This year start afresh with an accounting program that you can understand, that saves you time and therefore that saves you money and gets rid of all that frustration! Take control and get those figures onto a decent accounting software program where you can really see what is happening in your business. Make a concerted effort to turn the corner and start to really make use of the amazing time-saving technology that is out there.
Where to begin? Good question! You will need to do a little research before you take the plunge and invest in an accounting program. Remember that there will likely be a slight learning curve at the beginning with any software you choose. So no worries if you find it a little confusing at the beginning. In fact this is a great time to check out the support available - and if you get help whilst you're trialling an accounting program then that might be a great indicator about the sort of help you can expect once you are a customer.
In a good accounting program you simply start by entering data. Simple transactions From one account and To another are entered one by one. This way you can see exactly the flow of money into, through and out of your business. As you enter data you would do well to choose an accounting program that immediately updates those transactions to your chart of accounts so you can see a live Trial Balance at any time and assess exactly the state of your business now. Your finger is on the pulse of your business. This is probably the key point that you will benefit from by going the software route.
A great accounting program will be relatively straightforward to use and will start at a good price too so you can afford to take that step and get going on your new, organised way of arranging your affairs. Some companies offer a one-off payment so that you can use the software for life at no further cost!
However you should also check that if your business does start to really grow (as you hope it will) you should make sure you choose an accounting program that will grow with your business. For instance is there an upgrade path should you ever need it? What help is available, especially in the early days when it's all new to you?
