you can also find local support for set up and troubleshooting. I don�t whole heartedly recommend QuickBooks because I think parent company Intuit is losing touch with its core customer (we, the small business owners of the United States of America). There�s too much nickel and dime-ing and poor support. But, at this point, it�s still the most widely used system and certainly meets the needs of most small businesses as far as what it can do.

I do recommend that you get professional help in setting up your accounting system if you don�t have an accounting background. It�s a case of Garbage In Garbage Out. A well set up system will give you the best information with the least trouble. It�s less expensive to have it set up right to begin with than it is to have it cleaned up later.

Whatever record keeping solution you choose for your business, the key to success is actually using it on a very regular basis. Otherwise, your business struggles and you�re in constant danger of sliding into the Cash Flow Swamp.

Caroline Jordan is a small business mentor and consultant helping small business owners understand, diagnose, and improve cash flow in their businesses. For more information and resources to improve cash flow visit http://www.TheJordanResult.com/mastering.html .

...

Great Plains Accounting Migration to Microsoft Great Plains Overview for IT Specialist
This is a short article written in questionanswerFAQ style to give IT Specialistdeveloperprogrammer balanced top level information on Great Plains Accounting migration to Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains If you have Great Plains Accounting as main accounting and ERP system you need

Accounting for Affiliate Marketers
If you are an affiliate marketer then you are in business Therefore you should treat it like a business Keep in mind that Linkshare Clickbank Commission Junction and all the other affiliate marketplaces are going to report your earnings to the IRS Each of them requires that you provi

Juggling Your Way Into Balance Part 1 Where Weve Been

2005-10-13T08:41:00.000-07:00

Mail Order Bookkeeping Basics

Bookkeeping

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Mail Order Bookkeeping Basics

Author: DeAnna Spencer

INTRODUCTION

The operation for any business requires a basic system to keep track of income expenses. There are two good reasons to keep good records.

1. It is the law. The IRS, State Income Tax Division and State Sales Tax Division (where applicable) requires you to keep complete and accurate records.

BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNT

STATE SALES TAX

STATE USE TAX

For specific information on regulations in your state call the nearest State Sales Tax Division in your area.

ACQUISITION OF EQUIPMENT

EXPENSES RELATED TO A HOME OPERATED BUSINESS

EXPLANATION OF FORMS

We have provided you with several forms. You can use them as they are or change them to fit your particular needs.

1. DETAIL OF MONTHLY EXPENDITURE FORM

2. INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FORM

In fact the right column of this form you can keep track of your expenditures by category. Again you can change the categories to suit your particular needs.

When you deduct your expenses from your receipts at the end of the month you will have an income or loss figure for your business

PROFIT & LOSS STATEMENT FORM

Here you show you monthly revenue, expenses and profit loss. There are no requirements for you to do this on a monthly basis..

Especially in the beginning stages of your new business, you may want to generate a Profit & Loss Statement on a quarterly basis, semi-annual or even annual basis.

SUMMARY

...

2005-10-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

Let Someone Else Do It!

Bookkeeping

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Surprise Accounting is the Hot New Major
There was a time when accounting was the boring college major that many people regretted signing up for A constant barrage of numbers statistics and spreadsheets was none too interesting Boy have times changed Thanks to recent accounting scandals by companies like Enron there is a hig

Top 7 Strategies for Writing Accounting Procedures
Part Two of Cash to Cash Cycle Series Next Sales Weve already found 250000so lets find another 250000 Laying the Foundation Last week we raised the question what would your business do with 1000000 To lay the foundation we introduced inventory as the

Great Plains Accounting Migration to Microsoft Great Plains Overview for IT Specialist
This is a short article written in questionanswerFAQ style to give IT Specialistdeveloperprogrammer balanced top level information on Great Plains Accounting migration to Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains If you have Great Plains Accounting as main accounting and ERP system you need

2005-10-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

Juggling Your Way Into Balance - Part 1 - Where We've Been

Accounting

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Juggling Your Way Into Balance - Part 1 - Where We've Been

Author: Karin Syren

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Let's take a brief look at the journey of American women through the last 100 years. Throughout this period, we have proved ourselves to be resilient and flexible, persistent and determined, dedicated, diverse, courageous, and perennially undiscouraged.

The 20th century brought with it a wave of altered roles for women, resulting in changed and expanded obligations, through which we consistently proved our resilient responses to an inconstant world. During WWI and the Great Depression, American women fought on the home front, rearing children alone and fashioning family life on a shoestring, often working long hours outside the home as well.

