Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Through Accounting


As an individual or a company there is a need for the level of responsibility to ensure that your life or business is regulated by the above committee. Accounting is part of the business of every business must have in order to manage resources and processes. You can just tell the health of the company, if you have an adequate accounting system in place. One of the reasons behind the failure of some companies is the fact that minimal or no accountability of leaders on the board or committee of employees and so on. If one can not be held responsible for the business' performance, therefore, that the work suffers from stunted growth.

- Accounting for increased accountability - Accounting creates the much needed financial performance reporting that directors can use to employee's account. It's easy to say the performance level of the leaders simply analyzes were able to make a profit in a month through strict accounting policies.

- Accounting Business Health says - Before any investor gets involved in business, they check the health of the business to invest in. This happens when the accounting system produces reports. Finances are sometimes published in the press and signed by the company secretary who then takes full responsibility or liability for total or authenticity of the information.

- Accuracy is important in accounting - A would rather not have to accumulate accounting information that works not correct. With false information, wrong decisions. No one can put on the account. It is expensive to make decisions based on incomplete or incorrect information.

- Responsibility for the entire workforce - Sometimes people assume that the financial people on the basis of dealing with the accounts must be held accountable. Everyone has the responsibility for what they are doing, how they do it and why.

- Accountability is crucial for proper corporate governance - There can never be a good management of the business, without a clear accountability structure.

I've watched over the years to a situation in which I refused to be accountable, I slowed down in making the desired progress in life. I remember when I keep to myself and no one to speak into my life at that moment I was most mischievous things in life. Why not? I had nobody to look at me seriously in the face and tell me how. My wife taught me how accountability can be achieved through accounting with the way the family handled the accounting issues to the last percent. It is a very responsible person I know. Unfortunately, I still lags behind in this area. I spend the first, and sometimes forget to keep interested parties informed about their financial activities.

Rabison Shumba is a young African entrepreneur who has an interest in information and communication technology, agriculture and mining. He is also a motivational speaker, trainer and author. His book, size handbook and a variety of online articles as tools for personal and professional development. Together with 100 other Career experts, co-author Rabison 101 Great Ways to improve your career. Rabison personal vision has influenced the lives of children in marginalized communities by creating a platform for career guidance, Veterans and information empowerment and capacity building through a Trust the size of the factory, where he currently holds the position of Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Acting Executive Director of the director. He was actively involved in the organization of career advancement and leadership tests to drive and inspire young and mature professionals in size. His areas of expertise include strategy, leadership, personal and professional development. Rabison is married to Jackie, and they have two daughters. They live in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Accountancy Marketing


You May wonder why I'm focusing on New Year's resolutions in February. Or maybe, if you are trying to recover after January deadline makes sense for you.

And as with most things in life, timing is the key to marketing accounting and marketing to accountants. From experience I know many companies and partners to start thinking about your marketing and next year, when January is behind them.

Although there is no crystal ball, I have not heard too many economic forecasts predict an improved outlook in 2012. Of course, the effects of the recession vary enormously in different parts of Great Britain and Ireland. Some practitioners who specialize in certain industries are protected from the worst, while others were decimated.

Over the past 18 months, the partners have told me many times fee income, which has grown reasonably compared to the previous year, with no marketing, began to decline. So now, for the first time they are getting in touch asking for help.

What to do when the phone stops ringing?

Before you think about targeting potential customers must decide the following:

1) Who are your ideal clients? Do not try to be all things to all people. To identify the best customers you have and target your efforts in companies with similar profiles.

2) What is so special about your company's business? In what areas are stronger than your competitors? If you can not differentiate your business from its rivals, do not expect potential customers to be able to.

When there is no real difference in the service, the deciding factor will always be a fee. Would you like to compete in a crowded market, where the lowest fee wins?

3) work out the lifetime value and profitability of the average client. Once you know the revenue and profit than the average customer decide how much you are prepared to pay, the marketing costs for every £ 1 of the first year fees you generate.

