When it comes to accounting, many small business owners think it's boring and unimportant. They'd rather focus on things they think are more critical to their business, such as product development, marketing, etc. However, as a matter of fact, accounting is a very important factor for a small business to succeed. Without accounting, your small business might not reach its full potential, and you might get yourself into some trouble.

At least there are two very important reasons that you should have a good accounting system for your small business.

First of all, business accounting is a way for you to keep records on your business performance. By reviewing and analyzing your accounting data, you can see how well your business has performed during a certain period of time. Also, your accounting data can help you to discover trends that might help you to uncover the strengths and weaknesses of your business, which might assist you in making better business decisions to grow your small business.

Secondly, business accounting is necessary for filling your business tax returns. When the time comes to fill the tax forms for your small business, it'd be nice to have a clean and complete business record handy so that you can fill in the numbers easily and correctly. Also, if for any reason the IRS decides to audit you, you will be required to provide accounting records for your business.

In addition, if you need additional funding to grow your business, your potential lenders might ask you to provide your accounting records to evaluate your business.

Small business accounting is not a very difficult task. You can maintain your records in very simple manner, such as a ledger, as long as the records are accurate. Also, currently there are some very popular small business accounting software you can purchase, such as QuickBooks and Peachtree. However, if you feel a ledger is not enough or if you don't feel like using computer software yourself, you can consider asking professional help. You can hire a professional bookkeeper to do the accounting works for you. This way you can save time for yourself and can also be sure that the work will be done more professionally.

You can attend all or just the topics you feel you need. This series of workshops is designed to give the non accountant a basic understanding of your company financials or for anyone who wants to brush up on their bookkeeping skills. Kay Flanery has been helping businesses understand this KISS concept for almost 30 years. Kay's approach to bookkeeping is the KISS method and she has a wealth of knowledge she wants to share with your business. Come learn basic accounting on line from the comfort of your office, gain a better understanding of your financial statements and help your business understand your financial position so you can manage the future of your business. Progressive Topics Workshop - 12 monthly sessions, 30 minutes with 10 min Q & A Session I. 01/23/2009 What are financial statements? a. Balance sheet b. Income Statement c. Why are they important? II. 02/20/2009 What is Accounting Method? a. Cash Basis b. Accrual Basis c. What's the difference? OR Why do I care? III. 03/20/2009 Accounting Principles (mnemonic of 10 principles Becker CPA review course) a. Matching b. Consistency c. On-going concern IV. 04/24/2009 Analyze financial statements - OR how to make the financials a tool you cannot live without! a. Compared to prior year b. Compared to budget c. Why Budget? V. 05/22/2009 Analyze financial statements - part II a. Gross profit b. Industry standards - how does my business compare to others in same industry VI. 06/26/2009 Manage Accounts Receivable OR Don't lose your shirt to your dead beat customers a. Terms of sale & credit limits b. Credit check c. Billing & collection tips d. Finance Charges & prompt payment discounts VII. 07/24/2009 Manage Accounts Payable a. Vendor terms b. Prompt payment