In the 40's, our mothers and grandmothers mobilized the war machine, taking up welding bonnets and riveting guns and tending victory gardens by moonlight. We have been historically dedicated to our homes, our families and our country. When the boys returned as men, we gracefully stepped into wifely roles once more.

As housewives and mothers during the prosperous 50's, we shaped the culture of the decade, finding outlets for our creativity and energies, while our husbands worked long hours bringing the new wave of prosperity to our doorsteps. We are historically flexible.

In the 60's we stepped out and tested our independence. We opted for higher education, started moving toward financial independence as never before, burned our bras, stuck flowers in our hair and spoke out for peace and protested inequality, as our grandmothers had before us. We are historically determined and persistent.

The 70's, 80's and 90's found us continuing to assume roles in the thick of things, making our mark on history in the latter part of a century marked by political and social upheaval. Women permeated society's key functions at all levels, accounting for 10 Nobel prizes in the last 20 years. We've pioneered in every field from science to literature, from music to medicine, from politics to business, from hundreds of feet below sea level to hundreds of miles above the earth's surface.

We've taught, evangelized, performed, healed, designed, discovered, invented, adjudicated, and administered. We've made policy, money, decisions, love, and babies. We've done practically everything men have, and made less money doing it, yet we are undiscouraged. But we are women first, last and always.

We are wives and lovers, mothers and grandmothers, daughters and sisters, and we must juggle daily, in ways men never do. We have birthed and buried, and in between we've always carried on. We are historically courageous. We are now, and always have been truly amazing!

The majority of U.S. residents are women. (United States Census Bureau statistics from 1999 - 2000) Fifty percent are married, living with spouses and raising an average of two children. Often we are living in blended families, raising our own children and the children of our spouses as well. Twenty-five percent never married, 13% are divorced or separated, 10% are widowed, and over 15 million of us live alone.

Most of us have completed high school. Twenty-five percent have a bachelor's degree or higher, and fewer than 10% have less than a 9th grade education.

The majority of today's women are part of the workforce, though most are still confined to traditional roles and we are still drawing salaries at only 72% of what our male counterparts bring home. Over a quarter live below the poverty line.

The extraordinary pie made up of American womanhood is 71% white, 12% African American, 11% Hispanic, 4% Asian, and 1% native American. But we are all women, and we come together around the basics we share with one another. (The ethnic diversity statistics are based on 1999 census figures, for 139M females )

And we all juggle from the moment we open our eyes each day to the moment we close them again. No one tells us how and some are innately better at it than others. Some of us thrive on the challenge while others take life as it comes. Still others go through life frustrated in our attempts to juggle effectively.

But whether we know it or accept it or recognize it, we do it. No one is better equipped to juggle our lives than we are! We know them from the inside out and our waking hours consist of making choices, assessing priorities...juggling.

But, we can do better if we work together to hone our skills. We can gain, regain, and maintain control of our hectic lives by learning the simple steps to making more informed choices. We need not be at the mercy of the circumstances that assail us daily. We can develop a smoother rhythm to our juggling and a greater confidence that each one of us has designed, rehearsed and perfected her own personal Juggling Act.

Keywords: women,roles,WWI,Depression,WWII,housewives,1940's,1950's,1960's,workforce,womanhood,juggling,control

About the Author
Karin Syren,
ksyren@solushunz.com
Learn more about women
Karin is the owner of So-lu'shunz Management Services, a coaching/consulting practice using the unique EffectivenessCoaching model to guide her clients in gaining, regaining and maintaining mastery over the many complex issues fighting for priority in their lives, learning to do less and be more.

...

2005-10-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

How To Start a Bookkeeping Business

Bookkeeping

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How To Start a Bookkeeping Business

Author: Jose Valdez

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How To Start a Bookkeeping Business
by Jose Valdez
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More Details about home based business here.

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about the author Jose Valdez is the owner/webmaster of A Guide To Starting A Business.com Find Business Articles.com and All Home Based Business Ideas.com

Keywords: starting a business, small business, home based business, home business

...

Accounting Nightmare at the FTC
Most government agencies cannot pass an audit of their expenses I can vouch for that and have been a longtime advocate that the government follow the same rules they force on business Walk the Walk In 1990 Bush Sr signed The Chief Financial Officers Act The Act called for 14 cabinet level

How to Get The Best Accounting Software For Your Small Business
Buying accounting software is a major investment Its an important decision and you need to be sure of all the facts before you buy You certainly wouldnt want to get accounting software and then find a few months later that the software cant handle your growing business You also

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If you are an affiliate marketer then you are in business Therefore you should treat it like a business Keep in mind that Linkshare Clickbank Commission Junction and all the other affiliate marketplaces are going to report your earnings to the IRS Each of them requires that you provi

2005-10-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

How To Set Up A Tax-Saving Bookkeeping System

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How To Set Up A Tax-Saving Bookkeeping System

Author: Julia Tang

One of the most important, but least understood or appreciated aspects of any business is its bookkeeping or accounting system. And, because very few people know much about the reasons for a bookkeeping system, most people are frightened by the thought of the work involved in setting up such a system, and the drudgery of daily maintenance.

