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Disclaimer: Please note this article is not financial advice. The purpose of our blog is purely educational, so please consult a professional accountant or financial advisor before making any financial decision.

Not every business has the resources to implement advanced technologies like barcode scanners that match products in your accounting and inventory system. Luckily, the first in, first out or FIFO method formula exists! By embracing this inventory valuation method, you can maintain a natural flow in your inventory management processes.

Indulge yourself in this article as it walks you through the ins and outs of the FIFO method.

The Basics of the FIFO Method

In the accounting world, the FIFO method is important in managing inventory and keeping an accurate cost determination. Let’s examine its key aspects and how they impact your business.

First In, First Out Concept

When applying the first in, first out (FIFO) in your inventory management system, the items bought or produced earliest are sold or consumed first. From there, your remaining inventory will include the more recently acquired goods. 

Inventory Valuation Method

Inventory valuation is a fundamental accounting practice used by companies to determine the value of unsold inventory when preparing financial statements.

In the context of the FIFO method, you need to allocate costs to your inventory in a way that reflects the order acquisition. The first produced items are the first to be used or sold. You’ll record these costs chronologically, ensuring that the expenses of earlier items are primarily accounted for.

Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)

COGS refers to the expenses directly associated with producing or acquiring the goods sold during a specific period. 

With FIFO, the earliest costs incurred for acquiring or producing the goods sold help you obtain a more accurate representation of the expenses directly related to those items. This calculation allows you to assess profitability and make confident decisions based on the cost-effectiveness of your sales.

An Example to Better Understand the FIFO Method

You sell a cap for $85 per piece. Then, assume you have sold 50 pieces from 100 caps in your inventory. You want to see how much profit you have made from the 50 pieces you sold. However, the 100 caps in your inventory were purchased from the same supplier at different prices. See the table below for more information.

Date of PurchaseQuantityPriceTotal
1/1/202325$50$1,250
2/2/202350$55$2,750
3/3/202325$60$1,500

Notice the data in the table: You purchased three sets of caps from January to March. You initially had 25 caps for $50 each, and you ordered a second batch that contained 50 caps with a $5 increase for each one. In March, you ordered 25 caps to be in stock with another $5 increase, making a total of $60 in the base price of each cap.

Demand and inflation are the major factors that affect the price increase of goods and services.

Since you have sold identical caps and you don't have a barcode system that tells you which ones are from January, February, or March, the FIFO method is one of the best options you have to determine your profit.

Again, you had sold 50 caps at $85 each. All in all, you have a total sale of $4,250. Going back to the table, we need to mark out the 25 pieces in January and another 25 pieces from February to satisfy the total of 50 caps. In January, the 25 caps were purchased for $1,250. Then, you need to get another 25 caps from February, multiply them by $55, and get $1,375.

The formula for calculating the gross profit is as follows:

gross profit formula = net revenue - cogs

In this case, your revenue is $4,250. Your cost of goods sold is the sum of $1,250 and $1,375. Plugging these values into the formula:

$4,250 - ($1,250 + $1,375)  $4,250 - $2,625 = $1,625; gross profit formula: $1,625

Your gross profit is $1,625 for the 50 caps sold using the FIFO method.

FIFO vs. LIFO Method

It’s only natural to seek clarification on how FIFO compares with other inventory costing methods, such as the LIFO method.

To provide a comprehensive understanding, we present a concise and insightful comparison between FIFO and LIFO in the following table. This analysis encompasses crucial aspects, from inventory value to its impact on your financial statements. 

By assessing the two, you can decide about your inventory management approach.

a comparison table between LIFO and FIFO method

Costs FIFO Method Can Calculate For Your Business

The FIFO inventory method is one of the most utilized cost flow assumptions. Companies use this calculation to determine which costs go into inventory and which go into expense.

Both costs are essential for accurate financial reporting, better decision-making, and effective inventory management. You can ensure that you allocate sufficient resources while responding swiftly to changing market demands.

The table below provides a useful example of specific cost allocations under inventory and expense categories. They are classified in this manner for accounting purposes.

Inventory CostsExpense Costs
Direct Materials: Raw materials and other intermediate materials can be physically and directly traced to a specific product.Administrative Expenses: Include office salaries and wages, advertising costs, and telephone bills.
Direct Labor: This cost is usually applied when the company uses variable costs, such as employee wages or salaries.Selling Costs/Selling Expenses: Commissions for salespeople or efforts to secure new customers, promotional materials, postage, and shipping charges paid by the company to gain more business.
Manufacturing Overhead: This consists of overheads for utilities (gas, electricity, etc.), repairs and maintenance of equipment, insurance, rent on factory building and floor space, general office expenses, depreciation on factory machinery, and equipment.

By knowing this information, you can optimize your inventory strategies, manage your day-to-day work, gain accurate business insights, and assess the profitability of your operations.

The FIFO Method Accounting Explained

There are a few steps in FIFO method accounting:

  1. Calculate the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): Determine the cost of the oldest inventory items sold or used during a specific period. These costs are allocated to the COGS.
  2. Record the Sale of an Item: Record the revenue generated when an item is sold. Additionally, deduct the cost of goods sold (calculated in step 1) from the inventory account to reflect the reduction in inventory due to the sale.
  3. Record the Purchase of an Item: When new inventory items are purchased, record the cost of the items in the inventory account. Ensure that the newly acquired items are added to the inventory balance chronologically, reflecting the most recent purchases.
  4. Calculate the Inventory at the Beginning of the Period: Determine the value of the remaining inventory at the beginning of the accounting period. This inventory balance should reflect the costs of the oldest items that have not been sold or used.
  5. Calculate the Inventory at the End of the Period: Your ending inventory balance should reflect the costs of the newest items that have not been sold or used.

Advantages of the FIFO Method

Once you familiarize yourself with the FIFO method, you can enjoy the following advantages:

  1. Simplicity: FIFO is easy to understand and operate, meaning you don't need specialized personnel. The chances of making mistakes are minimized.
  2. Inventory Obsolescence: As older inventory items are sold or used first, the inventory remains fresh and relevant, reducing the chance of holding obsolete or expired goods.
  1. More Regular Buying Cycles: Businesses that apply FIFO principles to physical stock can benefit from more regular buying cycles, particularly when dealing with goods with an expiry date or goods where value is tied to when they are sold.
  1. Accurate Cost Analysis: Compared to LIFO, inventory tracing, or average cost inventory method, FIFO offers a more precise cost analysis that aligns with the actual flow  of goods or inventory.
  1. Focus on Revenue Generation: Since the assumption is that the oldest items are sold first, businesses can focus on sales and customer satisfaction, knowing that the cost flow is managed efficiently.

Ease Your Inventory Tracking Today With Unloop!

The FIFO method is an inventory management formula that helps companies track their products and accurately calculate the COGS to file financial statements or tax returns. 

Suppose you have an online business like a shop on the Amazon marketplace. In that case, you can use FIFO if you don't have a barcode system to track your sales and inventory better.
But if you’re hesitant about adopting the inventory method, don’t worry! You can always ask Unloop for professional help. We can help you confidently embrace the benefits of FIFO for your online business. Book a call now!

Everything You Need to Know About FIFO Method
Watch Now

Disclaimer: Please note this article is not financial advice. The purpose of our blog is purely educational, so please consult a professional accountant or financial advisor before making any financial decision.

Not every business has the resources to implement advanced technologies like barcode scanners that match products in your accounting and inventory system. Luckily, the first in, first out or FIFO method formula exists! By embracing this inventory valuation method, you can maintain a natural flow in your inventory management processes.

Indulge yourself in this article as it walks you through the ins and outs of the FIFO method.

The Basics of the FIFO Method

In the accounting world, the FIFO method is important in managing inventory and keeping an accurate cost determination. Let’s examine its key aspects and how they impact your business.

First In, First Out Concept

When applying the first in, first out (FIFO) in your inventory management system, the items bought or produced earliest are sold or consumed first. From there, your remaining inventory will include the more recently acquired goods. 

Inventory Valuation Method

Inventory valuation is a fundamental accounting practice used by companies to determine the value of unsold inventory when preparing financial statements.

In the context of the FIFO method, you need to allocate costs to your inventory in a way that reflects the order acquisition. The first produced items are the first to be used or sold. You’ll record these costs chronologically, ensuring that the expenses of earlier items are primarily accounted for.

Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)

COGS refers to the expenses directly associated with producing or acquiring the goods sold during a specific period. 

With FIFO, the earliest costs incurred for acquiring or producing the goods sold help you obtain a more accurate representation of the expenses directly related to those items. This calculation allows you to assess profitability and make confident decisions based on the cost-effectiveness of your sales.

An Example to Better Understand the FIFO Method

You sell a cap for $85 per piece. Then, assume you have sold 50 pieces from 100 caps in your inventory. You want to see how much profit you have made from the 50 pieces you sold. However, the 100 caps in your inventory were purchased from the same supplier at different prices. See the table below for more information.

Date of PurchaseQuantityPriceTotal
1/1/202325$50$1,250
2/2/202350$55$2,750
3/3/202325$60$1,500

Notice the data in the table: You purchased three sets of caps from January to March. You initially had 25 caps for $50 each, and you ordered a second batch that contained 50 caps with a $5 increase for each one. In March, you ordered 25 caps to be in stock with another $5 increase, making a total of $60 in the base price of each cap.

Demand and inflation are the major factors that affect the price increase of goods and services.

Since you have sold identical caps and you don't have a barcode system that tells you which ones are from January, February, or March, the FIFO method is one of the best options you have to determine your profit.

Again, you had sold 50 caps at $85 each. All in all, you have a total sale of $4,250. Going back to the table, we need to mark out the 25 pieces in January and another 25 pieces from February to satisfy the total of 50 caps. In January, the 25 caps were purchased for $1,250. Then, you need to get another 25 caps from February, multiply them by $55, and get $1,375.

The formula for calculating the gross profit is as follows:

gross profit formula = net revenue - cogs

In this case, your revenue is $4,250. Your cost of goods sold is the sum of $1,250 and $1,375. Plugging these values into the formula:

$4,250 - ($1,250 + $1,375)  $4,250 - $2,625 = $1,625; gross profit formula: $1,625

Your gross profit is $1,625 for the 50 caps sold using the FIFO method.

FIFO vs. LIFO Method

It’s only natural to seek clarification on how FIFO compares with other inventory costing methods, such as the LIFO method.

To provide a comprehensive understanding, we present a concise and insightful comparison between FIFO and LIFO in the following table. This analysis encompasses crucial aspects, from inventory value to its impact on your financial statements. 

By assessing the two, you can decide about your inventory management approach.

a comparison table between LIFO and FIFO method

Costs FIFO Method Can Calculate For Your Business

The FIFO inventory method is one of the most utilized cost flow assumptions. Companies use this calculation to determine which costs go into inventory and which go into expense.

Both costs are essential for accurate financial reporting, better decision-making, and effective inventory management. You can ensure that you allocate sufficient resources while responding swiftly to changing market demands.

The table below provides a useful example of specific cost allocations under inventory and expense categories. They are classified in this manner for accounting purposes.

Inventory CostsExpense Costs
Direct Materials: Raw materials and other intermediate materials can be physically and directly traced to a specific product.Administrative Expenses: Include office salaries and wages, advertising costs, and telephone bills.
Direct Labor: This cost is usually applied when the company uses variable costs, such as employee wages or salaries.Selling Costs/Selling Expenses: Commissions for salespeople or efforts to secure new customers, promotional materials, postage, and shipping charges paid by the company to gain more business.
Manufacturing Overhead: This consists of overheads for utilities (gas, electricity, etc.), repairs and maintenance of equipment, insurance, rent on factory building and floor space, general office expenses, depreciation on factory machinery, and equipment.

By knowing this information, you can optimize your inventory strategies, manage your day-to-day work, gain accurate business insights, and assess the profitability of your operations.

