small business – Page 3 – MARIELA RUIZ, CPA, PLLC

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Accounting Mistakes That Could Harm Your Small Business

While large businesses may have the resources to bounce back from financial blunders, small businesses, on the other hand, may not have that cushion. For entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to keep their cash flow steady, there are some steps they can’t just skip trying to make the leap. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common mistakes that can sink and destroy small businesses.

No Rainy-Day Fund

Failing to save for emergencies is one of the biggest financial mistakes that even the savviest business owners go wrong with their small business financial management. A rule of thumb is to have at least six months of running business expense as your rainy-day fund to avoid any financial shortcomings. The last COVID-19 pandemic did a number on many high-profile companies in the US, and this is a case in point on the importance of saving for emergencies and planning for the unexpected.

Mismanaged Taxes

Going for DIY taxes software to quickly cross off your to-do list can simply lead to costly tax issues. Managing your business taxes is an entirely different ball game than managing your personal ones. You need an expert well-versed in local and business laws to help you with your taxes. As a small business owner, you already have a lot on your plate, which is why hiring a tax expert can be a smart investment for your small business.

Being Oblivious to Fraud

Small business owners often wear many different hats and accounting might be one of their skills. While it’s a good thing that you’re able to handle your small business finances on your own, there is a risk of failing to catch the signs of fraud. Specialized accountants like forensic accountants have keen minds and it’s their job to ensure your business activities are legitimate and everything is in order. In cases of fraud detection, we believe that one can never be too careful. Hiring an accountant will minimize the risk for you.

Related: Learn more about how forensic accounting can save your business from fraud here.

Starting a Business without the Backup of an Accountant

Having your business see the light of the day is a big step. However, 20% of small businesses fail in their first year and being one of them is the last thing you want. That shows the importance of having a good business plan and the backup of an experienced accountant. No business can survive without a solid long-term plan and a vision to execute it.

An accountant can assist you with market forecasting and analyze the current situation to devise a plan for your business’s future. A seasoned accountant can help you put your business plan together and be your key success as you move forward.

Related: Learn more about why it’s essential to hire an accountant when starting a business here.

Let MARIELA RUIZ, CPA, PLLC Help You Reach Business Milestones

Small businesses face unique financial challenges that require careful attention and planning. MARIELA RUIZ, CPA, PLLC is here to ensure that you are well-supported and guided at each stage of the creation and development of your small business. 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 / admin / 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.

Qualities of an Excellent CFO for Your Small Business

August 31, 2019 / admin / 0 Comments

As a business owner, you understand the importance of making sure your finances line up month after month. Hiring a CFO or chief financial officer to keep an eye on your business’ money is a big step. Keep reading to learn four of the qualities to look for in your ideal candidate in order to ensure a prosperous future for your company.

Knowledge of Your Company’s Industry

Every industry is different and each has different financial needs. Ensuring you choose a financial team member that understands the ins and outs of your company’s financial field is incredibly important. In order for your CFO to be successful in the company they need to fully understand where your clients and stakeholders are coming from to make the best money choices.

Reliability

If you are ready to take the step of hiring a CFO, you’re choosing to hire a leader that you will be able to rely on in any given situation. They will not only be leaders of your accounting and financials but they should also be reliable during difficult times in order to keep the business moving forward.

Problem Solving Skills

No matter what stage your business is in, there are always problems to be solved. Whether concerns faced by small businesses or issues that arise after profitability, you need to trust your CFO will have the problem solving skills necessary to address the issue.

Wide Range of Financial Knowledge

It goes without saying that your CFO needs to understand the ins and outs of finance. However, it would also be highly beneficial to work with someone that understands other aspects of business such as investments and risk management. A CFO with this knowledge would be incredibly helpful for the growth of your company.

Thoughts

Choosing to work with anyone in a financial capacity is a big step, especially if you own a business. These are only a handful of the qualities needed in the perfect CFO for your company. That’s why MARIELA RUIZ, CPA, PLLC prides our self on holding all of these and many other positive aspects that make a good chief financial officer. Visit our website today to learn how we can best help your company keep growing.

3 Types of Small Business Audits

July 25, 2019 / admin / 0 Comments

All business audits share things in common, but do you know what they entail? The auditor, whether someone within your business or an external auditor, will do a thorough evaluation of your accounting books and financial statements. They usually check an entire year’s worth of financial data, including income and expenses. If you’re a small business owner, or maybe just curious about the auditing process, keep reading to learn about the different audits for businesses.

Internal Audit

An internal audit is a self-audit that’s scheduled and conducted by a representative of your own company. Many businesses do an internal audit once a year to ensure the accuracy of their books and financial statements. An internal audit is for your own purposes, and to check for errors or other issues.

Larger companies usually have audit departments, but a smaller business might employ just one or two people to conduct audits. Internal auditors don’t just check business finances; they also check company policies, procedures, and processes to check compliance with internal guidance and federal, state, and local laws.

External Audit

An external audit, also known as an independent audit, is an audit conducted by someone outside the organization. This is called an independent audit because the auditor has no loyalty or responsibility to the business that could create a conflict of interest. In their report, they’ll have to provide an opinion as to whether your company passed the audit. An auditor might take one of the following stances in a business audit:

Clean opinion – The business’s books and financial statements accurately represent the company’s financial position.
Qualified opinion – The auditor disagrees with parts of the company’s financial records, but the audit was too limited in scope or access to come to a definitive conclusion.
Adverse opinion – The auditor found that the business financial records materially misrepresent the company’s financial position.
Disclaimer of opinion – In this type of report, the auditor doesn’t give any opinion on certain financial records.

IRS Audit

An IRS audit occurs when the IRS finds potential errors in your tax return. Usually, the IRS schedules audits for tax returns that were filed in the last three years. A few factors can trigger an IRS audit. For example, if you claim losses for multiple years in a row or report high income levels, you may be subject to an IRS audit.

Conclusion

As you’ve read above, small businesses go through the audit process to check on financial records and other important documentation. Whether it’s an internal or external audit, it’s best to let a professional do the job. At MARIELA RUIZ, CPA, PLLC, we have the audit services you need to keep your business in check. Contact our team today!

MARIELA RUIZ, CPA, PLLC

Helping Individuals and Businesses Financially Thrive.