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As a small business owner, you know that managing your finances is crucial to the success of your business. But with so many accounting principles and practices out there, it can be challenging to know where to start or to understand what they mean. That’s where we come in!

In this guide, we’ll break down the essential accounting principles that every small business owner should know. We’ll discuss how these principles can help you keep track of financial transactions, create accurate financial statements, and make informed decisions for your business. So, let’s dive in, shall we?

Why Are Accounting Principles Important for Small Businesses?

Accounting principles are the foundation for any successful business. They provide a uniform framework for recording and reporting financial transactions, ensuring consistency and accuracy in your financial records. By adhering to these principles, you’ll be able to:

• Make better financial decisions based on accurate and reliable data
• Monitor your business’s performance and identify areas for improvement
• Meet legal and regulatory requirements for financial reporting
• Build trust with any investors, lenders, and other stakeholders

Let’s explore some of the key concepts you need to know.

IFRS: International Financial Reporting Standards

International Financial Reporting Standards (IRFS) – as the name implies – is an international standard developed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

IFRS is used in more than 110 countries around the world and is a set of principles that help companies around the world show their financial information in a clear and consistent way. Think of it like a common language for money matters, so everyone can understand and compare how businesses are doing financially, no matter which country they’re from.

Accrual Accounting vs. Cash Basis Accounting

When it comes to accounting methods, there are two main options: accrual accounting and cash basis accounting.

Accrual Accounting is the more widely accepted method, where you record transactions when they are earned or incurred, regardless of when cash changes hands. For example, if you invoice a client for services provided in December but don’t receive payment until January, you would record the revenue in December under accrual accounting.

Cash Basis Accounting, on the other hand, records transactions when cash is received or paid. In the example above, you would record the revenue in January when the payment is received.

It is really important to know which method has been used when reviewing financial reports.

Double-Entry Accounting: The Backbone of Financial Record-Keeping

Double-entry accounting is a fundamental accounting principle that requires every transaction to be recorded in at least two accounts: one as a debit and one as a credit. This system ensures that your books are always balanced and makes it easier to detect errors or discrepancies in your financial records.

Here’s a simple example: When you purchase inventory for your business, you would record the transaction as a debit to your inventory account and a credit to your cash account.

By using double-entry accounting, you’ll have a clear and accurate picture of your business’s financial position, allowing you to make better financial decisions.

This is one of the harder principals to get your head around when it comes to keeping accounts for your business.

Practical Examples and Case Studies

To illustrate how these accounting principles can be applied in practice, let’s look at a few real-life examples:

• Example 1: A local retail store uses accrual accounting to record sales and expenses. They track their daily sales and expenses, recording them as they are earned or incurred, rather than waiting for cash to change hands. This allows them to monitor their cash flow and make informed decisions about purchasing inventory, hiring staff, and investing in new equipment.

• Example 2: A freelance graphic designer uses cash basis accounting for their business. They record income when they receive payments from clients and expenses when they pay for software, supplies, or other business costs. This simple approach helps them stay on top of their cash flow and ensures they have enough money to cover their expenses.

Becoming knowledgeable in accounting principles has the power to transform the way you run your small business as understanding the terminology and the way financial records and reports are put together can turn the lightbulb on and really make the numbers make a lot more sense. A strong grasp on your financials enables you to make informed decisions and accelerate revenue growth.  

If you would like to know more, we can provide Financial Fitness Training to help you understand your numbers.