MARIELA RUIZ, CPA, PLLC

Helping Individuals and Businesses Financially Thrive.

Tag: finance management

Best Bookkeeping and Accounting Practices for the Success of Your Business

March 9, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Managing your personal finances is one of the primary priorities in one’s life, and a majority of people can manage this on their own. But when it comes to bookkeeping and accounting for business finances, it is entirely different. There is a lot more to consider, and with employees and customers counting on you, the stakes are much higher. The following are some of the best bookkeeping and accounting practices you can adopt for the success of your business.

1. Set internal control over finances.

Setting internal control over the business finances can reduce the risk of fraud. Your bookkeeping policies should be diversified and not solely dependent on one person. Establish dual control of processes that include purchasing or receiving payment.

In simpler words, the person who opens the mail for bills should be someone other than the one who writes the check. And the person who writes the check should not be the one to authorize it. The list of payments should be forwarded to the accountant, so the entire process is free of fraud.

Related: “What Can a Forensic Accountant Help You With?”

2. Determine the accounting method that suits your business needs.

There are two standard accounting methods widely practiced in business management—cash basis accounting and accrual accounting.

Cash basis accounting is one of the simplest methods and approaches for accounting and bookkeeping. Cash basis accounting records transactions at the time cash actually changes hands and is usually only recommended for companies that do business strictly in cash payments.

The accrual method uses the matching principle to record revenues and expenses in the time frame they occur, regardless of when payments are made or received. The accrual method is usually the best choice for any business which will be invoicing clients.

3. Keep your personal and business finances separate.

Keeping your personal and business finances separate is crucial to ensure clarity in the management of accounts and finances. Ensure that you and your employees are not using the business funds for personal purchases or expenses.

Have separate bank accounts and credit cards for your business expenses. This will immensely help you when you are filing for taxes and ensure you keep the records. You don’t want to face legal action because your business and personal finances were intermingled.

Related: “Why Is It Essential to Hire an Accountant When Starting a Business?”

Conclusion

Whether you run a startup or manage a large corporation, you can benefit significantly from the services of a professional bookkeeper in meeting your financial goals. MARIELA RUIZ, CPA, PLLC, offers financial consulting, professional accounting, bookkeeping, tax preparation services, and more in Mission, TX. Visit our website to learn more about our services or call us at (956) 997-0067 for further assistance.    

How to Prepare Yourself for Tax Day 2023

February 17, 2023 / / 0 Comments

As soon as the tax season starts, the countdown to Tax Day begins. However, many Americans hold no brief on paying taxes and take this matter for granted, but at the end of the day, Tax Day is inevitable. Also, Tax Day brings a mountain of paperwork; therefore, the sooner you get started, the better prepared you’ll be. Here are some tips to help you get ahead of the game and ensure filing your 2023 taxes is easier.

Check the Latest Tax Laws

Every year brings something new to U.S. income taxes, and 2023 will be no different. This means staying updated with the latest tax laws is a necessity. The tax code is constantly changing due to many reasons, such as high inflation and stock market volatility, which calls for new tax brackets that you don’t want to miss.

Organize Your Tax Documents

After having a good understanding of the newest tax codes, now it’s time to get organized for Tax Day. Gather the necessary documents you need to file your return. You can check our blog, where we talked about how to file your taxes in 2022. Follow the same steps, and by implementing the new tax codes, you’ll figure out whether it’s feasible to file your own taxes or outsource the task to a tax professional.

Related: learn more about the importance of hiring a tax expert here.

Update Your Information

This may sound obvious, but it can be easy to overlook. If your marital status, address, or employment has been changed, it’s important to reflect these changes to SSA and IRS. IRS clearly states that any delay can affect the process of your tax return and might lead to penalties – and this is the last thing you want.

Review Your Past Returns

Take a look at your past tax returns to see if there are any areas where you may need to improve your record keeping or documentation. This will help you avoid any errors or misunderstandings when preparing your current year’s return. Now, with everything in order, you are ready to file your taxes!

Enlist MARIELA RUIZ, CPA, PLLC’s Help

Preparing for tax season is a bit stressful and overwhelming experience, but you don’t have to play it by ear. MARIELA RUIZ, CPA, PLLC is here to ensure that your return is accurate and complete. We offer the best tax preparation services in Mission, TX. Check our website to learn more about our services or simply give us a call at (956) 997-0067 for further assistance.

Importance of Hiring a Bookkeeper For Your Business in 2023

January 13, 2023 / / 0 Comments

If you are a business owner, you understand how important it is to have your finances and books in order. With this rapid growth of innovative startups in the business sector, hiring a bookkeeper gives you the freedom to focus on the company’s well-being than tedious bookkeeping. Following are some of the reasons you should consider hiring a professional bookkeeper for your business in 2023.

