#financial-statements
Financial Statements
Understand and prepare balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports
Revenue Recognition: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Matters for Your Business
Learn what revenue recognition is, how the ASC 606 five-step model works, common mistakes to avoid, and best practices for recording revenue accurately in your small business.
Revenue Recognition: What It Is and When to Record Income
Learn what revenue recognition is, when to record income under GAAP and ASC 606, and how to apply the five-step model. Includes practical examples for service, product, subscription, and construction businesses.
SG&A Expenses: What They Are, How to Calculate Them, and Why They Matter
Learn what SG&A (Selling, General & Administrative) expenses are, how to calculate the SG&A ratio, industry benchmarks, tax deduction rules, and seven strategies to reduce SG&A without hurting growth.
Trial Balance: What It Is, How to Prepare One, and Why It Matters
Learn what a trial balance is, how to prepare one step by step, the three types (unadjusted, adjusted, and post-closing), common errors and how to fix them, and why it matters for accurate financial reporting.
Unearned Revenue: What It Is, How to Record It, and Why It Matters
Learn what unearned revenue is, why it's classified as a liability, how to record it with journal entries, real-world examples from SaaS to gift cards, tax implications, and best practices for managing deferred revenue.
Bad Debt Expense: What It Is, How to Calculate It, and How to Record It
Learn what bad debt expense is, how to calculate it using the direct write-off and allowance methods, and how to record it properly. Includes journal entries, formulas, aging schedules, and tips for managing uncollectible accounts.
Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): What It Is, How to Calculate It, and Why It Matters for Your Business
Learn what cost of goods sold (COGS) is, how to calculate it using the COGS formula, and why it matters for profitability and taxes. Includes inventory valuation methods, common mistakes, and tips to reduce COGS for small businesses.
Deferred Revenue: What It Is, How to Record It, and Why It Matters
Learn what deferred revenue is, why it's classified as a liability, and how to record it with proper journal entries. Covers ASC 606 revenue recognition rules, common mistakes, and practical tips for SaaS and subscription businesses.
Retained Earnings: What They Are, How to Calculate Them, and Why They Matter
Learn what retained earnings are, how to calculate them using the retained earnings formula, and why they matter for your small business. Includes step-by-step examples, common mistakes, and tips for managing retained profits effectively.
Double-Entry Accounting: The Complete Guide for Small Business Owners
Learn how double-entry accounting works, why every transaction needs two entries, and how this 500-year-old system helps small businesses maintain accurate financial records. Includes practical examples, common mistakes, and tips for getting started.
EBITDA: What It Is, How to Calculate It, and Why Your Business Needs It
Learn what EBITDA is, how to calculate it with step-by-step examples, and why this key financial metric matters for business valuation, investor comparisons, and operational performance analysis.