Small Business Accounting Basics

Balancing Your Books, Not Your Brain

This resource is built for new small business owners, helping you learn and understand small business accounting basics. Learn how to set up and use QuickBooks, create and manage invoices, or compare different accounting software options altogether. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to efficiently handle your business finances, giving you more time to focus on growth.

Invoicing Simplified

Invoicing Simplified introduces you to the fundamentals, ensuring you’re well-equipped to create, send, and manage invoices effectively. Whether exploring various invoicing software options or seeking tips on speeding up payments, this site section provides a general overview to help you understand invoicing’s core aspects.

QuickBooks Basics

Our QuickBooks Basics section offers a broad overview of QuickBooks fundamentals. From tracking income to managing expenses, we’ll guide you through using QuickBooks effectively, ensuring you have the foundation to explore more specific topics at your own pace.

Compare Options

Compare content covers various software features, benefits, and considerations, providing the insight needed to make an informed choice. Whether you’re a freelancer, a startup, or a growing small business, begin your search for an accounting solution here.

Now, It’s Your Turn

These resources are designed to provide a solid foundation, enabling you to make informed decisions and focus on growing your business. As your business evolves, revisit these guides to refresh your knowledge and discover new insights. Stay informed, stay efficient, and let these tools empower your journey to small business success and what that means to you!

A graphic depicting colorful ice cream flavors. These flavors represent the different types of accounting software.

Different Types of Accounting Software Explained (from Excel to Enterprise Solutions)

We created this resource because we couldn't find anything else like it. For small business owners, navigating the different types of computerized...

Compare Accounting Software for Small Business Owners

Small business owners face the challenge of managing finances efficiently. Choosing the right accounting software is crucial, as it can...

Navigating Sales Tax in Invoices: A Beginner’s Guide for Small Business Owners

In this article, we'll guide you through calculating and adding sales tax to your invoices and discuss the consequences of mistakes. We also share...
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What Is Job Costing and How to Calculate Job Cost for Small Business

Job costing is a powerful tool that can help you track and manage your costs more efficiently. In this article, we'll help explain how to do job...

QuickBooks Online’s Privacy Button (AKA Starbucks Mode) Explained

Small business owners and freelancers often work in public spaces like coffee shops, co-working spaces, and airports. While this flexibility is one...

How to Categorize Utility Expenses (Heat, Water, Telephone, Electric) in QuickBooks Online

Small business owners may face bookkeeping challenges, particularly regarding utility expenses such as heat, water, electricity, telephone, and...

Streamlining Tax Prep for Small Business With Accounting Software

Tax season can be complex and stressful for small business owners. This article dives into how accounting software can transform your experience...
A graphic used on an article that discusses how to offer customer payment plans along with their common types. An illustration showcases a the "letter A" rotating to reveal the "letter B."

Payment Plan Options: How to Offer Payment Plans to Customers & Manage Them Effectively

Customer payment plans allow customers to purchase items or services by making payments over time rather than paying the total amount upfront. For...
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How to Use QuickBooks Online for Beginners: A Guide for Small Business Owners

Welcome to the world of streamlined accounting with QuickBooks Online (QBO)! This beginners guide outlines the essential configurations in QBO and...
A graphic that is used on a blog article that discusses "installment payment plans 101." The graphic depicts an individual holding a credit card and making a payment on their cellphone.

How to Setup Installment Payment Plans for Customers (including using QuickBooks Online)

This article explores the strategic advantages of offering installment plans to customers, a method that breaks down the cost of purchases over...
A graphic used for an article that discusses payment options for freelancers. The graphic features an assortment of devices on a cafe table.

How to Pay Freelancers Online (payment methods for freelancers, including pros & cons)

Hiring freelancers has become an increasingly popular solution for handling specialized tasks without full-time employment commitment. But how to...
a graphic used on a blog article discussing the advantages and disadvantages of quickbooks online. The graphic depicts bar charts and a pie chart using various shades of blue.

Introduction to QuickBooks Online for Small Business (advantages & disadvantages)

QuickBooks Online is a comprehensive accounting software designed to streamline financial management for small businesses. This guide explores...

Level Up Your Accounting Know-How

Our Commitment to Our Readers...

We are only successful if we are helping your small business succeed, and for us, that starts with high-quality content. If any of our content has not answered your initial search query, created a positive experience, or if the content has not met your expectations, please contact paul@smallbizsetup.org. We want to hear from you and are committed to improving our resources to better meet your needs. Like, actually!