1. Your books will always be up to date.

One of the most critical components of running a successful business is cash flow. If your cash flow is being accounted for and tracked in a place, you will have a better understanding of where the finances are flowing. You can invest and delegate your money accordingly for maximum returns. A bookkeeper plays a more hands-on role in keeping your cash flow under control. Financial transparency allows you to be proactive about growing your business and ultimately lets you plan and forecast without risky guesswork.

2. Hiring a bookkeeper will save your time.

A bookkeeper will take all the technical aspects of managing your books off your hands. This will save you immense time. Rather than wasting your precious time on maintaining your cash flow and books, you can focus on the development and wellness of your business. If you are not disturbed by the reconciling financial records, you will be more focused on sales, marketing, and team building for the best outcomes for the growth of your company. Hiring a bookkeeper will save your time.

3. A bookkeeper will eliminate every margin of error from financial records.

A bookkeeper is responsible for managing, sorting, and keeping track of your business financial transactions. They have access to your entire cash flow and control it depending on the budget set for the business growth and development. Bookkeepers are experts that will identify and eliminate every margin of error from financial records to avoid any unnecessary financial leaks.

Related: “Bookkeeper vs. Accountant – Which Is Better?”

Conclusion

Whether you are an individual with a job or a business owner, you can benefit greatly from the services of a professional bookkeeper in meeting your financial goals. MARIELA RUIZ, CPA, PLLC offers financial consulting, professional accounting, bookkeeping, tax preparation services, and more in Mission, TX. Visit our website to learn more about our services or simply give us a call at (956) 997-0067 for further assistance.     

How Outsourcing Allows You to Be Free of Business Accounting

December 16, 2022 / / 0 Comments

We understand that accounting isn’t for everyone and how problematic it can be to keep track of your business finances. Are you a business owner struggling to prepare to close the books for 2022? Guess what! You’ve landed on the right article. We will help you understand how an outsourced accounting services provider will help you with your accounting tasks and budgeting for next year’s finances. Without further ado, let us take a closer look at this in-depth blog.

It gives owners complete peace of mind.

Business owners often struggle with managing finances as well as numerous accounting tasks. Though they might have things under control, there still might be times where they need to focus elsewhere in order to keep the business operating and growing. So, if you’re a business owner having a hard time focusing on growing your business, it’s time to consider finding someone who can handle the accounting of your company more professionally. You can consider hiring an outsourced service provider. They will help you manage the following:

  • Control the day-to-day transaction coding.
  • Accounts receivable
  • Accounts payable
  • Payroll
  • Management of financial reporting
  • Many other services as needed by the company

Related: “Why Is It Essential to Hire an Accountant When Starting a Business?”

It will help you focus on growth with technology.

As a business owner, if you want to have access to top-tier technology that will make running your business even easier, teaming up with an outsourced accountant will be the best choice you can make. They will introduce and connect you to new technology that will help you handle your finances, marketing, sales, supply chain, customer service, and other business functions even better. By opting for more efficient programs, processes, and procedures, your business can have the tools that it needs to grow without the need to hire more people to help in the office.

Related: “How Accountants Can Help You Make the Leap from Good to Great”

Wrap Up

If you’re looking for professional accounting and bookkeeping services, you can rely on Maria Ruiz, CPA, PLLC. We offer professional accounting and bookkeeping services and support from a team of knowledgeable experts in Mission, TX. Check our website to learn more about our services, or simply give us a call at (956) 997-0067 for further assistance.

A Foolproof Plan to Get Your Finances in Order in 2023

October 21, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Managing one’s finances is full of complications and technicalities. It is essential for people to take out some time to manage their finances. If a person can learn to manage their money, they are already on the path to financial freedom. If you struggle with financial management, you are not alone. The following is a foolproof plan to get back on track with your finances.

1. Set a budget.

The first step to getting a hold of your finances is to make a budget. Figure out and calculate how much you spend every month. This includes your rent, utilities, fuel expenses, and groceries. Having set numbers for the exact budget helps you control your expenses, and you have a fair idea of how much you can save and spend on other things. Sticking to your budget will help you start off with an understanding of your spending behavior.

2. Save money by distinguishing between wants and needs.

Saving money is the hardest task for many people. If you want to save money, we have a simple way for you to plan your savings easily. Distinguish between your wants and needs. Drawing this line helps you figure out where you are wasting money or whether it is even necessary to spend or not. After figuring out your budget, make a realistic goal of how much money you will save every month. Believe in the principles of compound interest and see your savings soar in a year.

Related: “Expenses That You Didn’t Know Were Tax Deductions!”

3. Use automation to your advantage.

Automating your bill payments is another step towards taking control of your finances. Automating your finances will make sure that you are sticking to the plan and that no bills go overdue. There are many benefits of using automation to your advantage in this regard. It takes away the stress of remembering to pay on all the different dates. Plus, it also saves you from late payment fees.

4. Be done with your debt.

The next step in this plan is to get rid of your debts in the first place. With your accumulated savings, pay off your debts before it starts accumulating more interest. It is always better to be done with your debts so you can move forward more freely and be in control of your finances. Experts advise building up an emergency fund right after you have paid off your debts. This fund will secure your assets from liquidation in case of any emergency.

