Tools for Future Remote Work

Posted on January 10, 2024January 6, 2024 by Jennifer Brazer

In the wake of COVID-19, work-from-home (WFH) has become the norm for most organizations in the corporate world. Working from home may sound like a dream to many, but the fact is that it comes with its fair share of problems that require using the right tools to overcome.

We have narrowed down the list to a total of 7 tools you must have to ensure the smooth functioning of the work you carry out. These tools are essential and could ultimately make or break your productivity.

Internet Calling System

Working remotely requires you to always stay in contact with your coworkers. That is the only way to promote efficacy within the organization. You need to have a system of communication that allows you to stay in touch with your coworkers.

Open communication is incredibly efficient in international parties because it makes completing tasks very easy.

Nextiva is excellent for internet calling.

Project Management Tools

As the name suggests, companies use project management tools to track and manage ongoing projects.

It can often be difficult to manage many projects all at once, which would add to the complexity of the already strenuous task. Project management tools allow the user to keep track of all the functions at hand and meet all deadlines.

The tools also can send reminders when a deadline is close, which would be very convenient for those working remotely.

Hive and Monday are great options for those looking for project management tools.

Help Desk Tools

Companies use Help Desk Tools to help all the clients and customers affiliated with the organization.

Customer service plays a significant role in how your business or company is received in the public eye. Your organization will likely flourish if the customer service is quick and apt. So, these help desk tools will make the task easier regardless of your location.

Guru focuses on problem-solving while also making the job easier.

Internal Knowledge Base Tools

Although less used, these tools could completely upscale the functioning of your operation by creating a communication system, especially when onboarding, to give out instructions and ensure that all the group members can communicate effectively.

A confluence is a good option for this purpose.

Video Call Tools

Video conferencing is the most crucial part of working from home. These virtual meetings ensure the workforce discusses all agendas and you distribute information to the correct people.

These tools are a quick but secure way of getting into conference video calls so that these meetings can take place virtually and the work does not lag, no matter what.

Zoom quickly rose to fame after the onset of COVID-19, which makes it a good option.

Collaboration Tools

The primary purpose of these tools is to allow you to collaborate and share with your teammates.

These tools are excellent for handling projects that require working with their group members.

For this purpose, collaboration tools are used by those who need to work in a team.

Discord and Slack are well-liked options in this area.

Time Tracking Tools

This one is a no-brainer.

These tools allow the user to keep a proper check while they work. Such devices are used mainly by the managing staff to keep track of the rest of the employees, assisting them in tracking the working hours of all employees so that they receive payment accordingly.

The primary purpose of these tools is to prevent any dodging on the employees, which can sometimes be the case in the corporate world.

TimeDoctor is an excellent tool that gets the job done.

Using these tools would improve and upgrade your working experience. Working from home is often associated with low productivity levels, but you won’t complain once you have these excellent tools to assist you.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Choosing the Right Business for You

Posted on January 8, 2024July 16, 2024 by Jennifer Brazer

Embarking on a new business venture may seem like a daunting journey, especially without prior experience. Yet, the dedication and long hours invested will undoubtedly yield rewarding results once the business takes off. It’s crucial to pursue a business idea fueled by passion. It’s a proven truth that individuals who love what they do tend to achieve greater success and happiness. Stay motivated and inspired, as the journey toward establishing a thriving business will be immensely fulfilling!

The entrepreneurial spirit is a common aspiration among many individuals. The desire to establish and run one’s own business is a goal that resonates with countless people. The first thing a person needs to do is choose what kind of business they can do. Finding the right business can be challenging, so it is always better to pick something currently in demand in the market. Once the idea is there, it is time to start implementing that properly.

Below are a few handy tips that will teach a person how to choose the right business for them:

Identifying Strengths

Embracing your strengths is the key to thriving in any endeavor, especially when launching a new business. Although venturing into entrepreneurship may seem daunting, it’s an exciting opportunity to explore uncharted territory. Before you embark on this journey, it’s crucial to confidently recognize your strengths and pursue an endeavor that truly resonates with your abilities. Let’s leverage your strengths and passion to make your business dreams a reality!

Passion vs. Consumer Need

Pick something exciting is one thing. However, to be truly a success, a person needs to choose something that is in high demand. A person needs to ensure the business is about something people want and will pay to get.

Choosing the Right Market is Important

It is very important to choose the right market when starting a new business. If the business is about cars, make sure it is located near a car market. If the business is about food, make sure it is located near a food marketplace. If a person feels like the space they are located in is not a good spot for their business, switch immediately.

Knowing Financial Limitations

Regardless of how great a business opportunity is, a person should never go above their financial limitations. According to experts, it is better to calculate the main startup cost for a business and the time it will take to start earning. A person should only start a business that fits under their financial capabilities.

Always Think Long-Term

A good commercial chance should only be based on a long-standing tendency instead of a short one. Do the research and look at that business from every angle. Is that a growing industry? How much competition is there? Once a person has everything properly evaluated, it’s time to go for it.

Test a Business Idea Before Fully Implementing It

Regardless of how much experience a person has, they should do whatever they can to take their business idea through the trial phase to find out whetherthat idea is worth a shot or not. Sometimes, an idea looks great at first, but after it is properly implemented, it seems dull or fails to meet expectations. It is cheaper for a new business first to try it and see what happens before jumping in with both feet.

