When you are concerned about a bookkeeping disaster, you shouldn’t get confused about how to begin. While many people hardly have the time to keep a track of expenses and cash flow, others are fortunate to coordinate with a partner who can spare time. So, even before you seek assistance from a tax lawyer to sort out the mess, you should organize records efficiently. This can make life much easier like never before.
If you can’t afford to buy a software, then you can take advantage of the free version namely, ‘Simple Start’. However, even though you would be maintaining data pertaining to a few customers, you can still pace ahead with basic tracking. As time passes by, you can upgrade the tool to a better version and just manage like you would have done with QuickBooks. In case you are running a large scale business, then you need to set up the Enterprise version. Moving ahead, you can use Filemaker Pro which serves as a database and consider QuickBooks to manage accounts. As for Filemaker Pro, the data is represented in a tabular format that can be exported into an Excel spreadsheet. Needless to say, the database then is an alternative to track inventory in a proper way.
Sometime later, you would actually prefer to use the Premium Accountant’s Edition of QuickBooks since it offers numerous options. The bookkeeping software is available for Mac OS and is much easier to use. There’s nothing as better as the online version because you avail technical support over the phone even when multiple users have logged in at the same time. The basic structure would enable you to manage tasks and move on smoothly once you have got the hang of everything.
But, whatever might be the situation, you need to start off with by procuring boxes and essential items. During the hurricane season, it’s a good idea to buy plastic boxes because you can’t gauge how far you need to manage documents. Alternatively, cardboard boxes could help for storing receipts once they are sorted out.
As you move ahead with your plan, you must sift out invoices and take care of them at the earliest. Organize cash receipts in another box, but remember to keep those which are related to your business. In case of doubts, you can speak with the accountant and seek more information about deductions. This step might not be worth since you get credit only for a certain portion of things. In the end, a spacious cabinet can help to keep different types of files and bank statements in different sections. Make sure you don’t throw the receipts because you can refer to them anytime in future. Once you have entered the receipts into the system, you can keep them just as they are or file them according to the vendor’s name. At any point of time, you can enter the information in QuickBooks but that won’t help because you never know when your computer would crash down.
Once you have decided to use the right software, you can contact professionals. If it’s QuickBooks, then you can get help by dialing the QuickBooks support number. Try not to mess up with journal entries unless you have the experience and you have developed an interest in credit/debit.
If you are planning to make your way through on your own, then you can perceive how well you can learn QuickBooks. It totally depends on how patient you are. But, if you are quite busy, then you can recruit an expert or give a buzz to the QuickBooks technical support team. Fetching item profitability from QuickBooks might not appeal you if you are into a car business. It ends up in calculating the average price of the car along with the repairs. You may think of looking for other applications, but it’s entirely up to you. There are many options which are crafted for personal use and track investments effectively.
Regardless of the application, you would like to use, be sure to take backups regularly at different locations. This tip would save your time because you would never have to enter data all over again when the disaster strikes. With QuickBooks, it’s advisable to backup data on a desktop and then copy the files on an external hard disk or a flash drive. Do come up with a strategy to safeguard your business premises by setting up systems and educating your employees. Proceed with a business continuity plan only when you have listed critical functions and identified the employees who are very much responsible. Try a drill every six months to check the effectiveness of the recovery plan. You would then be in a better position to seek what you should or should not change to bring in the difference.
