Back to basics: A practical playbook for reporting PPE

Under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), property, plant and equipment (PPE) assets aren’t immediately expensed. Instead, they’re capitalized on your company’s balance sheet and gradually depreciated over their useful lives. While that sounds easy enough, subtle nuances may trip up small businesses. Here are some tips to help get it right. Capitalize the full […]

Estimating fair value today

Many balance sheet items are reported at historical cost. However, current accounting standards require organizations that follow U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to report certain assets and liabilities at “fair value.” This shift aims to enhance transparency and reflect an entity’s current financial position more accurately. However, estimating fair value can involve significant judgment […]

5 QuickBooks reports to review each month

Understanding your business’s financial health is essential for long-term success. QuickBooks® offers a powerful reporting tool suite that can provide critical insights to support decision-making and help you comply with accounting and tax rules. Accrual-basis QuickBooks users should get in the habit of reviewing the following five reports monthly to keep their finances in check […]

Fight corporate corruption with robust accounting systems

Financial losses from corruption are on the rise, according to “Occupational Fraud 2024: A Report to the Nations,” published by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). Nearly half the cases in the latest version of this report involved corruption. Even more alarming is the finding that the median loss for corruption cases grew by […]

Ratio rundown: Use financial benchmarking to unlock profitability, efficiency and growth

Financial statements tell a powerful story about your business. However, they can seem like an overwhelming collection of figures without proper analysis. Financial benchmarking studies can help you identify historical trends, pinpoint areas for improvement and forecast future performance with greater confidence. Gauging profitability Profitability ratios help evaluate how effectively a company generates profits from […]

6 practical tips to lower business travel expenses

Travel remains a critical expense for many businesses, whether for client meetings, networking, industry conferences or sales opportunities. However, travel and entertainment (T&E) costs can quickly spiral out of control, cutting into profits. Consider taking these six proactive measures to keep T&E costs in check. 1. Set clear travel policies A formal, written T&E policy […]

Harness the power of QuickBooks for your business

Accurate financial records help business owners manage cash flow, tax obligations and strategic planning. QuickBooks® is one of the most widely used bookkeeping software solutions for small and midsize businesses, offering a comprehensive suite of tools designed to simplify financial management and support business growth. Why QuickBooks stands out QuickBooks offers several advantages over other […]

FAQs about reporting subsequent events

Subsequent events are in the spotlight these days. The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) recently initiated a project to modernize outdated auditing standards related to these events. The PCAOB says the audit guidance hasn’t kept pace with changes in financial reporting frameworks, risk assessment methodologies and technological advancements. This has resulted in inconsistencies in […]

Tackling risk management with a proactive approach

Risks are unavoidable in today’s volatile, uncertain marketplace. However, proactive owners and executives can manage business risks more effectively with an enterprise risk management (ERM) framework. A structured approach helps organizations anticipate risks, seize opportunities and build resilience. Think holistically, not reactively ERM goes beyond simply identifying risks — it’s a comprehensive, enterprise-wide process. Internal […]

7 common M&A due diligence pitfalls

In 2025, global merger and acquisition (M&A) volume is expected to surge to the highest level in four years, according to Reuters. M&As require thorough due diligence to minimize risks and maximize long-term value. Some business combinations fail to achieve expected results due to financial missteps, overlooked liabilities and integration challenges. Here’s an overview of […]