Conclusion

Embarking on a new business venture is a thrilling adventure, brimming with exhilarating highs and invigorating challenges. It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions, but the key is to embrace the excitement and face the fears head-on. Every aspiring entrepreneur will encounter tough days, but it’s essential to stay resilient and take ownership of both the successes and setbacks. It’s okay to consider the worst-case scenarios, but it’s equally important to harness your passion, ambition, and unwavering dedication.

Experts affirm that successful businesses are born from the perfect blend of passion, determination, and hard work. Trust your instincts and let your inner drive guide you, but ensure that it’s supplemented with strategic planning. Establish clear business goals and methodically work towards achieving them. By embracing this advice, you are certain to enhance your chances of success. Stay focused, believe in your dreams, and enjoy the journey towards achieving your goals!

Mining’s Tech Revolution

Posted on January 7, 2024August 30, 2025 by Jennifer Brazer

Challenges in the Current Mining Landscape

The global mining industry is under immense pressure with the current economic climate and worldwide challenges. In the short term, commodity prices are falling, slowing down the cash flow for mining companies.

Existing mining businesses face declining ore-body-replacement rates in the long term, while new mine-development rates are increasing. The overall statistics of mining operations have fallen 28% from their productivity in the last decade.

The mining industry is now focusing on improving productivity by utilizing existing assets, but how long will that last? Mining will need to transition into new operating methods to thrive and grow. Sound technological innovation is essential to achieve this transformation.

Technological Transformation in Mining

The technological advances that can be used in mining are affordable and will improve productivity, propelling the long-standing industry into the future. This new technology must be comprehensive, understand the resource base, materials optimization, and equipment flow, and anticipate failures in the system.

These technology advancements are only possible through reliable automation and real-time performance monitoring. The technology must also incorporate the high safety standards required by law for mining businesses.

Current State and Future Outlook

The present analysis shows that global mining operations have significantly decreased by 3 to 5% last year. This analysis covers mining across all geographic areas, commodities, and mining businesses. Researchers cannot agree on the cause of the decline. However, they all agree that the decline is occurring and that something has to be done to save the mining industry.

The overall deterioration in the mining industry has caused most companies to have reduced operations. This reduction could be the only way to save a mining company suffering from the current economic climate and any future economic issues.

To improve productivity and save the mining industry, companies have to improve productivity by embracing current technology. Mining businesses are severely behind in technology, so to bring companies into the modern age, they must embrace mining technology and automation advancements.

Technological Advancements and Operational Challenges

Mining differs from other industries in that it continues to use heavy machinery and core resources to operate. Also, mining occurs in extreme and remote environments, adding to the dangers other industries don’t have to face.

Because mining requires heavy equipment and often operates in these dangerous and remote locations, transporting the necessary equipment involves bringing it in by roads that are not ideal and sometimes by air. This type of transport can be costly and time-consuming, causing financial strain on mining companies.

Equipment maintenance can also be challenging because of the extreme environments in which mining occurs. Therefore, modern technology can provide better equipment and transport and automate some processes, making it safer for workers, the equipment, and the environment.

Smart Planning and Advanced Analytics in Mining

Smart planning is necessary to improve productivity and eliminate variability holding back the mining industry and related businesses. Advanced analytics has improved complex ore-processing operations. Therefore, mining operations in copper, phosphate, nickel, and platinum brought $20 billion to $50 billion yearly since adding the analytics.

Mining has been one of the oldest and most profitable industries for centuries. Mining-related businesses have provided a great deal of wealth to owners, stockholders, and other investors. However, mining was also falling behind other industries in technological innovation.

Navigating Challenges Through Technology

The uncertainty and variability in resources, the environment, and weather make it one of the most challenging industries to navigate. Therefore, technology and the advancements it offers mining are the keys to its continued growth and profitability to stakeholders in mining-related businesses.

As we progress in technological advancements that will allow mining businesses to continue growing and thriving, we will see that it is possible to use technology in one of the oldest industries worldwide. Embracing the technology and making it work will leave mining in an excellent position for the next generation of mining businesses, owners, and workers.

Conclusion

The mining industry is facing a critical moment due to economic challenges and global uncertainties. Commodity prices have fallen, and ore-body-replacement rates are decreasing, leading to a 28% decline in productivity over the past decade. However, there is hope for transformation through technological innovation. Embracing affordable and comprehensive technological solutions that optimize resources, anticipate failures, and prioritize safety can be the industry’s salvation.

Global mining operations are experiencing a 3 to 5% decrease, prompting a sense of urgency for action despite unclear causes. Mining companies must overcome technological inertia and adopt modern technology, automation, and smart planning to secure long-term prosperity. The use of advanced analytics has shown promising results, contributing billions annually.

Despite being a profitable industry, mining has been slow to innovate technologically, making adopting technology crucial for continued growth and profitability in the face of complexity. Amid the uncertainty, technology is the compass guiding the mining industry toward a future that ensures its resilience and relevance for the next generation of businesses, owners, and workers.

Jennifer Brazer Founder/CEO

Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.