4) the most successful and fastest-growing companies are the ones offering the greatest service and lowest fees. Their growth comes from effective marketing.

Their partners do not pay lip service to a new job were given to it. Their businesses are structured in a way that allows them to spend most of their time goal and winning new business. They are curious and pro-active in learning what works for them.

Once the basics are in place to forget marketing and concentrate on winning new business. This means that lead generation is actually selling your accounting services. Do not blow your budget on a nice brochure or sponsorship.

Put on activities that enables you to predict and measure the return on investment. First of all, if you are looking for better results - new business revenues - from investments in 2012 not to repeat what you did in 2011.

Patrick McLoughlin is the founder of Accounting for Growth (A4G), a marketing agency that specializes in helping accounting practices grow through attracting their ideal clients. All A4G Accounting marketing campaign to work on revenue goals. A results-based marketing services for UK accountants.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Accounting Books


There are three broad categories: financial accounting books, costing and management. Accounting should be distinguished from bookkeeping, accounting is primarily concerned with accurate recording of financial transactions involving the transfer of money. On the other hand, accounting is more comprehensive, which includes classification, summarization, presentation and analysis of accounting information. A / C books cover these features in great detail.

Accounting is all about recording, classifying, and analyzing financial transactions. Accounting refers to the art and practice of science known as accounting. Different individuals, such as entrepreneurs, members of management, tax administration and creditors, have made unique demands on the accounting, which led to the creation of different activities. A variety of accounting books is available on every aspect of accounting.

The primary objective of financial A / C involves determining the gain or loss in transactions in a given period of time. When the period ends, the financial position can be said, with the balance sheet. Thus, financial / c books are essential to the functioning of the office buildings.

Another branch of the accounting cost of A / C, which aims to determine the cost price of goods or services produced by the business establishment. Cost / C also allows the business establishment to manage costs, highlighting the potential waste and losses. Cost A / C books give great insight and depth of this branch of accounting.

One of the most important goals of management / c is to provide accurate information for management at the right moment to allow that key decisions and exercise control.

Since all three branches, financial / c is the most important. Objectives relating to the financial A / C is achieved by maintaining records of financial transactions, systematically, based on a series of principles. The fact that there was need to pass the classification, analysis and presentation to determine the financial well-being and business results.

Accounting has a different purpose and plays a key role in the welfare of the organization by providing answers to important questions regarding the accounts. Some of the questions deal with accounting are listed below:

What is the business's financial condition?
Does the business register profits or losses?
What is the performance of the various departments of the establishment?
What products or services have registered a profit?
What service or product should be discontinued?
What goods or services should see an increase in production?
Whether a part should be purchased or manufactured?
Any production costs are excessive or reasonable?
As the business benefited from the existing policy?
What will be the impact of new decisions on the profitability of the business?
Bearing in mind past performance, so that in future it is planned to achieve a desired profit?

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The Benefits of Outsourcing


Accounting for non-financial tasks a person can be a mammoth task. Wading through bills, bank statements Between other duties can be quite a task especially for small business owners who have a lot of other things to do. Even businesses that have business in the home teams are still needed for the management functions of the Team in order to assure themselves that they meet business objectives at minimum cost.

What is outsourcing?
Before the 1980s, many business functions are conducted at the home of many organizations. Companies will hire a temporary staff member to perform duties of regular staff can not take. This provision obviously raises costs through employment, training, space, office space and other amenities.

Outsourcing has now taken place of temporary staff among other roles in many organizations. Defined as a contractual From business functions of an independent agent or company, outsourcing is now a popular choice for companies wishing to streamline their processes.

Many companies now outsource much of its business functions such as accounting, IT, space, and even employment duties outside agencies. Some individual agents tend to work on the spot, while others outsource their work to organizations that operate in their own premises. That is a common practice among accounting firms and employment.

