Accounting and bookkeeping adhere to the business activity of identifying and recording the company's financial transactions. In contrast, accounting is simply responsible for interpreting, classifying, analysing, reporting, and summarising the financial data of an organisation. Accounting and bookkeeping services for start-ups are among the indispensable activities requiring undivided attention in the initial phases of organisation operations. Both accounting and bookkeeping are different in their meaning and their process of working and execution. The sole purpose is to provide stability from irrelevant expenses and keep a check on the organisation's cash flow.
One of the primary reasons why start-ups fail to compete with already settled companies in the market is unchecked financial expenses. However, to sustain in the competitive environment, one must ensure regular checks on the inflow and outflow of liquid capital with the help of accounting and bookkeeping services. Several sole providers of accounting and bookkeeping services in India offer their services at optimum levels. Here at Especia, we provide highly dedicated and skilled professionals with expertise in providing integrated legal and financial consultations to help you start your start up.
Let’s dive deep into an article for a better understanding and learn efficiently how accounting and bookkeeping services for start-ups are beneficial.
Managing Business Resources for Start-ups
One of the major challenges that start-ups face is the best usage of optimum resources for the end products to be consumed successfully by customers. Maintaining optimum resources for producing the best results requires high-quality material, an experienced workforce, daily wages, the best machine output for better results, and the upkeep of the machinery. This is another major challenge in the case of a manufacturing organisation.
However, to remain stuck to a budget while executing the operations, accounting service and bookkeeping service providers for start-ups play a crucial role. Interpreting the existing expenses, classifying them between relevant, irrelevant, and miscellaneous expenses, and then analysing them and, at last, reporting them to management. In start-ups, generally, required as well as miscellaneous facets of expenses should be financially stated in writing for better functioning and monitoring of expenses within the organisation. As a result, it also helps cross-check various business operations where overspending might be possible.
Reducing Tax Liability
Tax Liability, in the case of bookkeeping services for start-ups, requires efficient and effective knowledge before getting into any kind of deal. Start-ups require office places from where they can run their operations since such places are purchased on rent. Rented places also require to pay additional taxes in many forms like water usage tax, tax on rented places, business operational tax, income tax, goods and services tax, etc. Here comes the role of bookkeeping services for start-ups, which helps save tax paying to the government. Bookkeepers work towards finding several exemptions and deductions made by the government. It helps exempt the organisations from paying any kind of additional charge in the form of taxes. Sometimes, incorrect computation of financial expenses can lead to paying further or less tax. Bookkeepers and accountants not only maintain the financial records of organisations but also look out for trends that can directly impact the organisation's tax structure and try to learn and help eradicate them. Thus preventing the organisation from paying any kind of penalty for non-ethical work.
Enable focus on Business Operations.
It is often heard that start up owners attempt to save liquid funds and bonds from additional expenses and get involved in accounting and bookkeeping services. Several factors lead to such steps as in-efficient staff, amateur employees, inability to hire high-paying service providers, complications in recording and maintaining financial data, and unchecked money spent on advertisement of the products. Such steps disturb the efficient business operations and hamper the possible growth of the start-up. Hence, accounting services providers like Especia helps their customers while maintaining their start up accounting and bookkeeping sections enabling owner to focus business operations.
Current and Accurate Position of Finances
With accounting and bookkeeping services for start-ups on hand, one can trace, monitor, and control financial records and statements. Such practices simply give an accurate picture of the facts and figures and capital investments in start-ups and businesses' current financial position and performance. Those financial reports and statements serve as a pool to frame the objectives and goals of the organisation. It will also help in setting up periodic financial discussions and meetings that detail the current standing of the start-up.
While having updated and accurate financial statements at par, it is more profitable for start-up owners to understand their standing position. It will help them to make a strategy to earn more profits. For example, the accountant must have missed a crucial calculation that could directly hinder the real value of the earned profit or returns over investment. Additionally, while executing different operations in a business, several mishaps or mistakes can take place at a time, which can go unnoticed and what aspects they can have. But financial statements, whether accurate or not, can help guide certain decisions with calculated aspects.
Sufficient Information on Business Drivers
When a successful running business has a robust accounting and bookkeeping service system, it automatically gets updated and strategic information on business drivers. Such information leads to answers, which opens the gate to extra profit-making deals and educates owners to take steps that prove to be beneficial to them. In return, business drivers let owners know the following questions:
- Which products sell the most?
- Which products sell the least?
- Are you receiving a sufficient number of monthly orders?
- Is there a need to be more aggressive with your marketing?
- Are you able to attract customers to bring in sales?
Answers to these questions lie in owners' profits in that period. It helps to ascertain whether an organisation makes enough sales to hit its profit target or fails. The key drivers will let you know where to work if the predetermined objectives and goals do not meet the projected earnings. So, even if you are failing, you still have the chance to bounce back.
Facilitating Business Growth
Start-up owners, with the help of accounting services and bookkeeping services, propel business growth once they get substantial information about business drivers. Having a clear picture and accurate information helps make informed and crisis-free decisions while expanding business.
Financial Accountability
Effective accounting and bookkeeping promote financial accountability among the start-up team members. This helps prevent fraud, mismanagement, and misuse of company funds. This even leads to integrity and provides a sense of responsibility among the workforce and employees of the organisation.
Financial Transparency
Accounting and bookkeeping provide start-ups with financial transparency. This transparency is crucial for understanding the current financial health of the business, tracking expenses, and identifying areas for improvement. Financial transparency provides a clear picture of investment making, purchasing raw materials, employees' salaries, daily wages for workers, the investment made on advertisement, branding of products, etc., are all part of financial transparency. Even employees have the right to demand to know the expense committed by the organisation.
Inventory
Inventory is not the same as cash or accounts payable as it is not an asset of the owner's balance sheet that needs to be carefully accounted for and tracked. With proper management, inventory will help with understanding cash flow and anticipated production runs.
Payroll
The biggest expense for most business houses, payroll, should be monitored closely with detailed statements. Maintenance of accurate payroll accounts will pay dividends regarding tax and government report requirements, not to mention understanding the owner's personal expenses.
Accounts Receivable
Accounting and bookkeeping are essential for start-up growth, particularly in managing accounts receivable. They ensure efficient cash flow, timely invoicing, and collection strategies. Proper accounts receivable management supports working capital, customer relationships, and data-driven decisions. Ultimately, accounting and bookkeeping in this context are vital for optimising financial health and facilitating sustainable start up growth.
Bottom-line
In conclusion, accounting and bookkeeping services for start-ups are foundational pillars of start-up growth. They provide the financial clarity, transparency, and control necessary to make informed decisions, attract investors, and navigate the complexities of business operations. Specifically, in terms of accounts receivable, they enable efficient cash flow management, timely invoicing, and effective collection strategies. Start-ups that prioritise these functions can optimise working capital, build strong customer relationships, and use data-driven insights to drive sustainable growth. Accounting and bookkeeping ensure financial accountability, regulatory compliance, and risk management. They serve as invaluable tools for start-ups, enabling them to flourish and prosper in today's competitive business landscape.
FAQ’S
Why accounting and bookkeeping services for start-ups are important?
Accounting and bookkeeping are crucial because they provide financial transparency, regulatory compliance, and support decision-making, all of which are essential for a start-up’s growth and success.
What is the role of accounts receivable in start-up growth?
Accounts receivable management impacts cash flow, working capital, and customer relationships. It is vital for maintaining financial stability and fuelling growth.
How can accounting help with investor confidence?
Well-maintained financial records and accurate financial reporting instil investor confidence, making it more likely for start-ups to secure funding or attract potential investors.
