Recordkeeping/Bookkeeping
Records, Keeping your Business on Track – University of Maine Extension -- describes good record systems for small and home-based businesses.
Recordkeeping in Farm Management – South Dakota State University – Methods to start recordkeeping practices or improve existing procedures.
Computerized Farm Record Keeping with Quicken® 2006 – Ohio State University Extension – The newly updated Computerized Farm Record Keeping with Quicken 2006 Self-Study Manual is now available as on online OSU Extension Bulletin in pdf format.
How Long should Records be Kept – University of Delaware – Some records should be kept forever and other should be tossed as soon as the transaction is recorded.
Recordkeeping Systems – Small Business Notes -- Recordkeeping systems are frequently one of the biggest challenges in a small business.
Recordkeeping in a Small Business - Iowa Small Business Development Centers (SBA) – To chart the progress of your business, you should become familiar with various forms of financial statements analysis and measurement.
- Part 1: Explains the characteristics of and procedure for establishing a good record-keeping system.
The Importance of Good Recordkeeping - Iowa Small Business Development Centers -- What's really happening in your business? If you're not exactly sure, then it's time to return to the basics -- the basics of good record keeping.
Recordkeeping - Iowa Small Business Development Centers -- If you learn to keep your business records properly from the beginning, you will have a better understanding of your business, save time trying to remember what you did 8 months ago, and save money on accounting fees.
Recordkeeping Systems - Small Business Notes -- Taking time to organize a good system can be tedious and time consuming, but it only takes one visit by a tax auditor or a turndown for a loan by a bank to convince any business owner that an organized system would be useful.
Setting up a Record Keeping System – Ohio State University Extension -- For many small businesses, the biggest problem is not knowing where to start with business records-so none are kept.
Records and Recordkeeping – Ohio State University Extension -- The best time to set up a record system for a small business is before you start the business.
Recordkeeping and Cash Flow: Effective Techniques – Desmond Wealth Management -- A successful business rests on sound recordkeeping practices and solid cash flow.
Your Basic Bookkeeping – CCH Business Owner’s Toolkit -- Accurate financial records will help you answer some very important questions.
Bookkeeping and Accounting Basics - NOLO Law for All -- While keeping track of your business's finances may seem overwhelming, it's not that hard when you know the basics of accounting and bookkeeping.
Bookkeeping Systems - Small Business Notes – Information on good recordkeeping.
Accounting
Financial Management; Cash vs. Accrual Accounting – Texas A & M University Extension – Selecting a record keeping system is an important business decision.
Record Keeping in Farm Management – South Dakota State University Extension – Provides producers with methods of starting record keeping practices or improve their current procedures.
Farm and Ranch Account Book – South Dakota State University Extension.
- Part 1 -- Receipts and expenses and farm business analysis.
- Part 2 – Depreciation schedules and inventories.
Tracking your Income and Expenses – South Dakota State University Extension – You will know where your money is going which will allow you to set up better budgets for next year.
Tracking your Income and Expenses the Budget Register Way – South Dakota State University Extension – This is a simple yet fast method of tracking your income and expenses.
Accounting and Recordkeeping FAQ’s – Business.gov – Questions and answers on accounting and recordkeeping.
Monthly Accounting – Small Business Notes -- Here is a description of what you should to be doing monthly with your accounting records as well, as why you need to do it.
Accounting Systems - Small Business Notes -- Your accounting system should provide an accurate picture of your business and how it is doing.
Articles on Basic Accounting - All Business Resources.
Accounting Terms - VentureLine.
Cash vs. Accrual Accounting, Cash or Accrual? – NOLO Law for All -- All small businesses need to choose one of these methods of accounting.
Trial Balance - CCH Business Owners Toolkit -- The trial balance is a worksheet on which you list all your general ledger accounts and their debit or credit balance.
Do You Need an Accountant - Entrepreneur.com – Series of articles.
Selecting an Accountant
Selecting an Accountant – CCH Business Owner’s Toolkit -- If you don't have an accountant, you should shop around for one just as you would for any other service provider.
Selecting an Accountant – Small Business Notes -- Even if you have learned the basics and can prepare your own budgets or monthly financials, it is very possible that you will want an accountant at some point.
Working with your Accountant – CCH Business Owner’s Toolkit – At a minimum, you will need your accountant to help you close the books annually because you have to file an income tax return every year.
Financial Controls
Financial Controls – Business.gov -- Implementing and maintaining internal financial controls are important aspects of running a successful business.
Audit
Audit Checklist for the Growing Business - Iowa Small Business Development Centers (SBA) – A five part series designed to provide the small business entrepreneur with the essentials for conducting a comprehensive search for existing or potential problems.
Part 1: Overview and Introduction.
Part 2: Management Audit Analysis.
Part 3: Operations Audit Analysis.
Part 4: Financial Audit Analysis.
Part 5: Conclusion.