Advantages of Outsourcing.
Outsourcing of accounting functions for the external organization has many advantages such as:

Reducing costs: the most obvious benefit of outsourcing accounting services for accounting firms is a reduction in personnel costs - employment, location, benefits, office space and other costs synonymous with the staff. Number of businesses that outsource their business functions reported at least 30% reduction in operating costs, without reducing productivity.

Quality of work: outsourcing company to grow in reputation and to build their business must offer a quality service. Companies that outsource their accounting services benefit from the competitive marketplace in which companies must provide exceptional service to retain their customers.

Focus on key areas: outsourcing allows businesses such as focus on core business functions that can boost productivity by at least 32% according to recent research.

Access to Innovation: To maintain a competitive advantage, accounting firms try to stay on the cutting edge by investing in advanced accounting systems and techniques for the benefit of its clients. Instead of investing relies on a new accounting system and staff training, the organization now voles to outsource these services to benefit from these new technologies development.

Pool of expertise: Companies tend to benefit from a pool of experts and a sustainable source of professional accountants. Reputable accounting firms to attract exceptional and qualified personnel to secure a contract to deliver on the provision of services and does not retain the loyalty of its clients. Companies that outsource their accounting services benefit from such expertise, without additional costs of employing high quality personnel.

Faster Turnaround: accounting firms operate on the basis of targets and deadlines. They know me from tax deadlines and other legal requirements, so the goal is to file bills on time by providing fast turnaround service to its customers

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Secure the Best Payment Gateway


The number of e-commerce businesses is growing, driven by the fact that more of us now opt to shop in that way. This has also meant that the number of companies providing payment services to merchants is also rising.

Having a range of options in this field can be great but can also make it more difficult to decide which one will be the most suitable for your business.

One of the difficult choices many have to face is that of which payment gateway is the best.

Here are some of the things to take into consideration before you make your decision:

1. Integration - before you look at any other aspects you first need to know whether a given gateway can actually be integrated with your shopping cart. The likelihood is that it can, but there are exceptions, so be sure to check this first before looking at other aspects.

2. Charges - this is important for all businesses, especially start-ups. Find out what the setup fees are and remember to ask for the charges per transaction as well as any monthly service charges. It is good to know beforehand how many transactions you are forecasting to make, as it can help you choose the most suitable tariff.

3. Security - it is crucial that you only work with a payment service provider (PSP) which is Level 1 PCI DSS Compliant. This means that their servers and networks are secure and can process huge numbers of transactions safely. Aside from protecting you and your consumers it also takes a lot of hassle away from your business becoming compliant too.

4. Reports - every payment gateway will come with some kind of reporting tools, which will allow you to see the transactions made through your website. The quality of those tools and the reports they generate will vary from one provider to another, making it another thing you should compare when doing your research.

5. Support - even the best payment gateway needs an excellent support team to make it a complete package. Find out which providers will give you ongoing assistance and how much it will cost you. Knowing that help is at hand when needed can give you a piece of mind and allow you to get on with more important things.

It can indeed be difficult to find a payment gateway which fits all of your business needs, but by following the above points you should find the search easier.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Financial Management

