Bookkeeping is the process of recording and organizing financial transactions for a business or organization. It involves keeping track of all financial transactions, including purchases, sales, receipts, and payments, and organizing them into categories such as income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Bookkeeping is essential for businesses to keep accurate financial records and to make informed financial decisions.
There are two main methods of bookkeeping: single-entry and double-entry bookkeeping. Single-entry bookkeeping is a simple method that involves recording each transaction only once, either as income or expense. Double-entry bookkeeping, on the other hand, involves recording each transaction twice, once as a debit and once as a credit. This method is more complex but provides a more accurate picture of a business's financial health.
Bookkeeping provides several benefits for businesses, including:
Some common bookkeeping mistakes to avoid include: