Start with a few consistent habits
A useful accounting routine makes information easier to find and questions easier to answer. These steps are a starting point for small businesses, independent professionals and growing teams.
Keep business and personal activity separate
Dedicated business bank and credit-card accounts make transactions easier to identify and reconcile. Keep the supporting invoices and receipts with your records.
Review your books regularly
Set a routine that fits your transaction volume. Review missing documents, bank reconciliations, unpaid customer invoices and upcoming supplier payments.
Plan the conversation before year-end
Share significant changes with your accountant as they happen, including new activities, staffing plans or major purchases. Earlier discussions give you time to gather information and consider your options.
Monitor cash as well as profit
Review what customers owe, what you owe suppliers and the timing of recurring costs. A profitable month can still put pressure on cash when payments arrive later.
What to bring to your first consultation
- A short description of your business and the support you need
- Your current accounting software and bookkeeping process
- Recent financial reports, if available
- Any outstanding periods, questions or upcoming response dates
- The decision you are trying to make or the problem you want to solve
Contact our office to arrange a secure method before sharing sensitive tax or financial documents.
Common starting questions
Which software is right for my business?
The choice depends on invoicing, transaction volume, payroll, integrations and reporting. Our cloud accounting service helps you compare the workflow you need with the tools available.
What if my records are incomplete?
Start with what you have. We can identify missing periods and documents and discuss a catch-up bookkeeping plan.
What should I do with a CRA or Revenu Québec notice?
Read the notice promptly, note its response date and gather the information requested. Contact us if you need help understanding the accounting records involved or arranging correspondence support.
How do I know whether to incorporate?
The decision depends on your operations, profitability, growth plans and other circumstances. A discussion about registration and startup accounting can help identify the accounting considerations and any legal advice you may need.