The FIFO Method Accounting Explained

There are a few steps in FIFO method accounting:

  1. Calculate the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): Determine the cost of the oldest inventory items sold or used during a specific period. These costs are allocated to the COGS.
  2. Record the Sale of an Item: Record the revenue generated when an item is sold. Additionally, deduct the cost of goods sold (calculated in step 1) from the inventory account to reflect the reduction in inventory due to the sale.
  3. Record the Purchase of an Item: When new inventory items are purchased, record the cost of the items in the inventory account. Ensure that the newly acquired items are added to the inventory balance chronologically, reflecting the most recent purchases.
  4. Calculate the Inventory at the Beginning of the Period: Determine the value of the remaining inventory at the beginning of the accounting period. This inventory balance should reflect the costs of the oldest items that have not been sold or used.
  5. Calculate the Inventory at the End of the Period: Your ending inventory balance should reflect the costs of the newest items that have not been sold or used.

Advantages of the FIFO Method

Once you familiarize yourself with the FIFO method, you can enjoy the following advantages:

  1. Simplicity: FIFO is easy to understand and operate, meaning you don't need specialized personnel. The chances of making mistakes are minimized.
  2. Inventory Obsolescence: As older inventory items are sold or used first, the inventory remains fresh and relevant, reducing the chance of holding obsolete or expired goods.
  1. More Regular Buying Cycles: Businesses that apply FIFO principles to physical stock can benefit from more regular buying cycles, particularly when dealing with goods with an expiry date or goods where value is tied to when they are sold.
  1. Accurate Cost Analysis: Compared to LIFO, inventory tracing, or average cost inventory method, FIFO offers a more precise cost analysis that aligns with the actual flow  of goods or inventory.
  1. Focus on Revenue Generation: Since the assumption is that the oldest items are sold first, businesses can focus on sales and customer satisfaction, knowing that the cost flow is managed efficiently.

Ease Your Inventory Tracking Today With Unloop!

The FIFO method is an inventory management formula that helps companies track their products and accurately calculate the COGS to file financial statements or tax returns. 

Suppose you have an online business like a shop on the Amazon marketplace. In that case, you can use FIFO if you don't have a barcode system to track your sales and inventory better.
But if you’re hesitant about adopting the inventory method, don’t worry! You can always ask Unloop for professional help. We can help you confidently embrace the benefits of FIFO for your online business. Book a call now!

Read more

Disclaimer: Please note this article is not financial advice. The purpose of our blog is purely educational, so please consult a professional accountant or financial advisor before making any financial decision.

Income tax can be a complicated topic for a taxpayer. But not to worry—income tax accountants can help you navigate through the process and take care of your finances to free up space for the more important things in your life. The accounting profession can be lucrative and rewarding. Accountants help people manage, track, and report their earnings to the government on time. They also provide advice on how to best spend money for maximum income tax benefits. 

Income tax accounting firms offer a wide range of services, including the following:

consultations on how to reduce your income tax liability legally

  • audit assistance with the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA)
  • helping you keep your records in order so you can maximize your deductions
  • and much more!

Dig deeper and have a better understanding of the accounting profession in Canada.

Understanding the Canadian CPAs

Canada has a robust economy, and the country is currently enjoying the tenth spot on the world's largest economies ranking syndicated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). With a very competitive business landscape, entrepreneurs have to keep up and be always in trend. Marketing approaches changed dramatically with the advent of computer technology. Businessmen and advisers alike took advantage of the different systems and applications available on the web.

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms are powerful media tools for marketing. QuickBooks, Sage, and Xero are just a few accounting applications that help business owners track their cash flow, financial statements, and sales and reports generation purposes. However, experts and the right professionals are essential for better results and interpretation. Like the accounting software, an accountant is needed to provide accurate data.

Business owners are very meticulous in the people they hire, and accountants are not exempted. To become a full-fledged and competent accountant, one should become a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) after receiving a degree in accounting.

Before becoming a CPA, an aspirant must go through a rigorous undergraduate program in accounting that usually lasts for four years. For four years, an accounting student will be studying accounting principles, finance, taxation, laws, audit, and performance management. On top of that, there are electives, capstones, modules, quizzes, case studies, and exercises to validate all the accounting theories and further training.

After all the academic requirements, the accounting student must pass the Common Final Examination (CFE)—a three-day examination that allows the examinee to demonstrate the depth and breadth of competency development required on the CPA Competency Map. Another important requirement is having 30 hours of accounting experience.

NOTE: Canada has three different accounting designations before, which are Chartered Accountants (CA), Certified General Accountants (CGA), and Certified Management Accountants (CMA). To remove confusion and provide simplicity, over 40 provincial and national accounting associations thought of unifying the three designations in 2012. Two years later, a single designation, the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA), was introduced in 2014.

The Importance of CPA in a Business

tax planning

It is never easy to become a CPA, and being one means that person has gone through the needle's eye. A CPA has proficiency in delivering accurate financial projections and analysis. That's why a CPA earns an average salary of nearly $79,000 annually.  

Aside from financial reports, your income tax and accountant come hand-in-hand. CPAs are tax experts, and they can do your tax preparation on time as long as you provide the right data. They can even give you professional advice on how you will lower your tax legally.

When you hire a CPA, this tax professional can give you feasible financial decisions for the betterment of your financial management. A CPA knows everything about books and can prevent scams and other fraudulent activities.

When to Hire a CPA

If you are an employee or a start-up business owner, you need a CPA for the following reasons:

  • Tax season. A tax accountant can prepare your tax, submit a tax return and provide options to lessen your tax liability. They can also represent you when CRA audits you or your business.
  • Before starting a business. Though consulting a CPA is quite expensive, it is a good investment when you plan to start a business. A CPA will lead you to the right path so you can prevent costly mistakes. This accounting expert can also set up an effective business structure and accounting practices.
  • Special cases. One of the most common cases you need a CPA is when the CRA subjected you or your business for audit. A CPA can represent you and supply appropriate responses to resolve whatever issues you have with the CRA. You can also seek a CPA when you plan to apply for a loan or when your personal life is about to affect your business.
  • Major business move. Branching out, acquiring, merging, selling, or closing your business is a major move wherein you will need a CPA to know the tax implications of your decision.

Hire a CPA Now!

Whether you need to CPA for your personal income tax, income tax benefit accounting, or business consultation, the said expert will never let you down because a CPA is equipped with the knowledge and practical experience. CPAs know how to talk with the CRA and set your business on the right track.

You can also partner with income tax services like Unloop to help you with your tax preparation. 
Would you like to know more about income tax? Read the article Here Are The Assistance You Need To Process Your Business Income Tax Rates Smoothly written by Michael Pignatelli, one of our CPAs here in Unloop.

Income Tax Accountant: What It Means to Be a CPA in Canada
Watch Now

Disclaimer: Please note this article is not financial advice. The purpose of our blog is purely educational, so please consult a professional accountant or financial advisor before making any financial decision.

Income tax can be a complicated topic for a taxpayer. But not to worry—income tax accountants can help you navigate through the process and take care of your finances to free up space for the more important things in your life. The accounting profession can be lucrative and rewarding. Accountants help people manage, track, and report their earnings to the government on time. They also provide advice on how to best spend money for maximum income tax benefits. 

Income tax accounting firms offer a wide range of services, including the following:

consultations on how to reduce your income tax liability legally

  • audit assistance with the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA)
  • helping you keep your records in order so you can maximize your deductions
  • and much more!

Dig deeper and have a better understanding of the accounting profession in Canada.

Understanding the Canadian CPAs

Canada has a robust economy, and the country is currently enjoying the tenth spot on the world's largest economies ranking syndicated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). With a very competitive business landscape, entrepreneurs have to keep up and be always in trend. Marketing approaches changed dramatically with the advent of computer technology. Businessmen and advisers alike took advantage of the different systems and applications available on the web.

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms are powerful media tools for marketing. QuickBooks, Sage, and Xero are just a few accounting applications that help business owners track their cash flow, financial statements, and sales and reports generation purposes. However, experts and the right professionals are essential for better results and interpretation. Like the accounting software, an accountant is needed to provide accurate data.

Business owners are very meticulous in the people they hire, and accountants are not exempted. To become a full-fledged and competent accountant, one should become a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) after receiving a degree in accounting.

Before becoming a CPA, an aspirant must go through a rigorous undergraduate program in accounting that usually lasts for four years. For four years, an accounting student will be studying accounting principles, finance, taxation, laws, audit, and performance management. On top of that, there are electives, capstones, modules, quizzes, case studies, and exercises to validate all the accounting theories and further training.

After all the academic requirements, the accounting student must pass the Common Final Examination (CFE)—a three-day examination that allows the examinee to demonstrate the depth and breadth of competency development required on the CPA Competency Map. Another important requirement is having 30 hours of accounting experience.

NOTE: Canada has three different accounting designations before, which are Chartered Accountants (CA), Certified General Accountants (CGA), and Certified Management Accountants (CMA). To remove confusion and provide simplicity, over 40 provincial and national accounting associations thought of unifying the three designations in 2012. Two years later, a single designation, the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA), was introduced in 2014.

The Importance of CPA in a Business

tax planning

It is never easy to become a CPA, and being one means that person has gone through the needle's eye. A CPA has proficiency in delivering accurate financial projections and analysis. That's why a CPA earns an average salary of nearly $79,000 annually.  

Aside from financial reports, your income tax and accountant come hand-in-hand. CPAs are tax experts, and they can do your tax preparation on time as long as you provide the right data. They can even give you professional advice on how you will lower your tax legally.

When you hire a CPA, this tax professional can give you feasible financial decisions for the betterment of your financial management. A CPA knows everything about books and can prevent scams and other fraudulent activities.

When to Hire a CPA

If you are an employee or a start-up business owner, you need a CPA for the following reasons:

  • Tax season. A tax accountant can prepare your tax, submit a tax return and provide options to lessen your tax liability. They can also represent you when CRA audits you or your business.
  • Before starting a business. Though consulting a CPA is quite expensive, it is a good investment when you plan to start a business. A CPA will lead you to the right path so you can prevent costly mistakes. This accounting expert can also set up an effective business structure and accounting practices.
  • Special cases. One of the most common cases you need a CPA is when the CRA subjected you or your business for audit. A CPA can represent you and supply appropriate responses to resolve whatever issues you have with the CRA. You can also seek a CPA when you plan to apply for a loan or when your personal life is about to affect your business.
  • Major business move. Branching out, acquiring, merging, selling, or closing your business is a major move wherein you will need a CPA to know the tax implications of your decision.

Hire a CPA Now!

Whether you need to CPA for your personal income tax, income tax benefit accounting, or business consultation, the said expert will never let you down because a CPA is equipped with the knowledge and practical experience. CPAs know how to talk with the CRA and set your business on the right track.

You can also partner with income tax services like Unloop to help you with your tax preparation. 
Would you like to know more about income tax? Read the article Here Are The Assistance You Need To Process Your Business Income Tax Rates Smoothly written by Michael Pignatelli, one of our CPAs here in Unloop.

Read more

Disclaimer: Please note this article is not financial advice. The purpose of our blog is purely educational, so please consult a professional accountant or financial advisor before making any financial decision.

Full-cycle accounting is a vital aspect of managing finances for small businesses. It is the process of completing all accounting tasks needed in an accounting quarter—from recording financial transactions to preparing financial statements. It ensures accurate and up-to-date records, helps make informed business decisions, and ensures compliance with tax regulations.

This guide will help you determine your business reporting period and break down the steps of full cycle accounting and highlight the importance of financial management for small business owners.

Determine Your Business's Reporting Period

Before setting up any bookkeeping or accounting system for your business, you must first determine your preferred accounting reporting period. The accounting period spans twelve months in which business transactions are recorded. You have two options when choosing an accounting period.

Calendar

The calendar method is the default method used if you have no preferences. In this method, your accounting period follows the year's calendar in chronological order. That means you start recording on January 1 and then finish the recording period on December 31.

Fiscal

In this method, your accounting period is based on your preferred month. For example, If you choose your accounting period to start on April 1 of the current year, the ending period would be March 31 of next year. Big businesses and public accounting firms commonly use the fiscal year.

The chosen starting month can be arbitrary, or it can be based on multiple factors. For example, some choose their starting month strategically so that the ending month period would fall on a lean period. That way, they can focus more on the accounting part while the business is slow.

Accounting firms choose a fiscal period when the ending month falls on the tax-payment period, hitting two birds in one stone—create financial statements and pay appropriate taxes in one effort.

What Should You Choose?

