We decided to analyze our client’s financial performance for the last two years. (There's no denying it -- we are a bit nerdy!) Not surprisingly, we found that most small businesses had a difficult 2020 year. We noticed a few things when reviewing the data, such as:
It's time to close the books on 2020, but before you close the year in QuickBooks, you need to ensure a few things are done.
We aren’t talking about peanut butter and chocolate (although that is good); we are talking about a part-time bookkeeper and a part-time CFO. That combination lets you do what you do best – create new products and services for your small business.
Accountants love it when they get a clean set of books. The ultimate prize is when the Net Assets with Donor Restrictions account is up to date. A critical step in getting there is a good grant balance tracking system maintained throughout the year. Here are three ways we track restricted grant balances using QuickBooks Online:
As Valentine's Day approaches, we think of those we love. We buy them chocolates -- or diamonds! -- and maybe go on a date (or get takeout during the pandemic). This year, how about showing some love for your bookkeeper? Since you're a small business owner, you need to be smart about your expenses, and your bookkeeper understands that. So, profess your appreciation in words. So, how do you love thee, bookkeeper? Here we count the ways:
The Pandemic has brought to light the importance of financial management at nonprofit organizations. Many organizations are overwhelmed with demand and short on resources. A crisis always highlights weaknesses, but it can also identify opportunities. As a board member, what financial information do you need to guide the organization though the ever-changing community the nonprofit serves?
Small business owners wear many hats, and it's easy to let things slip through cracks (like that great marketing campaign you were going to do for the holidays). It's nothing to feel bad about ... when priorities shift, your attention and time needs to as well. There are plenty of tasks that can be tabled, but there are some that border on dangerous when delayed, and bookkeeping is one of them. When you let it pile up and get too far behind, the details start to slip and are harder to reconstruct. So, we thought we'd share a few of our sagely tips that seem to be useful in keeping the time spent tracking your finances as efficient and effective as possible.
Are you struggling to complete a strategic plan, get a fundraising campaign off the ground, or expand your reach? Despite having a great team, your nonprofit may need the expertise of an outside Advisor. This is not a poor reflection on your organization; instead it’s a testament to the time constraints and experience involved in these types of projects. Advisors we heartily recommend are:
For several decades non-employee employee compensation was reported using a 1099-MISC. The IRS has changed that for the 2020 tax filing year and is requiring those wages to be reported on a 1099-NEC.
Throughout the year, we publish weekly blogs loaded with tips, tricks, and valuable information about QuickBooks and all things bookkeeping. We all know 2020 was an unprecedented year, with information regarding relief programs and other solutions for businesses affected by COVID-19. We've compiled our most popular and significant blog posts from 2020 here to be sure you don't miss out on them!