Why bookkeeping is important for your business?

First of all, you can track where the money are from, ane where the money goes to. Find out which ones are the most valuable resources or advertising methods.

Secondly, it is for your Tax purpose. When tax season is coming, if you have a bookkeeping, you need not spend 5 days to dig out all the receipts and sales reports.

There's really nothing complicated to bookkeeping it's as simple as keeping a daily dairy and' or maintaining your personal checkbook. At the bottom line, it's simply a matter of recording your deposits-your incoming monies-and keeping a record of the money you spend.

So, the first thing you need to do is open a business account for your extra income business or endeavors. Generally, this is simply a matter of asking the new accounts teller at a local bank for a business account registration fee, send it in to the appropriate commissioner, and from there, open you a new business account-complete with imprinted checks.

Drop by a local stationery store and pick up a loose leaf notebook, and a supply of paper. We've always picked up a supply of index tabs at the same time--either to separate the months or the accountability sections for each item we sell.

Assuming that you want to make it as simple as possible, while at the same time keeping it as efficient as is necessary-here's what you do and how to do it.

On the first page in your notebook, write on the top line and in the middle of the page: Monday, January 1st, 2004 or whatever day you officially start your business...Then, as your orders come in, if by mail, as you open your mail-jot down starting from the left side of the page, the amount you received-dash-for what-from whom, and their address. The page might look like this:

Monday--- January 1 2004

$ 14 Tapes 100 S.W Fee-Barton 10 Hong Kong Dir #261 10 " " #261 3 Whsle Prt Dir #49 70 Hot Line Lst--Morgan

TOTAL INCOME $207 EXPENSES 0

That's all there is to it, and boiling it all down, it amounts to recording what you receive and what you spend. The next entry, immediately under that first day's entry might look like this:

$207 Deposit 11 Printer-for copies 10 Sec & riches thru R Est #302-Rogers( 75010) 3 Simplified annual M.O bkkp Sys (21104) 10 Money Magnetism-Kline (88033) 36 R.W Fee-Magnuson (10067 6 Manual on Bookselling-#291-Magnuson (10067 15 display Ad- Smith 948089) 22 Ideal Ofc Supplies-printer paper

TOTAL INCOME $80 Expense $33 Deposit $207

And then, carry on with this recording of the money you deposit, receive and spend each day with similar entries for each day of the week-every day Monday Thru Saturday for each week. It's simple uncomplicated, and a positive record of your business activity.

Then at the end of each month, transfer this daily information to one of the low cost bookkeeping registers that your tax consultant or accountant can work from. These people won't work from your daily dairy, ad will not transfer the information you record in it to a formal bookkeeping register without charging you a small fortune. it's not that big of a job, ad if you do it after te close of the business on the last day of the month, it will take at the most a very few minutes. Then, of course, when you're ready to do your taxes, you simply give your bookkeeping register to whoever is going to do your taxes, and you're home free.

The bookkeeping register you'll need can be any simple columnar notebook-All you really need is some sort of notebook with a number of columns marked off, a title written at the top of each column, and a record of te money received for each day relative to the product or service each column represents. Then at the end of each month, you can simply add the totals from each column and you'll instantly know how much money you took in from each of your offers.

Beyond te date column, will be your record of expenses or money spent. Again, you should title each of the columns you'll be entering figures into, and then record your expenditures for items falling into those categories. Then at the end of each month, it's a simple matter to add the total from each column and know exactly where you stand relative to profit or loss-how much you took in compared to how much you spent.

Bookkeeping and/or accounting is a very simple and should not scare you. Just keep it simple, ad up-to-date.

If you want to use advanced software to do the job, you can either use Quicken (www.quicken.com) or Microsoft Money. You can buy them online or from local book store. By using these software, you can even download bankstatements and credit cards statement. Then you can specify which catagories are belong to business expense. It will save you a lot of time.

Note: Feel free to publish it with the resource box and content unchanged ...

2005-10-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

How to Get The Best Accounting Software For Your Small Business

Accounting

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How to Get The Best Accounting Software For Your Small Business

Author: Ryan Hough

Buying accounting software is a major investment. It's an important decision and you need to be sure of all the facts before you buy.

You certainly wouldn't want to get accounting software and then find a few months later that the software can't handle your growing business.