If you're not sure how your business behaves, it's okay to stick to the calendar period. Accounting periods can be changed in the future depending on your state's policy, so be sure to double check. Either way, you must choose wisely as accounting period changes may involve considerable paperwork.

an image showing the summary of steps of full cycle accounting

The Full Cycle Accounting Steps

After determining which accounting period you'll use, let's arm you with the knowledge of the full cycle accounting process, which includes recording and reporting transactions using financial statements. 

Step 1: Identifying Accounts

Before you put any amount on paper, you'll need to identify your business's accounts first. These accounts are what the entire accounting cycle depends on. 

In financial accounting, they are collectively known as the Chart of Accounts. Establish certain labels for transactions such as revenue, rent expenses, supplies expenses, utilities, and many more.

Step 2: Recording Journal Entries

After all the accounts relevant to your business are set, you can start recording transactions. In your accounting journal, record every business-related activity with financial bearing, including receipts of payments you make for your business and payments your business receives from sales. Each entry is composed of at least two accounts, known as the double-entry method.

Your business should also have a general ledger for all the transactions and a sub-ledger to categorize them. For example, if you have a receipt acknowledging your payment to one of your suppliers, record that under the accounts payable ledger accounts. Depending on your business size, you can add different categories to your general ledger.

After all your business transactions are recorded in order, you have to validate them. First, see if all entries like assets, liabilities, cost of goods, sales, expenses, taxes, and other transactions are correct. Next, ensure both columns are balanced for credit and debit entries.

There are three types of journal entries to record in business transactions:

  • Adjusting entries to tweak numbers up and down as needed
  • Compound entries for recording transactions with more than one credit or debit
  • Reversing entries to revert numbers to their original amount when errors are made

Step 3: General Ledger Posting

After recording transactions in the journal, you must post their respective amounts in the ledger account. Each account on the general ledger has a credit and a debit side where you can place the amount similar to where it is placed on the journal entry.

After an accounting period, you'll have to look at your general ledger again. Each account will have to be totaled. Get the sum of the ledger account debit and credit columns and then subtract them from each other. The difference will be the net amount of a particular account.

Step 4: Preparing Unadjusted Trial Balance

An unadjusted trial balance or entries are the transactions in your ledger by the end of the accounting period. These entries are untouched and are usually used by business managers and accountants to identify which ledgers need modifications to create financial statements.

After finding out the net total of all the ledger accounts, you'll have to line them all up again into the debit column and the credit column. The debit side net amount should be placed on the left column while the credit net amount should be on the right. 

From there, you'll have to record the net total of all accounts. In the end, the sum of the debit column and the credit column must match each other. This is how you prepare the initial trial balance.

Step 5: Accounting for Adjusting Entries

To generate the adjusted trial balance, you must modify journal entries as needed. This is the step where you or your accountants modify your ledgers to create financial reports. 

The adjusted trial balance is the number that will appear on your financial statements, which you can use to create strategies, make business improvements, and pinpoint potential issues in your business.

a man looking at financial statements on a table surrounded by a glass, a pen, and a calculator using a magnifying glass

Step 6: Preparing an Adjusted Trial Balance

After all the adjusting entries have been accounted for, you will create another trial balance to check if all the accounts and their net total post-adjustment will still be equal.

In most cases, businesses tend to have a lot of ongoing transactions during the accounting period. So it can be easy to lose track of the correct adjusting amounts. That's why an adjusted trial balance is necessary to ensure everything is balanced after the adjustment.

Step 7: Organizing Accounts for Financial Statements

There are different financial statements you can produce for your business. These may differ depending on your business needs, but here are some of the common financial statements you will have to generate.

Balance Sheet

Balance sheets contain reports of the business's assets, liabilities, and stakeholders’ equity in a certain accounting period. These data points are used to evaluate the financial position of your business. Simply put, the balance sheet accounts for all that your business owns and owes, and the money invested by your stakeholders.

Cash Flow Statement

The cash flow statement shows the movement of cash in and out of your business. This financial statement shows how well you distribute your monetary resources, like how you generate cash and use it to fulfill your full cycle accounts payables. This financial report can also be the basis for some investors to know whether it's worth investing in your business.

Cash flow statements include cash flow from business activities like operations, financing, and investments. Furthermore, this data can be used by creditors to determine if they can give you credit and loans for your business.

Income Statement

Income statements are also known as profit and loss statements. This financial report shows your company's income and gains in a specific period. This statement shows all income and expenses whether from cash or credit receipts that there's no way to tell them apart.

Nevertheless, income statements are useful to know if your current operations are generating business income. It also helps determine which aspects of your business are underperforming, so you can make improvements.

If the adjusted trial balance yields an identical amount on the credit and debit side, you can prepare financial statements. You'll have to determine which of the accounts are nominal and real so you can place them in the proper column on the worksheet.

  • Nominal Accounts: Income statement accounts such as rent expenses, revenue, and salary
  • Real accounts: Balance sheet accounts such as cash, furniture, and equipment, accounts receivable, and accounts payable

Step 8: Final Trial Balance

Before closing the books, you will ignore all the temporary like income statement accounts and collect the real accounts like the balance sheet again for a final trial balance.

Step 9: Closing Previous Accounting Period Books

In this phase, all your business revenue and expense accounts should be zeroed out in preparation for the next accounting period. This is necessary to verify if your credits and debits are balanced. These accounts will also be your starting point for the next accounting period, so transfer temporary account balances to permanent accounts.

All the financial transactions and their respective accounts on the previous books are reversed. Afterward, the books are closed. This leaves only the real accounts.

Step 10: Opening Books for the Next Accounting Period

You will open new books, and the first journal entries are the real accounts from the pre-closing trial balance. Similarly, you will open a new general ledger, and the balance sheet accounts will have an opening amount. 

Once all accounts are recorded in the proper places, the accounting cycle steps will restart and conclude in the next period.

January to December accounting charts printed on a paper surrounded by an eyeglass, pen, calculator, and coins

Business-Specific Full Cycle Accounting

An accounting cycle can also refer to other business activities besides income and expenses. Compared to a full cycle that usually lasts three months, these specific cycles can be shorter. Here are some of them.

Purchasing Cycle 

The purchasing cycle is the process of acquiring goods for your business, from ordering to receiving. Full cycle accounts payable happens in this particular accounting cycle where your company makes a request or an order to purchase goods for your business. 

Then, the supplier receives your order, you pay for it, and you acquire the goods.

Sales Cycle

The sales cycle is the full cycle accounts receivable of a business and it involves the following:

  • Purchasing the goods
  • Storing them in the inventory
  • Getting an order
  • Taking the product out of the inventory
  • Sending it to the customer and exchanging it for cash or credit

Payroll Cycle

The payroll cycle involves every process between the employee and the business until the salary is received. The cycle starts with the employee submitting their time cards to human resources. 

From there, the admin will make adjustments and approve them for payment. Then, the payroll is processed by computing the gross pay and all necessary deductions.

Managing Full-Cycle Accounting

You don't need to feel like you're swimming in paperwork to optimize your business. You can successfully manage the accounting cycle and keep your business finances on track with these tips:

  • Know your deadlines: As a good business owner, you need to comprehend the entire process of the accounting cycle. From there, you can pinpoint when certain deadlines fall. This practice is recommended to avoid cramming to get everything in order.
  • Updating the numbers quickly: Unexpected bills or missing payments are only some of the problems that will arise during the accounting process. When this happens, updating the numbers should be done quickly so that you can get back to business as usual.
  • Find the dream team: There's one thing we know for sure: bookkeeping is not for the faint of heart. It's hard to keep track of all the incoming and outgoing cash, not to mention tracking inventory levels and sales tax. But don't worry, there are accountants and bookkeepers who can help you with that.
  • Invest in accounting software: Accounting software has revolutionized the accounting life cycle. The software makes it easier and faster for businesses to keep track of their finances by automating the process and taking care of all the different aspects of the accounting period.

Need Help with Full Cycle Accounting?

If you are a small business owner, doing all the tasks in the accounting cycle may be too much for you to handle. After all, accounting is not the only thing you do when running a business. If you need professional help, Unloop offers several accounting and bookkeeping services for busy business owners like you.

Here are some of the services we offer.

Bookkeeping

  • We provide you with monthly income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
  • We use the accrual accounting method to generate all necessary financial statements.
  • Our services include a subscription to accounting software like QuickBooks Online or Xero.
  • We create custom KPIs and analytics to ensure you achieve your business goals.

Payroll

  • We oversee your payroll by linking your business to a cloud-based payroll and benefits-management software.
  • We generate year-end returns that your employees need to file their taxes.

Forecasting

  • Our forecasting service includes predictions for your business revenue and cost of goods.
  • We help you identify potential issues in your business so you can fix them immediately.
  • We use your business's previous data to assess your business and make tweaks along the way to give you the most accurate forecasting.

Unloop is your one-stop shop for bookkeeping and accounting solutions. Book a call with us today, and work with our experts!

Full-Cycle Accounting: A Step-By-Step Guide for Small Business Owners
Watch Now

Disclaimer: Please note this article is not financial advice. The purpose of our blog is purely educational, so please consult a professional accountant or financial advisor before making any financial decision.

Full-cycle accounting is a vital aspect of managing finances for small businesses. It is the process of completing all accounting tasks needed in an accounting quarter—from recording financial transactions to preparing financial statements. It ensures accurate and up-to-date records, helps make informed business decisions, and ensures compliance with tax regulations.

This guide will help you determine your business reporting period and break down the steps of full cycle accounting and highlight the importance of financial management for small business owners.

Determine Your Business's Reporting Period

Before setting up any bookkeeping or accounting system for your business, you must first determine your preferred accounting reporting period. The accounting period spans twelve months in which business transactions are recorded. You have two options when choosing an accounting period.

Calendar

The calendar method is the default method used if you have no preferences. In this method, your accounting period follows the year's calendar in chronological order. That means you start recording on January 1 and then finish the recording period on December 31.

Fiscal

In this method, your accounting period is based on your preferred month. For example, If you choose your accounting period to start on April 1 of the current year, the ending period would be March 31 of next year. Big businesses and public accounting firms commonly use the fiscal year.

The chosen starting month can be arbitrary, or it can be based on multiple factors. For example, some choose their starting month strategically so that the ending month period would fall on a lean period. That way, they can focus more on the accounting part while the business is slow.

Accounting firms choose a fiscal period when the ending month falls on the tax-payment period, hitting two birds in one stone—create financial statements and pay appropriate taxes in one effort.

What Should You Choose?

If you're not sure how your business behaves, it's okay to stick to the calendar period. Accounting periods can be changed in the future depending on your state's policy, so be sure to double check. Either way, you must choose wisely as accounting period changes may involve considerable paperwork.

an image showing the summary of steps of full cycle accounting

The Full Cycle Accounting Steps

After determining which accounting period you'll use, let's arm you with the knowledge of the full cycle accounting process, which includes recording and reporting transactions using financial statements. 

Step 1: Identifying Accounts

Before you put any amount on paper, you'll need to identify your business's accounts first. These accounts are what the entire accounting cycle depends on. 

In financial accounting, they are collectively known as the Chart of Accounts. Establish certain labels for transactions such as revenue, rent expenses, supplies expenses, utilities, and many more.

Step 2: Recording Journal Entries

After all the accounts relevant to your business are set, you can start recording transactions. In your accounting journal, record every business-related activity with financial bearing, including receipts of payments you make for your business and payments your business receives from sales. Each entry is composed of at least two accounts, known as the double-entry method.

Your business should also have a general ledger for all the transactions and a sub-ledger to categorize them. For example, if you have a receipt acknowledging your payment to one of your suppliers, record that under the accounts payable ledger accounts. Depending on your business size, you can add different categories to your general ledger.

After all your business transactions are recorded in order, you have to validate them. First, see if all entries like assets, liabilities, cost of goods, sales, expenses, taxes, and other transactions are correct. Next, ensure both columns are balanced for credit and debit entries.

There are three types of journal entries to record in business transactions:

  • Adjusting entries to tweak numbers up and down as needed
  • Compound entries for recording transactions with more than one credit or debit
  • Reversing entries to revert numbers to their original amount when errors are made

Step 3: General Ledger Posting

After recording transactions in the journal, you must post their respective amounts in the ledger account. Each account on the general ledger has a credit and a debit side where you can place the amount similar to where it is placed on the journal entry.

