Many small-business owners have innovative ideas and business plans that are sure to be a success, but without proper accounting practices, it is likely their their firms won't be able to survive in today's economy. It may be difficult for some small-business owners to ask for help, but strong accounting is the key to success for any enterprise. A recent article for Entrepreneur magazine outlined some outside help that small-business owners can seek to make sure their accounting won't be the downfall of their company.

An accounting professional
Not all small-business owners are going to have a master's degree in accounting, and that's perfectly fine. However, it's important that they bring in someone, at least part-time, to help the business keep track of the books and look at some financial forecasting numbers. Accountants can be especially helpful come tax-time. Making sure that small-business owners are not missing anything when filing their taxes can help save more money down the road. Accounting professionals are also there for any advice when it comes to investments or savings.

Trusted software 
With today's business world being all about speed and efficiency, small-business owners can't have their accountants doing their bookkeeping by hand. Instead, they can invest in budgeting planning software, which can make it easier for small-business owners to see their monthly budgets, as well as what their financial situation will look like six months to a year down the road. Software solutions allow small-business owners to focus on other aspects of their enterprise instead of budgets, aiding the business in running more smoothly. It's important to buy the right software for the company, and to take some time researching different solutions before deciding on one.

A lawyer 
Accounting isn't just about keeping the books and having an efficient budget, there are also several law implications that play a role in the success of a business. Lawyers can help small-business owners decide on the type of business entity they will choose, the types of insurance policies they want to purchase and other foundational aspects of the company. Keeping lawyers around will give small-business owners some security when moving along with their new company.

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