5. Strategize for your long-term financial plans.

The best time to start investing in long term financial plan was yesterday. The second best is right now. Do not delay in making long term plans regarding your finances. The best approach towards planning is careful and informed deliberation of your finances. Now that you are clear of your debts and have an emergency fund set up, start looking into your retirement plans and generating enough to develop a fair passive income. Ask yourself what you want for your retirement and get the help of a professional to help you with it.

Conclusion

Financial checkups should be treated just like an annual visit to the doctor. You can discover a lot of new things while managing your finances. If you need assistance, hire the professionals who will do it for you. Whether you are an individual with a job or a business owner, you can benefit greatly from the services of a professional accountant in meeting your financial goals. MARIELA RUIZ, CPA, PLLC offers financial consulting, professional accounting, bookkeeping, tax preparation services, and more in Mission, TX. Visit our website to learn more about our services or simply give us a call at (956) 997-0067 for further assistance.      

What Can a Forensic Accountant Help You With?

April 22, 2022 / / 0 Comments

A forensic accountant is a person who has all the expertise and skills needed to thoroughly investigate financial cases. He or she can also provide you with professional advice and solutions to overcome issues. So, if you’re thinking about which matters a forensic accountant can help you with, stress less. To clear your doubts, we’ve discussed all the possibilities that you can consider.

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1. A Shareholder or Partner Dispute

If you’re a person who is involved in a shareholder or partner dispute, fret not. A forensic accountant can help you with all sorts of disputes. The accountant will carefully study, analyze, and take the whole situation into consideration. Without being biased, the accountant will help determine the benefits and compensation that are owed to each shareholder and partner. The accountant will also ensure that the shareholder and partner agree to continue a diplomatic partnership. Not only this, but also accepting the outcome.

2. Selling your business

A forensic accountant can also assist you in figuring out a precise valuation of your company, so that you are well aware of how much it’s worth when the time comes to sell it. Even if you don’t plan to sell your company, at least you will know the value of your business and stay in the loop.

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3. Account Record

It becomes quite crucial to keep an eye on your business and also ensure that it is in good trustworthy hands when there are many people handling your records, because accounting malpractice can happen at any time. But if you lack expertise and you are suspicious about your bookkeeper, a forensic accountant can help you maintain accounting records. The accountant will walk you through the whole record your bookkeeper is maintaining and review how exactly they were handling.

4. Commercial Damage

You can also refer to a forensic accountant if you are suffering from commercial damage. The accountant will accurately study all the breaches of the contract, fraud, and construction claims and will provide you with expert testimony. Once the review of all the complexities of a commercial damage case is completed, your accountant can also help you present the facts to the jury.

5. The Fraud Risk Assessment

Not every person working and holding a position of power can be trustworthy. If you believe that your manager is involved in fraudulent activities, you can hire a forensic accountant. The accountant with all this expertise and experience will perform a fraud risk assessment. This process will help you prevent further financial theft at your workspace.

Conclusion

If you come across any of these situations, you should consult the professional services of a forensic accountant immediately. They will undoubtedly protect you and provide you with the best solutions. For instance, if you’re looking for a forensic accountant, you can rely on MARIELA RUIZ, CPA, PLLC. We offer professional forensic services in Mission, TX. Check our website to learn more about our services, or simply give us a call at (956) 997-0067 for further assistance.

Accounting for Small Business Owners

June 30, 2021 / / 0 Comments

One of the most challenging jobs entrepreneurs and small business owners are responsible for is accurately managing their finances and taxes up to legal standards. From payroll services to tax preparations most small business owners find that investing in expert outside help is well worth ensuring meticulous perfection throughout the books. Below we review some key points you or your CPA should be aware of when managing the finances for your small business.

Bookkeeping

It’s crucial for small business owners to keep accurate financial records regarding all aspects of their business through bookkeeping. Bookkeeping can include anything from payroll services and financial statement preparation to reviewing invoices and managing expenses and revenue. It provides vital data that can help with management decisions, taxes, and getting approved for business loans.

Audits

Nearly all successful businesses will perform regular internal and external audits to ensure authenticity and search for any inconsistencies. External audits are more effective than internal audits than because they eliminate any possible conflicts of interest, must be completed by a CPA, and provide impartial results.

Taxes

When it comes to small business taxes there is so much more involved than just the tax preparation itself. Many small business owners benefit from strategic tax planning and audit representation to further ensure their business is safeguarded by the best. Texas is home to the second largest economy in the country and with that comes unique tax conditions for franchise owners, limited liability companies, sole proprietorships and other small business owners.

Final Thoughts

Over the years Mariela Ruiz, CPA, LLC has provided countless business owners in Hidalgo County, TX with affordable and convenient bookkeeping and payroll services including audits, tax preparations, financial consulting, forensic accounting and much more. Visit our website for a full list of our array of services or call (956) 997-0067 for any questions you may have.

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