Accounting For Startups: 12 Tips To Keep Your Business Financially Healthy

No one ever said that starting a business was easy. In fact, it’s often quite the opposite. Between creating a product or service that people want, building a client base, and dealing with the day-to-day challenges of running a business, there’s always something keeping entrepreneurs up at night.

One of the most important and often overlooked aspects of starting a business is accounting. Keeping track of your finances is critical to the success of any business, but it can be especially challenging for startups. With limited resources and a constantly changing landscape, it’s easy to let your financial health fall by the wayside.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this article, we’ll give you twelve tips for keeping your startup’s finances healthy.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

1. Keep Track of Your Expenses

This one may seem obvious, but it’s important to remember that every penny counts when you’re running a startup.

Keep an eye on your expenses, and don’t be afraid to question every purchase. After all, you want to be sure that each expenditure is absolutely necessary for the success of your business.

2. Make a Budget and Stick to It

Once you have a good handle on your expenses, it’s time to create a budget.

This will help you keep track of your expenses and ensure that you’re not overspending in any one area. Be realistic when creating your budget, and don’t forget to include a buffer for unexpected expenses.

3. Keep Your Personal and Business Finances Separate

This is one of the most important tips on this list. It’s crucial to keep your personal and business finances separate, as this will make it much easier to track your spending and stay organized.

Open a separate bank account for your business, and be sure to use it exclusively for business-related expenses.

4. Stay on Top of Your Invoicing

One of the most important aspects of accounting for startups is staying on top of your invoicing. This means sending out invoices as soon as a project is completed and following up with clients if payment is late.

It’s also a good idea to set up a payment plan for large projects so that you can receive regular payments and avoid putting too much strain on your cash flow.

5. Use Accounting Software

If you’re not using accounting software, now is the right time to start. This will make it much easier to keep track of your finances and will save you a lot of time in the long run.

There are a variety of different accounting software programs available, so be sure to do your research and find one that meets the specific needs of your business.

6. Hire an Accountant

Another great option for keeping your startup’s finances healthy is to hire an accountant. This is especially helpful if you’re not particularly well-versed in accounting or if you simply don’t have the time to handle your finances yourself.

An accountant can help you keep track of your spending, prepare financial statements, and file taxes on your behalf.

7. Get Insured

One of the most intelligent things you may do for your startup is to get insured. This will protect you from a variety of risks, including a financial loss in the event that something goes wrong.

There are a variety of different insurance policies available, so be sure to speak with an insurance agent to find one that’s right for your business.

8. Invest in Business Credit

Another way to protect your startup’s finances is to build up your business credit. This will give you access to loans and lines of credit, which can be helpful in times of need.

To build up your business credit, make sure to pay your bills on time and keep your debt-to-credit ratio low.

9. Keep Your Books Up-to-Date

One of the most important things you may do for your startup’s finances is to keep your books up to date. This means recording all income and expenses and keeping track of your receivables and payables.

If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, consider hiring an accountant or bookkeeper to help you out.

10. Prepare Financial Statements

Another key part of accounting for startups is preparing financial statements. These reports will provide you with a clear picture of your startup’s financial health and can be extremely helpful in making business decisions.

Be sure to prepare balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements on a regular basis.

11. Stay Informed about Changes in Tax Laws

Another important aspect of accounting for startups is staying up-to-date on changes in tax laws. This may be a complex and confusing task, but it’s crucial to ensure that you’re compliant with the law.

Be sure to keep abreast of any changes in tax regulations, and speak with a tax advisor if you have any questions.

12. Review Your Finances Regularly

Last but not least, it’s important to review your startup’s finances on a regular basis. This will help you notice any potential problems early on and will allow you to make changes as needed.

Set aside sometime each month to go over your financial statements and look for any red flags. If you’re not sure what to look for, consider hiring an accountant or financial advisor to help you out.

Keep Your Business Finances Healthy

No one said launching and running your own business would be easy, but with careful planning and execution, it can be a very rewarding experience.

By following the tips outlined in this article, you can put yourself in a good position to stay financially healthy and grow your business.