From Taxes to Budgets: An Accounting Blog

Posted on: 8 March 2021

When it comes to setting up the accounting for your business, it is essential to understand that proper accounting can help you save money. Some accounting practices are easy to implement that will help you out financially.

Way #1: Use Accounting Software

The need to do accounting by hand has long passed. One of the best ways to handle your accounting is by using accounting software. There are many different accounting software options on the market, from free accounting software to one-time fee software to subscription software services that all offer various levels of support.

Most accounting software should allow you to track your expenses, send invoices to clients, and create various accounting reports. You will want to find accounting software that takes care of your current basic needs and allows room for growth.

Using accounting software can make it easier to track expenses and make sure you are billing all your clients. Being able to track your income and expenses can help you better budget and ensure all accounts are paid, thus saving you money.

Way #2: Have Clear Payment Practices

If you run a business where you send invoices to clients, sending invoices with your accounting software is just the first step. Next, you need to have transparent payment practices in place that both you and the clients understand to protect your cash flow. 

For example, you should have a set process for when you issue the invoice and when the invoice is due. For example, do you send out the invoice when you take their order or ship it out? You also need a clear due date. Many companies find it beneficial to offer a discount for paying within a short time frame, as a reward for paying on-time seems to work better than a fee for paying late. 

Way #3: Have an Emergency Budget

An emergency fund is not just for personal budgets; it is important to have an emergency or unexpected expense fund for your business as well. Work to build an emergency budget and add money to that fund every month. That way, if you have a piece of equipment unexpectedly fail or you have to pay the deductible on your insurance premium, you'll have the money to cover those types of expenses. You want to be able to weather any disaster that comes your way. Having an emergency fund will save you from going out of business or having to take out a high-interest loan to deal with an unexpected expenses. 

When it comes to saving money with your business, establishing good accounting practices can help you save money. First, you need to use accounting software, then you need to make sure you have a clear established practice for handling invoices, and you need to build an emergency fund into your budget. You can spearhead all of this alone or work with an accountant to set up these systems.