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Managerial Accounting Insights

Posted on January 7, 2024September 15, 2025 by Jennifer Brazer

Managerial Accounting Insights: Key Strategies for Success

Managerial accounting insights provide the internal financial intelligence businesses need to make strategic decisions, optimize costs, and drive sustainable growth through data-driven analysis of operations, budgets, and performance metrics. These insights transform raw financial data into actionable strategies that help business owners identify inefficiencies, forecast cash flow accurately, and align resources with strategic objectives.

Research shows that only 19-25% of companies currently use advanced forecasting tools like rolling forecasts, leaving massive opportunities for businesses that embrace modern managerial accounting techniques to gain competitive advantages. Over my 20 years as CEO of Complete Controller, I’ve witnessed firsthand how businesses that master these insights consistently outperform their competitors by making smarter financial decisions faster. This article reveals the exact strategies we’ve used to help thousands of businesses transform their financial operations, including proven techniques for cost management, cash flow mastery, and strategic budgeting that you can implement immediately.

What are managerial accounting insights, and how do they drive success?

Managerial accounting insights are internal financial analyses that guide strategic decisions, optimize costs, and improve operational efficiency
Cost management strategies identify and eliminate waste while preserving essential business functions
Cash flow projections prevent liquidity crises and enable proactive financial planning
Performance metrics track progress toward strategic goals and highlight areas needing improvement
Strategic budgeting aligns resources with business priorities and market opportunities

Understanding Business Costs: The DNA of Profitability

Every dollar saved through smart cost analysis drops directly to your bottom line, making cost understanding the foundation of profitable operations. Traditional cost accounting often masks inefficiencies by spreading overhead evenly across products or services, but modern managerial accounting principles reveal the true cost drivers that impact profitability.

Activity-Based Costing (ABC) revolutionizes how businesses understand their expenses by assigning costs to specific activities rather than broad categories. A manufacturing client of ours discovered through ABC analysis that 20% of their costs stemmed from underutilized machinery during third shifts, leading to an annual savings of $2 million after restructuring workflows. This granular approach to cost management strategies exposes hidden inefficiencies that traditional accounting methods miss.

Fixed vs. variable cost optimization

Understanding the distinction between fixed and variable costs empowers strategic decision-making during both growth and contraction phases. Fixed costs like rent and insurance remain constant regardless of production levels, while variable costs fluctuate with business activity.

Strategic cost management involves:

Negotiating long-term contracts to lock in favorable fixed costs
Converting fixed costs to variable when possible (outsourcing vs. hiring)
Identifying semi-variable costs that can be optimized
Creating cost behavior charts for scenario planning

Strategic Cost Management: Cutting Fat, Not Muscle

Smart cost reduction preserves core capabilities while eliminating waste, requiring surgical precision rather than across-the-board cuts. Data from CV XYZ’s implementation of activity-based costing revealed 15% undercosting in their product lines, transforming their pricing strategy and profit margins overnight.

Variance analysis serves as your financial early warning system by comparing budgeted versus actual costs to identify deviations before they become crises. When we transitioned Complete Controller to cloud-based operations, variance analysis revealed we were spending 30% more than necessary on redundant software subscriptions—money we redirected into growth initiatives.

Margin analysis for product profitability

Product-level margin analysis reveals which offerings truly drive profits versus those that merely generate revenue. This analysis considers:

Direct material and labor costs per unit
Allocated overhead based on actual resource consumption
Customer acquisition and service costs
Opportunity costs of production capacity

Breaking down margins by customer segment often reveals surprising insights—sometimes your biggest clients generate the smallest profits due to service demands and pricing concessions.

Mastering Cash Flow Projections: Avoiding Financial Blind Spots

Cash flow projections serve as your business’s financial GPS, showing exactly when and where money moves through your operations. Industry standards indicate that forecasts achieving 70% accuracy are considered reliable, yet many businesses operate with far less precision, creating dangerous blind spots.

Scenario planning transforms cash flow from reactive scrambling to proactive management by modeling multiple futures simultaneously. Best-case scenarios help identify growth opportunities, while worst-case models reveal vulnerabilities requiring contingency plans. A global media company improved their forecasting accuracy to 85% using automated tools, cutting bank fees by 30% through better cash positioning.

Advanced cash flow techniques

Aging analysis provides granular visibility into receivables and payables, enabling targeted collection efforts and strategic payment timing. Key components of effective financial performance analysis include:

Categorizing receivables by age and collection probability
Negotiating extended payment terms with reliable vendors
Implementing early payment discounts to accelerate collections
Creating cash flow heat maps showing seasonal patterns

Rolling 13-week cash flow forecasts provide the optimal balance between accuracy and planning horizon, updating weekly to reflect new information and changing conditions.

Budgeting for Agility: Turning Plans into Action

Traditional annual budgets become obsolete within months in today’s dynamic business environment, making agile budgeting essential for success. Zero-based budgeting forces every expense to justify its existence, eliminating legacy spending that no longer serves strategic objectives.

Research indicates that businesses using rolling forecasts respond 40% faster to market changes than those using static annual budgets. These dynamic budgeting techniques update monthly or quarterly, incorporating new data and adjusted assumptions to maintain relevance.