You also don't want to be fooled into buying low priced software and then finding out that you have to make multiple upgrades to get it to the level you need to effectively run your business.

And worst of all you don't want to get software with little or no support.

Our research lead us to a website that has compared some of the most popular small business accounting packages released in 2005.

Software Prices

The cheapest software cost US $89.99 and the most expensive software cost US $1,499. It was interesting to note that the top 3 ranked websites were not the most expensive and cost between US $250 - US $300.

Software Features

Each accounting software package has been thoroughly analyzed and there is a detailed breakdown showing the features of each. Most packages offer all the most important accounting modules. It was interesting to note that the most expensive software did not offer some of the modules offered by less expensive alternatives. The breakdown is very detailed and you'll be able to see for example if the software offers e-mail invoicing.

Software Support

The most important feature in our opinion is the support. The top 4 accounting packages include toll free support and FAQ's.

Hopefully you now have an idea of what to look for in an accounting software package and how much you should pay. If you would like the link to the website we researched to compile the above information please visit our website.

Ryan Hough is the webmaster of Best Quality Small Business Resources.Com.

Visit the Top Accounting Software Packages Page

...

Surprise Accounting is the Hot New Major
There was a time when accounting was the boring college major that many people regretted signing up for A constant barrage of numbers statistics and spreadsheets was none too interesting Boy have times changed Thanks to recent accounting scandals by companies like Enron there is a hig

Accounting Nightmare at the FTC
Most government agencies cannot pass an audit of their expenses I can vouch for that and have been a longtime advocate that the government follow the same rules they force on business Walk the Walk In 1990 Bush Sr signed The Chief Financial Officers Act The Act called for 14 cabinet level

Let Someone Else Do It
When you decide to become selfemployed you automatically become the Chief Cook and Bottle Washer In other words you do it all You do the bookkeeping buy the paper clips market your business and you even provide your businesss product or service But you are better a

2005-10-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

How to Communicate With Your Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping

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How to Communicate With Your Bookkeeping

Author: Maria Boomhower

Does the thought of doing the bookwork send you into a frenzy? Do you find anything to do other than get your finances in order? You may be missing some great communication with your books, which could ultimately guide you to success in your business and your personal life.

Now this may sound a bit bizarre communicating with your books, yet so many things are communicating a message to you. You see I recently took a bookkeeping course and then QuickBooks so that I could manage my finances easier. It also deals with repetition on forms and statements saving even more time.

I realized how bookkeeping is just another form of communication. Your books tell you, on so many levels how your business is doing.

They show:

* What trends are developing

* Where most of your money is coming from

* Who your best customers are

* Where you are spending the most amount of your money

* How much is outgoing (expenses) compared with incoming(sales and revenue)

* Who is getting behind on their payments

* How much interest you�re paying

* Whether you can get that purchase you wanted

In fact, math seems to have little to do with it and with today�s computerized programs. They have taken care of the additions and subtraction for you. You are doing more sorting and compiling than math.

Your books tell you how things have been proceeding or not and assists you at creating long-term plans. You are supplied with the information that allows you to make a more informed decision.

For many people putting aside the math part of numbers and seeing them in a new light helps them to overcome the fear of looking at and dealing with them. When you see them as your friend, it becomes a whole lot easier to work with.

First, let say you have a question. Am I doing well enough to buy a widget for the company? When you have your books in order, they are able to give you a clear picture of how you are doing which gives you the proper information to make a decision. You can easily put the information into a bar or graph if you are a visual person. This also gives you the data needed right at your fingertips to take to a bank for a loan or line of credit.

Some people have said it is hard to remember what all goes on a financial statement.And lists just shut them down.
I find it easier to have a picture in my head and change things into metaphors or something that I can visualize.
For example:
A financial statement gives you a clear view of how you are doing. And on the financial statement is your:

Capital Liabilities Expenses Assets Revenue

This helps me to visualize and therefore remember what needs to be included. So the better you can communicate the details to yourself, the better the numbers will communicate how you are doing to make an informed decision.

So, what are you waiting for, get on to your books, save your self some time, stress and anxiety, and see what they are telling you.

All the Best!
Maria Boomhower
The Master Communicator
http://www.falconfreedom.com
Master Communicator Blog
Come to my website and sign-up for my Communication Mastery Ezine

P.S. If you like what you're reading in this ezine, you'll love the book,
�Overcoming Barriers to Communication.�
It's a manual that helps you overcome the challengers that start with Intrapersonal to Interpersonal and on to Mass Communication. Overcoming Barriers to Communication

...