After an accounting period, you'll have to look at your general ledger again. Each account will have to be totaled. Get the sum of the ledger account debit and credit columns and then subtract them from each other. The difference will be the net amount of a particular account.

Step 4: Preparing Unadjusted Trial Balance

An unadjusted trial balance or entries are the transactions in your ledger by the end of the accounting period. These entries are untouched and are usually used by business managers and accountants to identify which ledgers need modifications to create financial statements.

After finding out the net total of all the ledger accounts, you'll have to line them all up again into the debit column and the credit column. The debit side net amount should be placed on the left column while the credit net amount should be on the right. 

From there, you'll have to record the net total of all accounts. In the end, the sum of the debit column and the credit column must match each other. This is how you prepare the initial trial balance.

Step 5: Accounting for Adjusting Entries

To generate the adjusted trial balance, you must modify journal entries as needed. This is the step where you or your accountants modify your ledgers to create financial reports. 

The adjusted trial balance is the number that will appear on your financial statements, which you can use to create strategies, make business improvements, and pinpoint potential issues in your business.

a man looking at financial statements on a table surrounded by a glass, a pen, and a calculator using a magnifying glass

Step 6: Preparing an Adjusted Trial Balance

After all the adjusting entries have been accounted for, you will create another trial balance to check if all the accounts and their net total post-adjustment will still be equal.

In most cases, businesses tend to have a lot of ongoing transactions during the accounting period. So it can be easy to lose track of the correct adjusting amounts. That's why an adjusted trial balance is necessary to ensure everything is balanced after the adjustment.

Step 7: Organizing Accounts for Financial Statements

There are different financial statements you can produce for your business. These may differ depending on your business needs, but here are some of the common financial statements you will have to generate.

Balance Sheet

Balance sheets contain reports of the business's assets, liabilities, and stakeholders’ equity in a certain accounting period. These data points are used to evaluate the financial position of your business. Simply put, the balance sheet accounts for all that your business owns and owes, and the money invested by your stakeholders.

Cash Flow Statement

The cash flow statement shows the movement of cash in and out of your business. This financial statement shows how well you distribute your monetary resources, like how you generate cash and use it to fulfill your full cycle accounts payables. This financial report can also be the basis for some investors to know whether it's worth investing in your business.

Cash flow statements include cash flow from business activities like operations, financing, and investments. Furthermore, this data can be used by creditors to determine if they can give you credit and loans for your business.

Income Statement

Income statements are also known as profit and loss statements. This financial report shows your company's income and gains in a specific period. This statement shows all income and expenses whether from cash or credit receipts that there's no way to tell them apart.

Nevertheless, income statements are useful to know if your current operations are generating business income. It also helps determine which aspects of your business are underperforming, so you can make improvements.

If the adjusted trial balance yields an identical amount on the credit and debit side, you can prepare financial statements. You'll have to determine which of the accounts are nominal and real so you can place them in the proper column on the worksheet.

  • Nominal Accounts: Income statement accounts such as rent expenses, revenue, and salary
  • Real accounts: Balance sheet accounts such as cash, furniture, and equipment, accounts receivable, and accounts payable

Step 8: Final Trial Balance

Before closing the books, you will ignore all the temporary like income statement accounts and collect the real accounts like the balance sheet again for a final trial balance.

Step 9: Closing Previous Accounting Period Books

In this phase, all your business revenue and expense accounts should be zeroed out in preparation for the next accounting period. This is necessary to verify if your credits and debits are balanced. These accounts will also be your starting point for the next accounting period, so transfer temporary account balances to permanent accounts.

All the financial transactions and their respective accounts on the previous books are reversed. Afterward, the books are closed. This leaves only the real accounts.

Step 10: Opening Books for the Next Accounting Period

You will open new books, and the first journal entries are the real accounts from the pre-closing trial balance. Similarly, you will open a new general ledger, and the balance sheet accounts will have an opening amount. 

Once all accounts are recorded in the proper places, the accounting cycle steps will restart and conclude in the next period.

January to December accounting charts printed on a paper surrounded by an eyeglass, pen, calculator, and coins

Business-Specific Full Cycle Accounting

An accounting cycle can also refer to other business activities besides income and expenses. Compared to a full cycle that usually lasts three months, these specific cycles can be shorter. Here are some of them.

Purchasing Cycle 

The purchasing cycle is the process of acquiring goods for your business, from ordering to receiving. Full cycle accounts payable happens in this particular accounting cycle where your company makes a request or an order to purchase goods for your business. 

Then, the supplier receives your order, you pay for it, and you acquire the goods.

Sales Cycle

The sales cycle is the full cycle accounts receivable of a business and it involves the following:

  • Purchasing the goods
  • Storing them in the inventory
  • Getting an order
  • Taking the product out of the inventory
  • Sending it to the customer and exchanging it for cash or credit

Payroll Cycle

The payroll cycle involves every process between the employee and the business until the salary is received. The cycle starts with the employee submitting their time cards to human resources. 

From there, the admin will make adjustments and approve them for payment. Then, the payroll is processed by computing the gross pay and all necessary deductions.

Managing Full-Cycle Accounting

You don't need to feel like you're swimming in paperwork to optimize your business. You can successfully manage the accounting cycle and keep your business finances on track with these tips:

  • Know your deadlines: As a good business owner, you need to comprehend the entire process of the accounting cycle. From there, you can pinpoint when certain deadlines fall. This practice is recommended to avoid cramming to get everything in order.
  • Updating the numbers quickly: Unexpected bills or missing payments are only some of the problems that will arise during the accounting process. When this happens, updating the numbers should be done quickly so that you can get back to business as usual.
  • Find the dream team: There's one thing we know for sure: bookkeeping is not for the faint of heart. It's hard to keep track of all the incoming and outgoing cash, not to mention tracking inventory levels and sales tax. But don't worry, there are accountants and bookkeepers who can help you with that.
  • Invest in accounting software: Accounting software has revolutionized the accounting life cycle. The software makes it easier and faster for businesses to keep track of their finances by automating the process and taking care of all the different aspects of the accounting period.

Need Help with Full Cycle Accounting?

If you are a small business owner, doing all the tasks in the accounting cycle may be too much for you to handle. After all, accounting is not the only thing you do when running a business. If you need professional help, Unloop offers several accounting and bookkeeping services for busy business owners like you.

Here are some of the services we offer.

Bookkeeping

  • We provide you with monthly income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
  • We use the accrual accounting method to generate all necessary financial statements.
  • Our services include a subscription to accounting software like QuickBooks Online or Xero.
  • We create custom KPIs and analytics to ensure you achieve your business goals.

Payroll

  • We oversee your payroll by linking your business to a cloud-based payroll and benefits-management software.
  • We generate year-end returns that your employees need to file their taxes.

Forecasting

  • Our forecasting service includes predictions for your business revenue and cost of goods.
  • We help you identify potential issues in your business so you can fix them immediately.
  • We use your business's previous data to assess your business and make tweaks along the way to give you the most accurate forecasting.

Unloop is your one-stop shop for bookkeeping and accounting solutions. Book a call with us today, and work with our experts!

Read more

Disclaimer: Please note this article is not financial advice. The purpose of our blog is purely educational, so please consult a professional accountant or financial advisor before making any financial decision.

Have you recently migrated your physical store to digital platforms? And are you already familiar with online business accounting? If not, then it’s understandable, as most of us prioritize business operations over financial aspects like this.

Nevertheless, cash flow is what keeps your business afloat. This is one of the key indicators that your online business is profiting or losing money. Without solid tracking, you won’t have a clear view of your financial health.

If you’re still unfamiliar with online business accounting, the different software you can use, and their corresponding benefits to your venture, this article will be your handy guide. Read on to learn more about the process and why you must invest in your accounting.

What Is Online Business Accounting?

Online business accounting encompasses two interconnected processes. One pertains to accounting for online businesses. It can also mean using internet technology to carry out the accounting process. These may have different meanings, but you can experience both through online business accounting software programs.

In the past, we followed traditional accounting practices wherein you had to hire a bookkeeper or accountant and meet with them. But now, things are more seamless and precise. You don’t have to schedule meetings and personally give them your business’s financial data.

Online business accounting (or e-accounting) means that all your accounting operations are done and saved online through the cloud, making it more accessible for you, your team, and your accountants. It performs all traditional accounting functions but with added convenience and accuracy.

5 Benefits of Online Business Accounting to Small Businesses

Small business owners can benefit the most from online business accounting. It eliminates the need for dedicated in-house accountants, reducing overhead expenses. Most accounting software providers also offer user-friendly and accessible tools, allowing you to manage finances and track income efficiently.

But these advantages are just the beginning. Explore some additional ways it can be of help.

1. More Accessible

Doing all your processes online is logical, especially if you sell on Amazon, Shopify, or other ecommerce platforms. From there, you can easily consolidate your information, simplifying your record-keeping and financial reporting.

Doing a quick run-through of your overall performance is also a part of your business. Having accurate data will back you up in presenting your progress and profitability to potential investors. It can boost credibility, attract funding opportunities, and seize growth prospects.

2. Automation of Tasks

Printing data and writing on a ledger can be an exhausting task. Not to mention that finishing your books is time-sensitive. These data have to be accurately consolidated for them to be properly analyzed.

Gone are the days through dozens of purchase receipts or checking how many sales went in each of your revenue streams for that month. With online business accounting, data entry is a breeze. Its automation skills can effortlessly log everything into the system, including:

✅ Income and Expense Tracking
✅ Invoicing and Payment Processing
✅ Sales Tax Calculation
✅ Inventory Management
✅ Payments Payable

Automating tasks makes things more efficient and error-free. It lets you breathe easily, knowing your financial records are reliable and authentic.

3. Reduced Paperwork and a Sustainable System

Going digital means you can save a ton of paperwork. All financial data and records are securely stored in the cloud—no need for mountains of physical documents, receipts, or ledgers.

The shift to a paperless system also aligns with sustainable activities, reflecting an eco-friendly approach. Minimizing paper usage reduces the environmental impact and sends a clear message about your brand’s commitment to responsible business practices. This resonates strongly with today’s eco-conscious consumers.

4. Room for Scalability

This is how business grows: not only are your sales skyrocketing, your inventory is too! Scaling entails catering to more SKUs or increased stock orders, so you’ll have to deal with a lot of cash coming in and out. You will also make additional payments here and there. 

It’s different from online business accounting. Even with high orders, tracking finances becomes manageable through automated and synced processes.

You may not be at your desired business size currently. Still, it’s one less problem to worry about in the future, all because you switched to online accounting.

5. Get an Accurate and Real-Time Overview of Your Finances

How many times do you check your sales and expenses tally once a month? Most companies that still use traditional accounting may only be provided with this data at the end of the month. 

With e-accounting, you can bid farewell to such frustrations. Real-time, updated, and accurate financial information is ready at your fingertips. You can make well-informed decisions based on actual numbers, eliminating the need for rash choices unsupported by data.

You can also adjust your performance anytime, as it offers an updated overview of your business’s finances.

How To Choose the Best Online Accounting Service

With the rise of small businesses come numerous online accounting services, each claiming to be the best solution for your financial needs and long-term goals. How do you know if an accounting service can cater to your needs? Below are key points to consider.

Monthly Revenue

You should have your monthly revenue data before signing up with an online accounting service. These services base their pricing on how much your business earns.

It’s reasonable for online accounting services to price services based on earnings because their workload will depend on your revenue. It is expected that the more money your business makes, the more work needs to be done. 

Number of Accounts and Transactions Included in the Package

An online accounting service may also charge you depending on the number of accounts and transactions you will let them handle. Some charge per account enrolled in the service, while others offer unlimited transactions, with the pricing depending mostly on your monthly revenue. 

Some small businesses think hiring an accounting service that charges per account or transaction is best. This is a good way to start, but it might not be sustainable and scalable. 

It’s still a lot cheaper for you to invest in a service that offers unlimited transactions. It can accommodate your business’s expansion without any unexpected financial burdens.

Technology and Security

Online accounting software is one way to facilitate bookkeeping and accounting activities. Different small business accounting software are available, each with pros and cons.