Implementing zero-based budgeting

Zero-based budgeting starts from scratch each period rather than adjusting previous budgets, forcing critical evaluation of every expense. Implementation steps include:

Identifying decision units (departments, projects, or activities)
Ranking activities by strategic importance
Building budgets from zero up to available resources
Documenting assumptions for future variance analysis

Common pitfalls include neglecting to adjust budgets after major events like product launches or market shifts, leading to misaligned resource allocation that hampers growth.

Decision-Making Processes: Data-Driven vs. Intuition

Successful decision-making blends quantitative analysis with experienced judgment, using data to ground choices while respecting factors models cannot capture. Break-even analysis provides clarity on minimum performance requirements, calculating exactly how many units must sell to cover fixed costs.

Capital budgeting techniques like Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) enable objective comparison of investment opportunities. These tools account for time value of money and risk factors, ensuring resources flow to highest-return projects.

Framework for strategic decisions

Structured decision frameworks prevent emotional choices and ensure consistency across the organization:

Define success metrics before analyzing options
Gather relevant data from managerial accounting systems
Model financial impacts of each alternative
Consider qualitative factors like culture fit and strategic alignment
Document decisions and assumptions for future learning

The key lies in using data to inform rather than dictate decisions—numbers tell what happened, but judgment determines what happens next.

Advanced Techniques for Competitive Edge

Modern managerial accounting leverages technology and innovative methodologies to create sustainable competitive advantages. Constraint analysis identifies bottlenecks limiting growth, focusing improvement efforts where they generate maximum impact.

The balanced scorecard approach, while less popular than its 2006 peak of 70% adoption, still provides value when adapted for modern businesses. Today’s version incorporates real-time dashboards and predictive analytics rather than quarterly reviews.

Emerging technologies in managerial accounting

Artificial intelligence and machine learning transform managerial accounting from historical reporting to predictive insights:

Automated anomaly detection flags unusual transactions
Predictive models forecast customer behavior and market trends
Natural language processing extracts insights from unstructured data
Real-time optimization adjusts pricing and inventory dynamically

Performance metric customization ensures each department tracks progress against relevant objectives—sales teams monitor customer acquisition costs while operations focuses on throughput and quality metrics.

Final Thoughts

Managerial accounting insights transform businesses from reactive firefighting to proactive strategic execution. The combination of cost mastery, cash flow precision, agile budgeting, and data-driven decisions creates a powerful framework for sustainable growth.

Success requires commitment to continuous improvement and willingness to challenge traditional approaches. Start with one area—perhaps implementing activity-based costing or rolling forecasts—then expand as you see results. The businesses that thrive tomorrow are those that embrace these insights today.

Ready to revolutionize your financial strategy? The experts at Complete Controller specialize in implementing these managerial accounting insights for businesses ready to scale. Visit Complete Controller to discover how our team can help you build a data-driven financial foundation that powers sustainable growth.

FAQ

How does managerial accounting differ from financial accounting?

Managerial accounting focuses on internal decision-making with forward-looking analysis, while financial accounting creates standardized external reports for investors and regulators based on historical data.

What are the core benefits of managerial accounting for small businesses?

Small businesses gain cost optimization capabilities, improved cash flow management, data-driven strategic planning, and early warning systems for financial issues before they become critical.

What tools are essential for effective managerial accounting?

Essential tools include spreadsheet software for analysis, ERP systems for data integration, specialized cost allocation software, and dashboarding tools for real-time performance monitoring.

How can I improve budgeting accuracy?

Improve accuracy through rolling forecasts that update regularly, zero-based budgeting that challenges assumptions, variance analysis to learn from past differences, and scenario planning for multiple possibilities.

What role does managerial accounting play in strategic planning?

Managerial accounting provides the quantitative foundation for strategic decisions by revealing true costs, projecting financial impacts of different strategies, and tracking progress toward long-term objectives.

Sources

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CompleteController.com. “Cut Custom Assembly Costs: 5 Ways.” www.completecontroller.com/cut-custom-assembly-costs-5-ways/
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CompleteController.com. “5 Money Management Tips to Help Avoid a Deficit.” www.completecontroller.com/5-money-management-tips-to-help-avoid-a-deficit/
Deloitte. “Cash Flow Forecasting in a Global Media Company.” Deloitte Insights, 2024.
Firmandani et al. “Activity-Based Costing Implementation.” TIJAB, 2024.
Investopedia. “Managerial Accounting Meaning, Pillars, and Types.” 2023.
Investopedia. “Zero-Based Budgeting.” www.investopedia.com/terms/z/zero-based-budgeting.asp
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Payference. “Measuring Forecast Accuracy: Tracking KPIs.” Payference Blog, 2023.
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US Chamber of Commerce. “A Guide to Managerial Accounting.” 10 Mar 2025.
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Yazdifar & Sharifi. “A Study of Factors Influencing Management Accounting Innovations.” Salford Repository, 2025.

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Jennifer Brazer Founder/CEO

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Positive Corporate Culture: 6 Tips

Posted on January 6, 2024August 8, 2025 by Jennifer Brazer

While many focus on operations, prioritizing a positive corporate culture should be imperative when owning a business. Research has consistently demonstrated that a positive corporate culture can significantly impact a business’s success or failure.

