Tag Archives: accounting

Going Beyond Traditional Bookkeeping 

beyond traditional bookkeeping

Bookkeeping is more than it used to be. Recording transactions and reconciling accounts are important, but is simply looking backward enough to help your business grow? More than 15 years ago, I selected Beyond Balanced Books as our business name. I was ready to take a leap into uncharted territory, to go beyond traditional bookkeeping […]

What’s the Difference Between Cash and Accrual Basis?

maps cash and accrual basis

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 […]

Why You Need a Bookkeeper and a CPA

canoe bookkeeper and cpa

Ever feel like running your business means wearing every hat? In a single day, you may go from visionary leader to late-night customer service rep to part-time accountant. You don’t have to handle your finances alone. Building a financial team with both a bookkeeper and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can save you time, reduce […]

Should I Apply for a Business Loan?

apply business loan

In construction, cash is king. Whether you’re waiting on client payments, investing in new equipment, or ramping up for a big project, access to capital can be the difference between growth and grinding to a halt. But should your construction company apply for a business loan? It depends. In this blog, we will discuss which […]

Mastering Change Orders: Five Best Practices for Custom Home Builders

change order custom home

In the world of custom home building, change is inevitable. From a homeowner’s evolving vision to unexpected site discoveries, the way you handle change orders can make or break a project. Get ahead of the curve with these five time-tested best practices designed to keep your builds on schedule, on budget, and your clients smiling […]

How to Properly Dispose of Fixed Assets in Construction

dispose fixed assets construction

In construction and trade businesses, equipment, tools, and vehicles are the backbone of your operations.  But what happens when one of those assets reaches the end of its useful life? For example, a work truck that’s become unreliable or machinery that has outlived its usefulness. You need to know how to dispose of fixed assets […]

Steps to Growth – Handling Transition in Your Business

cindy and lincoln steps to growth

My little grandson is growing up! He recently started walking, and in March, we took him to the beach where he walked on sand for the first time.  At first, he seemed unsure of what to think. He wobbled, fell over, and took time to examine the sand. He quickly realized that walking on sand […]

CFO vs. Controller: Which Do You Need for Your Business?

As your business grows, so do your financial responsibilities. At some point, you might find yourself wondering: Do I need a Chief Financial Officer (CFO), a controller, or both? Understanding the differences between these roles, and when to bring them in, can help you make the right decision for your business. Let’s break it down. […]

How Do I Know if My Books Are a Mess?

Keeping clean and accurate books is needed for running a healthy business. But sometimes, your bookkeeping can get out of hand. If you have ever felt unsure about the state of your finances, you might be wondering: Are my books a mess? Here are some clear signs that it’s time to clean up your records, […]

The Transformation of Accounting in My Lifetime

carriage vs bullet train accounting transformation

Accounting has transformed dramatically in my lifetime. We have gone from clunky desktop software to cloud-based solutions with endless apps. Most folks do not dream about accounting or software; I don’t either as a rule. However, last night I did. And upon waking, I realized just how far we have come. How much transformation have […]