Today's worrying financial climate has made most of us more aware than ever of the need for good financial management in business. Businesses need to be competitive and fiscally strong in order to survive, and it is only through carefully considering several key areas of financial planning that any business can hope to achieve this. These critical areas of financial management may seem obvious when pointed out, but many business people still make silly mistakes in these areas or worse still overlook them entirely.
Cash flow Projections- Even the most inexperienced of business owners has probably understood the vital need for good cash flow long before starting their enterprise, but keeping cash flowing without the nightmare that a cash flow crisis can bring is nothing more than a matter of good planning. Every business should be making regular cash flow predictions that detail all cash expected in to the business from sales and other income and all anticipated outgoings of cash such as expenses and other payments.  Regular cash flow forecasts of this kind allow a business to stay ahead of the game by giving it the opportunity to arrange finance in advance of any looming crisis.
Payment Management- For most businesses invoicing for payment is standard practice; for every customer sent an invoice, one will probably be received from elsewhere for supplies etc. To get the best from your cash flow it is wise to make good use of any terms offered, paying an invoice immediately might seem honourable, but it will mean that the cash used to pay it will be helping the supplier's cash flow and not your own. When a supplier gives a business 30 days to pay, they are allowing 30 days to receive payment, so it is always good practice to use this time.
Debtor Management- Although when offering terms a business expects its customer to utilise the terms in full and will allow for this, there are always customers who push terms further than your business can stand. It is therefore crucial to have a workable system in place for dealing with bad payers well before the first bad debt occurs. It is important to know exactly what is owed to the business and when it is due at all times and so good record keeping in this area is essential; many accountancy software packages have debtors' listings built in, but a simple spread sheet will suffice. Chasing the money due in to your business can be a valuable exercise, as it is often the case that debtors have simply forgotten to make payment or are merely pushing terms as far as they can, waiting to be chased before they pay. Many invoices will be settled once chased, so it is important to do this regularly, clearly and uniformly; using a standard letter, followed by a call if the letter remains unanswered is a useful system. When it comes to persistent bad payers, it is probably prudent to drop them as customers and to put the chasing of any accrued debt into the hands of professionals.
Monthly Records- Plenty of business owners prefer not to get involved in what they consider to be the remit of their Bookkeeper or accountant, and will shy away from regular bookkeeping. However this is an area of financial management that it really will benefit the business owner to hang on to. Keeping monthly records of transactions will allow a business owner to keep a firm control of the businesses finances; it gives a far better indication of business performance than most other indicators and will highlight profits and losses well in advance of the annual reports. As with other records kept, it is not necessary to have complex software packages to keep monthly books, a spreadsheet will work just as well.
There is no real alternative for enlisting the help of a good accountant to give your business the solid financial advice it needs, but decent financial management must also happen on a regular basis at the core of every business; there is no substitute for knowing what is going on with your business' finances if you want to survive in today's difficult climate.

Payment Processing

As technology and the Internet continue to advance, payment processing has become more flexible and convenient for businesses and consumers alike. E-commerce capabilities, direct deposit payments and electronic business-to-business transactions help to streamline the payment process, saving time and money while improving overall business. ACH check payment processing is widely used among government, commercial and business sectors. Read on to learn more about ACH, including types of ACH payments and the benefits of ACH.
What Is ACH?:
ACH stands for Automated Clearing House, which refers to a federally regulated electronic network of U.S. financial transactions. Governed by the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA) and operated by the Federal Reserve and Electronic Payments Network, the system allows banks to send money back and forth electronically, processing large volumes of payments in batches. To make an ACH payment, account holders authorize the ACH, and the account is then identified by the bank's routing number and account number.
Types of ACH Check Payment Processing:
Direct deposit is a common form of ACH check payment processing that allows employers to electronically deposit paychecks directly into employees' bank accounts. This reduces the amount of paper checks issued and allows employees to deposit funds without making a trip to the bank.
Consumers can make ACH payments to pay mortgage bills, loans, utility bills, insurance premiums and more. ACH payments also offer a secure and efficient way for e-commerce businesses to accept payments without the need for credit or debit cards. Other types of ACH payments include federal, state, and local tax payments and business-to-business payments.
Benefits of ACH:
By electronically automating various types of payments, business can save a great deal of time and money regarding the payment process. ACH is low cost, allowing companies to reduce costs associated with check processing, paper mailing and lost payments. ACH is also a greener alternative to traditional paper check processing, as emissions and resources are greatly reduced.
With the ability to make payments directly from their bank accounts, consumers can enjoy security and convenience. Merchants and businesses save time and money, improving customer service and overall business operations while increasing profits.