We have been told time and again about the importance of bookkeeping, but we always find ourselves procrastinating because it is the job we always have a love-hate relationship with. Bookkeeping is defined as the storing, recording and retrieving of financial transactions of an organisation. It includes tasks such as sales, receipts, payments and purchases. There are several methods involved in bookkeeping, but one thing is for sure, we cannot maintain the finances without bookkeeping.
It helps you manage your cash wisely.
Part of operating your business is to manage customer and supplier accounts. With bookkeeping, you will be able to create a business player, track deposits and monitor payments. You will also know how to make sure that every dollar spent is intended for your business. When you update your books, you will know the financial state of your business. If you have an outstanding bill, income information, unpaid invoices or payroll estimation, you can gain access to these by simply looking at your financial statement.
It helps you make a decision
Thinking about expanding or growing your business? It will not be easy without knowing your financial performance. Banks will not trust you if you have unpaid bills and delinquent accounts. If your records show that you have the ability to pay a loan, the bank will not have any second thoughts of approving your loan application. However, if your records indicate that you are running low on capital, it will be difficult for you to take out a loan.
It protects your small business.
Can you imagine operating your business without hiring a qualified person to take care of your books on a daily basis? Can you be confident that your business is on the right track if no one ensures that your checks will not bounce and you have enough capital for expansion? Will you be able to have a good night’s sleep knowing that you are falling behind your payment schedule as you do not have a bookkeeper to remind you when your payment is due? Not having up-to-date records will run you the risk of losing money. Business growth opportunities are missed and payments will not be made in a timely manner.
Bookkeeping should not be underestimated as it is an integral part of every business regardless of the size. If ever you find yourself ignoring bookkeeping, think about its repercussions. Without bookkeeping, your business will suffer from the lack of financial stability for sure.