Best Accounting Software for Small Businesses
QuickBooks OnlineThe gold standard for cloud-based accounting. It offers accounting features like invoicing, expense tracking, inventory management, financial reporting, and bank reconciliation.
XeroA double-entry accounting software. This approach guarantees that every transaction is accounted for twice. It can maintain a perfect balance between debits and credits.
FreshBooksIdeal for service-based businesses. FreshBooks excels in time tracking and project management. It simplifies billing and client collaboration, making it suitable for freelancers and small service providers.
Zoho BooksA free accounting software. Despite being free, it still offers core accounting functionalities, making it an ideal starting point for businesses on a tight budget.

Before hiring an online accounting service, create strong guiding questions about their tools and software. Here are some to consider.

guiding questions for hiring an online business accounting service

You can confidently assess the capabilities and compatibility of various online accounting services by seeking answers to these guiding questions. Rest assured that your financial management processes will be in capable hands, allowing you to focus on growing and succeeding in your business endeavors.

Customer Service

Accounting can be a complex process, especially if you lack a background. The technicalities involved in software and process flow might seem overwhelming to learn.

It’s crucial to recognize that not all accounting services offer guidance, from onboarding your files to receiving your financial statements. Therefore, selecting an accounting team with whom you can communicate openly is essential.

Having a line of communication with their team will help you better understand the financial management process. Their support and guidance can make your business journey smoother, even if you are not well-versed in accounting practices.

Will You Still Need the Services of an Accountant?

The short answer is yes and no. Most online accounting and bookkeeping services do not file taxes since you must work with a CPA firm for that. But at the end of the day, they can expedite your business processes. They can produce the most accurate financial statements with the help of the different accounting software mentioned above. 

Unloop is one such online accounting team that recognizes the challenges online sellers face in finding affordable accountants. Our services go beyond providing financial statements; we collaborate with CPA firms at discounted partner rates, saving you the hassle of searching for one on your own.

We offer unlimited transactions and access to Quickbooks Online and A2X. This way, you can base any decisions you make now and in the future on actual data derived from your business.

Get all of these and more when you sign on with us. Book a call today!

Your Insider’s Guide to Online Business Accounting
Watch Now

Disclaimer: Please note this article is not financial advice. The purpose of our blog is purely educational, so please consult a professional accountant or financial advisor before making any financial decision.

Have you recently migrated your physical store to digital platforms? And are you already familiar with online business accounting? If not, then it’s understandable, as most of us prioritize business operations over financial aspects like this.

Nevertheless, cash flow is what keeps your business afloat. This is one of the key indicators that your online business is profiting or losing money. Without solid tracking, you won’t have a clear view of your financial health.

If you’re still unfamiliar with online business accounting, the different software you can use, and their corresponding benefits to your venture, this article will be your handy guide. Read on to learn more about the process and why you must invest in your accounting.

What Is Online Business Accounting?

Online business accounting encompasses two interconnected processes. One pertains to accounting for online businesses. It can also mean using internet technology to carry out the accounting process. These may have different meanings, but you can experience both through online business accounting software programs.

In the past, we followed traditional accounting practices wherein you had to hire a bookkeeper or accountant and meet with them. But now, things are more seamless and precise. You don’t have to schedule meetings and personally give them your business’s financial data.

Online business accounting (or e-accounting) means that all your accounting operations are done and saved online through the cloud, making it more accessible for you, your team, and your accountants. It performs all traditional accounting functions but with added convenience and accuracy.

5 Benefits of Online Business Accounting to Small Businesses

Small business owners can benefit the most from online business accounting. It eliminates the need for dedicated in-house accountants, reducing overhead expenses. Most accounting software providers also offer user-friendly and accessible tools, allowing you to manage finances and track income efficiently.

But these advantages are just the beginning. Explore some additional ways it can be of help.

1. More Accessible

Doing all your processes online is logical, especially if you sell on Amazon, Shopify, or other ecommerce platforms. From there, you can easily consolidate your information, simplifying your record-keeping and financial reporting.

Doing a quick run-through of your overall performance is also a part of your business. Having accurate data will back you up in presenting your progress and profitability to potential investors. It can boost credibility, attract funding opportunities, and seize growth prospects.

2. Automation of Tasks

Printing data and writing on a ledger can be an exhausting task. Not to mention that finishing your books is time-sensitive. These data have to be accurately consolidated for them to be properly analyzed.

Gone are the days through dozens of purchase receipts or checking how many sales went in each of your revenue streams for that month. With online business accounting, data entry is a breeze. Its automation skills can effortlessly log everything into the system, including:

✅ Income and Expense Tracking
✅ Invoicing and Payment Processing
✅ Sales Tax Calculation
✅ Inventory Management
✅ Payments Payable

Automating tasks makes things more efficient and error-free. It lets you breathe easily, knowing your financial records are reliable and authentic.

3. Reduced Paperwork and a Sustainable System

Going digital means you can save a ton of paperwork. All financial data and records are securely stored in the cloud—no need for mountains of physical documents, receipts, or ledgers.

The shift to a paperless system also aligns with sustainable activities, reflecting an eco-friendly approach. Minimizing paper usage reduces the environmental impact and sends a clear message about your brand’s commitment to responsible business practices. This resonates strongly with today’s eco-conscious consumers.

4. Room for Scalability

This is how business grows: not only are your sales skyrocketing, your inventory is too! Scaling entails catering to more SKUs or increased stock orders, so you’ll have to deal with a lot of cash coming in and out. You will also make additional payments here and there. 

It’s different from online business accounting. Even with high orders, tracking finances becomes manageable through automated and synced processes.

You may not be at your desired business size currently. Still, it’s one less problem to worry about in the future, all because you switched to online accounting.

5. Get an Accurate and Real-Time Overview of Your Finances

How many times do you check your sales and expenses tally once a month? Most companies that still use traditional accounting may only be provided with this data at the end of the month. 

With e-accounting, you can bid farewell to such frustrations. Real-time, updated, and accurate financial information is ready at your fingertips. You can make well-informed decisions based on actual numbers, eliminating the need for rash choices unsupported by data.

You can also adjust your performance anytime, as it offers an updated overview of your business’s finances.

How To Choose the Best Online Accounting Service

With the rise of small businesses come numerous online accounting services, each claiming to be the best solution for your financial needs and long-term goals. How do you know if an accounting service can cater to your needs? Below are key points to consider.

Monthly Revenue

You should have your monthly revenue data before signing up with an online accounting service. These services base their pricing on how much your business earns.

It’s reasonable for online accounting services to price services based on earnings because their workload will depend on your revenue. It is expected that the more money your business makes, the more work needs to be done. 

Number of Accounts and Transactions Included in the Package

An online accounting service may also charge you depending on the number of accounts and transactions you will let them handle. Some charge per account enrolled in the service, while others offer unlimited transactions, with the pricing depending mostly on your monthly revenue. 

Some small businesses think hiring an accounting service that charges per account or transaction is best. This is a good way to start, but it might not be sustainable and scalable. 

It’s still a lot cheaper for you to invest in a service that offers unlimited transactions. It can accommodate your business’s expansion without any unexpected financial burdens.

Technology and Security

Online accounting software is one way to facilitate bookkeeping and accounting activities. Different small business accounting software are available, each with pros and cons.

Best Accounting Software for Small Businesses
QuickBooks OnlineThe gold standard for cloud-based accounting. It offers accounting features like invoicing, expense tracking, inventory management, financial reporting, and bank reconciliation.
XeroA double-entry accounting software. This approach guarantees that every transaction is accounted for twice. It can maintain a perfect balance between debits and credits.
FreshBooksIdeal for service-based businesses. FreshBooks excels in time tracking and project management. It simplifies billing and client collaboration, making it suitable for freelancers and small service providers.
Zoho BooksA free accounting software. Despite being free, it still offers core accounting functionalities, making it an ideal starting point for businesses on a tight budget.

Before hiring an online accounting service, create strong guiding questions about their tools and software. Here are some to consider.

guiding questions for hiring an online business accounting service

You can confidently assess the capabilities and compatibility of various online accounting services by seeking answers to these guiding questions. Rest assured that your financial management processes will be in capable hands, allowing you to focus on growing and succeeding in your business endeavors.

Customer Service

Accounting can be a complex process, especially if you lack a background. The technicalities involved in software and process flow might seem overwhelming to learn.

It’s crucial to recognize that not all accounting services offer guidance, from onboarding your files to receiving your financial statements. Therefore, selecting an accounting team with whom you can communicate openly is essential.

Having a line of communication with their team will help you better understand the financial management process. Their support and guidance can make your business journey smoother, even if you are not well-versed in accounting practices.

Will You Still Need the Services of an Accountant?

The short answer is yes and no. Most online accounting and bookkeeping services do not file taxes since you must work with a CPA firm for that. But at the end of the day, they can expedite your business processes. They can produce the most accurate financial statements with the help of the different accounting software mentioned above. 

Unloop is one such online accounting team that recognizes the challenges online sellers face in finding affordable accountants. Our services go beyond providing financial statements; we collaborate with CPA firms at discounted partner rates, saving you the hassle of searching for one on your own.

We offer unlimited transactions and access to Quickbooks Online and A2X. This way, you can base any decisions you make now and in the future on actual data derived from your business.

Get all of these and more when you sign on with us. Book a call today!

Read more

Disclaimer: Please note this article is not financial advice. The purpose of our blog is purely educational, so please consult a professional accountant or financial advisor before making any financial decision.

It’s the era of ecommerce, and we’re just living in it. As online shoppers continue to soar and online retailers like Amazon grow even bigger, a seller’s financial affairs can get overwhelming really quick. Streamlining financial operations, reconciling transactions from various sales channels, and maintaining bookkeeping records become crucial. Enter the A2X accounting app. 

Do you want to know more about A2X? This blog post will explore some critical aspects of this accounting solution and why it’s becoming an indispensable tool for online sellers.

What is A2X?

A2X is a cloud-based accounting tool meticulously designed for small business owners, major market players, online retailers, and anyone seeking streamlined cash flow management. This third-party application offers great features that deliver stress-free accounting, particularly within a huge marketplace like Amazon.

Gone are the days of manual data entry and painstaking calculations. A2X handles all the heavy lifting by summarizing your sales data and generating accurate financial reports. These reports provide a detailed overview of your financial performance and help you stay on top of your business's finances.

The 6 Key Benefits of A2X for Amazon Accounting

Amazon’s dominance in the ecommerce industry presents lucrative opportunities for business. With a staggering 220.49 million visitors from mobile and desktop connections, selling on this platform can exponentially expand your reach and revenue potential. 

But capitalizing on these benefits also brings significant accounting responsibilities. You must diligently manage your tasks and keep up with the complexities of this thriving field. 

Fortunately, A2X steps in as the ultimate solution. Being used and highly recommended by the most trusted accountants, A2X is proven to solve bookkeeping issues, such as payment reconciliation and cash flow tracking. Its efficacy in simplifying financial operations sets it apart from competitors in the market. 

Let’s delve further into the factors that position A2X as a competent accounting solution for Amazon sellers:

💱 Comprehensive Support for Multi-Marketplaces and Currencies

A2X establishes a reliable integration to each platform when connecting to different Amazon marketplaces. It retrieves the transaction details from each market and consolidates them into a unified format for further processing.

Since A2X can deal with multiple marketplaces, it can manage transactions in various currencies. This multi-currency capability automatically converts and reconciles sales data from different currencies to a single currency within the accounting software.

📋 Categorized Amazon Settlements

A2X generates journals for each settlement and posts them to your accounting software. When a settlement is detected, A2X efficiently loads the corresponding transactions. It generates a complete outline of revenue, expenses, and other vital data specific to that sales channel. This organized approach ensures the accessibility of your financial information.

A2X can also aggregate sales by SKU (Stock Keeping Unit), product type, country, or other relevant parameters. This level of customization allows you to analyze and track sales performance based on the specific metrics that hold the utmost importance to your business.

🏦 Bank Account Reconciliation

Receiving payments from Amazon can be complex, as funds are often deposited in batches, combining transactions from multiple orders. This consolidation can pose challenges for sellers who strive to accurately reconcile their transactions from their accounts.

A2X makes this process easier by compiling the transaction data and summing it up to match the bank deposits. The application considers factors such as fees and refunds to create a summary that accurately reflects the funds deposited by Amazon. 

Businesses can easily trace and verify cash flow by comparing the rundown against the bank deposit records. This level of transparency promotes financial integrity and facilitates effective financial reporting and analysis.

