#accounting-basics
Accounting Basics
Foundational accounting concepts, terminology, and principles for small business owners
Profit Margin: The Complete Guide for Small Business Owners
Learn how to calculate gross, operating, and net profit margins, what counts as a healthy margin by industry, and six proven strategies to improve your bottom line.
What Is a Bookkeeper? Definition, Roles, and Responsibilities
A bookkeeper records and organizes daily financial transactions—sales, payroll, bank reconciliations, and financial statements. Learn what bookkeepers actually do, how they differ from accountants, and when your business needs one.
The Income Statement Explained: A Complete Guide for Small Business Owners
A line-by-line breakdown of the income statement for small business owners — covering revenue, COGS, gross profit, operating income, and net income, plus key ratios and the five most common mistakes that distort results.
How to Read and Analyze Financial Statements: A Complete Guide for Business Owners
A practical guide to reading income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements—with the key ratios that reveal whether your business is actually healthy, not just profitable on paper.
When and How to Hire a Bookkeeper for Your Small Business
A practical guide on when small businesses outgrow DIY bookkeeping—covering 7 warning signs, the bookkeeper vs. accountant distinction, cost breakdowns ($200–$1,500/month), and how to evaluate and hire the right person.
Excel Bookkeeping: The Complete Guide for Small Businesses
A practical guide to setting up Excel bookkeeping for small businesses — chart of accounts, transaction logging, SUMIF formulas, pivot tables, monthly reconciliation, and the clear warning signs that you've outgrown spreadsheets.
How to Categorize Business Transactions: A Complete Guide for Small Business Owners
A practical walkthrough of the five account types, common IRS-aligned expense categories, and weekly habits that keep small business books accurate—covering chart of accounts setup, automation strategies, and mistakes that lead to missed deductions.
How to Calculate Profit Margin: The Complete Guide for Small Business Owners
Gross, operating, and net profit margin explained with formulas, industry benchmarks, and worked examples—so small business owners can measure and improve true profitability.
Month-End Close Process: Complete Checklist for Small Businesses
A 10-step month-end close checklist covering revenue recording, bank reconciliation, AR/AP updates, depreciation, and financial statement review—designed to help small businesses close their books in five days or fewer.
What Is a General Ledger? The Complete Guide for Small Business Owners
A plain-English breakdown of what a general ledger is, how double-entry bookkeeping keeps it balanced, and how to set up and maintain GL records—including common mistakes, a step-by-step setup guide, and software options for small business owners.
What Is Accounting? A Complete Guide for Small Business Owners
A plain-English breakdown of accounting for small business owners—how the accounting cycle works, when to use cash vs. accrual basis, the three core financial statements, and the most common bookkeeping mistakes that derail otherwise healthy businesses.
Bookkeeping Tips for Small Business Owners: What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know
Eleven concrete bookkeeping habits that reduce tax-season stress for small business owners — from separating accounts and categorizing expenses correctly to automating bank feeds and reviewing monthly financial reports.