Every employee and management team member must actively work towards cultivating a positive culture in the workplace. This responsibility cannot be solely shouldered by leadership, as any negative attitude, regardless of position, can adversely affect the corporate culture.

Numerous focus areas within the company can contribute to fostering a positive work environment and ensuring the happiness and productivity of employees.

Here are six ways to ensure a positive corporate culture in your business.

Positive Vision

A positive corporate culture begins with the company’s vision, which is initially presented in the mission statement. Subsequently, this statement articulates the company’s goals and resides in the minds of every employee, from the CEO to the receptionist. Ensuring every employee is acquainted with the company’s mission promotes confidence and enhances understanding of the overall goals, thereby aiding in the guidance of individual goals.

Positive Values

A company’s values constitute the core of its culture. While a vision embodies a company’s mission, values serve as guidelines for the mindset and behaviors essential to achieving company goals. They communicate to every individual in the company how the company treats employees and co-workers, serves clients, and upholds professional standards. The authenticity of the company’s values is derived not only from the vision but also from the genuine commitment to those values.

Positive Practices

Company practices are how vision and values are put into use. Suppose your company has a compelling vision statement and clearly defined values. If there is no action behind them, the corporate culture will be harmful and cause a company to suffer or fail.

Whatever the company’s vision and values, they should be reflected in its policies and operations. Vision and values mean nothing if they are not expressed through action.

Positive People

No company can have a positive corporate culture without people sharing their vision and values. The shared vision and values should be part of the recruiting and hiring process. To ensure the company’s corporate culture is positive, all new or seasoned employees must be on board with the core vision and values.

Having this be part of the recruitment and hiring process helps with retention and reduces issues that can negatively impact the corporate culture. People stick with the corporate cultures they like, and bringing on suitable “culture carriers” through recruitment reinforces the company’s already-established culture.

Positive Energy

A positive corporate culture energizes the business atmosphere. This energy propels the staff to be more creative, productive, and proactive. In a work environment that exudes positivity, employees eagerly anticipate coming to work and swiftly engage in their tasks, thereby maximizing productivity.

Positive Ideas

While every idea employees develop on a project or in the workplace may not be good, it can still yield positive results. If every staff member approaches projects or production positively, even bad ideas will spark good ones.

Brainstorming must come from a place of positivity to produce a viable work product. Therefore, every employee should approach their ideas and the ideas of others with enthusiasm and encouragement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, numerous factors actively contribute to shaping a positive corporate culture. The components discussed here serve as a solid foundation for cultivating an environment where employees thrive. A positive corporate culture is not merely a collection of lofty ideals but a dynamic interplay of vision, values, practices, people, and energy.

These elements synergistically create a workplace that attracts and retains like-minded individuals. The positive atmosphere nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose, influencing key metrics such as productivity, attendance, and internal promotions.

This investment pays dividends in terms of employee satisfaction and tangible outcomes such as increased sales and business success. As a leader, cultivating a culture of happiness and positivity within the organization is not just a strategic move but an investment in the long-term prosperity and well-being of the company and its employees. Happy employees are not just a reflection of a positive corporate culture; they actively drive heightened productivity and improve business outcomes.

Jennifer Brazer Founder/CEO

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6 Basic Accounting Principles

Posted on January 5, 2024January 6, 2024 by Jennifer Brazer

One needs to remember certain principles when diving into the accounting world. Utilize these principles to promote profit maximization while finding methods to minimize the losses as much as possible.

An accountant or bookkeeper who keeps this principle in mind would always be content with their choices since they adhere to universally accepted principles.

These are the accounting principles that would completely redefine your accounting game.

The Full Disclosure Principle

The first principle revolves around the ethics that make accounting a success.

This principle states that the data recorded during bookkeeping should be precise and accurate.

Often, bookkeepers fraudulently forge data, which compromises the ethics that go into the task and may also lead to a loss for the client.

The entire disclosure principle exists for this reason and insists on creating an environment that keeps the client in the loop. The bookkeeper or accountant states all data to ensure the client knows the company’s performance.

The Matching Principle

The matching principle focuses on forming a link between a company’s revenue and the costs it incurs. Through this, no expense is unaccounted for, and everyone knows the direction of finances and how the company produces revenues.

For example, if an individual has a pizzeria. They sell pizza, which generates revenue for their business. The selling price of this pizza must reflect the costs incurred to produce the pizza when the owner bought dough, pizza sauce, olives, and cheese. Keeping accurate records allows business owners to identify profits or losses associated with different business activities.

The Cost Principle

This principle is the third and one of the more essential accounting principles.

The cost principle states that when recording the values of each cost, the original price shall be highlighted rather than the current rate.

This method of accounting is significant when real estate is involved—showing the cost of real estate with the initial purchase price rather than the property’s current value.

The value of commodities increases over time, but the accounting books need to be according to the direct costs that the owner of this business had to pay.

The Objectivity Principle

As the name suggests, the objectivity principle focuses on objectivity while bookkeeping.

It states that all the data in the accounting books are accurate and factual because only verifiable data can yield results and identify trends accurately.