📈 Scalability for Business Growth

A2X is built to handle large transaction volumes, ensuring you can process financial activities as you scale your business. You won't have to worry about outgrowing the tool’s capabilities or experiencing performance issues.

The accounting app also adapts to changes in your business structure or operational requirements. Whether you expand to new Amazon marketplaces, diversify your product offerings, or adjust your accounting processes, A2X is easily configurable to meet your changing needs.

⌛ Time Savings and Complexity Reduction

Numerous tasks within Amazon operations can be a major time drain. Because A2X recognizes the importance of saving time, it efficiently manages repetitive processes on your behalf through automation. 

By leveraging A2X's time-saving and complexity-reducing features, you can free up valuable resources and devote more energy to boosting Amazon sales. Spend less on manual accounting tasks and more on strategic initiatives that drive success. 

💻 Seamless Integration With Financial Software

One way to save time is by harnessing the potential of tools and technology. Luckily, you can integrate A2X with popular financial software like QuickBooks Online (QBO) and Xero. It automatically fetches and organizes complex details, such as sales, fees, refunds, and other transaction data, into a format that aligns with these cloud-based accounting platforms.

The integration reduces the chances of errors or discrepancies. You can enjoy the peace of mind of having reconciled financial records month after month without breaking a sweat.

A2X for Amazon and QuickBooks Online Integration

Intuit, the developer of QuickBooks, has approved A2X as an integration application for the Amazon marketplace and QuickBooks Online accounts.

Integrating Amazon with QuickBooks Online through A2X is a straightforward process. Here's how it works:

  1. Visit QuickBooks App Store.

  1. Search for the keyword “Amazon” once you’re already on the site.

  1. You will find a list of available integration applications. A2X is part of that list.

  1. Click on it and learn more about the application. Take in all the information provided because these will give you an overview of the application.

  1. If you are satisfied with its capabilities and certain it fits your business needs, click the “Learn More” button on the upper right side of the page. 

  1. You will be redirected to the A2X web page.

  1. Click “Try A2X for free.”
  1. Choose which channel you will use. In this case, it’s Amazon.
  1. Provide login credentials for validation. 

After you've completed this step, you are now good to integrate your Amazon account and QBO.

Are You Ready for A2x?

Accounting is complicated, especially for sellers on the world’s largest ecommerce platform. But, there is a solution that can simplify your accounting processes: A2X. It can help you connect your Amazon account to QuickBooks Online and other software while organizing your transactions.

If you're still unsure about updating your accounting processes and need additional support, Unloop is here to help. Say hi to better and easier Amazon accounting with our dedicated team—no need to worry about the stress and confusion of managing your accounts alone.

So what are you waiting for? Book a call today!

6 Benefits of A2X Accounting App That Impact Amazon Business Growth
Watch Now

Disclaimer: Please note this article is not financial advice. The purpose of our blog is purely educational, so please consult a professional accountant or financial advisor before making any financial decision.

It’s the era of ecommerce, and we’re just living in it. As online shoppers continue to soar and online retailers like Amazon grow even bigger, a seller’s financial affairs can get overwhelming really quick. Streamlining financial operations, reconciling transactions from various sales channels, and maintaining bookkeeping records become crucial. Enter the A2X accounting app. 

Do you want to know more about A2X? This blog post will explore some critical aspects of this accounting solution and why it’s becoming an indispensable tool for online sellers.

What is A2X?

A2X is a cloud-based accounting tool meticulously designed for small business owners, major market players, online retailers, and anyone seeking streamlined cash flow management. This third-party application offers great features that deliver stress-free accounting, particularly within a huge marketplace like Amazon.

Gone are the days of manual data entry and painstaking calculations. A2X handles all the heavy lifting by summarizing your sales data and generating accurate financial reports. These reports provide a detailed overview of your financial performance and help you stay on top of your business's finances.

The 6 Key Benefits of A2X for Amazon Accounting

Amazon’s dominance in the ecommerce industry presents lucrative opportunities for business. With a staggering 220.49 million visitors from mobile and desktop connections, selling on this platform can exponentially expand your reach and revenue potential. 

But capitalizing on these benefits also brings significant accounting responsibilities. You must diligently manage your tasks and keep up with the complexities of this thriving field. 

Fortunately, A2X steps in as the ultimate solution. Being used and highly recommended by the most trusted accountants, A2X is proven to solve bookkeeping issues, such as payment reconciliation and cash flow tracking. Its efficacy in simplifying financial operations sets it apart from competitors in the market. 

Let’s delve further into the factors that position A2X as a competent accounting solution for Amazon sellers:

💱 Comprehensive Support for Multi-Marketplaces and Currencies

A2X establishes a reliable integration to each platform when connecting to different Amazon marketplaces. It retrieves the transaction details from each market and consolidates them into a unified format for further processing.

Since A2X can deal with multiple marketplaces, it can manage transactions in various currencies. This multi-currency capability automatically converts and reconciles sales data from different currencies to a single currency within the accounting software.

📋 Categorized Amazon Settlements

A2X generates journals for each settlement and posts them to your accounting software. When a settlement is detected, A2X efficiently loads the corresponding transactions. It generates a complete outline of revenue, expenses, and other vital data specific to that sales channel. This organized approach ensures the accessibility of your financial information.

A2X can also aggregate sales by SKU (Stock Keeping Unit), product type, country, or other relevant parameters. This level of customization allows you to analyze and track sales performance based on the specific metrics that hold the utmost importance to your business.

🏦 Bank Account Reconciliation

Receiving payments from Amazon can be complex, as funds are often deposited in batches, combining transactions from multiple orders. This consolidation can pose challenges for sellers who strive to accurately reconcile their transactions from their accounts.

A2X makes this process easier by compiling the transaction data and summing it up to match the bank deposits. The application considers factors such as fees and refunds to create a summary that accurately reflects the funds deposited by Amazon. 

Businesses can easily trace and verify cash flow by comparing the rundown against the bank deposit records. This level of transparency promotes financial integrity and facilitates effective financial reporting and analysis.

📈 Scalability for Business Growth

A2X is built to handle large transaction volumes, ensuring you can process financial activities as you scale your business. You won't have to worry about outgrowing the tool’s capabilities or experiencing performance issues.

The accounting app also adapts to changes in your business structure or operational requirements. Whether you expand to new Amazon marketplaces, diversify your product offerings, or adjust your accounting processes, A2X is easily configurable to meet your changing needs.

⌛ Time Savings and Complexity Reduction

Numerous tasks within Amazon operations can be a major time drain. Because A2X recognizes the importance of saving time, it efficiently manages repetitive processes on your behalf through automation. 

By leveraging A2X's time-saving and complexity-reducing features, you can free up valuable resources and devote more energy to boosting Amazon sales. Spend less on manual accounting tasks and more on strategic initiatives that drive success. 

💻 Seamless Integration With Financial Software

One way to save time is by harnessing the potential of tools and technology. Luckily, you can integrate A2X with popular financial software like QuickBooks Online (QBO) and Xero. It automatically fetches and organizes complex details, such as sales, fees, refunds, and other transaction data, into a format that aligns with these cloud-based accounting platforms.

The integration reduces the chances of errors or discrepancies. You can enjoy the peace of mind of having reconciled financial records month after month without breaking a sweat.

A2X for Amazon and QuickBooks Online Integration

Intuit, the developer of QuickBooks, has approved A2X as an integration application for the Amazon marketplace and QuickBooks Online accounts.

Integrating Amazon with QuickBooks Online through A2X is a straightforward process. Here's how it works:

  1. Visit QuickBooks App Store.

  1. Search for the keyword “Amazon” once you’re already on the site.

  1. You will find a list of available integration applications. A2X is part of that list.

  1. Click on it and learn more about the application. Take in all the information provided because these will give you an overview of the application.

  1. If you are satisfied with its capabilities and certain it fits your business needs, click the “Learn More” button on the upper right side of the page. 

  1. You will be redirected to the A2X web page.

  1. Click “Try A2X for free.”
  1. Choose which channel you will use. In this case, it’s Amazon.
  1. Provide login credentials for validation. 

After you've completed this step, you are now good to integrate your Amazon account and QBO.

Are You Ready for A2x?

Accounting is complicated, especially for sellers on the world’s largest ecommerce platform. But, there is a solution that can simplify your accounting processes: A2X. It can help you connect your Amazon account to QuickBooks Online and other software while organizing your transactions.

If you're still unsure about updating your accounting processes and need additional support, Unloop is here to help. Say hi to better and easier Amazon accounting with our dedicated team—no need to worry about the stress and confusion of managing your accounts alone.

So what are you waiting for? Book a call today!

Read more

Today, we will talk about one of the best accounting software in the market: Xero Accounting Software—a means for accountants and bookkeepers to track data and transactions easier and safer than manual means. 

If you are already considering signing up, let us encourage you further and help weigh your options by providing eleven benefits to reap using Xero small business software.

11 Essential Features of Xero Accounting Software

Accounting is a broad and difficult area to traverse in business, especially for those with little experience and knowledge. Tasks like invoice creation, expense or income tracking, payroll, and transaction processing can often be headache-inducing.

Thankfully, accounting systems like Xero have begun popping up recently to assist mid-sized and small businesses in need. But what makes Xero among the top accounting solutions?

a short graphic depicting 10 benefits of using Xero Accounting Software

#1: Seamless Expenses and Income Tracking, Including Multicurrency

Among the accounting tasks you or your accountants and bookkeepers need to accomplish are income and expense tracking, which are much better done automatically. 

Through Xero Software, your bills are tracked through automated online payments or by taking photos of the receipts. 

The payments from your clients are also automatically stored in the system, especially when they pay bank-to-bank or via credit and debit cards. The multicurrency feature lets you enjoy this regardless of the currency used. 

#2: Flexible and Comprehensive Payment Methods

A wide range of payment options benefits you and your clients. You can quickly pay vendor dues, and your clients conveniently pay you through these payment options:


Bank-to-bank transactions

Credit cards

Debit cards

GoCardless

Stripe

PayPal

ApplePay

Transferwise

Through Xero, your business can adapt to the trend of cashless transactions. All the money coming in and out of these payment options is automatically tracked by Xero through bank, Stripe, Paypal, and Transferwise feeds.

#3: Convenient Project and Employee Work Time Tracking

Below is a breakdown of Xero software's project and employee time-tracking benefits.

🕜 Organizing Projects and Employee Time: If you work on different projects with several employees, you can organize the projects together with the time rendered by each worker through Xero. 

🧾 Automated Invoicing: By the end of every cutoff, the data you get from the timesheet automatically turns into an invoice for payment. It then falls under your expense data. 

🤝 Client Quotes and Collaboration: Send client quotes about projects for approval before collaboration begins. 

📨 Electronic Payments: Clients can swiftly send electronic payments at the end of a transaction.

📞 Contact Management: Xero’s contact management feature makes client and project tracking easier. This feature allows you to add contacts and list essential details about them, such as their name, email address, phone number, etc.

🗒️ Notes Field: Suppose specific information needs attention with an invoice or bill, like a payment due date or special instructions for payment processing. Xero allows you to create essential notes for each contact and ensure easy access. 

#4: Seamless Reconciliation with Bank Accounts

You can easily reconcile bank transactions with Xero. Once your bank account is connected to Xero, business transactions are automatically imported to the software, neatly sorted, and categorized for tracking and reporting. If some details are not indexed, Xero will send you an alert. These transactions either required tagging or investigation in case of issues like fraud. 

Reconciliation should be done daily to keep your system up-to-date. You can also bulk reconcile transactions to check if the bank money matches the data on Xero. 

To easily track these activities, Xero provides a Bank Transactions tab, where you can do the following:

  • View a list of all your transactions, search for specific ones, or filter by date range or type of transaction.
  • View bank statements. If you've imported a bank statement from Xero Cloud (or another accounting platform), it'll be displayed here so that it's easy to reconcile against the information in Xero Cloud.
  • Export a bank statement for future reference, or send one to your accountant.

#5: Automated Calculation of Returns and Sales Tax

Taxes are one of the most complicated business areas every business owner must go through. Much information goes into sales tax compliance: rates, exemptions, rules, and regulations. It can be overwhelming to track how these different factors impact your business.

