Bookkeeping for Beginners

This book is a complete introduction to bookkeeping and accounting principles written specifically for the independent business owner.

Entrepreneurship and small business ownership are on the rise. The gig economy has created a huge upsurge in independent contractors, freelancers, and work-form-home professionals. All of this new activity in the business world is exciting, but to really succeed at running your own business, you'll need to know more than just basics of selling quality goods and service.

Starting and operating an independent business can be one of the most exciting and rewarding efforts you ever undertake. An independent business provides you with a platform to share your expertise and knowledge and use your time profitably. But there are also challenges and obstacles to overcome.

If you're like most people, you would probably prefer to spend your time representing your business to customers and clients. After all, it's your passion, and that's why you started a business to begin with, right? Don't let the idea of bookkeeping, paying bills, and learning about accounting principles dampen your enthusiasm. Learning the basics of effective bookkeeping can help you master the fundamentals of managing your business's finances. And that can free you to spend more time doing what you really love. Bookkeeping for Beginners starts with an overview of bookkeeping basics:

• What is bookkeeping?
• Why is bookkeeping important?
• How does bookkeeping work?
• What is the difference between bookkeeping and
• accounting?
• From there, Bookkeeping for Beginners walks readers through the most impotent aspects of effective professional bookkeeping, including:
• Double-entry vs. single-entry bookkeeping.
• How to record debits and credits.
• Cash vs. accrual accounting.
• Recording assets, liabilities, expenses, income, and
• equity.
• Creating a chart of accounts.
• Creating and understanding financial statements.
• Using financial journals and ledgers.

Next, Bookkeeping for Beginners walks you through two case studies show you step-by-step how to:

• Set up a single-entry cash bookkeeping system.
• Set up a double-entry accrual bookkeeping system.
• Close the books and generate financial statements.
• Finally, Bookkeeping for Beginners brings it all back home by covering the latest in technology and business innovation:
• Guidance on how to run a business.
• Using QuickBooks to automate bookkeeping and
• accounting.
• Adapting bookkeeping methods to meet the needs of
• your business.
• Whether you are just starting out as a business owner or looking for the extra insight to make your existing business the profitable and enjoyable venture you know it can be, Bookkeeping for Beginners will set you on the track to success