The data used in the books must never be subjective and always indicate the facts revolving around the company’s performance.

The Expense Recognition Principle

The expense recognition principles state the exact time when an expense occurs.

At this point, expense and cost become two separate things. The price of an item is when a company receives a good or service. That is the exact moment when an expense is recognized.

On the other hand, a company records costs when it pays for the good or service—tracking expenses when paying the invoice for the goods or services, not when they are physically received.

For example, if a company receives cheese for its pizzeria, its inventory has increased, but the company records the costs when it pays for that cheese.

The Revenue Principle

The revenue principle states that companies must record revenue only when there is a sale for the business.

Whether the business provides a service or sells goods, it generates revenue when a sale occurs. That is when it should be linked to the matching principle and noted in the accounting books to keep a clear record.

Like the expense recognition principle, the revenue principle is often known as the revenue recognition principle as it identifies the moment a company generates revenue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the intricate accounting landscape requires a steadfast commitment to fundamental principles that lay the groundwork for financial transparency and success. These principles collectively redefine the accounting game, providing a robust framework for accountants and bookkeepers to maximize profits while minimizing losses.

Embracing these principles fosters contentment with choices and ensures adherence to universally accepted standards, laying the foundation for sound financial management and sustainable business practices.

Keeping Your Accounting Balanced

Posted on January 5, 2024December 31, 2023 by Jennifer Brazer

Accounting plays an essential role in all businesses. Still, sometimes, small business owners need to comply with the rules and regulations of the accounting standards to sustain day-to-day operations. Accounting, on the other hand, should never be overlooked.

The company should maintain its finances and keep track of all the expenses and future financial shortfalls. Having the appropriate accounting information could save your organization in challenging situations.

Managing Your Receivable Payments and Days

The sales are only sometimes paid in full, so the company must maintain the receivable payments. Business owners do not enjoy maintaining account receivables. When a credit sale occurs, the accountant creates a receivable invoice stating that the customers have to pay the amount on the specified date to clear the outstanding amounts.

Mark the payments as ‘paid’ once the outstanding amount clears. Piling up a large number of invoices makes it more challenging to manage. Customers who aren’t frequently making their payments need to settle as early as possible.

Maintain Your Cash Flows

Cash flows are an essential business element that requires careful handling and management. Poor cash flow management is one of the primary reasons for the failure of failing businesses. The better you comprehend the numbers in front of you, the more likely you are to manage them effectively.

Consider creating a cash flow statement for your weekly and monthly financial evaluations. These statements provide a more comprehensive picture of your organization’s cash movement within (and outside). A cash flow statement essentially tracks the direction of income. It also has a temporal component, allowing you to see payment cycles and seasonal spending.

Keep Track of Your Expenses

The small business owner fails to maintain the expense reports with increased sales. It is crucial to manage all of your expenses as a business owner. Proper expense management can help you lower your costs and increase your profits. Maintaining all the expenses can give you a clear picture of your business.

Keep Your Personal and Business Accounts Separate

It is highly recommended to all business owners to keep their personal and business accounts separate.

It’s simple for you and your accountant or bookkeeper to examine how money flows when you have a separate bank account for business expenses. If you use your account for work, you risk missing out on critical commercial transactions.

As you move forward, keep your business and personal finances separate. Separating bank accounts might entail creating different credit cards and checking accounts for everyone. Ensure that only business accounts are used for business-related expenses when making spending decisions. It’s the same with your account.

Let Professionals Handle Your Taxes

People attempt to save their money by handling their tax filings. Businesses may suffer a significant loss in the long run if they do not hire a professional accountant to handle and prepare tax statements. Business owners might have to pay fines if they fail to adjust any deductions or underpay the bills.

Have Clear-Cut Communication with Your Accountant

When you interact with other experts who manage your books, such as accountants or bookkeepers, the terminology they employ can be bewildering. You must tell them if you don’t comprehend what they’re saying. You are not a financial expert; you are a small business owner. You have no reason to be up to date on the latest banking industry technical jargon.

Considering your accountant and tax advisors as your team members would be best. They should be watching you and providing you with reliable accounting advice.

Car Payment Destroying Your Future?

Posted on January 5, 2024December 31, 2023 by Jennifer Brazer

Less Revenue

The carriages contribute no consequence to the monetary state. They do not help you find a place to live. Automobiles, shortly, might be decaying items that destroy their value after the combination to a significant car expense.

The poor income that exists in our community is a good example. Zero income is when your credit exceeds the total assets, such as a home, property, etc. For example, you might have a mortgage on a property, and your privilege about the house would possibly be intensified in profit, allowing you to enjoy all the benefits when you move.

Consider what one could accomplish with an additional $500 every month. Here is a quick rundown of what comes to mind:

First, make the most of your retirement savings fund.
Second, deposit a new home by putting money aside.
Third, put money down for your kid’s college education.
Pay off your debts!

Loan Modification for the Bank Loan

According to Experian, an increasing percentage of people are at least 60 days behind on their auto charges. An exploration mentioned several factors for the surge, including the flourishing auto industry and the rise in lenders.

Also, having a high automobile mortgage leaves you in danger if you struggle to pay the bills and endure an economic burden. If you delay, the borrower may seize your property, which varies by region.

