QuickBooks > Articles > Choosing the best accounting for small businesses

Choosing the best accounting for small businesses

2010-08-27

It’s all very well to have advisers telling you to be careful which accounting techniques you choose to explore – when strategising how to record and manage your small business’s financial transactions. However, if you don’t understand what accounting for small businesses options are relevant to you - it’s not possible to make an informed decision.

There are two types of accounting techniques that a small business needs to take into consideration. Will your business be operating on an accrual basis, or will you be using the cash method?

  • The cash method is the easier of the two methods and concentrates on the real-time flow of money in and out of your business - which then dictates the calculation of your income and expenses. An income will only be recorded once the money reflects in your business’s account, and, similarly, an expense is recorded only once the money has left your account. Although this is the simpler and more commonly used method, the cash basis technique can give an inaccurate image of a small business’s financial state, especially when considering long-term projections.
     
  • The accrual method is an accounting for small businesses technique that records your expenses and income as you earn them, regardless of when you receive or make payments. This provides a long-term perspective of your business’s financial health.

Once you’ve decided which accounting technique is the most suitable for your small business – the second most crucial step is choosing the right accounting software. QuickBooks offers premium accounting for small businesses solutions: QuickBooks SimpleStart, QuickBooks Pro and QuickBooks Premier. Contact QuickBooks for more information on which accounting package best suits your business’s financial needs.

Why use accounting for small businesses?

Using an automated accounting software solution for your small business has a number of advantages over earlier, manual accounting techniques. Instead of using time consuming ledger pads, the computer software guides users through which information needs to be entered into which fields - capturing the data electronically. Once data is captured the QuickBooks software:

  • reduces accounting errors
  • saves time on generating reports, projections and statements
  • streamlines payroll
  • provides an easily accessed snapshot of your business’s financial health

The modernisation of accounting techniques through computer software is saving small businesses worldwide money and time. Do the same for your small business and reap the rewards of an efficient and secure accounting system that doesn’t require hiring a full-time accountant.

It’s always best to cultivate a good relationship with an accountant you trust, as you may need professional advice regarding tax regulations and other important legalities. QuickBooks offers a comprehensive support service for clients using our bookkeeping software and requiring assistance to use it. These support packages cover telephonic, email and on-site aid for your peace of mind. Contact QuickBooks for advice on accounting techniques and relevant support options for your small business.

Still not sure, need more info?

QuickBooks SimpleStart - for new and home based business

QuickBooks SimpleStart - for new and home based business

All the essential tools for new and home based businesses.
The simplest way to manage and track money going in and out of your business.
QuickBooks SimpleStart, Accounting Software
It’s easy to manage sales, expenses and customers when you do your company’s books with SimpleStart. SimpleStart has been designed specifically to address small business needs and help them through their first start-up year which is the most critical year. SimpleStart takes less than 15 minutes to set up and with the easy interactive audio tutorials; you are taken through each step of setting up your company.
QuickBooks Pro - manage your business accounts simply and easily

QuickBooks Pro - manage your business accounts simply and easily

Fast and easy financial management for small businesses.
Manage your business accounts simply and easily.
QuickBooks Pro, Accounting Software
All the features of QuickBooks SimpleStart with advanced tools and customisation options to help boost efficiency and improve organisation.
 
 
QuickBooks Premier - fast and easy advanced accounting

QuickBooks Premier - fast and easy advanced accounting

The fastest, most complete way to manage small business finance.
Fast and easy advanced accounting.
QuickBooks Premier, Accounting Software
The next step up from QuickBooks pro, this comprehensive tool meets more specialised needs and gives greater insight to your client's business.
 
 
Quick Payroll - manage all your weekly and monthly payroll needs
Quick Payroll - manage all your weekly and monthly payroll needs
Quickest and easiest way to manage all your weekly and monthly payroll needs.
Quick Payroll is designed to meet the fast growing needs of dynamic South African SMEs.
QuickBooks Payroll, Payroll Software

It simply manages all aspects regarding payroll, including payroll calculations, leave registers, report writing, tax year-end, and more. Quick Payroll interfaces seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting software, which means your general ledger journals will automatically update.

Our solution automatically provides new tax law or statutory upgrades as they arise, keeping you on the payroll cutting edge. What is more, our Quick Payroll is so flexible; it can be used in any industry sector, injecting value into your company, employee and client relations across the board.

Quick Payroll Lite - manage all your weekly and monthly payroll needs
Quick Payroll Lite - manage all your weekly and monthly payroll needs
Quickest and easiest way to manage all your weekly and monthly payroll needs.
QuickBooks Payroll Lite, Payroll Software

Quick Payroll Lite is designed to meet the fast growing needs of dynamic South African SMEs. It simply manages all aspects regarding payroll, including payroll calculations, leave registers, report writing, tax year-end, and more. Quick Payroll Lite interfaces seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting software, which means your general ledger journals will automatically update.

Our solution automatically provides new tax law or statutory upgrades as they arise, keeping you on the payroll cutting edge. What is more, our Quick Payroll Lite is so flexible; it can be used in any industry sector, injecting value into your company, employee and client relations across the board.

Quick Payroll Startup - manage all your weekly and monthly payroll needs
Quick Payroll Startup - for all your weekly and monthly payroll needs
Quickest and easiest way to manage all your weekly and monthly payroll needs.
QuickBooks Payroll Startup, Payroll Software

Quick Payroll Startup is designed to meet the fast growing needs of dynamic South African SMEs. It simply manages all aspects regarding payroll, including payroll calculations, leave registers, report writing, tax year-end, and more. Quick Payroll Startup interfaces seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting software, which means your general ledger journals will automatically update.

Our solution automatically provides new tax law or statutory upgrades as they arise, keeping you on the payroll cutting edge. What is more, our Quick Payroll Startup is so flexible; it can be used in any industry sector, injecting value into your company, employee and client relations across the board.

QuickBooks Archived Articles - Click to view archived articles
no articles found
QuickBooks Archived Articles - Click to view archived articles
no articles found
Cape Town Course Dates
Cape Town

Payroll

14 February

Simple Start

16 February

Pro

22 to 23 February

Johannesburg Course Dates
Johannesburg

Pro

30th to 31st January

Basic Bookkeeping

6th -7th -8th 9th and 10th February

Payroll

13th to 14th February

Premier

15th to 17th February

Pro

20th to 21st February

Durban Course Dates
Durban

Pro

13th to 14th February

Payroll

16th February