Top 7 Strategies for Writing Accounting Procedures
Part Two of Cash to Cash Cycle Series Next Sales Weve already found 250000so lets find another 250000 Laying the Foundation Last week we raised the question what would your business do with 1000000 To lay the foundation we introduced inventory as the

Real World Accounting for Small Business Owners
If youre like me you love accounting Its so fascinating and such an ingenious system Dont you just think that Double Entry Accounting is the most beautiful creation of all humankind Okay lets get real You probably think accounting is boring and best left to pencil pushing geeks l

Bookkeeping Techniques For Morons
Please dont think I am calling you a moron to hurt your feelings in any way I was a moron when I first started setting up my files You have to force yourself to do it NOW right at the beginning Many of a business has collapsed simply because they lacked organization in their basic accoun

2005-10-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

Great Plains Accounting Migration to Microsoft Great Plains - Overview for IT Specialist

Accounting

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Great Plains Accounting Migration to Microsoft Great Plains - Overview for IT Specialist

Author: Andrew Karasev

This is a short article, written in question/answer/FAQ style to give IT Specialist/developer/programmer balanced top level information on Great Plains Accounting migration to Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains. If you have Great Plains Accounting as main accounting and ERP system you need to know some technical details on the migration to Great Plains and what is going on behind the scenes. As of right now it is reasonable to upgrade to Microsoft Great Plains 8.0

Is migration required? Not actually, but you have to consider these factors

Great Plains Accounting is in phasing out -Great Plains Software began this process back in 1995, when it did introduce Great Plains Dynamics and then Great Plains Dynamics/CS+.
Old Btrieve platform - Microsoft Business Solutions is pulling out all it's products from Btrive/Pervasive SQL.2000/Ctree.
Following the Technology and Microsoft rules - Microsoft wants you to be on the newest platform and provides you the best support when you follow this rule

What is migration in the language of technology?

Migration reads Btrieve tables of Great Plains Accounting and moves the data to Microsoft Great Plains tables

Do I need consultant? As our experience indicates - you have to have a consultant to do GPA->Great Plains migration. There are two options to choose from

You can call Microsoft Business Solutions - they can do migration for you - they will ask you to forward them your btrieve files and they'll send you back the backup of SQL database where your migrated data sits with instructions on how to install Great Plains and restore data from backup
You can use Great Plains VAR/Partner - in this case your cost is usually lower - but you need to do due diligence - find the partner who has experience and has done at least couple of migrations

Good luck with migration and if you have issues or concerns � we are here to help, we've done 200 migrations! If you want us to do the job - give us a call!

About The Author

Andrew Karasev is Chief Technology Officer in Alba Spectrum Technologies � USA nationwide Great Plains, Microsoft CRM customization company, based in Chicago, California, Arizona, Minnesota, Texas, Florida, New York, Washington, Georgia, Canada, UK, Australia and having locations in multiple states and internationally (www.albaspectrum.com), he is CMA, Great Plains Certified Master, Dexterity, SQL, C#.Net, Crystal Reports and Microsoft CRM SDK developer. You can contact Andrew: andrewk@albaspectrum.com

akarasev@albaspectrum.com

1-866-528-0577

...

Surprise Accounting is the Hot New Major
There was a time when accounting was the boring college major that many people regretted signing up for A constant barrage of numbers statistics and spreadsheets was none too interesting Boy have times changed Thanks to recent accounting scandals by companies like Enron there is a hig

Accounting Nightmare at the FTC
Most government agencies cannot pass an audit of their expenses I can vouch for that and have been a longtime advocate that the government follow the same rules they force on business Walk the Walk In 1990 Bush Sr signed The Chief Financial Officers Act The Act called for 14 cabinet level

Top 5 Services Your Companys Accounting Department Should Outsource
Accounting is one area which every company has to maintain but mostly not part of their core business It is also one of the areas that keep changing every year and the company has to aggressively keep up with the changes in the tax code This includes managing your books till you finish up with

2005-10-05T06:56:00.000-07:00

Empower Web clients, Increase your profits

Accounting

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Great Plains Accounting Migration to Microsoft Great Plains Overview for IT Specialist
This is a short article written in questionanswerFAQ style to give IT Specialistdeveloperprogrammer balanced top level information on Great Plains Accounting migration to Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains If you have Great Plains Accounting as main accounting and ERP system you need

How To Set Up A TaxSaving Bookkeeping System
One of the most important but least understood or appreciated aspects of any business is its bookkeeping or accounting system And because very few people know much about the reasons for a bookkeeping system most people are frightened by the thought of the work involved in setting up such a sy

How To Start a Bookkeeping Business

2005-10-04T05:36:00.000-07:00