Thus, a circumstance can harm the business and lifestyle, and it is not worth the danger because it might damage anyone in the short and long run.

One could be eligible for a loan modification of your bank mortgage to lower your rate of return when you already get a loan for your car or need relief to cut costs. It also reduces the payment and assists you in paying back the mortgage faster – presuming you do not extend the mortgage.

Decorative Vehicle

There is no demand for contemplating and approaching anything to the typical car purchase if you require a fancier vehicle on behalf of the business. Instead, get a dependable and valuable second-hand automobile such as Honda or Corolla and save the money you would have spent on a luxury item vehicle.

No, it is not glamorous, yet what you need would be something to get you through awareness from A to B. The charming part is collecting that cash.

Feasible to Break Away

Breaking away from this thinking is feasible, but it will necessitate a shift in your financial attitude. It entails shifting from a mindset that prioritizes having what you genuinely want in the now without jeopardizing your tomorrow to one that prioritizes the moment at the latter’s expense.

To gain freedom from the new engine attitude and the constraints of a high car loan, you can perform the following in practice:

Purchase recycled. Here, there is no mistake about the recycled vehicle. Also, that could protect so many dollars. But, on the other hand, purchasing fresh might be merely senseless when the reduction may bang instantaneously.

The individual might break up until he could produce his dejected expense or additional vehicle. Then, place the investments for the generative savings version. Also, one could make the savings for cash.

Lending Money

Compare interest rates to search for the best deal. A 1% change in your mortgage income can push it over the top of your expenditure. Many claim that lending money and taking out a reduced loan is terrible. That is true, but a mortgage is still a debt.

You need not, under any circumstances, inform the dealership what you can manage to pay each month. They will use whatever may diverge you to lure you toward a more costly vehicle. Put your wallet near your collar rather than assemble the job quickly for them.

Who To Trust With Your Money

Posted on January 5, 2024January 2, 2025 by Jennifer Brazer

Step 1: Choosing Your Financial Advocate: Navigating the Path to Security and Trust

Your advocate can be your spouse, but you should also designate a reserved person since you will be around the same age as you. Your advocate should be able to manage your daily expenses, monitor your investments, file your financial records, and protect you from potential fraud.

Choose someone trustworthy, well-organized, and capable of handling money matters. Steve Vernon, the co-author of the Thinking Ahead Roadmap, told me that having more than one advocate never hurts. If you have two children, you can have one pay the bills, and the other manage your investments. If you do not have children, think of a younger relative or good friend whom you know you can trust.

Step 2: Building Financial Stability

Start by developing a financial inventory that includes your assets and debts. Make a list of all your income, including what you get from Social Security and any pension. Then, list your bills, such as utilities, loan payments, and subscriptions. It is also essential that you list all your passwords and keep them in a safe place. Then try to simplify: do you need all those accounts? Do your advocate a favor and get your finances in order.

Step 3: A Conversation of Trust: Navigating the Future Together

You can start by saying, “Your work ethic and financial acumen have always impressed me, and I hold a great deal of respect for how well you manage your finances. As I plan for the future, I find myself considering the possibility that managing my finances might become challenging at some point. That’s why I wanted to reach out to you and ask if you would be willing to help me navigate this aspect of my life when the time comes.

I want to reassure you that I’m currently doing well, but I believe it’s essential to plan for potential scenarios where someone might need to step in. I understand that this is a significant responsibility, and I want you to take your time to process and consider whether you’d be comfortable taking on such a role. If it comes as a surprise or if you need time to think, feel free to take your time, and we can revisit this conversation whenever you’re ready.”

Step 4: Clarifying Financial Intentions: A Guide to Discussing and Documenting Your Priorities

Once you’ve compiled your financial inventory, engaging in a meaningful conversation with your advocate is the next crucial step. Begin by reviewing the detailed inventory together, ensuring transparency about your assets, debts, income sources, and regular expenses. Articulate what matters most to you, such as continuing contributions to a cherished charity or any other specific financial priorities.

This discussion serves as an opportunity to share your values and expectations regarding your financial future. Emphasize what financial aspects are significant and any specific commitments you’d like to maintain. It is highly advisable to document these discussions in writing to solidify this understanding. Creating a comprehensive document ensures clarity and serves as a future reference point for your advocate.

The written record should encapsulate your financial priorities, preferred investment strategies, and any specific wishes related to charitable contributions or other financial commitments. This provides guidance for your advocate and helps maintain alignment with your financial values and goals, ensuring a seamless transition in case they need to step in to manage your finances at any point in the future.

Step 5: Empowering Your Advocate: Navigating Legal Steps for Financial Management

Securing legal authority for your advocate to manage your assets involves completing paperwork known as a “power of attorney for financial matters.” As with the Durable Power of Attorney for Health, financial institutions require this legal documentation to grant access and authorization. In the Thinking Ahead Roadmap, you can find detailed guidance on the process.

It’s important to understand that a power of attorney for financial matters is valid until your death, when the responsibility transitions to your estate administrator or executor. The choice of this individual may or may not align with your chosen advocate, providing flexibility in designating those who will oversee your financial affairs. Taking these legal steps ensures that your advocate has the authority to act on your behalf and manage your assets according to your wishes.