Fortunately, they are made easier through Xero's automatic sales tax and returns calculation. With Xero, you must input as many tax rates as possible for each item for the accounting system to automatically calculate the sales tax. 

You can also optimize your data by adding tax rates for specific contacts, products, or accounts. Then, you can generate a sales tax report which you can also use to generate tax returns.

shot of a hand holding a phone with its screen showing the xero small business software

#6: Stress-Free Invoice Management

Are you tired of creating online invoices over and over from scratch, especially for recurring transactions? With Xero’s invoicing capabilities, you can easily create a template, schedule the invoices, and automatically remind your clients about the dues they need to pay. 

Moreover, you can instantly receive customer payments as invoices appear with a “Pay Now” call-to-action button. The money that enters your account will be tracked accordingly by the system. Note that you can send these invoices whether you are on a computer or your phone. 

#7: Streamlined Inventory

If you're a small business owner, inventory management is essential. However, the cost of keeping track of your stock can be a big burden for your cash flow, especially if the quantity of your inventory is too high.

Xero allows you to import and update CSV files directly from marketplaces like Amazon and eBay so you can keep track of your inventory immediately. You can also see how much cash flow has been earned through sales or returns on these platforms and even receive notifications when new purchases are made.

Bonus: Xero's built-in search feature makes it easier to find items from across all areas of your business, including customers, suppliers, and contacts.

#8: Integration of Essential Software into Xero

Xero’s software integration allows you to look at a single software to assess your business's financial health instead of going back and forth. Here are some of the tools you can integrate:

  • Trello: Trello is a project and employee tracking software you can incorporate into Xero. 
  • Gusto Payroll: Gusto is an application that calculates payroll automatically. You can integrate this into Xero payroll to place all essential details in your Xero system. 
  • Gmail and Office 365: Conveniently import contact details to Xero to generate invoices faster. 

#9: Swift Financial Report Generation

Many reports are generated automatically on Xero's dashboard, such as expense claims, income, profitability, unreconciled bank transactions, and your company snapshot. Business owners and managers can use these reports to set budgets, plan investment strategies, and make other essential business decisions. 

Plenty of templates exist; you can customize the reports to check specific data or key performance indicators.

On top of these reports is Xero Analytics. It focuses on tracking your cash flow. The feature generates reports based on all the data tracked by the system. It can also show a forecast report on your cash flow if the same trends continue. 

#10: Top-Quality and Robust Data Security

Xero has passed different data security standards, so rest assured confidential business information is protected.

You can share financial information through a multi-faceted feature, allowing team members to view their own data and select data from others, including customers, suppliers, and other teams. This might raise some data privacy and security concerns on your end. Luckily, you can still protect the financial particulars of your business using the access control function. 

For example, you can enable multi-factor authentication to get a notification and accompanying authentication code whenever anyone tries to log into your account.

#11: Budget-Friendly Tool

With all the assistance you can get from the software, you will surely get your money's worth. Xero offers various plans to suit your business size, but from just $25 per month, you can already enjoy some of its top features. 

If you want unlimited access, you can sign up for the $54 monthly plan. Before deciding, check out the details of each plan and consider what your business needs the most. 

Explore Top-Notch Accounting Software With Unloop!

The capabilities of the Xero software are impressive with all the manual tasks it can take from your or your accountant's and bookkeeper's hands. You can use the time and effort you save to plan your next steps in growing your business. 

If you are still wondering how to use Xero software, we at Unloop will gladly assist you. Thinking of moving to other accounting software like QuickBooks Online? Unloop experts are also experienced in running such tools!

Book a call now. We have a remote accounting and bookkeeping team ready to help you anytime!

11 Reasons That Make Xero Accounting Software Perfect For Your Business
Watch Now

Today, we will talk about one of the best accounting software in the market: Xero Accounting Software—a means for accountants and bookkeepers to track data and transactions easier and safer than manual means. 

If you are already considering signing up, let us encourage you further and help weigh your options by providing eleven benefits to reap using Xero small business software.

11 Essential Features of Xero Accounting Software

Accounting is a broad and difficult area to traverse in business, especially for those with little experience and knowledge. Tasks like invoice creation, expense or income tracking, payroll, and transaction processing can often be headache-inducing.

Thankfully, accounting systems like Xero have begun popping up recently to assist mid-sized and small businesses in need. But what makes Xero among the top accounting solutions?

a short graphic depicting 10 benefits of using Xero Accounting Software

#1: Seamless Expenses and Income Tracking, Including Multicurrency

Among the accounting tasks you or your accountants and bookkeepers need to accomplish are income and expense tracking, which are much better done automatically. 

Through Xero Software, your bills are tracked through automated online payments or by taking photos of the receipts. 

The payments from your clients are also automatically stored in the system, especially when they pay bank-to-bank or via credit and debit cards. The multicurrency feature lets you enjoy this regardless of the currency used. 

#2: Flexible and Comprehensive Payment Methods

A wide range of payment options benefits you and your clients. You can quickly pay vendor dues, and your clients conveniently pay you through these payment options:


Bank-to-bank transactions

Credit cards

Debit cards

GoCardless

Stripe

PayPal

ApplePay

Transferwise

Through Xero, your business can adapt to the trend of cashless transactions. All the money coming in and out of these payment options is automatically tracked by Xero through bank, Stripe, Paypal, and Transferwise feeds.

#3: Convenient Project and Employee Work Time Tracking

Below is a breakdown of Xero software's project and employee time-tracking benefits.

🕜 Organizing Projects and Employee Time: If you work on different projects with several employees, you can organize the projects together with the time rendered by each worker through Xero. 

🧾 Automated Invoicing: By the end of every cutoff, the data you get from the timesheet automatically turns into an invoice for payment. It then falls under your expense data. 

🤝 Client Quotes and Collaboration: Send client quotes about projects for approval before collaboration begins. 

📨 Electronic Payments: Clients can swiftly send electronic payments at the end of a transaction.

📞 Contact Management: Xero’s contact management feature makes client and project tracking easier. This feature allows you to add contacts and list essential details about them, such as their name, email address, phone number, etc.

🗒️ Notes Field: Suppose specific information needs attention with an invoice or bill, like a payment due date or special instructions for payment processing. Xero allows you to create essential notes for each contact and ensure easy access. 

#4: Seamless Reconciliation with Bank Accounts

You can easily reconcile bank transactions with Xero. Once your bank account is connected to Xero, business transactions are automatically imported to the software, neatly sorted, and categorized for tracking and reporting. If some details are not indexed, Xero will send you an alert. These transactions either required tagging or investigation in case of issues like fraud. 

Reconciliation should be done daily to keep your system up-to-date. You can also bulk reconcile transactions to check if the bank money matches the data on Xero. 

To easily track these activities, Xero provides a Bank Transactions tab, where you can do the following:

  • View a list of all your transactions, search for specific ones, or filter by date range or type of transaction.
  • View bank statements. If you've imported a bank statement from Xero Cloud (or another accounting platform), it'll be displayed here so that it's easy to reconcile against the information in Xero Cloud.
  • Export a bank statement for future reference, or send one to your accountant.

#5: Automated Calculation of Returns and Sales Tax

Taxes are one of the most complicated business areas every business owner must go through. Much information goes into sales tax compliance: rates, exemptions, rules, and regulations. It can be overwhelming to track how these different factors impact your business.

Fortunately, they are made easier through Xero's automatic sales tax and returns calculation. With Xero, you must input as many tax rates as possible for each item for the accounting system to automatically calculate the sales tax. 

You can also optimize your data by adding tax rates for specific contacts, products, or accounts. Then, you can generate a sales tax report which you can also use to generate tax returns.

shot of a hand holding a phone with its screen showing the xero small business software

#6: Stress-Free Invoice Management

Are you tired of creating online invoices over and over from scratch, especially for recurring transactions? With Xero’s invoicing capabilities, you can easily create a template, schedule the invoices, and automatically remind your clients about the dues they need to pay. 

Moreover, you can instantly receive customer payments as invoices appear with a “Pay Now” call-to-action button. The money that enters your account will be tracked accordingly by the system. Note that you can send these invoices whether you are on a computer or your phone. 

#7: Streamlined Inventory

If you're a small business owner, inventory management is essential. However, the cost of keeping track of your stock can be a big burden for your cash flow, especially if the quantity of your inventory is too high.

Xero allows you to import and update CSV files directly from marketplaces like Amazon and eBay so you can keep track of your inventory immediately. You can also see how much cash flow has been earned through sales or returns on these platforms and even receive notifications when new purchases are made.

Bonus: Xero's built-in search feature makes it easier to find items from across all areas of your business, including customers, suppliers, and contacts.

#8: Integration of Essential Software into Xero

Xero’s software integration allows you to look at a single software to assess your business's financial health instead of going back and forth. Here are some of the tools you can integrate:

  • Trello: Trello is a project and employee tracking software you can incorporate into Xero. 
  • Gusto Payroll: Gusto is an application that calculates payroll automatically. You can integrate this into Xero payroll to place all essential details in your Xero system. 
  • Gmail and Office 365: Conveniently import contact details to Xero to generate invoices faster. 

#9: Swift Financial Report Generation

Many reports are generated automatically on Xero's dashboard, such as expense claims, income, profitability, unreconciled bank transactions, and your company snapshot. Business owners and managers can use these reports to set budgets, plan investment strategies, and make other essential business decisions. 

Plenty of templates exist; you can customize the reports to check specific data or key performance indicators.

On top of these reports is Xero Analytics. It focuses on tracking your cash flow. The feature generates reports based on all the data tracked by the system. It can also show a forecast report on your cash flow if the same trends continue. 

#10: Top-Quality and Robust Data Security

Xero has passed different data security standards, so rest assured confidential business information is protected.

You can share financial information through a multi-faceted feature, allowing team members to view their own data and select data from others, including customers, suppliers, and other teams. This might raise some data privacy and security concerns on your end. Luckily, you can still protect the financial particulars of your business using the access control function. 

For example, you can enable multi-factor authentication to get a notification and accompanying authentication code whenever anyone tries to log into your account.

#11: Budget-Friendly Tool

With all the assistance you can get from the software, you will surely get your money's worth. Xero offers various plans to suit your business size, but from just $25 per month, you can already enjoy some of its top features. 

If you want unlimited access, you can sign up for the $54 monthly plan. Before deciding, check out the details of each plan and consider what your business needs the most. 

Explore Top-Notch Accounting Software With Unloop!

The capabilities of the Xero software are impressive with all the manual tasks it can take from your or your accountant's and bookkeeper's hands. You can use the time and effort you save to plan your next steps in growing your business. 

If you are still wondering how to use Xero software, we at Unloop will gladly assist you. Thinking of moving to other accounting software like QuickBooks Online? Unloop experts are also experienced in running such tools!

Book a call now. We have a remote accounting and bookkeeping team ready to help you anytime!

Read more

Disclaimer: Please note this article is not financial advice. The purpose of our blog is purely educational, so please consult a professional accountant or financial advisor before making any financial decision.

With over 50,000 active businesses, Calgary’s business scene doesn’t seem to show signs of faltering anytime soon. For this reason, it won’t come as a surprise if some (or most) businesses delegate their accounting tasks to top-quality accounting and bookkeeping services, especially those without any background in the field. 

Let’s list the best accounting firms Calgary has in store for business owners and entrepreneurs like you.

Questions to Ask in Finding the Ideal Accounting Firm

Before you start, it’s best to outline the fundamental factors an ideal professional accounting firm must possess. What should you look for to find the best one?

Logically, the first factor that most clients try to assess is the type of accounting services the firm offers. Be it payroll services or managing personal and business taxes, they’ll want an accounting firm to lift those heavy burdens off their shoulders.

But searching for the right accounting firm doesn’t end with simply checking a firm’s services; it’s how well they do it. To highlight the key qualities of an ideal accounting firm, we’ve listed some questions to find the right services for your company.

short infographic about what factors to consider when hiring accounting firms

What Tools and Software Do They Use?

Once you’ve identified which services your business requires, you will naturally start thinking about the firm's tools to manage essential accounting tasks efficiently and accurately. 

Knowing what tools and software they use impacts not only their task efficiency but also seamless data sharing and management.

