When you hear the phrase internal controls, it might sound like something reserved for corporate giants with entire departments dedicated to accounting. But here’s the truth: internal controls are just as important for small businesses. Why? Because in a small business, the margin for error is tighter. A little mistake (or worse, a bit of […]
Author Archives: Jessica Berkley
03
Mar
Mar
If you’re a business owner, you’ve probably made decisions like this before: “Cash feels tight – I’ll hold off paying myself.” “Things seem busy – we must be doing well.” “We’re slow this month – something must be wrong.” These are urgency-based decisions. They’re emotional. Reactive. Stress-driven. While completely normal, they’re also exhausting. Could the […]
03
Feb
Feb
Most business owners want to use their financial reports. They just don’t trust them. Or they glance at the numbers, feel a little uneasy, and move on. The story feels unclear, or the numbers seem to contradict what they’re experiencing day-to-day. Your numbers really are trying to tell you something. The problem is: they often […]
06
Jan
Jan
When you first started your business, bookkeeping was simple. You tracked income, paid bills, and kept receipts. That system worked effectively for a while. But as construction businesses grow, basic bookkeeping often can’t keep up with real-world decisions, and that’s when frustration starts to build. When this happens, it usually means you have outgrown basic […]
23
Dec
Dec
Chances are, your small business feels like part of your identity. You’ve poured years of effort, energy, and heart into building something that works. But have you thought about what would happen to your business if you were ready to retire? What if something unexpected took you out of the day-to-day? That’s where succession planning […]
09
Dec
Dec
If you’ve seen a recent feature pop up in your QuickBooks Online (QBO) account called the QuickBooks Business Network, you might be wondering what it is and whether or not you need to do anything about it. Let’s walk through what this network is, who it benefits, and why it’s worth taking a closer look […]
25
Nov
Nov
Whether you’re a solo contractor or managing a full construction crew, a clear and professional construction proposal is one of the most important tools in your toolbox. It sets expectations, outlines costs, and helps protect both you and your client from misunderstandings once the work begins. Here’s a breakdown of what to include so your […]
28
Oct
Oct
Construction delays can be incredibly frustrating. You have deadlines, budgets, and customer expectations all on the line. Suddenly, something throws everything off schedule. Whether it’s a delivery that never shows up or a surprise issue on-site, delays can feel like they stop your entire business in its tracks. Delays are a normal part of construction. […]
30
Sep
Sep
If you’re managing your business books in QuickBooks Online (QBO), you’ve probably come across two ways to record income: Entering payments through the “Receive Payment” function Entering a bank deposit directly into your checking account While both might seem like they get you to the same place, using the Undeposited Funds account will help keep […]
02
Sep
Sep
If you’re a custom home builder or contractor, you’ve probably heard your bookkeeper or CPA mention “cash basis” and “accrual basis” accounting. If your eyes glazed over at that moment, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down in plain English, using real examples from the construction world. Understanding the difference can help you […]