Step 6: Navigating the Transition: Recognizing the Right Time for Financial Support

While the first five steps of the roadmap establish the groundwork for potential scenarios where your advocate may need to step in, recognizing the right time for your defender to act requires a nuanced understanding of critical events. The roadmap provides a comprehensive list of these events, ranging from the overt, such as a diagnosis of dementia, to more subtle indicators, like challenges in bill payment or difficulty managing affairs through technology.

It’s crucial to involve your advocate and others in monitoring for warning signs, particularly those associated with dementia, and acknowledging the difficulty of relinquishing control over financial affairs. Crafting a letter to your defender, specifying the circumstances that signal the appropriate time to assume financial management, can be a proactive step. Keeping a copy of this letter ensures clarity and aligns expectations, fostering a smoother transition when needed. This thoughtful approach empowers your advocate and prioritizes your financial well-being in the face of changing circumstances.

Fast Food: Bad for You & Your Wallet

Posted on January 5, 2024December 31, 2023 by Jennifer Brazer

Golden Boy: A Culinary Marvel

In July 2021, the Dutch restaurant De Daltons unveiled the world’s most expensive burger, the “Golden Boy,” priced at an astounding $6,400. The burger featured a cutlet made from Japanese beef complemented by the richness of beluga caviar, Alaskan Kamchatka crab, and white truffle, and all sandwiched between a bun adorned with luxurious gold leaf crafted with precision. The culmination of premium ingredients and a meticulous nine-hour preparation process resulted in a culinary masterpiece, highlighting the fusion of harmonized flavors.

Culinary Records and Burger Legacy

After almost nine hours to prepare, the “Golden Boy” surpassed the previous record holder, a $6,677 burger cooked in Oregon in 2011. This burger shattered financial records and stood as a testament to the evolving landscape of extravagant gastronomy, pushing the boundaries of what is considered indulgent.

Truffle-Laden Fries

Beyond burgers, the extravagance extended to Serendipity3‘s $200 truffle-laden fries from New York. The preparation involved a unique process, including blanching potatoes in Dom Perignon with J. LeBlanc French Champagne Ardennes and crafting a truffle oil sauce with organic heavy cream, Swiss raclette cheese, and a touch of flour. The dish was then elevated with grated Crete Senesi Pecorino Tartufello and 23K food-grade gold dust, showcasing a lavish twist on a classic fast-food item.

“Louis XIII”: The Pinnacle of Pizza Indulgence

The world’s most expensive pizza, “Louis XIII,” is prepared in Agropoli. The dough is made with organic Arabic flour sprinkled with hand-milled pink Australian sea salt, Krug Clos Du Mesnil champagne, and brandy. Sturgeon and beluga caviar up to 2 mm in size with a sweet taste and nutty aroma is used to fill. Lobsters are put in the filling of “Louis XIII.” As a complement to pizza, Louis XIII cognac is served.

Gourmet Hot Dog: Marbled Beef and Gold Leaf

Marbled beef is dried from Japanese cows for 60 days to prepare it. A traditional 1-foot (30 cm) brioche bun is toasted and brushed with white truffle oil, organic saffron ketchup, and French mustard. The dried meat is seasoned with black truffles and placed in a bun—topped with onions, caramelized in Dom Perignon champagne and centenary balsamic vinegar. Add cabbage stewed in champagne and mixed with black caviar. In the end, put a pickle and a leaf of gold leaf.

Fast food originated in the United States and has long become a global business, and developing countries are the main directions of its expansion. At the same time, the Russian marketplace has become the object of specific scrutiny for chain pizzas, Burger King, Cinnabon, and others.

Russian Fast-Food Dynamics: Quality Over Abundance

Russians are still noticeably lagging in income from US citizens: the average family income is forty thousand dollars against seven thousand dollars in Russia. In addition, the income tax for everyone is 13%, and most Russians did not buy housing on credit after the massive privatization in the 1990s and, therefore, do not pay mortgages now.

In Russian fast-food establishments, the average check is significantly higher than in the homeland of fast food: 8.92 dollars (almost two hundred and fifty rubles) against six and a half dollars (about one hundred eighty rubles) in the USA.

For example, a giant pizza with all available additives at Papa John’s pizzeria costs fourteen dollars (about three hundred ninety rubles) versus twenty-one dollars (about six hundred rubles) for a similar pizza in Russia.

Market Overview: Moscow’s Unique Position

In 2010, the entire turnover of the Russian restaurant market amounted to 768 billion rubles. At the same time, the turnover of the public catering market in Russia by the end of March 2011 reached 60.9 billion rubles, according to Rosstat. While the share of international chains in the Russian market is 18.3%, about 30 global chains manage 1170 public catering outlets.

At the same time, according to the given values for the first quarter, more than a third of all chain catering outlets (41.1%) are concentrated in Moscow, and another 15% of chain restaurants, cafes, bars, and street kiosks are in St. Petersburg.

The capital’s fast-food market cannot be called oversaturated: Moscow, with its 13 million population, has only three hundred pizza shops – for comparison, which have a population in Manhattan, with a population of one and a half million, has four thousand plus restaurants.