With that, you must ensure their software matches yours for seamless data integration. You and your hired firm can collaborate in real time, allowing quick accounting resolution. Most importantly, having the same tools and software with your firm ensures data security and protection, considering you will have a similar data security system with the firm upon data integration.

How Do Other Clients Evaluate Their Service?

Like how an interested customer would read product reviews, running a background check on the firm through client testimonials is crucial. From this brief check, you can assess their

  • expertise,
  • experience in the field, and
  • service quality.

These reviews can show you how well they communicate with their clients. They can also reveal how the firm handles inevitable road bumps and indicate the overall level of client satisfaction.

Where Is the Firm Located?

You may think that location won’t matter when selecting an accounting firm, but plenty of factors are linked to where the firm is. Most companies prefer to hire nearby firms for convenience, improved efficiency, and smooth communication.

The firm’s location isn’t limited to where it is physically situated. With the advancement of technology and the internet, running an accounting firm remotely and through cloud-based systems is possible.

7 Best Accounting Firms Calgary Has to Offer

Piggybacking off of the previous discussion, learning the accounting firm’s tools, testimonials, and even location is just as critical as knowing their services.

If your business is Calgary-based, today’s your lucky day. Below are the best seven accounting firms in the area.

1. Versatile Accounting & Tax

Ideally, tax registration is a must the moment you open for business. However, many entrepreneurs choose to delay this step until tax season comes. 

Do not make the same mistake and save yourself from the stress. Versatile Accounting & Tax is an accounting firm in Calgary that can handle corporate taxes, goods and services tax, personal tax planning, filing, and compliance.

The firm's bookkeeping services include monitoring your business or nonprofit organization's financial status and payroll processing. They also offer audit and review engagement as part of their assurance services. 

2. MMT Chartered Professional Accountants

Whether you are a doctor, a lawyer, a dentist, a real estate agent, or a business owner, you'll find the services offered by MMT Chartered Professional Accountants satisfactory to your needs. Here’s a preview.

  • Assurance and Accounting
  • Business and Corporate Tax Filing
  • Business Advisory
  • Trust and Estate Tax
  • Personal Tax Filing
  • Financing Advisory Services

3. Shajani LLP Professional Accountants

Analyzing, planning, and forecasting your finances are just as necessary as monitoring your cash flow and staying on top of ever-changing tax regulations. Luckily, you can get all these services from Shajani LLP Professional Accountants

A Calgary-based chartered accountant from the firm can help you with the following:

  • Tax Planning
  • Financial Statements (compilation, review, and audit)
  • Consultation
  • Bookkeeping

That’s right! You can now minimize your tax expenditure or keep your records well-organized, all while setting a course for financial success.

4. Jibe Accounting

Businesses should always have accounting, whether a startup or a big one. For fledgling enterprises, it ensures sound decision-making and business growth. For larger businesses, it contributes to long-term stability and success.

Jibe Accounting caters to both—ranging from physical and online startups to small businesses. Professionals like consultants, real estate brokers, and investors can also access their services. 

Some of them include:

  • Corporate and Personal Taxes
  • Tax Planning and Incorporation
  • Financial Statements
  • Bookkeeping

5. Geib & Company

Family businesses tend to be informal, but that doesn't mean you don’t need to track your expenses, income, losses, and profit. Geib & Company’s services are for family businesses, among other sectors. Their expertise spans around the following areas:

  • Corporate Accounting
  • Small Business Accounting
  • Professional Accounting
  • Construction Accounting

Under each leading service are bookkeeping tasks, where you can keep your financial records in order. They also offer assurance and financial reporting to guide you in your current business status.

6. KD Professional Services

KD Professional Accounting Services (Calgary) is your go-to for comprehensive financial management, from accounting needs to strategic decision-making. It covers services for business and insurance, turning money into gold, and other benefits. 

The firm is also extremely helpful for small to medium businesses. Their range of services includes the following:

  • Corporate Services
  • Tax Planning
  • Bookkeeping
  • Audit Support
  • Personal Tax Services
  • Incorporating Registry
  • Financial Analysis
  • Financial Reports
  • Consultation

7. Unloop

If you are looking for small business tax accountants who speak your language and have firsthand experience in ecommerce business management, Unloop has them all. 

Unloop has successfully established an accounting business. They aim to replicate its success with other startups and small business owners by delivering custom accounting solutions.

What distinguishes Unloop is its blend of experience and technical expertise, providing accounting services such as:

  • Accounting and Bookkeeping
  • Financial Statements
  • Technological Integration of Reports
  • Monthly Reporting

Best of all, Unloop offers a risk-free trial of their services, and you can cancel anytime.

Work with Unloop: The Best Firm in Calgary

Starting with accounting early on is a smart move. It will keep track of your finances through the reports, which you can then use to make better business decisions. If you run into any financial issues, early forecasting can help you catch them before they become big problems. With the right planning, you can solve or avoid these issues altogether.

You've seen our list of top accounting firms in Calgary, each offering various accounting and bookkeeping services. Now, it's time to make your choice and create a partnership.

Unloop offers exceptional consulting services and can be the accounting firm you are looking for. We provide excellent accounting support for small to mid-sized businesses all over Canada, including Calgary.
Contact us at 877-421-7270 so that we can discuss our services.

Top 7 Accounting Firms Calgary Has For Businesses
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Disclaimer: Please note this article is not financial advice. The purpose of our blog is purely educational, so please consult a professional accountant or financial advisor before making any financial decision.

With over 50,000 active businesses, Calgary’s business scene doesn’t seem to show signs of faltering anytime soon. For this reason, it won’t come as a surprise if some (or most) businesses delegate their accounting tasks to top-quality accounting and bookkeeping services, especially those without any background in the field. 

Let’s list the best accounting firms Calgary has in store for business owners and entrepreneurs like you.

Questions to Ask in Finding the Ideal Accounting Firm

Before you start, it’s best to outline the fundamental factors an ideal professional accounting firm must possess. What should you look for to find the best one?

Logically, the first factor that most clients try to assess is the type of accounting services the firm offers. Be it payroll services or managing personal and business taxes, they’ll want an accounting firm to lift those heavy burdens off their shoulders.

But searching for the right accounting firm doesn’t end with simply checking a firm’s services; it’s how well they do it. To highlight the key qualities of an ideal accounting firm, we’ve listed some questions to find the right services for your company.

short infographic about what factors to consider when hiring accounting firms

What Tools and Software Do They Use?

Once you’ve identified which services your business requires, you will naturally start thinking about the firm's tools to manage essential accounting tasks efficiently and accurately. 

Knowing what tools and software they use impacts not only their task efficiency but also seamless data sharing and management.

With that, you must ensure their software matches yours for seamless data integration. You and your hired firm can collaborate in real time, allowing quick accounting resolution. Most importantly, having the same tools and software with your firm ensures data security and protection, considering you will have a similar data security system with the firm upon data integration.

How Do Other Clients Evaluate Their Service?

Like how an interested customer would read product reviews, running a background check on the firm through client testimonials is crucial. From this brief check, you can assess their

  • expertise,
  • experience in the field, and
  • service quality.

These reviews can show you how well they communicate with their clients. They can also reveal how the firm handles inevitable road bumps and indicate the overall level of client satisfaction.

Where Is the Firm Located?

You may think that location won’t matter when selecting an accounting firm, but plenty of factors are linked to where the firm is. Most companies prefer to hire nearby firms for convenience, improved efficiency, and smooth communication.

The firm’s location isn’t limited to where it is physically situated. With the advancement of technology and the internet, running an accounting firm remotely and through cloud-based systems is possible.

7 Best Accounting Firms Calgary Has to Offer

Piggybacking off of the previous discussion, learning the accounting firm’s tools, testimonials, and even location is just as critical as knowing their services.

If your business is Calgary-based, today’s your lucky day. Below are the best seven accounting firms in the area.

1. Versatile Accounting & Tax

Ideally, tax registration is a must the moment you open for business. However, many entrepreneurs choose to delay this step until tax season comes. 

Do not make the same mistake and save yourself from the stress. Versatile Accounting & Tax is an accounting firm in Calgary that can handle corporate taxes, goods and services tax, personal tax planning, filing, and compliance.

The firm's bookkeeping services include monitoring your business or nonprofit organization's financial status and payroll processing. They also offer audit and review engagement as part of their assurance services. 

2. MMT Chartered Professional Accountants

Whether you are a doctor, a lawyer, a dentist, a real estate agent, or a business owner, you'll find the services offered by MMT Chartered Professional Accountants satisfactory to your needs. Here’s a preview.

  • Assurance and Accounting
  • Business and Corporate Tax Filing
  • Business Advisory
  • Trust and Estate Tax
  • Personal Tax Filing
  • Financing Advisory Services

3. Shajani LLP Professional Accountants

Analyzing, planning, and forecasting your finances are just as necessary as monitoring your cash flow and staying on top of ever-changing tax regulations. Luckily, you can get all these services from Shajani LLP Professional Accountants

A Calgary-based chartered accountant from the firm can help you with the following:

  • Tax Planning
  • Financial Statements (compilation, review, and audit)
  • Consultation
  • Bookkeeping

That’s right! You can now minimize your tax expenditure or keep your records well-organized, all while setting a course for financial success.

4. Jibe Accounting

Businesses should always have accounting, whether a startup or a big one. For fledgling enterprises, it ensures sound decision-making and business growth. For larger businesses, it contributes to long-term stability and success.

Jibe Accounting caters to both—ranging from physical and online startups to small businesses. Professionals like consultants, real estate brokers, and investors can also access their services. 

Some of them include:

  • Corporate and Personal Taxes
  • Tax Planning and Incorporation
  • Financial Statements
  • Bookkeeping

5. Geib & Company

Family businesses tend to be informal, but that doesn't mean you don’t need to track your expenses, income, losses, and profit. Geib & Company’s services are for family businesses, among other sectors. Their expertise spans around the following areas:

  • Corporate Accounting
  • Small Business Accounting
  • Professional Accounting
  • Construction Accounting

Under each leading service are bookkeeping tasks, where you can keep your financial records in order. They also offer assurance and financial reporting to guide you in your current business status.

6. KD Professional Services

KD Professional Accounting Services (Calgary) is your go-to for comprehensive financial management, from accounting needs to strategic decision-making. It covers services for business and insurance, turning money into gold, and other benefits. 

The firm is also extremely helpful for small to medium businesses. Their range of services includes the following:

  • Corporate Services
  • Tax Planning
  • Bookkeeping
  • Audit Support
  • Personal Tax Services
  • Incorporating Registry
  • Financial Analysis
  • Financial Reports
  • Consultation

7. Unloop

If you are looking for small business tax accountants who speak your language and have firsthand experience in ecommerce business management, Unloop has them all. 

Unloop has successfully established an accounting business. They aim to replicate its success with other startups and small business owners by delivering custom accounting solutions.

What distinguishes Unloop is its blend of experience and technical expertise, providing accounting services such as:

  • Accounting and Bookkeeping
  • Financial Statements
  • Technological Integration of Reports
  • Monthly Reporting

Best of all, Unloop offers a risk-free trial of their services, and you can cancel anytime.

Work with Unloop: The Best Firm in Calgary

Starting with accounting early on is a smart move. It will keep track of your finances through the reports, which you can then use to make better business decisions. If you run into any financial issues, early forecasting can help you catch them before they become big problems. With the right planning, you can solve or avoid these issues altogether.

You've seen our list of top accounting firms in Calgary, each offering various accounting and bookkeeping services. Now, it's time to make your choice and create a partnership.

Unloop offers exceptional consulting services and can be the accounting firm you are looking for. We provide excellent accounting support for small to mid-sized businesses all over Canada, including Calgary.
Contact us at 877-421-7270 so that we can discuss our services.

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Know exactly where your ecommerce business stands financially.
+1 877 421 7270
228 Park Ave S #82849
New York, NY 10003
United States
7676 Woodbine Ave #2
Markham, ON L3R 2N2
Canada
About unloop

Unloop is the first and only accounting firm exclusively servicing ecommerce and inventory businesses in the US and Canada. With the power of people and technology, our team dives deep into COGS and inventory accounting. You are paired with a dedicated bookkeeping team that prepares accurate financial statements, financial forecasts, and can also pay bills or run payroll for you. Come tax time, everything is organized and ready to go, so you don't need to worry. Book a call with an ecommerce accountant today to learn more.

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